PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 6, 2024) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln, flagship of Carrier Strike Group Three, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shepard Fosdyke-Jackson)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 6, 2024) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln, flagship of Carrier Strike Group Three, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Shepard Fosdyke-Jackson)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 7, 2024) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), during flight operations, Dec. 7, 2024. USS George H.W. Bush is in the basic phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan conducting flight deck certification. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas Avis)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 7, 2024) LT Steven Holcomb, attached to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, operates a F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck during flight operations, Dec. 7, 2024. USS George H.W. Bush is in the basic phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan conducting flight deck certification.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jayden Brown)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomber Squadron step to a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress during Bomber Task Force 25-1 at RAF Fairford, England, Dec. 5, 2024. BTF 25-1 demonstrates the U.S.' extended deterrent commitment to Allies and partners to enhance regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Farnsworth)

New Delhi, India, 9 December 2024 – The Tata Group-owned Air India has officially disclosed orders it placed earlier for 10 A350 widebody and 90 single-aisle A320 Family aircraft. In addition, it has selected Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) for its growing A350 fleet.

The latest aircraft order, which is already included in Airbus’ 2024 orderbook, comes on top of the 40 A350 and 210 A320 Family aircraft ordered by Air India in 2023. Air India’s total orderbook for Airbus aircraft now stands at 344 with six A350-900s having already been delivered.

The FHS-C services package will help optimise the performance and reliability of Air India’s growing A350 fleet. This contract confirms Airbus’ position as the largest A350 power-by-the-hour maintenance service provider in the world.

The aircraft and services orders are part of Air India’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and Air India, said, “With India’s passenger growth outpacing the rest of the world, its significantly improving infrastructure and an aspirational young population increasingly going global, we see a clear case for Air India to expand its future fleet beyond the firm orders of the 470 aircraft placed last year. These additional 100 Airbus aircraft will help to position Air India on the path to greater growth and contribute to our mission of building Air India into a world-class airline that connects India to every corner of the world.”

"Having personally witnessed the formidable growth of the Indian aviation sector in recent months, I am glad to see Air India renew its trust in Airbus with this additional order for both our A320 Family and A350 aircraft," said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. "Through this continued partnership, we are committed to supporting the success of Air India's "Vihaan.AI" transformation plan under Tata's vision and leadership."

Air India commenced its A350 operations in January 2024. It marked the entry-into-service of this Airbus widebody aircraft in the Indian market.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long range leader in the 300-410 seater category, flying efficiently on any sector from short-haul to ultra-long-haul routes up to 9,700nm. Its clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies, aerodynamics, lightweight materials and latest generation engines that together deliver 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and CO₂ emissions, as well as 50% noise reduction compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.

Airbus Flight Hour Services (FHS) is a comprehensive material & maintenance service based on a contractual fixed hourly-rate payment. FHS-C will provide Air India with fully integrated component services including on-site stock at Delhi. It will also provide the airline access to Airbus mutualised regional spares pools as well as repair and engineering services for a wide range of replaceable parts. FHS-C’s guaranteed service levels and component engineering expertise will allow Air India to benefit from maximised aircraft availability and operating maintenance cost savings.

December 09, 2024
Bombardier is pleased to announce that it has delivered the 200th Global 7500 business jet to a customer in December, a testament to the international and industry-wide success of this platform. The Global 7500 business jet has transformed business aviation with its refined design, unsurpassed performance and outstanding technological advancements.

“Simply put, the Global 7500 aircraft is assembled with the best manufacturing process and technological advancements in business aviation – and we are so excited and honoured to reach the 200-delivery mark of this transformative aircraft,” said David Murray, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, IT and Bombardier Operational Executive System. “This milestone also reflects the outstanding efforts of our meticulous engineering, production and assembly teams. These talented individuals are the beating heart of this program’s ultimate success and achievements.”

With a top speed of Mach 0.925 and a range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 km), the Global 7500 allows our customers to reach more essential destinations. The aircraft’s Smooth Flĕx Wing is like an in-air shock absorber, designed with a sophisticated slats and flap system that generates exceptional lift on takeoff and approach, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency and boosting performance while improving safety and offering the industry’s smoothest ride. It also reduces fuel burn, lowers emissions and produces excellent short-field and high-speed performance – the type of journey its customers strive for. And since its entry-into-service in December 2018, the Global 7500 business jet has proven to be the highest-performing business aircraft, boasting a fleet dispatch reliability of more than 99.8%.

The Global 7500 aircraft has also set more speed records than any aircraft in its class having recently flown more than 75 speed record missions on a number of key routes.(1) These accomplishments build on earlier records, including an 8,225 nautical mile flight in October 2019 from Sydney, Australia to Detroit, Michigan, the longest flight ever recorded in business aviation.

“Bombardier’s Global 7500 business jet customers recognize and appreciate the many benefits this aircraft provides – and it continues to rewrite the history books with unprecedented speed records and long-distance flights,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense. “This incredible aircraft offers the best of both worlds: it’s a marvel of engineering that is designed to serve as an extension of our customers’ home or office. And that’s what the Global 7500 has been delivering for years – offering the most spacious cabins in the skies while enjoying Bombardier’s signature smooth ride.”

Essential aspects of the incredible record-breaking performance of the Global 7500 aircraft can be attributed to its unique Smooth Flĕx Wing – proudly manufactured in Red Oak, Texas – and its GE Passport engines, manufactured in Lafayette, Indiana.

The incredible attributes of the Global 7500 aircraft will be enhanced even more with the introduction of the Global 8000 (2) aircraft, announced in 2022. Bombardier’s flagship of a new era will boast an industry-leading range of 8,000 nautical miles and an unbeatable top speed of Mach 0.94, making it the ultimate all-in-one business aircraft. The Global 8000 is progressing well and on track to enter into service in the second half of 2025.

A Republic of Korea Air Force C-130H Super Hercules executes a takeoff during Operation Christmas Drop 2024 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 8, 2024. Service members from the U.S., Japan, Australia, Canada, and South Korea worked together to execute this multinational mission, strengthening regional partnerships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Taylor Slater)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 8, 2024) An E/A-18G Growler, attached to the Patriots of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during flight operations, Dec. 8, 2024. USS George H.W. Bush is conducting flight deck certifications as part of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan to ensure readiness for future operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Watson)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 8, 2024) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during flight operations, Dec. 8, 2024. USS George H.W. Bush is conducting flight deck certifications as part of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan to ensure readiness for future operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Watson)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 8, 2024) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the Jolly Rogers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, lands on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during flight operations, Dec. 8, 2024. USS George H.W. Bush is conducting flight deck certifications as part of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan to ensure readiness for future operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Watson)

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Dec. 10, 2024 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) celebrated the start of production of the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye for the French Navy at the company’s St. Augustine manufacturing facility. The ceremony brought together representatives from the French Navy, Northrop Grumman, Naval Air Systems Command and Navy International Programs Office.

This milestone puts France on course to field the world's premier airborne command and control aircraft.

Northrop Grumman is contracted to produce three E-2D aircraft, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in 2027.
The E-2Ds will replace France’s E-2C Hawkeye 2000 fleet, which has been in operation for over 25 years.
The E-2D brings significant enhancements over its predecessors, including the ability for aerial refueling.

Janice Zilch, vice president, multi-domain command and control programs, Northrop Grumman: “Our partnership with France goes back over 25 years. We are proud to have supported the French Navy with the Hawkeye 2000, and we look forward to providing a generational leap in decision dominance with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.”

Details on Program:

Northrop Grumman’s E-2C Hawkeye 2000, which entered service with the French Navy in 1998, provides air defense and supports the Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group. France is the only country other than the U.S. to operate its E-2C Hawkeyes from an aircraft carrier. This capability has enabled interoperability exercises that support Hawkeyes and other aircraft from the French and U.S. fleets.

Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the latest in a line of AEW aircraft that stretches back over 60 years. The E-2D is the world’s premier Airborne Command & Control aircraft, effective over land and sea. Northrop Grumman has evolved the E-2D into a cutting-edge platform, capable of facing threats anywhere in the world.

E-2 variants are operated by air forces and navies around the world. With an active production line and a 100% on-time delivery history, the E-2D continues to introduce new technology to outpace ever-evolving threats.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.

Almaty, Kazakhstan, 10 December 2024 – Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the first Airbus A400M for the Republic of Kazakhstan to become the cornerstone of the country’s tactical and strategic airlift operations.

The first of two Airbus A400Ms ordered by Kazakhstan was handed over to the customer at a ceremony in Almaty, south Kazakhstan, after a ferry flight from Airbus’ A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville, southern Spain, a few days earlier.

“Proven for over a decade in military and humanitarian operations worldwide, the A400M is a game changer for the Kazakh Air Defense Forces, delivering unrivalled tactical and strategic capabilities in a single platform,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space. “A second A400M, currently in production, will further strengthen these capabilities on its delivery in 2026.”

With the delivery of this aircraft, production number MSN139, Airbus will also provide a full range of maintenance and training support.

To date, more than 130 A400Ms have been delivered to nine countries and have accumulated 200,000 flight hours, participating in missions such as the evacuation of civilian and military personnel from Afghanistan, Sudan and Niger. Combining the capabilities of both tactical and strategic aircraft, the A400M can transport heavy and outsized cargo on to short, unprepared airstrips, flying at low altitudes or dropping up to 116 paratroopers or 25 tonnes of cargo.

Pilatus has approved Jet Aviation Dubai as an Authorized PC-24 Service Center. The company is already certified to offer maintenance services for the PC-12 single-engine turboprop – and now its maintenance portfolio also includes the Super Versatile Jet.

With the addition of the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, Jet Aviation Dubai now performs maintenance and repair services for all Pilatus business aviation aircraft. Jet Aviation is located at Dubai International Airport, where it provides the highest standards of support to our customers.

André Zimmermann, Vice President Business Aviation at Pilatus, emphasizes: “Demand for our PC-24 Super Versatile Jet continues to grow worldwide, which is why we are constantly expanding our support network. The location of Jet Aviation Dubai at Dubai International Airport will help us to better serve our customers in the Middle East.”

“We’re very proud to build further on our longstanding relationship with Pilatus”, says Hardy Bütschi, VP Regional Operations & Jet Aviation General Manager in Dubai, adding: “Here in Dubai we offer a comprehensive portfolio of maintenance services. Accreditation as an Authorized PC-24 Service Center is proof of our commitment to ongoing development in line with the needs of our customers.”

Authorized Pilatus Service Centers

The best resource for servicing an aircraft from Pilatus is an Authorized Pilatus Service Center. Whether it is knowledge of service bulletin history, maintenance requirements, publications, spare parts or warranty administration, your Authorized Service Center is the expert when it comes to understanding your Pilatus aircraft. A complete listing can be found on the website pilatus-aircraft.com/authorized-centers.

The Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace bids farewell to the Boeing C-135,after 60 years of service.
For their last detachment the C-135 crews carried out a dozen refueling missions.
(Photo courtesy of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace )

Two Dutch F-35s took off twice from Estonia last Friday to intercept Russian planes. The fighter planes have escorted the Russian planes out of NATO airspace.
The first mission turned out to be a transport aircraft of the type AN-72 COALER and a SU-24MR Fencer E. The second time it was an IL-20 Coot A spy aircraft.
The Dutch aircraft have been guarding the airspace on the eastern border of the NATO territory as part of the NATO Air Policing mission since this month.

(Photos courtesy of the Ministerie van Defensie)

A U.S. Air Force pilot and crew chief assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron prepare an A-10 Thunderbolt II for takeoff at Antonio Bautista Air Base, Philippines, Dec. 9, 2024. Pacific Air Forces members and aircraft arrived in the Philippines to participate in bilateral training with the Philippine Air Force as part of a Dynamic Force Employment exercise.. The U.S. and Philippine Air Force’s security presence supports the peace and stability that have enabled the Indo-Pacific region to develop and prosper for over 70 years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley N. Mikaio)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 11, 2024) -Sailors observe an EA-18G Growler, assigned to the “Gauntlets” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136, take off during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Dec. 11, 2024. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Pablo Chavez)

Brasília, Brazil, December 10, 2024 – The Slovak Ministry of Defense today signed a Letter of Intent with the Brazilian Ministry of Defense, paving the way for a deeper industrial cooperation between the two countries. During this visit to Brazil, the Slovak Minister of Defense acknowledged that the Embraer C-390 is the option that better fits Slovakia’s future military transport requirements. It has also been mentioned the importance of the neighboring countries that have already acquired the C-390, enabling synergies in terms of training, logistics and cooperation in the future capabilities and growth of their fleets. The Slovak Ministry of Defense will start formal steps toward the purchase of three C-390s in January 2025.

“The C-390 is currently the best aircraft in its category due to its cost efficiency, versatility and reliability, being able to perform the most demanding missions anytime, anywhere. We are confident that the C-390 is the most suitable aircraft to meet the needs of the Slovak Air Force,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

Embraer’s C-390 Millennium multi-mission airlift is quickly becoming the aircraft of choice among EU/NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) members and its allies in Europe, contributing to the modernization of their armed forces while adding new capabilities and enhancing interoperability with allied forces. The C-390 is already in operation with Portugal and Hungary and has already been ordered by the Netherlands, Austria and Czech Republic, in addition to Sweden, which has recently selected the aircraft. Brazil and South Korea complete the growing list of nations that have opted for the C-390.

Since it entered into service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019 and the Portuguese Air Force in 2023, the fleet in operation has accumulated more than 15,500 flight hours, with a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category.

11 Dec 2024
The consortium behind the Eurofighter Typhoon has awarded BAE Systems a £133 million contract to further develop its Striker® II Helmet Mounted-Display (HMD).
Under the new contract, awarded by the four-nation Eurofighter consortium – Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, BAE Systems engineers will continue to mature the helmet’s capability alongside a programme of flight testing.

The Striker II HMD is one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft helmets which uses the latest technologies to integrate its all-digital night vision system and daylight readable colour display. Data is displayed directly onto the pilot’s helmet visor, providing them with mission critical information right before their eyes.

The contract is expected to secure more than 200 highly skilled jobs at the company's combat air facility in Warton, Lancashire and its Electronic Systems site in Rochester, Kent which specialises in developing helmet mounted displays.

BAE Systems is already developing Striker II under a £40 million contract announced by the UK Ministry of Defence in September 2023 which will see the helmet undergo flight trials in the coming months. The latest investment will fund the next stage of development, ensuring the helmet achieves a production ready standard.

Vero Beach, FL., December 11th, 2024 – Piper Flight School Alliance member Paragon Flight Training of Fort Myers, Florida, has taken delivery of the 200th Pilot 100i produced by Piper Aircraft. This milestone aircraft joins Paragon’s fleet of over thirty (30) Piper Pilot 100is and one (1) Seminole.

Piper Aircraft has produced the Pilot 100i for four years, and Piper’s Flight School Alliance partners value the high dispatch reliability of the platform, which utilizes Garmin full panel avionics, a Lycoming IO-360 180 HP engine, and a three-seat configuration. The Pilot 100i is classified as a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), allowing schools an unmatched level of versatility in flight training.

Paragon began taking delivery of Pilot 100i aircraft in early 2022, including SN 100. Now, at the end of 2024, they have received another milestone serial number, SN 200.

Paragon recently finalized another large order for additional Pilot 100i and Seminole aircraft, placing Paragon on the path to becoming the largest Pilot 100i fleet operator worldwide by 2027. These increased orders also support the company’s most recent expansion outside of Florida, with its 2024 acquisition of Airventures, a flight school in LaGrange, Georgia, outside of Atlanta. The purchase follows the company’s 2023 entrance into the Georgia market when it began a partnership with LaGrange College to offer the college’s first program in aviation.

Paragon’s Pilot 100i deliveries will resume in early 2025 and continue throughout 2027. “Paragon Flight continues to enjoy a mutually rewarding relationship with Piper. We work collaboratively and confidently together as we build up our fleet of Piper P100i aircraft and train the next generation of pilots using this outstanding platform,” Chris Schoensee, Paragon Flight Training President, said. “We are incredibly pleased to now have possession of both the 200 and 100 serial number P100i’s.”

“It is our honor to partner with well-respected training establishments like Paragon Flight Training as they leverage the Pilot 100i platform to make the most of their operations,” said Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper Aircraft. “We are thrilled to renew our commitment to Paragon through our collaborative relationship and look forward to watching serial number 200 and beyond bring great success to all three of Paragon’s flight training locations.”

About Piper Aircraft

Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fl., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin® Emergency Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M700 FURY, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete technically advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit the company’s website at www.piper.com.

About Paragon Flight Training

Paragon Flight is an award-winning flight academy headquartered at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida. Holding FAA and SEVIS accreditations, the company trains commercial, professional, and recreational pilots, as well as offers military pilot training for domestic and foreign governments. With multiple locations in Florida and Georgia, Paragon Flight now has more than 34,000 square feet of training facilities in the southeastern United States. Learn more at ParagonFlight.com.

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Rein.) lands to refuel during a forward arming and refueling point exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 10, 2024. The Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, provided local security for a FARP in order to protect key logistics site which is crucial in distributed operations. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps’ only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alora Finigan)

PHILIPPINE SEA (Dec. 12, 2024) - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the “Golden Dragons” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 prepares to takeoff during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Dec. 12, 2024. Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Pablo Chavez)

Marignane, France - Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with His Excellency, Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior of Bahrain, for the purchase of nine H145 helicopters. These aircraft will be operated by the Police Aviation Command for law enforcement missions and emergency medical services in the kingdom.

“We are very proud that the Ministry of Interior of Bahrain has chosen to become a new member of the H145 worldwide community,” said Olivier Michalon, EVP for Global Business of Airbus Helicopters. “We are sure that the H145 will quickly become a valuable new asset for the Bahraini police. As a truly multi-role helicopter, the H145's versatility makes it a key asset for public safety missions around the world and in the region. More than 60 H145s are already in service in the Middle East and demand for this type of helicopter continues to grow for a vast array of missions: emergency medical services, operations in the energy sector, law enforcement and utility missions,” he added.

The new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission aircraft, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design also eases maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew.

In total, there are more than 1,700 H145 family helicopters in service, logging a total of eight million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst its competitors.

Paris, France, 12 December 2024 – Aircalin, the international airline of the South Pacific French territory of New Caledonia, has disclosed an order with Airbus for two long-range A350-900 aircraft. This order will enable Aircalin to support fleet adaptation and the carrier's long haul network expansion.

Currently the airline’s widebody fleet comprises two A330neo aircraft. The airline plans to configure its A350s in a three class premium layout offering accommodation for more than 320 passengers. This would include an enlarged business class and represent an increase in capacity of 15% compared with the A330neo.

“As a continuation of our long-standing partnership with Airbus, we have selected the A350-900 to join our fleet in the coming years. These aircraft are essential for operating our recently inaugurated Nouméa-Paris via Bangkok route. They will open the doors to very long-haul flights and enable Aircalin to pursue its development strategy,” said Georges Selefen, Aircalin CEO.

“We are pleased with Aircalin’s decision to add the A350 to its fleet. This will allow Aircalin to further develop its potential and open up more long haul routes. The order is yet another endorsement of the A350 as the undisputed long-range leader, bringing fuel efficient service on some of the world’s longest networks, while offering passengers the highest levels of comfort” said Benoit de Saint-Exupery, EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its new generation engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

At the end of November 2024, the A350 had won over 1,300 orders from 61 customers worldwide.