Number 28 – 11 April 2024

“It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong.” Thomas Sowell

Spartan Executive 7W

The Spartan Executive is a cabin monoplane aircraft that was produced by the Spartan Aircraft Company during the late 1930s and early 1940s. The 7W features an all-metal fuselage, as well as a retractable undercarriage. The 7W Executive was popular with affluent buyers worldwide. Designed expressly for the executive market, the Spartan Executive was configured for both performance and comfort. Built during the Great Depression, the 7W was the brainchild of company-founder William G. Skelly of Skelly Oil who desired a fast, comfortable aircraft to support his tastes and those of his rich oil-executive colleagues. Through a series of acquisitions, J. Paul Getty took over ownership of the Spartan Aircraft Company in 1935 and directed its fortunes from that point to 1968.

The interior of the 7W is spacious and features 18 in (46 cm) of slide-back seat room for front-seat passengers, armrests, ash trays, dome lighting, deep cushions, cabin heaters, ventilators, soundproofing, large windows and interior access to the 100 lb (45 kg) capacity luggage compartment. The interior can be configured for four or five passengers.

In 1938, Spartan published a concept brochure for a possible future military aircraft, the model 7W-F. Using existing photographs of Spartan Executive serial number 10 that was painted in a unique paint scheme and was registered as NC17610, artists modified those photographs to show the possibilities of the concept airplane. The photo enhancements incorporated two forward-firing .30 calibre machine guns mounted on the port side near the firewall and firing through the propeller arc through a synchronised mechanism. A further enhancement showed a gunner’s station at a dorsal hatch on the roof with a windscreen and machine gun fitted. Bomb racks under the wings were also shown in the enhanced photos. The programme never went beyond the concept brochure.

Following up on the 7W-F concept, Spartan then built a two-seat military variant of the 7W Executive, named the Spartan 8W Zeus. The aircraft featured a greenhouse canopy covering a tandem cockpit and was powered by a more powerful 600 hp (447 kW) Pratt & Whitney Wasp engine. The 8W was designed as an advanced trainer for military use. Only one example was built and Spartan was unsuccessful in marketing the airplane. It eventually became a training aid for the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Including the 7X prototype and the three-seat 7W-P photo reconnaissance model that evolved from the second prototype and was exported to China, 36 aircraft are generally referred to as Spartan Executives. Of the 36, only 34 are actual model 7Ws. The last 7W, serial number 34, was completed in September 1940. In 1942, a total of 16 7W Executives were impressed into military service with the United States Army Air Corps. The 7Ws served as executive transports for military staff as the UC-71.

A post-World War II effort to rekindle interest in the Executive series, under the re-branded Spartan 12-W designation, failed to gain interest. Only one Model 12 was completed and today is part of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium collection. As of February 2022, a total of 20 model 7Ws still exist. Fifteen are based in the US, two are in England, one in Germany, one in France and one in Russia.

Those persons who correctly identified this week’s mystery aircraft:
Hilton Carroll, Magiel Esterhuysen, Pierre Brittz, Jeremy Rorich, Righardt du Plessis, Charlie Hugo, Rennie van Zyl, Willie Oosthuizen, Joe van der Merwe, Colin Austen, Piet Steyn, Nick Meikle, Andrew Peace, Kim Andersen, Kevin Farr, Jan Sime, Brian Ross, P. Rossouw, Wouter van der Waal, Steve Dewsbery, Andre Visser, Clint Futter, Bruce Margolis, Danie Viljoen, Michael Schoeman, Ari Levien, Karl Jensen, Rex Tweedie, Cecil Thompson, Erwin Stam, Lance Williams, Nic Manthopoulos, Herman Nel, Frank Hoffmann, Selwyn Kimber, Angelique Louw, Bruce Prescott, Aiden O’Mahony, Bary Eatwell, Mark Dumbleton, Don Pengelly, Dave Lloyd, Sergio Antao, Robert Bridges, Ahmed Bassa, Andre Breytenbach, Selwyn Bosch, (47) Very good this week, thank you.

Challenging convention in aviation

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) will be staging its annual National Aviation Conference on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 April and I have been invited to attend this most important conference. Subjects on the agenda include Aviation Safety Management, Advanced Air Mobility, Cyber Security, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Mental Health in Aviation as well as several other interesting topics that will be workshopped. As editor of African Pilot and Future Flight all of the above subjects are of significant interest to me and I will be preparing questions that I would like to place before the speakers / panels. However, if you have any ideas that you would like to share with me, please send these to me at e-mail: editor@africanpilot.co.za. Please note that this conference is by invitation only since seating space is limited. Thank you.

News from PilotInsure

Hello fellow Aviator,
Get ready for The PilotInsure Rand Airport Safety Symposium!

As always, our event promises fantastic speakers:

• Bjorn Gussenhoven: Rocket Hems and Rocket Connect
• Rob Jonkers: Wind Shear
• Rise Above Aviators
• World Class Air Traffic Controller

Incredible prizes:

• A weekend getaway at BONA BONA!
• Pairs of Flying Sox
• SkyCandy wear for female pilots
• More surprises!

Did we mention there will be FREE PIZZA to everyone who registers!

We would like to thank our generous sponsors:

• BONA BONA Game Lodge
• Safety First Aviator
• Aero Club of South Africa
• PilotInsure
• Vektor Aviation
• Rocket Connect
• SkyCandy
• The Flying Sox

Date: 20 June 2024
Time: 17h00
Venue: Rand Airport, Harvard Cafe

Who’s Invited? Flight Schools, Charter Companies, Maintenance and Avionics teams, all other aviation stakeholders and enthusiasts!

To register, please complete the form found here. 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRXGfft6Qso78WmHWJEMNyicn6w_dSUgio3Yvyv6CiHF9JgQ/viewform

AAD2024 plans for a General Aviation hub

The civilian component of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) and organising body, the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA) will be promoting a new addition to this year’s exhibition, which takes place in September this year. The CAASA presentation includes the  proposed General Aviation (GA) hub, along with three other ‘innovation hubs’ that will are planned for AAD2024 that is scheduled to take place at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof from 18 September. These will be for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as Energy and Space. The GA hub is planned to be sited immediately south of the freight office at the base and north of hangar 3, one of the preferred indoor exhibition areas. A schematic shows a distinct separate exhibition area with 12 stands in two variations, an exhibition marquee as well as parking for 14 aircraft of varying size.

Since 2000 AAD has been hosted on a rotating basis by (in no particular order) the SA Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD), Armscor, the Department of Defence (DoD), normally in the form of the SA Air Force (SAAF) and CAASA. More information on AAD2024 developments as the plans are released by CAASA.

13 April
SAPFA ANR National Championships – Brakpan airfield 
Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: iaanmyburgh@gmail.com  Cell: 082 449 2531

Southwest 737-800 flap damaged on take-off from Denver

All the usual authorities are investigating after the inboard flap on the right wing of a Southwest Boeing 737-800 was damaged possibly by a piece of detached engine cowling on take-off from Denver International Airport on Sunday. Flight 3695 was headed for Houston Hobby Airport about 08h15 local time when the incident occurred. Air traffic control recordings obtained by VAS Aviation reveal the pilots were notified by the cabin crew of the issue and subsequently declared an emergency. “Our engines seem to be fine but we are structurally damaged,” one of the pilots reported. The aircraft was carrying 143 people.

The pilots did report minor controllability issues with the aircraft. They advised ATC they were unable to achieve rate one turns and got a clearance for a straight-in approach to a runway with favourable winds. Although the radio exchange was calm, the pilots did convey some urgency by requesting ATC get them on the ground as quickly as possible in case there were structural issues with the airplane. They ended up landing on Runway 34L and passenger video shows pieces of the cowl departing during the landing roll. The aircraft was towed to the gate and the passengers were on their way to Houston on another plane three hours later.

US Air Force finds two causes in death of contractor who walked into the propeller

In a statement outlining the findings of a report into the contractor’s death, the US Air Force Materiel Command said that 32-year-old Stephanie Cosme was mortally injured on 7 September 2023 when she inadvertently walked into the rotating propeller of an MQ-9A that was parked at Gray Butte airfield. The report described the MQ-9A as an ‘armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft that is employed primarily against dynamic execution targets and secondarily as an intelligence collection asset’.

At the time she was killed, Cosme was employed by Sumaria Systems and was providing test support services for the air force’s Life Cycle Management center, one of six centres reporting to the US Air Force materiel command. In its findings, the accident investigation board said it found two causes for the incident. First, the board said, the test engineer was incorrectly instructed or trained on how to take telemetry readings when approaching the MQ-9A while the engine was running. Second, she lost ‘situational awareness’ while walking around the mishap aircraft taking telemetry readings with a hand-held measurement device.’ The report said that Cosme ‘was looking down at the testing device the whole time and appeared to be pressing buttons, possibly to keep the backlight on’. It added that someone began walking towards Cosme, shouting and waving his arms to get her attention. Others began shouting and waving to get Cosme’s attention as well. It added: ‘Without looking up to determine her position relative to the aircraft, Cosme proceeded to walk directly into the propeller sustaining fatal injuries.’ In its statement, the US Air Force Materiel Command revealed two factors that ‘substantially contributed’ to Cosme’s death, including a clear lack of communication among the contractor test team and ground support personnel, as well as rushed tests that were conducted on that day due to previous delays and cancellations. It also said the investigation board conducted a simulation recreating Cosme’s deadly mishap and that the spinning propeller was not visible when looking at the rear of the aircraft from where she approached.

Brazilian Air Force intercepts and brings down suspicious aircraft

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) intercepted a Cessna 182 aircraft, registration PT-CPR, that entered Brazilian airspace from Paraguay near Londrina, Paraná. The mission involved two FAB Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft and an Embraer E-99 radar aircraft. The operation is part of the Integrated Border Protection Programme, aimed at combating illicit activities in Brazilian airspace. The FAB works closely with public security agencies, including the Brazilian Federal Police.

Initially detected at the border between Paraguay and the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, the aircraft was intercepted when it entered Brazilian airspace without a flight plan. From that point on, it was monitored by the Brazilian Aerospace Operations Command (COMAE) and the Brazilian Federal Police. Following protocols, the aircraft was classified as suspicious and its registration was found to be forged. One of the A-29 pilots issued a mandatory landing order in Londrina. Still, the suspicious aircraft did not comply, eventually making a forced landing on a dirt runway near Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo, São Paulo state, at 11h10 local time. From then onward, the PF took over, d

Airbus predicts 45% growth in North American commercial aircraft services market

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has forecast that North America’s commercial aircraft services market will increase in value by 45% between 2023 and 2042. Currently the commercial aircraft services market in North America is valued at $31 billion but by 2042 Airbus believes this will surge to a $45 billion industry. Details regarding Airbus’ predictions were included in the company’s Global Services Forecast (GSF), which also commented that the demand for services will be driven by demand, fleet evolution and aircraft replacement. 

“Driven by the rise in annual air traffic, fleet growth and the requirement for more digitally enabled and connected aircraft, the growth in demand for services will be reflected in solutions implemented across all phases of the aircraft from delivery to end-of-life including fleet maintenance, aircraft modernisation and training,” Airbus said. 

Airbus said that North America’s commercial aviation industry had bounced back particularly strongly following the pandemic and that passenger traffic growth will continue at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1% in the region. Airbus forecasts the maintenance market will grow from $25.9 billion to $37.8 billion in the region, with $17 billion of this from passenger-to-freighter conversion and used serviceable material. The market for enhancements and modernisation will see the largest average annual growth (+4.1%) across the categories between 2023 and 2042, from $1.9 billion to $4.1 billion.

The market for training and operations is also expected to increase from $2.5 billion in 2023 to $3 billion in 2042. Airbus anticipates a need for 366,000 new skilled professionals in North America over the next 20 years, comprising 104,000 new pilots, 120,000 new technicians and 142,000 new cabin crew members. “North America is a region of choice when we think about aftermarket services, with many opportunities for additional efficiency, simplification and sustainable operations. Airbus will continue to play an important role in supporting airlines and the aviation industry at large in responding to those opportunities,” Dominik Wacht, Vice President-Customer Services, Airbus North America, said.

Vietjet signs MoU for 20 Airbus A330-900 aircraft

Vietjet Air (Vietjet), the low-cost airline based in Hanoi, Vietnam, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus for the purchase of 20 A330-900 widebodies. When finalised, this will be Vietjet’s first-ever wide-body order. The aircraft will be operated on the carrier’s growing long-range network, as well as on high-capacity regional services. They will replace the carrier’s current fleet of leased Airbus A330-300s, as well as providing for network expansion.

The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a unique passenger experience, high level of comfort, ambience and design. This includes more individual space, enlarged overhead bins, a new lighting system and access to the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems. Powered by the latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm / 13,300 km non-stop. At the end of January 2024, the A330 Family had accumulated 1,771 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide.

Greece commits to procuring 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters

The Government of Greece has formalised its intention to acquire 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters manufactured by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, through a Foreign Military Sale agreement with the US government. Paul Lemmo, President of Sikorsky, highlighted the significance of this decision, stating, “The latest generation UH-60M Black Hawk will bolster the Hellenic Ministry of Defence’s modernisation efforts and serve as a reliable asset for critical national and allied security operations.” Lemmo emphasised the Black Hawk’s global track record, trusted by over 35 nations, including an expanding number of NATO allies, enhancing Greece’s deterrent capabilities and those of all NATO member states.

Aside from the aircraft, the procurement package encompasses personnel training and training equipment to ensure seamless integration of the helicopters into the Hellenic Army. With its existing S-70B fleet and recently acquired MH-60R maritime helicopters for the Hellenic Navy, Greece will operate various variants of the Hawk family, capitalising on operational and sustainment efficiencies derived from fleet commonality.

As the foremost multi-role utility helicopter with five-million combat hours, the Black Hawk promises Greece a spectrum of operational capabilities and access to a global ecosystem comprising over 5,000 Hawk aircraft. The UH-60M/S-70M Black Hawk stands out as the preferred aircraft for replacing aging medium-lift utility helicopter fleets, offering versatility across missions, extended ranges, resilience in challenging environments and heightened survivability compared to alternative platforms.

Spirit Airlines defers new Airbus deliveries, plans to furlough 260 pilots

US low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has announced it will defer new Airbus deliveries and place 260 pilots on furlough as it looks to ‘reset the business and focus on the core airline’. Spirit Airlines confirmed on 8 April 2024, that an agreement with Airbus meant that all aircraft scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2025 through the end of 2026 will instead arrive between 2030 and 2031. “These deferrals do not include the direct-lease aircraft scheduled for delivery in that period, one each in the second and third quarter 2025, respectively,” a spokesperson for Spirit Airlines said. Spirit Airlines predicts that the deferment of Airbus deliveries will improve the company’s liquidity position by approximately $340 million over the next two years. There are no changes to the aircraft on order with Airbus that are scheduled to be delivered in 2027-2029.

The carrier also announced that 260 of its pilots will be placed on furlough from 1 September 2024, citing the grounded aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine availability issues and the 2025 / 2026 delivery deferrals as the catalyst for the decision. “Unfortunately, we had to make the difficult decision to furlough Pilots given the grounded aircraft in our fleet and our deferral of future deliveries. We are doing everything we can to protect Team Members, while balancing our responsibility to return to positive cash-flow and thrive as a healthy company with long-term growth prospects,” Christie added. 

It is estimated that Spirit Airlines’ liquidity will be significantly boosted with between $150 million and $200 million compensation payment from Pratt & Whitney regarding its GTF engines. The agreement with Airbus also defers by two years the exercise dates for optional aircraft included in Spirit’s purchase agreement. There is no change to the total number of aircraft on order or Spirit Airlines’ options for additional aircraft. Spirit Airlines was recently rocked after a federal judge blocked JetBlue’s $3.8 billion takeover of airline in January 2024. On 4 March Spirit Airlines and JetBlue announced they will no longer pursue the merger.  

THC signs historic framework agreement for up to 120 Airbus helicopters

The Helicopter Company (THC), Saudi Arabia’s premier provider of commercial helicopter services and fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, has signed a historic framework agreement with Airbus. The framework agreement will include up to 120 Airbus helicopters of various types set to be delivered over the next five to seven years. Part of the deal is a firm order for eight H125s along with 10 H145s that are converted options from an earlier contract, bringing THC’s total firm Airbus helicopter fleet to 60, 25 of which are already in service today. The new H125 helicopters will support the delivery of THC’s range of services in areas including aerial work and tourism. The H145s will be used in a variety of roles including Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and corporate transport.

“Our relationship with THC started in 2020 with the first contract for 10 H125s. Since then, it has grown from strength to strength, moving beyond just helicopters to also look at how we can help pave the way for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the region. This latest framework agreement reinforces the scope of our offering and we thank THC for allowing us to help expand their helicopter activity,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO.

The CEO of THC, Capt. Arnaud Martinez, said, “We are delighted to announce our framework agreement with Airbus, a transformative moment in our growth journey which solidifies our position as a global player as well as regional leader. The agreement will enable us to both contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals through strengthening Saudi’s aviation sector whilst also meeting the changing needs of our growing customer base, both locally and globally. Our collaboration with Airbus will reshape the aviation landscape as together, we will push the boundaries of innovation and showcase that with the right partner, everything is possible in aviation.”

The Helicopter Company is at the forefront of developing commercial helicopter services in the Kingdom, having introduced the H145 into service for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and deployed both the H145 and H125 in support of the Dakar Rally. Last year the company took delivery of its first ACH160 for Red Sea Global tourism operations.

The worldwide best-selling H125 has accumulated more than 40 million flight hours with more than 5,350 helicopters currently in operation. The model, known for its robustness, versatility, hot and high performance and is widely used in highly demanding missions. Airbus’ H145 is designed to deliver excellent performance throughout the flight envelope and is the latest member of the company’s four-tone-class twin-engine rotorcraft product range, with designed-in mission capability and flexibility, especially in high and hot operating conditions. There are more than 1,675 helicopters of this family in service, logging a total of more than 7.6 million flight hours. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.

THC was established as part of Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s strategy to activate new sectors in Saudi Arabia that support the realisation of Vision 2030 by creating an entire new ecosystem for general aviation services and introducing safe and efficient transport services across the kingdom. THC is the Kingdom’s premier commercial helicopter operator and has been operating since mid-2019. THC currently has 47 aircraft that serve diverse segments, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), aerial work, private charters and tourism in the Kingdom.

Boeing to shutter Super Hornet line in 2027 after final Navy order

A recent US Navy contract award may have extended the lifespan of Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet production for a couple more years, but after failing to find additional customers, the aerospace giant plans to close up shop on the legacy fighter after 2027, a Boeing executive says. “We ran a number of international campaigns or competitions that we were unsuccessful in previous years,” Mark Sears, Boeing vice president for fighters, said in an interview. “Those kind of played out and there are no active discussions with the Navy about additional F-18s beyond these.”

Instead Boeing will slow down its build rate of two jets per month to one and a half, while gradually pivoting its St. Louis Super Hornet workforce toward other programmes such as the F-15EX fighter, T-7A trainer and MQ-25 refuelling drone.  

Embraer’s first E-Freighter conversion E190F

On 5 April the inaugural flight of the E190F, the first E-Freighter conversion from passenger transport to cargo aircraft, marked a milestone as it soared through the skies above São José dos Campos, Brazil. Conducted by the Embraer team, the flight lasted approximately two hours, during which the E-190 Freighter underwent comprehensive evaluations. Further testing is slated before the aircraft enters into full operation. The aircraft is under the ownership of Regional One, a leasing company based in the United States. The maiden flight represents one phase in a series of evaluations conducted by Embraer before the E-Freighter jets commence operations. The aircraft has already demonstrated success in ground pressurization and cargo loading tests.

Converted E-Jets will boast more than 50% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops and up to 30% lower operating costs compared to narrow-body aircraft. With combined capacity on the floor and main deck, the maximum structural payload reaches 13,500 kg for the E190F and 14,300 kg for the E195F. Launched in 2022, the E190F and E195F passenger-to-freight conversion (P2F) programmes engaged a global network comprising over 40 suppliers and more than 600 employees, dedicating over half a million hours to the development of the E-Freighter concept.

French Flight Academy purchases 10 Tecnam P-Mentor trainers

Tours, France-based Mermoz Academy recently acquired 10 Tecnam P-Mentor piston-single trainers. Italy-based Tecnam said the P-Mentor is well-suited to instrument flight training due to its digital avionics with ‘all the features of the large aircraft students will be working on.’ Established in 2028 to help stem the pilot shortage, Mermoz Academy operates five Tecnam P2006T twin-engine piston trainers and four P-2020 four-seat piston singles. The academy currently serves 220 students.

The P-Mentor is a two-seat, fully-IFR-capable trainer. It was introduced at the Aero Friedrichafen show in Germany in 2022 and is designed and manufactured under appropriate CS-23 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and FAA requirements. Mermoz Academy Managing Director Stephane Larrieu said, “With this new acquisition, we now have a harmonised Tecnam fleet that allows us to offer modern flight training from private pilot to instrument to multi-engine. Mermoz Academy owns its own fleet and maintains it internally through its Authorised Tecnam Service Centre. We feel that we have all the tools to offer training at the highest level, helping airlines and students to meet their needs.”

Global aviation leaders to address aviation challenges and opportunities

The Future Aviation Forum (FAF) returns to Riyadh from 20 to 22 May 2024, bringing together 5,000 experts and aviation leaders from over 100 countries, including ministers, regulators, manufacturers, airlines and airports. The Forum will find solutions to the sectors main challenges, inviting attendees to vote in person on what they see as the biggest challenge in aviation, with results announced on the final day. The Forum, which saw the signing of more than 50 agreements and $2.7 billion in deals during the 2022 edition, will feature globally significant commercial announcements, including equipment orders, connectivity announcements and supplier partnerships and awards ceremonies recognizing achievements and innovation in aviation.

Hosted by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the Forum will be centred on the theme: Elevating Global Connectivity. 

His Excellency the President of GACA, Abdulaziz-Al Duailej, said: “The 2024 Future Aviation Forum will once again unite global aviation leaders to solve aviation’s biggest challenges, including manufacturing supply chain issues, capacity constraints and the development of human capital across the world. Saudi Arabia is committed to providing global leadership on these issues. The Forum will also showcase the unprecedented investment, growth and innovation opportunities being created across the Kingdom in support of Vision 2030, for investors, suppliers and operators.”

FAF24 kicks off a monumental week for aviation regulators and other leaders, where the Kingdom will also play host to the Airport Council International’s annual general assembly and other sector events which will see the leaders of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and International Air Transport Association attending the Forum.

Event attendees already include leading all major global manufacturers, airlines including Riyadh Air, Saudia, Flynas and Flyadeal, whilst Saudi Vision 2030 projects including NEOM, Red Sea Global, airports including King Salman International Airport, among others. The Forum will also progress the Saudi Aviation Strategy’s (SAS) transformation of the Kingdom into the Middle East’s leading aviation hub. The strategy is unlocking more than $100 billion of investment to drive immense growth of the sector, with passenger numbers growing by 26% in 2023 to 112 million and flights increasing by 16% from 700,000 to almost 815,000. Website – https://futureaviationforum.com.

Spain’s Supreme Court rules against Ryanair’s pandemic-era policies

Ryanair has faced a setback from Spain’s Supreme Court, which deemed the staff pay cuts and working condition alterations imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020 as unlawful. The court upheld a 2021 National Court ruling, dismissing Ryanair’s appeal against changes made to Spanish contracts in response to global travel restrictions. The Supreme Court judges highlighted the lack of consultation period for the changes and criticised the company’s failure to negotiate in good faith, citing insufficient documentation. These changes resulted in 10% pay cuts for cabin crew staff and 20% for pilots, alongside reductions in rest days and the elimination of a monthly productivity bonus valued at €150. The lawsuit, initiated by the Sitcpla union representing cabin workers and the USO union, affected 893 cabin crew and 608 pilots. Ryanair is now compelled to restore its previous working contracts. In response, a statement from the USO union expressed hope for an immediate implementation of the restored work patterns. It lamented the strategy employed by companies like Ryanair, which sought to exploit legal loopholes for short-term gains, particularly during crises like the pandemic.

China’s AS700 airship completes maiden ferry flight

On 2 April 2024 China’s new civilian airship, the AS700, completed its maiden ferry flight. The flight took off from Jingmen and landed at Jingzhou, both in Hubei province of Central China, after a flight of one hour and 46 minutes.  The AS700, which is the first Chinese thrust-vector-control airship to be certified, can carry 10 people, including crew, in a single capsule. With a maximum take-off weight of 4,150 kg and a maximum flight range of 700 km, the AS700 can stay aloft for up to 10 hours. Its developer, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), has orders for 18 units of the type and expects the AS700 to enter service commercially before the end of 2024.  The AS700 airship will first be used in the tourism market, although it is likely that other applications, such as search and rescue missions, will be developed later.

Airships are also making a commercial aviation comeback in the West, where companies such as United States-based LTA, Britain’s Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) and France’s Flying Whales are all developing new generation airships for passenger and cargo transportation. 

Lilium and Star Charge partner to provide charging systems for Lilium Jets

Lilium the developer of the eVTOL Lilium Jet, has partnered with Star Charge to develop, customise and provide charging systems for its Lilium Jets. At the Singapore Airshow, the companies announced that Lilium placed a first order of 120 chargers for its ground and flight-testing aircraft, as well as for its aircraft maintenance and delivery centre activities. Lilium will also provide charging stations to its customers investing into vertiports.

Lilium previously announced its adoption of the combined charging system (CCS) standard for rapid charging. Star Charge’s customised, fast-charging system will be fully compatible with the Lilium Jets and other eVTOLs compatible with CCS. The chargers will feature an extra-long liquid-cooled charging cable for high-performance charging, suitable for varied landing infrastructure. By using Star Charge’s CCS chargers, Lilium expects to reduce charging times significantly, in comparison to other chargers without liquid cooled charging cables. Reduced charging times will support reduced turnaround times between flights and provide higher utilisation of the Lilium Jet.

Lilium began production of the Lilium Jet in late 2023, following its Design Organisation Approval by EASA. As Lilium expects to enter into service in 2026 and as its global fleet size grows, the company expects material profit contribution in recurring revenue from its aftermarket service business, including electrical chargers.

MQ-9B SeaGuardian®

MQ-9B SeaGuardian® is the maritime-focused sibling of the revolutionary SkyGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) that has been missionized using ‘bolt-on / bolt-off’ maritime sensors. SeaGuardian is designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for over 30 hours (depending on configuration) in all types of weather and safely integrate into civil airspace, enabling joint forces and civil authorities to deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere in the maritime domain, day or night. This highly versatile maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft can seamlessly integrate a centreline wide-area maritime radar, an automatic identification system, electronic support measures, and a self-contained anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission kit. SeaGuardian not only integrates the most advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, but it is also the first RPAS in its class to enable real-time search and patrol above and below the ocean’s surface.

Leveraging MQ-9B’ open architecture system, SeaGuardian operators have the option to integrate our ground-breaking sonobuoy management and control system (SMCS) and sonobuoy dispenser system (SDS). Together, these systems allow SeaGuardian operators to deploy, monitor and control sonobuoys from a single RPAS. Also, SeaGuardian has four wing stations available to carry up to four SDS pods, enabling it to hold and dispense up to 40 ‘A’ size or 80 ‘G’ size sonobuoys and remotely perform ASW anywhere in the world. In its standard maritime ISR and ASW configuration, SeaGuardian’ range encompasses a mission radius of 1200 nautical miles with significant on-station time for submarine prosecution, providing a low-cost, stand-alone capability or a complement to human-crewed aircraft for manned-unmanned teaming operations.

As an MQ-9B RPAS, SeaGuardian is designed from the ground up to not only meet NATO standards (STANAG 4671) but also to comply with civil airspace requirements in the US and around the world. Using GA-ASI’s first-of-its-kind Detect and Avoid System and Certifiable Ground Control Station, SeaGuardian seamlessly integrates with normal air traffic just like other commercial aircraft. SeaGuardian’s remote flight station gives operators a similar, if not better, air traffic picture than the cockpit of human-crewed aircraft. Over the years, GA-ASI has been working very closely with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UKCAA) to approve MQ-9B for flight in civil airspace.

Firestorm Labs announces $12.5M in seed funding led by Lockheed Martin Ventures

Firestorm Labs, a California-based Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) manufacturer that is leading the charge in expeditionary additive manufacturing has announced $12.5M in seed investment by Lockheed Martin Ventures and prominent defence investors. “Firestorm is excited to announce this latest round of funding that will propel the company forward to shape the rapidly evolving needs of a UAS-dominated battlefield and a defence industrial base ripe for revolutionary manufacturing models,” said CEO Dan Magy. “Our investors understand the pressing need for delivering technologies quickly and with the interoperability that today’s war fighters demand and we are thrilled to welcome Lockheed Martin Ventures partnership in this mission.”  Bringing best-in-class engineering capabilities from the commercial advanced manufacturing space, Firestorm’s xCell line allows for its proprietary, 3D-printed, interconnected and interchangeable airframe component technology to be manufactured at the edge, an approach that will fundamentally change the nature of warfare for the United States, its partners and its allies. Lockheed Martin, Decisive Point, Silent Ventures, 645 Ventures, Overmatch VC, BVVC, Marquee Ventures, Cubit Capital, IronGate, Backswing Ventures, The Veteran Fund, Feld Ventures, Beyond Capital and RedCat are among the notable names who have invested in Firestorm.

“We are a new approach to an emerging global challenge,” said Chad McCoy, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer. “There is a clear need within the defense technology sector to build faster and less costly systems and simply throwing money at the issue will not change the outcome. We found that coalescing a deep operational understanding of warfighter needs, combined with aerospace pragmatism and a new rapid manufacturing model, allows us to stand out in a very crowded market. The goal is to create a completely new category that shakes up legacy timelines and cost.” Firestorm has already won a range of US Department of Defense contracts both for its modular UAS and the xCell manufacturing product line. This new capital will enable Firestorm to scale its team and production to meet growing demands for its products.

LSA-based exploding drones used in Russian attacks

Ukraine’s latest potent weapon is a homegrown drone that, when it is not carrying hundreds of pounds of high explosive, has room for two adults and their baggage. The ‘mass drone attack’ conducted against three air bases hundreds of miles inside Russia was reportedly carried out, at least in part, by Aeroprakt A-22 light sport aircraft fitted with remote piloting systems and the rest of the space filled with explosives. It is made by Ukraine-based Aeroprakt Aircraft. Ukraine is claiming that up to six Russian aircraft were destroyed, eight were damaged. Another attack reportedly hit the dormitory of a drone factory making Iranian attack drones in Tatarstan and injured 13 people.

Forbes is reporting the converted LSAs have a range of up to 600 miles, three times that of its other attack drones. Although they only fly about 80 knots, there is not much in the way of air defences in much of that part of Russia so survivability is quite high. But the main advantage is cost. The assembled cost of the aircraft is about $90,000, far less than the cost of long-range missiles typically used for deep strikes like this. The remote-pilot gear value is not known. In their LSA form, the A-22 has either a Rotax 912 or 912ULS for power and is an all-metal high-wing design. Aeroprakt ships them all over the world as complete aircraft and as kits.

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