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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
Win! a Signed print of Mosquito BMk.25 by Michael Rondot
The well-known aviation artist Michael Rondot has release a new painting called de Havilland Mosquito. The print is signed by three wartime Mosquito veterans
Waco set for full return to flight in Idaho
A rare 1937-built Waco EGC-7 Cabin class biplane has been donated to The Spirit of Flight Foundation museum in Nampa, Idaho
Courage beyond praise - the story of B-17 ‘Ten Horsepower’
Attempting to land a stricken Flying Fortress, two crewmen died attempting to save their badly injured captain. Dominic Ward salutes a tremendous act of heroism
Dragon Rapide progress at Old Warden
The classic machine was one of several on display at a special open day last month
World War One classics taking shape in France
Two historic Caudron aircraft are being worked on by experts in France
Military
‘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.
First German KC-130J heads to Évreux
The Luftwaffe’s (German Air Force’s) first KC-130J Hercules (55+05) departed Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Marietta, Georgia, on February 28 on its delivery flight to Évreux-Fauville Air Base (BA105), France, where it will join the Franco-German Bilateral Air Transport Squadron (BATS).
Commercial
Profit pressure at KLM
KLM warned of fleet challenges and constraints at its Amsterdam base in its annual results for 2023.
City Airlines routes revealed
Lufthansa Group has unveiled the first destinations to be served by its newest carrier, Lufthansa City Airlines.
Boeing delivery delays hit Ryanair’s schedule
Ryanair expects to receive just 40 of the 57 planned Boeing 737 MAX 8200 aircraft that were due to be delivered before the summer.
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.
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.
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.