Aviation News

United Airlines has announced plans to furlough 16,370 of its workers due to the continued impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on airline operations. Staff likely to be affected include 6,920 flight attendants, 2,850 pilots, 2,260 airport operations personnel, 2,010 mechanics and 1,400 in management. The furloughs will be enacted as early as October, in […]

Textron Aviation has announced that it is now offering a tank of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as an option for customers taking delivery of new Beechcraft turboprop and Cessna turboprop and jet aircraft. In addition, a SAF refueling option will be provided for customers at the company’s service center in Wichita, Kansas. Textron noted that […]

In partnership with Dutch airline KLM, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) has successfully flown a scale model of its Flying-V airliner concept for the first time. The remotely controlled model weighs in at 22.5 kg (49.6 lbs.) with a 3.06-meter (10.04-foot) wingspan. The Flying-V, which “integrates the passenger cabin, cargo hold and fuel tanks […]

Claiming a power-to-weight figure “4.6 times better than any existing battery system,” researchers at Embry-Riddle’s Eagle Flight Research Center (EFRC) are working on a gas-powered hybrid system that could underpin future electric aircraft. This is potentially a big deal because it’s assumed that electric aircraft will use some form of battery power but what’s not […]

A trickle has turned into a torrent as major airlines announce the permanent elimination of change fees. Alaska Airlines announced today that it is permanently eliminating a $125 change fee on all but the most basic tickets, a move that follows United, American and Delta’s decisions to make permanent what many airlines had agreed to […]

The FAA has approved Amazon Prime Air’s request for a Part 135 certificate for its unmanned delivery drones. “Amazon Prime Air’s concept uses autonomous UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) to safely and efficiently deliver packages to customers,” said the FAA. “The FAA supports innovation that is beneficial to the public, especially during a health or weather-related […]

Following its postponement due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase (DSAS) will now take place on Jan. 28-30, 2021. The event, which focuses on experimentals, homebuilts, light sport aircraft and ultralights, was originally scheduled for Nov. 12-14, 2020. According to show organizers, the new time slot was selected in consultation with […]

Pipistrel, the innovative Slovenian company that has been producing electric trainers for several years, now says it’s ready to take orders for a hybrid-electric eVTOL cargo carrier capable of delivering up to 1000 pounds (460 kg) over an unspecified distance. But the Nuuva V300, says the company, will be able to fly a 50-kg load […]

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Vice Chairman Bruce Landsberg has been appointed to a second term in his position. His previous term as vice chairman began on Aug. 7, 2018, alongside a five-year appointment as an NTSB board member. According to the board, Landsberg’s priorities for his new term include “improved weather forecasts and reduction […]

Called Safe Return, the Garmin-built Autoland system previously announced for the Cirrus Vision Jet has been FAA approved. Safe Return joins with a full-airframe parachute to be what Cirrus calls “the most comprehensive, must-have total safety solution in general aviation.” “With Safe Return, we are making personal aviation more accessible, elevating the passenger experience and […]