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
The Battle of Britain's top-secret glider flights
In proving the ability of the new air defence radar network to detect a German glider-borne invasion, some of Britain’s leading ‘silent flight’ exponents were called upon to perform a series of tests — multiple record-holder Philip Wills among them
My search for Soviet aircraft in former East Germany
While the East German Air Force was quickly dissolved after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the USSR’s presence in Germany took longer to disappear. Peter R Foster recalls his time logging the Soviet Air Forces in the region
RAF Museum saves Scarf Victoria Cross
Following a successful fundraising campaign, the Royal Air Force Museum has secured the Arthur Scarf Victoria Cross which will now remain in the UK
Recce cameras being built for Spitfire project
Optronics business Thales will deliver F24 reconnaissance camera installations for Spitfire restoration project
Military
Luftwaffe moves to axe troublesome A340-313X fleet after latest issues
The German Air Force has said that it will bring forward the retirement of the two Airbus A340-313Xs used by the Special Air Mission Wing of the Federal Ministry of Defence (FBS BMVg) for VIP transport duties
Japanese F-15J marks 100 years of the Italian Air Force
As part of preparations being made for welcoming a detachment of Italian F-35A Lightning IIs to Komatsu Air Base in Ishikawa, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force painted one of its F-15J Eagles in special markings to commemorate the centenary of the Italian Air Force
USAF's 55th Wing establishes permanent RC-135 detachment in Alaska
The USAF’s 55th Wing has announced the activation of the 55th Operations Group Detachment 1 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska
Commercial
World’s only ‘aerobatic airline’ The Blades to close
After more than 15 years in operation, the world-famous Blades Aerobatic Display Team is to close.
EU investigates Aeroflot Boeing 777 deal
Could the purchase of ten Boeing 777-300ERs from an undisclosed lessor breach EU sanctions?
Why Airbus A330s are a ’perfect fit’ for Condor
Condor’s initial A330-900 entered service in the carrier’s striking new livery in the last days of 2022. Mark Broadbent details the debut and considers the A330neo’s fortunes
QUIZ: The ultimate IATA code quiz! (Part Two)
We had a fantastic response to last week’s IATA code quiz, so we’re treating you to a second batch of global guesswork. Be warned – there are a few extra tricky questions in here to sort the expert codebreakers from the aviation mess makers. Good luck!
Airbus lands order with Uzbekistan Airways for A320neos
Uzbekistan Airways has placed a firm order with Airbus for 12 A320neo Family aircraft.
Flight Simulation
Flight Adventure: Cessna Citation X
Despite environmental concerns, bizjet charters have skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic and currently show no signs of slowing. In this flight adventure, we take a look at one of the more stunning bizjets in the skies today, the Cessna Citation X.
New Islander takes flight in X-Plane 12
Thranda Design has announced the next aircraft in the Dynamic Generation Series, the Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander, is now available for X-Plane 12.
Blackbird Simulations releases Beale AFB
Blackbird Simulations has released its first airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator, Beale Air Force Base.
