Latest from Key.Aero
Explore the latest news and features by our world-class aviation journalists. Stay up to date on the latest military aviation developments, commercial airline news, historic restoration projects, flight simulation releases and much more.
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Historic
World War One classics taking shape in France
Two historic Caudron aircraft are being worked on by experts in France
The long way home: 'Kiwi' Corsair back where it belongs!
Following a six-year hiatus, Goodyear FG-1D Corsair NZ5648 has taken to the skies of New Zealand once again – as Gavin Conroy reports
Historic Quiz: British interwar fighters
They say the interwar period was the golden era of aviation, but how much do you know about Britain's fighters of that era?
The real ‘Masters of the Air’
With Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks’ hugely anticipated ‘Masters of the Air’ finally hitting TV screens across the world, ‘FlyPast’ shares views captured of the ‘The Mighty Eighth’ in England while executing the daylight strategic bombing campaign across Nazi-occupied Europe.
Carrier jets over Korea
When war broke out on the Korean peninsula in 1950, involving the nascent United Nations, carrier aviation with jets had barely begun. In a new special magazine called ‘Carrier Aircraft of the Classic Jet Era’ from Key Publishing, Matthew Willis explains in this article how despite all the limitations of early jets, and the challenges brought by revolutionary swept-wing fighters, the jet-powered naval aircraft soon proved their worth.
Military
Bahrain’s first F-16C/D Block 70s on delivery
The first three F-16C/D Block 70 Fighting Falcon multi-role fighters for the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) departed Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, South Carolina, on their delivery flight to Shaikh Isa Air Base, Bahrain, on March 6.
‘Bats’ complete final EC-130H sortie
The USAF’s 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron (ECS) ‘Bats’ – a part of Air Combat Command’s 55th Electronic Combat Group (ECG) – marked a major milestone in its transition to the new Gulfstream G550-based EA-37B Compass Call electronic attack (EA) aircraft on February 15, when the unit completed its final flight with the legacy EC-130H Compass Call (pictured) at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.
F-35 achieves major production, nuclear milestones
The Pentagon’s Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, William A LaPlante, formally approved the US-led Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program – the development project behind the F-35 Lightning II – to finally move into full-rate production (FRP), following the attainment of the type’s Milestone C landmark, writes Tom Kaminski.
Commercial
Bumper profits for IAG
IAG, the parent company of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL, reported “strong and sustained demand for travel, in particular in leisure” as it revealed operating profits of around £3bn in 2023, higher than its pre-COVID peak.
City Airlines routes revealed
Lufthansa Group has unveiled the first destinations to be served by its newest carrier, Lufthansa City Airlines.
Finnair marks 100 years of flight today
Finnair is celebrating 100 years of flight having operated its first-ever service today (March 20) in 1924.
50 years of Paris/Charles de Gaulle
Paris/Charles de Gaulle is the undisputed gateway to one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, and this year, it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Airliner World takes a look at the history of the facility and how far it has come since it opened in 1974
New Flying Doctor King Air makes flying visit to Belfast
A new Beechcraft King Air 360C for the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service passed through Belfast International Airport on its delivery flight on February 26, 2024.
Flight Simulation
Maxx Tech’s HOTAS Pro Flight Combo Kit
In this review, we take a look at Maxx Tech’s first hardware controller designed specifically for flight simulation. Dubbed the HOTAS Flight Combo Kit, the unit consists of a flight stick and a throttle quadrant aimed at the beginner/intermediary flight simulation enthusiast.
RJ Professional development update
Following the release of the 146 Professional Version 2, Just Flight has unveiled a new development update for the upcoming RJ Professional for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Newcastle Airport for X-Plane out now
Aerosoft has announced Airport Newcastle XP for X-Plane 11 and 12 is now available.