Number 33 – 29 April 2024

“Flying is a lot like playing a musical instrument; you are doing so many things and thinking of so many other things, all at the same time. It becomes a spiritual experience.” Dusty McTavish

Fraudulent aviation training schemes in South Africa

Youngsters need to be extra vigilant about several so-called ‘Aviation Training Academies’ placing their adverts on-line in Social Media claiming to be ‘SA’s Leading Flight Attendant and Aviation Training Academy’ and so on. They advertise a one-year Aviation Support with Flight Attendant Training course (Option 1) or if you have 14 months (and lots of money) you could throw yourself into their ‘full-time International Air Cargo And Aviation Support With Flight Attendant Training’ course (Option 2). Imagine that after 14 months of paying them your money you would be an International Air Cargo operative and a Flight Attendant with Aviation Support credentials’. The world would be your oyster!

As an aviation publication African Pilot is required by law to state the ATO number on every advert that we run in the magazine on behalf of any aviation training organisation. On the few occasions that I have not placed the CASAA ATO number I have been called out by the regulator. If in doubt there are numerous ways in which you can save the embarrassment of parting with your money by enrolling with one of these scams only to find out many months into the course that it will not be worth the paper on which it has been written. Prospective students are advised to exercise caution and carry out due diligence (especially where promises of employment are included) before committing to any financial arrangement, as the SACAA is not able to assist in any way with persons that have been scammed.

‘If it sounds too good to be true, then it is probably not true!’

Always be aware that any aviation training course has to be approved by the SACAA and must carry an ATO number and if necessary please contact the regulator on the following: PEL.Training@caa.co.za. Good luck. 

Jeff Earle Formation Flying Training

Ekurhuleni East Flying Club fly-in breakfast at Springs airfield

After the unseasonal rains in Gauteng on Friday evening we were concerned that the weather on Saturday 27 April would not be suitable for flying. However, despite the early morning challenging weather and low cloud around 25 aircraft arrived to join the home-based aircraft to make up splendid array of colour. As always, this was an ideal opportunity to meet with many aviators from other flying clubs in the region. Thank you to the Ekurhuleni East Flying Club committee for hosting another successful fly-in breakfast.

Dinosaur Derby night glow at the Bill Harrop’s Balloon field

When we arrived at the Dinosaur Derby there were already around two hundred invited guests that had set up their chairs and picnic tables on the green slopes of the lawns outside the beautiful clubhouse  overlooking the very large balloon launch field with the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains as the backdrop. The action started soon after our arrival as the various balloon pilots prepared the inflate their balloons firstly with cold air blowers and then the burners blowing heated air into the 14 balloons that were all attached with ropes to the vehicles on the field. Once the sun set and all the balloons were fully inflated the announcer called for a countdown and all balloons lit up with a hot air burn. Thanks to Charlie and Fiona Hugo, Christine, Bjorn Bottin and his daughter Angelique for joining me at this exciting aviation event. What a beautiful sight and the full feature will be published within the May edition of African Pilot.

Microland Air Scouts Troop Inauguration

By Karl Jensen

Microland is an airfield that lies approximately 060 degrees 13nm from OR Tambo International in the Bapsfontein area. The field is intended primarily for the use of Microlight aircraft. It has three runways, the longest at 470m is paved. There is much flying activity by Microlights, Weight Shifts, Gyrocopters and light sport aircraft with short take-off and landing capability early mornings and especially during weekends.

On Saturday 27 April 2024, the Microland Air Scout Troop was inaugurated by Scout Commissioner Niel Marshall. The Air Scout Master of the Microland Troop Mervyn Reynolds and his deputy Mike Payne had their badges of office as well as their unique scarves presented in a ceremony at the airfield. All the Air Scouts who had signed indemnities, were taken for introductory flights in the Microland Club Members’ airplanes, gyrocopters and an R44 helicopter flown by former Springbok Scout Dave Emmet.

After the activities, a braai was prepared for the 65 people present. All good wishes to the Microland Air Scout Troop who will be exposed to further aviation experiences. The discipline encouraged by the Scouting movement is an elixir for youth to be further involved in the necessary discipline that is required for safe aviation.

27 April to 4 May
Gauteng Regional Gliding Championships at Magalies gliding Club
Contact Soaring Society of South Africa Website: www.glidercomps.co.za

May

4 May
SAAF Museum airshow at AFB Zwartkops
Contact Lt. Gaelejwe OC Zwartkops Cell: 079 110 5855

4 May
Algoa Flying Club breakfast fly-in to Jay Kilian Farm
RVSP E-mail: info@algoafc.co.za Tel: 041 581 3274 Cell: 079 502 6421

10 & 11 May
Wings and Wheels Queenstown
Contact 082 921 2879

11 May
Lowveld airshow at the Nelspruit airfield
Contact Willemien E-mail: willemein.hodgkinson@kishugu.com Cell: 079 499 5733

11 May
EAA Chapter 322 monthly gathering at the EAA Auditorium
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

11 May
SAA Museum Society Planes Trains Automobiles 09h00 to 14h30
Contact E-mail: info@saamuseum.co.za Cell: 076 879 5044

12 to 15 May
African Airlines Association 12^th stakeholders convention in Addis Ababa
Contact E-mail: events@afraa.org   

14 to 16 May
Airport Show with ATC Forum, Airport Security Middle East DWTC, Dubai
Contact Jamille del Mundo E-mail: jamm.delmundo@rxglobal.com

14 to 16 May
Airport Show Dubai

14 to 17 May
NAMPO Harvest Day Bothaville
Contact Wim Venter E-mail: wim@grainsa.co.za Tel: 086 004 7246

17 to 19 May
Zuikerkop fly-in 
Contact E-mail: info@zuikerkop.co.za Cell: 083 389 0587

17 to 19 May
BOABAB Fly-In Polokwane Civil Airport
Contact Whatsapp: 083 375 6322 E-mail: info@area51rcflyers.co.za

17 to 19 May
EAA Chapter 322 weekend fly-away to Pyramid airfield
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

18 May
Tedderfield Airpark breakfast fly / drive-in 07h00 to 12h00
Sponsored by Sling Contact Alan Cell: 083 702 3680

18 May
SAC Free State regionals at Tempe airfield
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za

21 to 23 May
Air Finance Africa Conference and Exhibition Sandton Convention Centre
Contact Nick Fadugba E-mail: nickfadugba@africanaviation.com

23 to 25 May
SAPFA President’s Trophy Air Race at Louis Trichardt civil airfield (FALO)
Contact David Le Roux E-mail: David@pilotinsure.co.za Cell: 073 338 5200
Contact Iaan Myburgh E-mail: race@sapfa.co.za  Cell: 082 449 2531

Presidents Trophy air race video from 2023:

23 to 27 May
NAC fly-away to Magoebaskloof 
Contact Agnes Phillips E-mail: agnes.phillips@nac.co.za Cell: 082 893 3399

25 May
Tempe airshow Bloemfontein
Contact Conrad Botha E-mail: rowco24cc@mailbox.co.za Cell 082 465 4045

28 to 30 May
EBACE business aircraft show Geneva, Switzerland
Website: www.ebace.aero VP Exhibitions Sacha Carey E-mail: scarey@nbaa.org

June

1 June
Potchefstroom airshow
Contact E-mail: sally@creativespacemedia.co.za Tel: 011 467 3314

1 June
SAA Museum Society Specialised Tour limited to nine adults
Contact E-mail: events@saamuseum.co.za Cell: 076 879 5044

6 & 7 June
Drones and Unmanned Aviation Conference Emperors Palace Convention Centre
Contact Ms Maria Ndlovu E-mail: info@bussynet.co.za Tel: +27 11 074 7095

6 to 8 June
France Air Expo International General Aviation Show 
Lyon Bron Airport www.franceairexpo.com  

6 to 10 June
Zimbabwe Air Rally (50 years)
Contact E-mail: zimairrally@gmail.com Website: www.zimairrally.com 

7 to 9 June
Bona Bona annual fly-in
Booking details visit website  

8 June
EAA South Africa Young Eagles day Lanseria International Airport
Contact Neil Bowden E-mail: airadventuresa@gmail.com

15 June
Maputo airshow
Contact Gavin Neil E-mail: gavin@haps.co.mz

15 & 16 June
SAC Event KwaZulu Natal venue TBA
Contact Quintin Hawthorne E-mail: pak02496@pixie.co.za

15 & 16 June
Hluhluwe fly-in to Hluhluwe airfield
Contact Christiaan Kleyn 082 945 7362 or Mike Currie 084 506 7610

20 June
Rand Airport Safety Symposium at the Harvard Cafe
Contact Dave le Roux PilotInsure E-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za

28 to 30 June
EAA Taildraggers fly-in to Warmbaths airfield
Richard Nicholson E-mail: Richard.nicholson1963@gmail.com Cell: 082 490 6227

29 June
SAPFA Speed Rally at Warmbaths airfield
Contact David le Roux E-mail: david@pilotinsure.co.za  Cell: 073 338 5200 

29 June
Polokwane airshow at Gaal airport
Contact Robin Tapinos E-mail: airshow.polokwane@gmail.com Cell: 074 117 6384

29 June
FAPE Open Day at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
General Aviation Area, Boeing Street, Walmer

Airlines risk breaching human rights laws by flying UK asylum seekers to Rwanda

United Nations (UN) experts have warned airlines and aviation authorities against ‘facilitating unlawful removals’ of asylum seekers from the United Kingdom (UK) to Rwanda. On 22 April 2024 Siobhán Mullally (Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons), Gehad Madi (Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants) and Allice Jill Edwards (Special Rapporteur on torture) said, that airlines and aviation authorities ‘could be complicit in violating internationally protected human rights and court orders’ if they assist in removals to Rwanda. On 22 April 2024, a bill was passed in the UK that allows the British government to deport asylum seekers, who arrive in the country on small inflatable boats, to Rwanda. 

In November 2023, the UK’s Supreme Court ruled that it was unsafe to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, but the new bill allows the government to bypass that decision. According to the BBC, the new legislation orders the courts to ignore key sections of the Human Rights Act which the UN experts have highlighted could cause problems for airlines.  On 22 April the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that flights to Rwanda will start within 10 to 12 weeks and that commercial charter planes had been booked. “If airlines and aviation authorities give effect to State decisions that violate human rights, they must be held responsible for their conduct,” the experts said. They added: “As the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights underline, aviation regulators, international organisations and business actors are required to respect human rights.”

According to the experts the UN Guiding Principle 13 “prohibits companies from contributing to human rights abuses” and UN Guiding Principle 23 requires “businesses to comply with all applicable laws, respect internationally recognised human rights and treat the risk of contributing to gross human rights abuses as a compliance issue wherever they operate”.

The UN experts have been in contact with the UK government, as well as national, European and international aviation regulators, including the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and international actors, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to express their concerns and remind them of their responsibilities.

WWII-era Douglas DC-4 crash in Alaska, killing two

A Douglas DC-4 crashed after take-off in Fairbanks, Alaska and burst into flames, killing the two people on board. Alaska State Troopers put out a statement, confirming that at 10h03 on Tuesday, a report of a plane crash about seven miles from the Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) was received. Video shows one of the engines explosion, followed by the plane entering a steep left bank and falling out of view, bursting into flames on the bank of a river.

Aviation Safety Network reported that the ADS-B data showed the plane climbing to about 1,500 feet before entering a descending left turn towards the river. The owner of the Rosie Creek Farm across the river told Alaska Public Media that he saw the plane go down Tuesday morning, hearing an explosion from the farm and looking out the window. Emers told Alaska Public Media that there was a large flame at the base of the hill and debris from the bottom of the hill to the top. The WWII-era plane was operated by Alaska Air Fuel on a Part 91 fuel transport flight, according to ABC News. The DC-4 entered into service in February 1942 and was used through WWII and in the Korean War. Very few remain in service as of 2024, with two passenger DC-4s operating in South Africa and one in Florida on standby for oil pollution control, most are retired and on display in a museum or airport, memorial or airport.

Croatia welcomes first batch of Dassault Rafale fighter jets

The Croatian Air Force has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the first batch of six Rafale fighter jets from the French Air and Space Force. The jets successfully landed at the 91 operational base near Zagreb. A ceremony was held to celebrate the occasion, which was attended by high-ranking officials from Croatia, including President Zoran Milanović, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić.

Pilots from Croatia and trained in France were responsible for overseeing the operation. The Rafale aircraft were ferried from Dassault Aviation site in Mérignac, France. They will be assigned to the 191 Squadron of the Hrvatsko Ratno Zrakoplovstvo, the Croatian Air Force. The remaining six jets will arrive by the end of 2024, completing the squadron by mid-2025.

“The mastery with which the Croatian Air Force carried out this first ferry testifies to the excellence of its pilots and personnel, and brilliantly illustrates the quality of Croatia’s cooperation with France,” declared Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “Dassault Aviation is fully committed to completing the full integration and logistic support of the Rafale into the Croatian Air Force, which will contribute to ensuring Croatia’s sovereignty and enable it to successfully carry out its operational missions within NATO.”

Recently the Croatian government announced that it would replace its outdated Soviet-era MiG-21BisD/UMD jets with Dassault Rafale fighters in June 2021. The French fighters were selected after competing against Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighters, second-hand Israeli F-16 Block 30 and new Lockheed Martin F-16 Vipers.

Croatia ordered a total of 12 second-hand Rafale F3R fighters, consisting of 10 single-seater Rafale C and two twin-seater Rafale B fighter jets, along with weapon systems, spare parts, logistics, a simulator, and training services. The contract, valued at just under €1 billion, was signed in November 2021. The first handover of the fighters took place on 2 October 2023, during a ceremony held at the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base 118 near Bordeaux, southwestern France.

Air New Zealand selects airports for inaugural electric aircraft

Late last year, Air New Zealand unveiled the acquisition of its premier next-generation aircraft, the all-electric ALIA CTOL from Beta Technologies. Initially, the airline will operate a cargo-only service in collaboration with NZ Post. Wellington Airport will serve as the primary base for Air New Zealand’s inaugural next-generation aircraft, while Marlborough Airport will establish charging infrastructure to facilitate the aircraft’s return journey.

Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasised that the commercial demonstrator aims to prepare the New Zealand aviation system for the integration of lower emissions aircraft. “We are incredibly grateful to both Wellington and Marlborough airports for being so willing to take on a leadership role in supporting Air New Zealand to establish next generation aircraft capability in our business. Their involvement is critical in supporting the infrastructure required to fly next-generation aircraft and they will help lead the way in supporting airports across Aotearoa to make the changes needed for us to fly larger lower-emissions aircraft on our domestic network from 2030.”

Matt Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Airport, hailed the hosting of the commercial demonstrator as a significant achievement for the airport, aligning with Air New Zealand’s objective to accelerate the transition towards decarbonising aviation. Dean Heiford, Chief Executive Officer of Marlborough Airport, expressed pride in partnering with Wellington Airport and Air New Zealand to trial the next generation of aviation technology.

Airbus celebrates first flight of Racer compound helicopter

The Airbus Helicopters Racer high-speed compound helicopter made its first flight today in Marignane, France, flying for about 30 minutes and signalling the launch of a two-year test campaign. Powered by two Safran Aneto-1X turboshaft engines, Racer is designed to fly at more than 215 knots while burning about 20% less fuel compared with current-generation helicopters. Racer is part of the European Clean Sky 2 research programme and involves 40 partners in 13 countries.

The rotorcraft features a double-wing design with lateral pusher rotors on each wingtip. In cruise flight, Safran’s Eco-Mode hybrid-electric system allows one of the two engines to be switched to standby mode, according to Airbus, ‘generating further fuel savings of up to 30%.’ Airbus validated the aerodynamic configuration of Racer with research on its X3 technology demonstrator, which combined fixed wings with lateral rotors and a main rotor system. In 2013, the demonstrator broke the helicopter speed record when it flew at 255 knots.

“With its 90 patents, Racer is the perfect example of the level of innovation that can be achieved when European partners come together,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even. “I look forward to watching this demonstrator pioneer high-speed capabilities and develop the eco-mode system that will contribute to reducing fuel consumption.”

China’s new H-20 stealth bomber ‘not really’ a concern for Pentagon

Whatever may come of China’s new long-range stealth bomber known as the Xi’an H-20, US officials are confident it will not measure up to American designs, according to a DoD intelligence official. “The thing with the H-20 is when you actually look at the system design, it is probably nowhere near as good as US low observable platforms, particularly more advanced ones that we have coming down,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity in a briefing with reporters at the Pentagon today. “They have run into a lot of engineering design challenges, in terms of how you actually make that system capability function in a similar way to, like, a B-2 or a B-21,” the official added.

The H-20 is expected to be Beijing’s answer to American platforms such as the new B-21 Raider, though little is known about the Chinese program given intense state secrecy. In March, a Chinese military official reportedly told state-owned newspaper Hong Kong Commercial Daily that the H-20 would be unveiled soon, though the timeline is not clear. “You may choose to unveil it just because they want to show that they are a great, you know, military power. That does not necessarily mean it actually delivers them the kind of capability that they would need or at the quantity that they would need,” the DoD intelligence official said.

It’s not the first time a DoD official has verbally shrugged at a key part of China’s military aviation modernisation plan. In September 2022, former Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach told reporters that the J-20 stealth fighter is not ‘anything to lose a lot of sleep over.’ The DoD intelligence official said the J-20 is ‘still a highly capable system’ but one that did not ‘meet all of China’s original parameters.’

While not billed as a China briefing, the DoD intelligence official’s comments were almost exclusively focused on the military threat posed by Beijing, which Pentagon officials have dubbed America’s ‘pacing challenge.’ China is serious about preparing all levels of society for a ‘protracted’ conflict with the US, the official said, emphasising that Beijing is purposefully equipping the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to exploit American military weaknesses.

One key focus of China’s burgeoning military modernisation is the expansion of its nuclear portfolio, with Beijing already amassing an operational arsenal of 500 nuclear warheads that officials warn could surpass 1,000 by 2030. But there are doubts about some elements of the country’s actual military prowess given widespread corruption, which prompted outcomes like missiles filled with water instead of fuel and missile silos whose launch lids probably would not work, Bloomberg reported.

Asked about the Bloomberg report, the official said ‘some of them were probably filled with water or had door lids that didn’t open but not all of them’ across China’s military force. ‘The biggest, I guess, kind of challenge for the Chinese side is actually not so much capability of actual systems, it is more capability of personnel to effectively employ those systems at speed and at scale,’ the official said.

Notably, China’s Rocket Force has seen a number of leaders publicly expelled from their roles in recent months, a purge which included then-Defence Minister Li Shangfu, reportedly under ‘corruption’ charges. Though rooting out corruption in years past may have been a front to consolidate power more simply, recent anti-corruption moves by Chinese President Xi Jinping ‘seem to actually be targeting instances of corruption,’ according to the official.

Nevertheless, officials are still preparing for a scenario where the bulk of Beijing’s military might is highly effective. Although US officials have publicly emphasised that war with China is neither inevitable nor imminent, Xi and ‘the Chinese Communist Party almost certainly does’ think war is inevitable, the official said, adding that CCP leadership believes that the US would be the one to start the conflict.

Explaining the thinking of senior Pentagon leaders, the DoD intelligence official said ‘I do not want to rely on the Chinese not being good at combat because we are not going to know they are not good until they are shooting at us and I do not want to be in a position where I find out.

FlyBy places an order for 12 Tecnam aircraft

Tecnam Aircraft, the manufacturer of single and multiengine designs, will be sending 12 aircraft to FlyBy Aviation Academy, one of the largest GA training organisations in Spain. According to Tecnam, FlyBy, which already has a fleet of 31 aircraft, has placed an order for an additional 10 Tecnam P2008JCs and two Tecnam P2006T NGs. It is the largest order from the flight school and more orders are scheduled for 2025, the manufacturer said.

Located in Burgos, Spain, FlyBy serves more than 350 students from 108 countries. The 14-month programme prepares the learners for careers in aviation in Europe. To accommodate its growing enrolment, FlyBy recently opened a new base in Logrono, Spain that will take delivery of 16 more Tecnam airplanes this year. FlyBy’s current fleet includes eight Tecnam P2008JCs, three P2006Ts, three P2002JFs and two P-Mentors.

In the past 10 years Tecnam has been growing in popularity with flight training operations all over the world. The aircraft are built with carbon fibre and equipped with Rotax engines and glass cockpit technology, resulting in a tough, reliable, fuel-efficient design that can withstand the rigors of the training environment.

Airbus appoints Robin Hayes as Chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas

Robin Hayes, the former CEO of JetBlue Airways, has been selected to succeed C. Jeffrey Knittel as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Americas, effective 3 June 2024. Hayes, with a wealth of experience in global aerospace leadership, will take the helm after Knittel’s tenure as the region’s top executive since 2018.

Hayes brings with him an impressive 35 years of global aerospace leadership, having held senior executive positions at British Airways over a 19-year period and serving as CEO of JetBlue for nine years. Notably, from 2020 to 2022, Hayes chaired the Board of Governors for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where he staunchly advocated for the association’s objective of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. In his new role, Hayes will report directly to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed his enthusiasm about Hayes joining Airbus, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Robin to Airbus. Together with the leadership team we are looking forward to having Robin and his vast industry experience onboard to further deliver on our strategic objectives for the region across all the Airbus businesses and further grow our North American footprint. I want to thank Jeff for his many contributions to Airbus’ success over the years and I wish him all the best for a well-deserved retirement.”

As Chairman and CEO, Hayes will lead the commercial aircraft business, and will have responsibility for coordination among the company’s helicopters, space and defence businesses in North America. The region has more than 10,000 Airbus employees across 50 sites. Additionally, Airbus spends US$15 billion annually with more than 2,000 US suppliers in over 40 states.

Expressing his excitement about joining Airbus, Hayes remarked, “After some time off, I am excited and energised to join Airbus and build on the incredible success in the region. I have known Jeff and the Airbus team for well over a decade and I believe they have done a terrific job leading Airbus in the Americas. It is an honour for me to take up this opportunity to be part of the Airbus team.” He added: “Airbus’ commitment to safety and decarbonisation is incredibly important to me personally and I am both motivated by and committed to contributing to the Airbus purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace.”

During Knittel’s tenure, Airbus has significantly bolstered its presence in the Americas, expanding its industrial and manufacturing footprint and doubling commercial aircraft deliveries in the region. Knittel’s wealth of experience in aviation finance, leasing and manufacturing, including his prior role as President of CIT Aerospace and CIT Transportation Finance, has been instrumental in Airbus’ growth and success.

Boeing purchases GKN factory, ending dispute over F-15, F/A-18 parts

Boeing has agreed to purchase a St. Louis-area facility from GKN Aerospace that supplies critical parts for the Boeing F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets, a lifeline for the aerospace giant’s fighter production that also ends contentious litigation between the two parties. The transaction would see GKN’s F-15 and F/A-18 operations immediately transition to Boeing, according to a Boeing press release. In addition,  Boeing has agreed to hire 550 GKN employees, the bulk of GKN’s workforce at the site.

GKN and its parent company, the British firm Melrose Industries, previously planned to shutter the Hazelwood facility by the end of the year, citing profitability woes. Boeing responded with a lawsuit in December 2022, arguing that GKN was violating an agreement to supply parts for the F-15 and F/A-18, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The agreement to purchase the factory would end litigation between the two parties, according to a Boeing spokesperson. The spokesperson also said the facility employed roughly 600 people, some of whom retired or opted to seek work outside Boeing. While GKN supplies many of Boeing’s competitors in the defence world, the Hazelwood plant is a ‘Boeing only supplier’ that supports F-15 and F/A-18.  

The Hazelwood factory’s closure could have threatened Boeing’s fighter programmes, which are based in the St. Louis area. The F-15EX, Boeing’s newest variant of the F-15 fighter equipped with a modernised radar and new electronic warfare suite, among other features is a key product for the company’s international business, particularly for customers like Israel that could purchase up to 50 in a potential multibillion-dollar deal with the US and following a recent agreement with the US Navy, Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet line will now be extended until 2027.

The factory’s acquisition by Boeing actually brings it back under the plane maker’s ownership, as Boeing had spun off the facility to GKN in 2001. It is also the second time in recent months that Boeing has moved to buy a struggling supplier that it used to own, following the company’s recent announcement that it would seek to acquire aerostructures maker Spirit Aerosystems. The two moves could help Boeing stabilise some operations at its defence business as the company toils to get fixed-price development programmes on track. Boeing, which reported its first quarter earnings for 2024 on Wednesday, turned a $151 million profit in the quarter while incurring $222 million in losses between the KC-46A tanker and T-7A trainer programmes.

Harbour Air partners with MagniX to electrify seaplane fleet

Harbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with MagniX to acquire 50 magni650 electric engines. MagniX’s electric propulsion units (EPUs) will be utilised to electrify Harbour Air’s fleet, commencing with the De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in 2026. The Magni650s will also be employed for third-party conversions. This agreement signifies a milestone in electric aviation and represents a notable advancement in the longstanding partnership between MagniX and Harbour Air. In December 2019, the two companies made history with the maiden flight of the eBeaver, a Harbour Air De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver retrofitted with a MagniX electric engine, marking the world’s first fully electric commercial aircraft flight. To date, the prototype eBeaver has completed 78 flights in preparation for the certification of the aircraft.

MagniX is at the forefront of electric aviation, having powered historic flights by five different aircraft. In addition to the eBeaver, these include Eviation’s all electric commuter airplane, Alice and the largest hydrogen-electric aircraft, Universal Hydrogen’s retrofitted De Havilland Dash 8. “Electrifying Harbour Air’s fleet with MagniX’s engines sets us on a course to define the future of regional flight,” said Riona Armesmith, Chief Technology Officer of MagniX. “The many flights that the eBeaver has now completed with MagniX’s technology demonstrate that the electric age of aviation is here and bringing it to the marketplace is growing rapidly closer. As we mark Earth Day, we recognise the urgency of solutions such as this in answering the climate challenge.”

“We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future”, says Bert van der Stege, CEO of Harbour Air. “The agreement with MagniX underscores our commitment to revolutionise commercial aviation with electric propulsion and to pave the way for cleaner, quieter and more efficient air travel.”

Headquartered in Everett, Washington State, USA, MagniX is leading an era of sustainable aviation. The company has developed a family of electric propulsion units (EPUs) and energy storage systems (ESS) for commercial aviation. With the industry’s highest energy density batteries and unparalleled EPU performance, MagniX is leading the aviation industry into a sustainable future. MagniX is a subsidiary of the Clermont Group, an international conglomerate headquartered in Singapore.

Beta Technologies Alia CTOL impresses at Cape Cod debut

Three years ago, the Massachusetts state senator representing Cape Cod proposed a blanket $1,000 landing fee for all GA aircraft at every airport in the state. In contrast, an aircraft showed up at Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) that drew gushing praise from local press and multiple state officials and was not charged a landing fee.

The author of the 2021 bill, Senator Julian Cyr, admitted at the time that his proposal was ill-advised. But the turnaround attitude toward any form of GA three years later is a significant reversal. It certainly helps that the Beta Technologies ‘Alia’ prototype that made its Cape Cod debut last week is a whisper-quiet, all-electric aircraft.

Jeffrey DeCarlo, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Aeronautics Administrator, said, “A quieter civilian electric aircraft that launches and lands like a helicopter yet flies with the speed and agility of a plane can create new opportunities to move people and cargo in a way that is green, clean, and more efficient, cost-effective, equitable and versatile.” To clarify, the particular aircraft that touched down at Joint Base Cape Cod is Vermont-based Beta’s CTOL (conventional take-off and landing) fixed-wing-only Alia prototype. It is not the VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) version of the Beta Technologies project.

But that did not cool the sizzle in the local press, sparking suggestions that welcoming electric aircraft represents an economic opportunity for the region, including potential military applications. For example, members of the Massachusetts Army and Air National Guard and the US Coast Guard, both based at JBCC, attended the event, which was arranged by the Air Force’s AFWERX (a tortured acronym for ‘Air Force Work Projects’) programme and the US Department of Defence.

JBCC Executive Director Brigadier General (ret.) Christopher Faux suggested future economic advantages, including potential employment opportunities, saying, “We see this as an opportunity not just for Joint Base Cape Cod, but for the entire region. Finding airfield partners helps reduce the cost of airfield operations for our military partners while simultaneously bringing the innovation associated with advanced air mobility to the Cape. At this point, I can only imagine, not quantify, the synergies of electric aircraft at civilian airports throughout the region working hand-in-hand with military aviation on JBCC.”

Administrator DeCarlo of the Massachusetts DoT added, “Developing military-use cases for advanced air mobility technologies, such as BETA’s electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, will create opportunities to improve civilian transportation in the commonwealth, across New England and throughout the nation.”

Japanese Charter Service signs a deal with Eve for 50 eVTOL aircraft

Eve Air Mobility has signed a provisional sales agreement with Japanese helicopter flight booking platform AirX for up to 50 of Eve’s four-passenger eVTOL aircraft, which the company plans to use for sightseeing tours and commercial air taxi operations in the Tokyo metropolitan area. In a letter of intent signed 17 April, AirX committed to ordering 10 aircraft with options for another 40.

In addition to Eve’s eVTOL air taxi, AirX has also signed up for Eve’s Urban ATM (air traffic management) system, which will provide scalable urban air mobility services for fleet operators, vertiports and air navigation service providers. The Urban ATM system is designed ‘to enable the ​​safe, efficient, and predictable ecosystem to support eVTOL operations alongside many other airspace users,’ according to Eve.

“We are deeply impressed not only by Eve’s technological capabilities, but also by their commitment to building an ecosystem,” AirX CEO Kiwamu Tezuka said in a statement. “Our aim is to revolutionise the current industry, making transport services useful and affordable for everyone. By integrating our knowledge, experiences and existing business platform with Eve’s comprehensive solutions, we hope to overcome transportation limitations by advancing eVTOL operations in Japan.”

Founded in 2015, Tokyo-based AirX offers charter flights in aircraft operated by other companies, using its database and software to identify available aircraft and provide instant pricing. It intends to add eVTOL air taxis to its Airos network, although it has not yet indicated who will operate the vehicles. AirX also plans to include up to 50 of EHang’s two-seat EH216 autonomous aerial vehicles in its charter network, the company announced in 2022. EHang, which is based in China, recently became the world’s first eVTOL developer to obtain a type certificate for commercial air taxi operations, but the company has not yet said when it expects to get approval from Japan’s air safety regulators. Last month, AirX and EHang opened an urban air mobility center in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, where AirX aims to offer sightseeing tours using eVTOL aircraft such as the EH216 and Eve’s air taxi, which is expected to enter service in 2026.

Eve is currently assembling its first full-scale prototype in a factory at Taubaté in Brazil’s São Paulo state, close to Embraer, Eve’s parent company and intends to begin flight testing later this year.

The company has announced several supplier selections in recent months. On 14 April, it announced that Korea Aerospace Industries will supply its eVTOL pylons, the part of the airframe that supports the electric power units and eight vertical lift propellers. In February, Eve revealed that Aciturri will supply wing skins and spars and Crouzet will supply the inceptor, commonly known as the pilot’s control stick.

Following the deal with AirX, Eve said it now holds letters of intent for nearly 3,000 eVTOL aircraft, although the company did not specify how many of those “pre-orders” came with cash deposits.

Introducing the Felon 1.0 UAV: A Game-Changer for Military and Law Enforcement

The Felon 1.0 UAV is a brand-new flying machine that combines the ability to see things from above (surveillance) with the power to attack targets (lethal precision), making it a major leap forward in technology for both the military and law enforcement. The Felon 1.0 is equipped with a powerful weapon system that fires the same kind of bullets (5.56mm) as many assault rifles. This means it can take out targets from the air with great accuracy, while keeping operators at a safe distance. No matter the mission, whether it is scouting ahead (reconnaissance), protecting an area (perimeter security), or fighting terrorism (counterterrorism), the Felon 1.0 can provide a quick and effective response.

The Felon 1.0 is like having a super-powered lookout in the sky. It has advanced sensors and communication systems that give operators a real-time picture of what’s going on below, helping them make the best decisions in any situation. This information can also be shared with soldiers or police officers on the ground (ground forces) which makes everyone working together more effectively and helps them complete their missions successfully. From intense city battles to guarding long borders, the Felon 1.0 sets a new standard for military drones. It brings together superior firepower and tactical advantages in one flying machine.

First flight: Solar-powered Skydweller

Skydweller Aero has just successfully completed the first flight of its solar-powered aircraft. Skydweller, an uncrewed solar-powered aircraft that has a wingspan greater than a 747, completed its first flight 4 April 2024. According to company officials, the aircraft took off, flew and landed by itself, without humans on board or in control, from Stennis International Airport (KHSA) in Bay St Louis, Mississippi.

Skydwellers can be deployed for long-duration missions such as providing continuous aerial coverage above conflict zones, surveying naval activity in contested waters without risking pilots’ lives, detecting drug smugglers and pirates at sea and tracking wildlife migration and poaching in Africa. Skydweller aircraft are capable of what the company calls ‘perpetual flight,’ staying aloft for 90 days or more, at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet.

“In contrast, current combustion-powered aircraft, including piloted aircraft and drones, are limited to approximately 40 hours maximum flight time, limited by the endurance of pilots, the amount of fuel a conventional aircraft can carry and the need for frequent maintenance,” company officials said. “This is a true, world-changing first in the aerospace industry,” said Robert Miller, CEO of Skydweller Aero.

“We are applying cutting-edge, 21st century materials science, artificial intelligence and software development to an industry that has spent more than 100 years building piloted, combustion-based aircraft,” he continued.

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