HeliHub.com News

UK – Bell returns to Salon Privé with 407GXP and 505

HeliHub.com — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 16:56:21 +0000

Global helicopter manufacturer Bell Textron Inc. has returned to Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, England for one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious luxury automotive events.

Bell is showcasing two static models at this year’s show: the Bell 407GXi Designer Series and the Bell 505, reinforcing Bell’s long-established aerial presence in the United Kingdom. The Bell 407GXi Designer Series is Bell’s foremost luxury platform in the commercial sector, and the Bell 505 is one of Bell’s best-selling models for a variety of utility cases.

With more than 30,000 anticipated guests, Bell’s attendance at the event showcases how luxury automotive and aviation brands share a deep commitment to precision engineering, bespoke service and high-performance travel.

Robin Wendling, managing director, Europe, said: “For several years, we’ve greatly enjoyed participating in Salon Privé. Set in a stunning Oxfordshire location, the event’s luxury focus and the boutique nature of the brands present make it an easy and natural choice for us. Showcasing the Bell 505 and the Bell 407GXi at Salon Privé highlights Bell’s position as a leader in VIP and high‑end helicopter travel.”

Earlier last month, Bell marked the 700th sale of the Bell 505 during Farnborough International Airshow, one of the United Kingdom’s largest aviation events. It also shared the company secured the first IFR-configured Bell 407GXi order in the United Kingdom, which is an indication of Bell’s continued popularity in the region.

Bell’s presence on the famous lawns of Blenheim Palace at this year’s Salon Privé is a change from traditional aviation shows, with a focus towards automotive luxury and VIP experiences. With a keen focus on quality, craftsmanship, premium customer care and exceptional aftersales experience, prospective customers can meet a dedicated product team for a full introduction to Bell’s products and the ownership experience.

To find out more about how Bell aircraft advances missions worldwide, please visit the Bell product page or visit the Bell booth this week during Salon Privé 2026.

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AirLife Georgia 6 Celebrates 20 Years of Lifesaving Service in Covington

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:33:17 +0000

For the last two decades, AirLife Georgia has been providing lifesaving care to the residents of Covington and the surrounding communities. On Thursday, August 27, the base held a celebration that brought together current and former crew members, first responders from throughout the area, hospital partners, and a pair of former patients.

Among the former patients present was former Covington Police Officer Matt Cooper, who was shot at close range by a suspect in September 2018. With a bullet lodged in his carotid artery, he was flown by AirLife GA to Atlanta Medical Center. Nearly eight years after the shooting, he was happy to be on hand with the crew that flew him that day.

“It’s surreal being here today,” said Cooper. “I’m just grateful that they were there to help save my life.”

Also attending the event was 12-year-old Joel Anderson, who was flown to Arthur Blank Children’s Hospital in 2025 following a serious car accident. Enjoying cake with the AirLife crew, he shared that he hopes to be a pediatrician someday and says that he would make sure his future patients are flown by AirLife Georgia.

The event was also attended by former crew, including current Air Methods clinical director Amy Norton, who flew with the base during their early days. With over a combined 140 years of clinical experience among the current crew, the base credits it’s longevity to the experience and dedication that partners have come to expect when AirLife GA 6 lands at their facility.

“Everyone in this room has played a role in the success of AirLife GA 6,” said Air Methods Senior Account Executive Marcus Lindsey. “We appreciate our partners who recognize the top-level of care that comes with calling AirLife Georgia and we are truly honored that you trust us to get your patients to the critical care that they deserve.”

The program’s helicopter serves as a flying ICUs, staffed with industry-leading clinicians who are trained to provide critical care to patients suffering from trauma due to accidents, cardiac events, strokes, and more. The crews also carry blood that can be administered in flight, providing hospital-level care in the air.

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.

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Eve publishes inaugural sustainability report

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:26:34 +0000

Eve Air Mobility, a global leader in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and urban air mobility (UAM) solutions, has published its inaugural Sustainability Report. The report outlines Eve’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy and demonstrates how its integrated UAM ecosystem supports cleaner transportation, reduced congestion, and more connected cities.

The report reflects Eve’s founding belief that urban air mobility represents an opportunity to transform how people move through cities while advancing aviation’s transition to a more sustainable future.

“At Eve, sustainability is not a pillar we stand beside; it is the very foundation we build on. This report reflects who we are: a company pioneering the transition to zero-emission air mobility, powered by innovation, driven by purpose, and committed to a future where the skies are accessible, clean, and connected for everyone,” said Johann Bordais, chief executive of Eve Air Mobility.

Created from the outset with sustainability at its core, Eve is developing an all-electric eVTOL aircraft expected to produce zero local carbon and particulate emissions during flight, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional aviation and ground transportation in urban environments.

Eve’s urban air mobility ecosystem combines three integrated solutions:

eVTOL Aircraft: An all-electric aircraft designed for zero local emissions and low-noise operations.
Eve Vector®: Air traffic management software that enables safe, scalable, and efficient Advanced Air Mobility operations.
Eve TechCare®: Service and support solutions designed to help operators deploy and maintain fleets worldwide.

Together, these solutions are designed to make urban air mobility a practical and sustainable complement to existing transportation networks.

Key ESG Highlights

Environment: Supporting the Energy Transition

Zero-Emission Aircraft: Eve’s eVTOL aircraft is powered entirely by electricity and designed for zero local carbon and VOC emissions during operation.
Renewable Energy: Eve’s manufacturing operations in Brazil are powered by 100% renewable energy.
Sustainable Manufacturing: The Company’s planned production facility will incorporate energy-efficient technologies, water reuse systems, and sustainable waste management practices.
Low Noise Design: Eve’s aircraft is engineered for significantly quieter operations than conventional helicopters.
Cleaner Production Processes: Water-based inks will be used during aircraft painting and finishing.
Green Finance Framework: Supports financing aligned with Eve’s sustainability objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Social: Connecting Cities and Empowering People

UAM for Everyone: Expanding access to urban air transportation through integration with existing mobility networks.
Great Place to Work® Certified: Recognized in 2024/2025 for fostering an inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.
Equal Employment Workplace: In 2025, Eve’s workforce of 210 employees benefited from a balanced mix of genders, experience levels, and backgrounds, supported by approximately 800 Embraer employees.
Community Engagement: Through its partnership with the Embraer Institute, Eve supports education and community development initiatives.
Learning and Development: Employees have access to training programs, language courses, conferences, and postgraduate education support.

Governance: Accountability at the Core

Strong Governance: Eve maintains robust oversight through its Global Anticorruption Policy, Code of Conduct, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights Policy, transparent reporting practices, and active stakeholder engagement.

Eve’s Global Market Outlook identified a $280 billion passenger revenue opportunity over the next 20 years, driven by urbanization, increasing congestion, and growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions. In some of the world’s most congested cities, urban air mobility has the potential to improve connectivity while supporting environmental goals.

Eve’s ecosystem is designed to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and lower emissions while providing faster point-to-point urban transportation.

“Every city that integrates urban air mobility into its transportation network is a city that takes a tangible step toward a cleaner, less congested, more connected future. Our Sustainability Report is our commitment in writing to being the company that makes that possible,” said Larissa Maraccini, vice president, People, Marketing, Communications and ESG at Eve Air Mobility.

Eve Air Mobility’s 2025 Sustainability Report is available for download at Eve Air Mobility. The report was prepared in alignment with leading ESG disclosure frameworks and reflects Eve’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Eve Air Mobility is dedicated to accelerating the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) ecosystem. Benefitting from a start-up mindset, backed by Embraer’s 56-year history of aerospace expertise, and with a singular focus, Eve is taking a holistic approach to progressing the UAM ecosystem, with an advanced eVTOL project, comprehensive global services and support network and a unique air traffic management solution. Eve is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (EVEX; EVEXW) and the São Paulo Stock Exchange (EVEB31), where its shares of common stock, public warrants and Brazilian Depository Receipts are traded.

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Japan’s FDMA orders first Airbus H160

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:24:03 +0000

Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA), under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, has signed an order for an Airbus H160, marking the agency’s very first acquisition of the next-generation helicopter.

Stationed in Kumamoto prefecture in the Kyushu region, the H160 will join FDMA’s existing helicopter fleet to enhance nationwide emergency response, speed and coverage. Purpose-built to serve at the frontlines of crisis, the aircraft’s primary role will be rapid aerial reconnaissance and real-time visual intelligence gathering during major natural disasters, including large-scale scenarios such as a potential Nankai trough megaquake.

“We are deeply honoured that our long-standing customer, the FDMA, has chosen the H160 to expand their fleet and carry forward their mission-critical work. By integrating this aircraft, the FDMA will significantly enhance its operational readiness and reduce emergency reaction times,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “We are seeing strong and growing interest in the multi-mission H160 across Japan. To ensure these vital aircraft perform flawlessly on every life-saving mission, we are fully committed to supporting the expanding fleet through our dedicated H160 centre of excellence in Kobe.”

To ensure seamless coordination during critical response windows, the H160 will feature Helisat advanced satellite technology. By streaming high-definition data directly to orbiting satellites, the system completely bypasses damaged ground infrastructure, providing emergency commanders with uninterrupted, real-time visibility straight from affected areas.　Furthermore, Airbus is developing custom snow landing gear designed specifically for the H160, ensuring uncompromising safety and stability during deep-snow operations in Japan’s severe winter climates.

The deployment to Kumamoto builds on a strong, multi-decade foundation of proven operational success. The prefecture introduced the AS365N3 in 2001 for disaster management missions, and subsequently upgraded to an AS365N3+ in 2018. Operating the FDMA’s new H160 alongside the prefecture’s existing AS365N3+ represents a major technological leap, delivering superior range, safety and operational capabilities to bolster disaster response across Kumamoto and the wider Kyushu region.

The FDMA’s H160 selection reflects a broader countrywide trend, with the versatile H160 increasingly becoming the aircraft of choice across Japan’s municipal and prefectural agencies. Revered for its low acoustic footprint, advanced avionics and exceptional high-altitude maneuvering, four H160s are already actively in service across Japan, performing vital law enforcement, electronic news gathering and municipal fire fighting duties, with deployments continuing to grow as regional emergency services modernise.

The H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the highest levels of operational safety alongside the extended range and spacious cabin required for demanding multirole operations. Equipped with the Helionix avionics suite, the H160 offers intuitive flight controls, enhanced situational awareness and reduced pilot workload. Capable of performing wide-ranging missions including law enforcement, offshore transportation, search and rescue, private and business aviation, and emergency medical services, the H160 has entered into service in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, U.K., U.S. and many other European countries.

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EHang Reports Q2 2026 Unaudited Financial Results

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:21:53 +0000

EHang Holdings Limited announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026.

Operational and Financial Highlights for the Second Quarter of 2026

Sales and deliveries of products included 36 units of electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft, comprising 35 units of the EH216 series¹ and one unit of VT35, compared with 52 units of the EH216 series in the second quarter of 2025 and increasing notably from 4 units in the first quarter of 2026; 520 units of GD4.0 formation drones, compared with 1,000 units in the first quarter of 2026.
Total revenues were RMB77.9 million (US$11.5 million), representing a significant increase of 203.5% from RMB25.7 million in the first quarter of 2026, and a decrease of 31.3% from RMB113.3 million in the second quarter of 2025.
Gross margin was 61.2%, on par with 61.5% in the second quarter of 2025 and 62.5% in the first quarter of 2026.
Operating loss was RMB131.7 million (US$19.4 million), compared with RMB100.1 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB127.9 million in the first quarter of 2026.
Net loss was RMB128.3 million (US$18.9 million), compared with RMB103.0 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB126.4 million in the first quarter of 2026.
Adjusted operating loss² (non-GAAP) was RMB62.0 million (US$9.1 million), compared with RMB23.9 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB77.1 million in the first quarter of 2026.
Adjusted net loss³ (non-GAAP) was RMB58.5 million (US$8.6 million), compared with RMB12.5 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB75.6 million in the first quarter of 2026.
Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and treasury investment balances were RMB929.4 million (US$137.0 million) as of June 30, 2026.

Business Highlights for the Second Quarter of 2026 and Recent Developments

Since the second quarter of 2026, amid a more cautious regulatory environment in China, EHang has focused on three strategic priorities—strengthening domestic operational capabilities, upgrading its global market entry strategies, and broadening its revenue source—while advancing from certification toward operational readiness and capability deployment.

Deepening Domestic Operational Readiness and Standardizing Operational Capabilities

EHang continued to strengthen the end-to-end operational systems at the Guangzhou and Hefei sites of two Air Operator Certificate (“OC”) holders, covering personnel training, operational support, insurance services, airspace coordination and emergency response. Routine trial operations at the two sites have remained safe and stable for 17 months, providing real-world operating data and experience to support regulatory engagement and future commercial operations.

The Company also advanced the EH216-S from single-site operations toward A-to-B route operations. At its Guangzhou headquarters, the first point-to-point test route has entered internal trial operation, further validating route planning, ground support, multi-aircraft dispatching and contingency response capabilities.

EHang continued to expand practical transportation applications, including low-altitude routes across Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan and a cross-sea low-altitude corridor project in Lingao, Hainan, in cooperation with China Construction Sixth Engineering Bureau. In Hong Kong, the Company was selected into the “Low-Altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox X” Trial Projects and has commenced flight validation, with a public flight event planned in the near term.

Building on its operating experience, EHang is standardizing its certifications, operating data, know-how and safety management capabilities into replicable solutions for customers and partners. The Company is also enhancing EH216-S operational support, with its battery cooling vehicle increasing daily utilization to 12–15 flights per aircraft and independent air-conditioning systems reducing cabin temperature by 10–15°C, supporting greater efficiency, passenger comfort and future scaled operations.

Expanding Overseas Markets and Building a Standardized, Replicable Global Market Entry Model

Through collaboration with local civil aviation authorities and partners, EHang continued to accelerate the deployment of its pilotless eVTOL technologies and operational systems overseas. Since the second quarter, the EH216-S has expanded its flight footprint to Mexico, Switzerland and Kazakhstan. To date, the EH216 series has flown in 23 countries worldwide, with nearly 100,000 safe flight missions completed.

In Thailand, the Company continued local flight validation and commercial operation preparations under the regulatory sandbox framework. A clear regulatory pathway has been established with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, with the goal of obtaining a commercial operation certificate within 2026.

Building on nearly a decade of experience in airworthiness certification, operations and regulatory engagement, EHang further advanced its Global Fast Track Program, providing a structured and accelerated pathway for introducing pilotless eVTOL operations in international markets. The program covers regulatory coordination, validation flights, operational readiness and commercialization. Sri Lanka is the inaugural market under the initiative and is advancing toward sandbox commercialization subject to applicable regulatory, technical, operational and safety assessments. EHang is also exploring similar collaboration pathways in other international markets.

By moving from product delivery toward the export of experience, capabilities and standards, EHang is building a more efficient and replicable global commercialization model.

Expanding the Product Portfolio and Application Scenarios to Diversify Growth Drivers

EHang remains focused on passenger air mobility as its long-term strategic priority, while leveraging its aviation-grade technologies and safety capabilities to expand into non-passenger applications such as logistics, firefighting and aerial media.

Aerial media remains an important part of this diversification. The Company continued to expand GD-series formation drone sales and drone show services, while further developing recurring venue-based performances alongside one-off large-scale events. EHang has also been expanding the business into Japan, Thailand and Europe, enhancing its sustainability and replicability.

In aerial logistics and firefighting, the Company is advancing product development and testing based on real customer demand, with trial applications in port logistics and forest firefighting.

Meanwhile, EHang continued to advance the development and airworthiness certification of the VT35 long-range lift-and-cruise eVTOL through ongoing testing and trial flights. The Company also enhanced its urban low-altitude flight management platform and further integrated it with Hefei government’s city-level flight service system to support future large-scale, high-density urban low-altitude operations.

Management Remarks

Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EHang: “Since the second quarter, EHang has entered an important strategic transition, moving from obtaining certifications toward operational readiness, scenario validation, capability deployment and global expansion. Certification is only the starting point. Scalable commercialization ultimately depends on safe and reliable products, strong operational capabilities, replicable scenario solutions and the ability to deploy them across global markets.

In late June, a major accident involving a piloted light-sport aircraft in China prompted greater caution around low-altitude aviation safety regulation and affected the pace of passenger commercial operation approvals in certain regions. We fully understand this regulatory approach. For pilotless passenger aviation, safety, regulation and traceability have always been the foundation for commercial operations. We see this as a temporary adjustment in industry pace, not a change in market demand, our technology foundation or long-term direction.

We are therefore focused on three priorities: refining replicable flight operational models in China while accelerating capability deployment overseas; diversifying revenue through logistics, firefighting and aerial media while keeping passenger transportation at the core; and improving efficiency by focusing resources on core R&D, airworthiness, operations and businesses with clear revenue potential. We are also improving organizational efficiency and revitalizing structure, controlling capital expenditures and expanding the use of AI in R&D design, knowledge reuse and cross-functional processes.

We firmly believe advanced air mobility will continue toward greater automation, intelligence and pilotless operations. Our goal is to keep strengthening our safety record and standardized operational capabilities, so that EHang is ready to scale as the regulatory and commercial environment matures.”

Mr. Conor Yang, Chief Financial Officer of EHang: “We are pleased with the continued progress across our global and regional markets, highlighted by the rollout of our Global Fast Track Program and the advancement of regulatory sandbox initiatives in Thailand and Hong Kong. These milestones reflect growing regulatory collaboration and open up additional commercialization pathways for our pilotless eVTOL solutions.

At the same time, we recognize that the recent industry air incidents have prompted a more cautious regulatory stance in China, creating near-term uncertainty around the timing of passenger commercial service approvals in China. In light of this evolving environment, we have decided to withdraw our previously issued 2026 revenue guidance of RMB600 million and are not providing a replacement at this time. We will revisit our outlook and provide updated guidance once regulatory visibility improves.

As of June 30, cash and investment balances totaled RMB929.4 million, supporting our commercialization, product development and global expansion. We will continue to improve operating efficiency and create sustainable long-term value for shareholders.”

Unaudited Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2026

Revenues

Total revenues were RMB77.9 million (US$11.5 million), compared with RMB113.3 million in the second quarter of 2025, and RMB25.7 million in the first quarter of 2026. The quarter-over-quarter 203.5% increase was primarily driven by increased sales volume of eVTOL aircraft, including EH216 series and VT35.

Costs of revenues

Costs of revenues were RMB30.2 million (US$4.4 million), compared with RMB43.6 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB9.6 million in the first quarter of 2026. The quarter-over-quarter increase was in line with the increase in the sales volume of eVTOL aircraft.

Gross profit and gross margin

Gross profit was RMB47.7 million (US$7.0 million), compared with RMB69.7 million in the second quarter of 2025, and RMB16.0 million in the first quarter of 2026. The quarter-over-quarter increase was primarily due to the increase in the sales volume of eVTOL aircraft.

Gross margin was 61.2%, on par with 61.5% in the second quarter of 2025 and 62.5% in the first quarter of 2026.

Operating expenses

Total operating expenses were RMB182.3 million (US$26.9 million), compared with RMB172.5 million in the second quarter of 2025, and RMB151.7 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Sales and marketing expenses were RMB34.4 million (US$5.1 million), compared with RMB41.1 million in the second quarter of 2025, and RMB23.9 million in the first quarter of 2026. The year-over-year decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in sales-related compensation. The quarter-over-quarter increase was primarily attributable to higher share-based compensation expenses due to new grant of share-based awards in the end of first quarter of 2026.
General and administrative expenses were RMB84.1 million (US$12.4 million), compared with RMB73.8 million in the second quarter of 2025, and RMB67.7 million in the first quarter of 2026. The year-over-year and the quarter-over-quarter increases were primarily attributable to higher share-based compensation expenses due to new grant of share-based awards in the end of first quarter of 2026, and increases in current expected credit loss of accounts receivable.
Research and development expenses were RMB63.8 million (US$9.4 million), compared with RMB57.6 million in the second quarter of 2025, and RMB60.1 million in the first quarter of 2026. The year-over-year increase was mainly attributable to increased employee compensation. The quarter-over-quarter increase was mainly attributable to higher share-based compensation expenses due to new grant of share-based awards in the end of first quarter of 2026.

Operating loss

Operating loss was RMB 131.7 million (US$19.4 million), compared with RMB100.1 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB127.9 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Net loss

Net loss was RMB 128.3 million (US$18.9 million), compared with RMB103.0 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB126.4 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Net loss per ordinary share and per ADS

Basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share were both RMB0.84 (US$0.12).

Basic and diluted net loss per American depositary share (“ADS”) were both RMB1.68 (US$0.24). Each ADS represents two of our Class A ordinary shares.

Balance sheets

Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and treasury investment balances were RMB929.4 million (US$137.0 million) as of June 30, 2026.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses adjusted gross profit, adjusted operating expenses, adjusted sales and marketing expenses, adjusted general and administrative expenses, adjusted research and development expenses, adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders, adjusted basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per ordinary share and adjusted basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per ADS (collectively, the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”) in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. There was no income tax impact on the Company’s non-GAAP adjustments because the non-GAAP adjustments are usually recorded in entities located in tax-free jurisdictions, such as the Cayman Islands, or such expenses were not deductible.

The Company believes that the Non-GAAP Financial Measures help identify underlying trends in its business that could otherwise be distorted by the effects of item of (i) share-based compensation expenses and (ii) certain non-operational expenses, such as provisions for legal proceedings, which are included in their comparable GAAP measures. The Company believes that the Non-GAAP Financial Measures provide useful information about its operating results, enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects, and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by its management in their financial and operational decision-making.

The Non-GAAP Financial Measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using the Non-GAAP Financial Measures is that they do not reflect all items of expense that affect the Company’s operations. Share-based compensation expenses have been and may continue to be incurred in the business and are not reflected in the presentation of the Non-GAAP Financial Measures. Further, the Non-GAAP Financial Measures may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the Non-GAAP Financial Measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP measures, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance.

Each of the Non-GAAP Financial Measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to its comparable GAAP measure or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance or financial results. Investors are encouraged to review the Company’s most directly comparable GAAP measures in conjunction with the Non-GAAP Financial Measures. The Non-GAAP Financial Measures presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to the Company’s data. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

For more information on the Non-GAAP Financial Measures, please see the table captioned “Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results” set forth at the end of this press release.

Adjusted operating expenses⁴ (non-GAAP)

Adjusted operating expenses⁴ were RMB112.7 million (US$16.6 million), compared to RMB96.4 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB101.1 million in the first quarter of 2026. In the second quarter of 2026, adjusted sales and marketing expenses⁴, adjusted general and administrative expenses⁴, and adjusted research and development expenses⁴ were RMB20.0 million (US$2.9 million), RMB45.4 million (US$6.7 million), and RMB47.3 million (US$7.0 million), respectively.

Adjusted operating loss² (non-GAAP)

Adjusted operating loss² was RMB62.0 million (US$9.1 million), compared with RMB23.9 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB77.1 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Adjusted net loss³ (non-GAAP)

Adjusted net loss³ was RMB58.5 million (US$8.6 million), compared with RMB12.5 million in the second quarter of 2025 and adjusted net loss³ of RMB75.6 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Adjusted net loss attributable to EHang’s ordinary shareholders⁵ (non-GAAP)

Adjusted net loss attributable to EHang’s ordinary shareholders⁵ was RMB57.9 million (US$8.5 million), compared with RMB12.3 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB75.2 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Adjusted net loss per ordinary share⁶ and per ADS⁷ (non-GAAP)

Adjusted basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share⁶ was RMB0.38 (US$0.06).

Adjusted basic and diluted net loss per ADS⁷ was RMB0.76 (US$0.12).

Business Outlook

In light of recent industry safety incidents and the resulting more cautious regulatory approach, which has increased uncertainty around the timing of passenger commercial service approvals in China, the Company has decided to withdraw its previously issued full-year revenue guidance for 2026 and is not providing replacement guidance at this time.

This decision reflects a prudent approach to managing business visibility against the backdrop of domestic regulatory environment at this stage and does not represent a change in the Company’s long-term outlook for the low-altitude economy or EHang’s strategic positioning.

The Company will continue to expand global markets, strengthen its operational capabilities, diversify its revenue mix, and closely monitor developments in the regulatory and operating environment. EHang expects to provide an updated business outlook when greater regulatory visibility is established.

Conference Call

EHang’s management team will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Beijing/Hong Kong Time).

To join the conference call via telephone, participants must use the following link to complete an online registration process. Upon registering, each participant will receive email instructions to access the conference call, including dial-in information and a PIN number allowing access to the conference call.

Participant Online Registration:
English line: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10056824-n27awx.html

Chinese line: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10056826-dodgtb.html

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s Investors Relations website at http://ir.ehang.com/.

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Boeing awarded $22.3M contract for AH-64E maintenance

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:20:18 +0000

The Boeing Co., Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $22,282,170 modification (P00014) to contract W58RGZ-24-C-0036 for AH-64E Apache aircraft maintenance support. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $110,086,534. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2027. Fiscal 2026 Foreign Military Sales (Qatar) funds in the amount of $22,282,170 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

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DigiFlight awarded $13.6M contract for Apache logistics services

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:19:11 +0000

DigiFlight Inc., Columbia, Maryland, was awarded a $13,617,521 modification (P00104) to contract W31P4Q-19-F-E002 for integrated logistics services in support of the Apache Attack Helicopter Project Office. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2026. Fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement, Army funds; and fiscal 2010 Foreign Military Sales (Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Niue, Poland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom) funds, in the amount of $13,617,521 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. (Awarded July 6, 2026)

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CAE awarded $11.1M contract option for Australian MH-60R training

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:18:00 +0000

CAE USA Inc., Tampa, Florida, is awarded an $11,135,132 firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursable modification (P00002). This exercises Option Year One to procure contractor operation and maintenance services, contract engineering support, courseware revision and maintenance, contractor instructor services, cyber sustainment, and configuration management to support the Royal Australian Navy MH-60R training facilities at Albatross, Nowra, New South Wales, Australia, in the Seahawk Simulation and Warfare Centre. Work will be performed in Albatross, Nowra, New South Wales, Australia, and is expected to be completed August 2027. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $11,135,132 will be obligated at the time of the award, none of which expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (N6134025C0002).

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Sikorsky awarded $51.7M contract for VH-92A support

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:16:58 +0000

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $51,714,440 modification (P00018) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001923D0011). This modification increases the contract ceiling to provide continued integrated logistics support, sustaining engineering, spares support, material management, component overhaul, and training activities in support of sustaining the VH-92A Patriot in-service helicopter for the Navy. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (30.14%); Woodland, Washington (6.04%), Fort Worth, Texas (5.97%), Italy (5.75%), Sylmar, California (5.71%), Estonia (3.21%), Irvine, California (2.61%), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (2.44%), Springfield, New Jersey (2.37%), Berlin, Connecticut (2.07%), Landshut, Delaware (1.75%), Charlotte, North Carolina (1.72%), Peachtree City, Georgia (1.57%), Great Britain (1.57%), Rockford, Illinois (1.42%), Vergennes, Vermont (1.31%), Erie, Pennsylvania (1.18%), Milford, Connecticut (1.11%), Westminster, South Carolina (1.05%), various locations within the continental U.S. each under 1% (19.17%), and various locations outside the continental U.S. each under 1% (1.86%), and is expected to be completed in March 2029. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The contract that is being modified was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

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DJI tests delivery drone on Mount Everest

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:05:35 +0000

DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, announced the successful completion of three missions on Mount Qomolangma (also known as Mount Everest), advancing breakthroughs in high-altitude delivery, mapping, and atmospheric research. Missions featured the new DJI FlyCart 100 for delivery and the new DJI Matrice 4E for mapping on the South Slope in Nepal. And DJI’s first eVTOL delivery drone EV50 supported long-distance, high-altitude deliveries for atmospheric chemistry research on the North Slope in China.

These milestones build on DJI’s decades-long effort to push the boundaries of drone innovation on the world’s highest mountain.In 2009, DJI tested an unmanned helicopter equipped with its self-developed XP3.1 flight control system on the mountain. A year later, the DJI Ace One flight control system successfully operated above 4,700 m. In 2022, a DJI Mavic 3 reached the summit and captured the first drone footage of the peak at 8,848.86 m. Then in 2024, DJI FlyCart 30 completed the world’s first drone delivery tests on the mountain from Base Camp to Camp 1 on the South Slope.

“Our team remains dedicated to making the world’s highest mountain safer and cleaner for Sherpas and mountaineers worldwide,” said Christina Zhang, spokesperson for DJI. “The success of our latest operations marks a proud milestone, and we hope our ongoing collaboration with the scientific community will further advance drone technology—saving lives and supporting conservation efforts across the globe.”

High Altitude Drone Delivery Transports 10,073 kg in Supplies and Waste

DJI FlyCart 100 is a high-capacity, heavy-lift delivery drone that can carry up to 100 kg at sea-level over longer distances while delivering improved power efficiency. In partnership with local Nepalese drone company Airlift, the tests assessed the drone’s high-altitude performance, including payload capacity, transmission range, RTK positioning accuracy, signal stability, and battery endurance in sub-zero temperatures (-15° to 5°C). The payload, which included various climbing expedition gear such as oxygen tanks, ropes, ladders, and other equipment, was flown between Base Camp and Camp 1.

This year’s tests demonstrated the DJI FlyCart 100’s ability to carry up to 47 kg while reaching a test altitude of over 6,300 m. In total, 10,073 kg of supplies and waste were carried between Base Camp and Camp 1 – of which, 7,215 kg were climbing supplies and 2,858 kg were waste removed from the mountain. A single, one-way flight took just eight minutes to complete. Traditionally, Sherpas needed to trek six to eight hours on foot and cross the hazardous Khumbu Icefall to make the same delivery.

DJI FlyCart 100 will continue to support the Nepalese climbing community’s long-term goal of transporting approximately 5,000 oxygen cylinders each climbing season between Base Camp and Camp 1. On return trips, DJI FlyCart 100 will assist in removing approximately 10,000 kg of waste from higher camps that previously could not be cleaned up. On average, each climber leaves about 8 kg of trash behind on the mountain. This aligns with Nepal’s broader sustainability efforts, including the Nepal Mountain Association’s “Zero Waste Initiative 2027.”

Enabling High-Altitude Glacier Mapping Deployment for Mountaineering Safety

Throughout the Spring 2026 climbing season, the DJI Matrice 4E was tested in a high-altitude mountaineering environment to obtain high-resolution glacier intelligence. The compact enterprise drone with intelligent multi-sensors performed exceptionally well in the mountain’s extreme conditions at an altitude of 6,450 m and temperatures below -20° C. It mapped over 3 km² of the Khumbu Icefall’s core area at a centimeter-level — covering Base Camp, the icefall, and above Camp I — in just 3.5 hours, slashing typical survey time. It became a critical tool for providing real-time hazard monitoring, planning safer routes, enabling faster movement on the mountain, and improving support for rescue operations.

The compact drone’s Laser Range Finder was used to make precise, real-time distance and terrain measurements. These coordinate markings, in turn, were used to help teams accurately identify and share hazard locations. For search-and-rescue operations, the drone can serve as a second pair of eyes, intelligently locating people and detecting movement against snow-covered terrain.

DJI Matrice 4E will continue to play a critical role in improving mountaineering safety, providing climbing teams with the data they need to make smarter, safer decisions in the extreme environment on the world’s highest peak. “While glacier mapping and satellite monitoring have been used in different parts of the world, what we are doing in Nepal is unique because of the level of detail, operational application, and real-time safety focus for mountaineering,” said Raj Bikram Maharjan, CEO at Airlift Technology. “To our knowledge, this is the first deployment of its kind in Nepal, and potentially one of the first real-world operational uses globally at this scale in a high-altitude expedition environment.”

Aiding High-Altitude Scientific Research on Climate Change

In support of the scientific community, DJI tested its first eVTOL delivery drone, DJI EV50, to conduct fine-scale observations of atmospheric pollutants in the ultra-high-altitude troposphere. Over 12 days, ozone-measuring equipment from the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at Peking University was transported 12 times from the mountaineering base camp in the Qomolangma National Reserve. Spiral ascents and reciprocating flight patterns were performed to navigate the complex winds and harsh flying conditions. The most successful flight reached a maximum flight altitude of 8,861 m with a maximum continuous climb of 3,730 m. This operation also marked the first time the university’s researchers used drones to conduct high-altitude troposphere observations for related atmospheric research.

Making the Future of Mountaineering Safer

For 20 years, DJI has driven innovation in drone technology – from pioneering the modern camera drone to developing tools now used in agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety around the world. In 2026, we took our technology to the highest peak – not for a record, but to protect our planet. DJI remains committed to working with local partners, mountaineering communities, and scientists to push the boundaries of what drone technology can do even in such extreme environments, in service of applications that support research, sustainability, and safety.

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Midwest Blade Tech merges with Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:59:31 +0000

Midwest Aerospace, Ltd. is pleased to announce the strategic merger of its newest company, Midwest Blade Tech, with Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing, creating a stronger organization dedicated to delivering industry-leading rotor blade repair, engineering, and manufacturing services.

The merger combines Midwest Blade Tech’s customer-first approach with Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing’s decades of rotor blade expertise and extensive FAA-approved engineering repair capabilities. Together, the companies will offer customers expanded repair capacity, broader technical resources, and enhanced support for a wide range of rotor blade models.

“Midwest Aerospace created Midwest Blade Tech to fill a significant need within the rotor blade industry,” said Joseph L. Giannini, Vice President of Midwest Aerospace. “From the beginning, our goal was to provide customers with exceptional quality, responsive service, and dependable rotor blade support. Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing has established an outstanding reputation through its workmanship, extensive FAA-approved engineering repairs, and willingness to go above and beyond for its customers. Bringing Midwest Blade Tech and Rotorcraft together allows us to combine the strengths of both organizations and achieve far more than either company could accomplish independently.”

The merger expands the capabilities of both organizations by combining experienced personnel, engineering expertise, advanced repair solutions, and increased production capacity. Customers will benefit from a broader range of repair services, improved responsiveness, and the confidence of working with a single organization committed to quality, safety, and reliability.

The combined organization also strengthens Midwest Aerospace’s exclusive offering of Dragon Skin Xtreme (DSX), the proprietary rotor blade leading-edge protection coating developed by Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing. Proven in some of the world’s harshest operating environments, DSX provides exceptional resistance to erosion and corrosion while extending blade service life. By integrating Rotorcraft Repair & Manufacturing into Midwest Blade Tech, customers now have a single source for rotor blade repair, engineering, overhaul, and advanced protective coatings.

“This merger is not simply about combining two businesses,” Joseph added. “It is about bringing together two teams that share the same values—quality workmanship, uncompromising safety, technical excellence, and a commitment to doing what is right for the customer. Together, we are creating a stronger organization that will provide greater value and broader support to the rotorcraft industry.”

The merger represents another milestone in Midwest Aerospace’s continued investment in expanding its maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities while strengthening support for helicopter operators worldwide.

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India’s First RNP CAT H Helicopter Approach launched

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:54:29 +0000

HAL Airport, Bengaluru, has become the first airport in India to operationalise the Required Navigation Performance – Category H (RNP CAT H) helicopter approach procedure, a satellite-guided precision navigation system designed exclusively for helicopters.

Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), validated through flight trials by HAL test pilots and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), this approach allows helicopters to fly highly accurate optimised paths, enabling all-weather access while safely navigating terrain and urban obstacles. The procedure reduces the approach time to HAL Airport from 12 minutes to about four minutes.

Mr. Ravi K, CMD, HAL, says, “The operationalisation of India’s first RNP CAT H helicopter approach is a significant milestone for the country’s aviation ecosystem. This capability enhances the safety, efficiency and accessibility of helicopter operations and establishes a benchmark for similar procedures to be implemented at airports across the country.”

This system enhances operational efficiency and airspace capacity, enables seamless integration of rotary and fixed-wing operations, reduces noise footprints over cities, and provides faster, safer routes for critical missions such as air ambulance and rescue operations.

With nearly 50 helicopter movements daily at the airport, HAL Bengaluru has closed a long-standing gap in India’s aviation infrastructure with this launch, paving the way for safer, smarter helicopter operations.

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SkyDrive explores eVTOL use for medical logistics in India

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:52:07 +0000

Air India Limited (hereinafter, “Air India”), India’s leading global airline, SkyDrive Inc. (hereinafter, “SkyDrive”), a company engaged in the development, manufacture, and sales of eVTOL aircraft, and Suzuki Motor Corporation (hereinafter, “Suzuki”) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to conduct a joint feasibility study on the use of eVTOL aircraft for medical air logistics in India.

India’s major cities face severe traffic congestion, creating significant challenges for time-critical medical logistics. By combining SkyDrive’s eVTOL technology, Air India’s operational expertise and Suzuki’s India market insight, the three companies will take on the challenge of realizing last-mile emergency medical logistics, contributing to the advancement of India’s medical infrastructure.

Comment by Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo of Air India Limited
“India is today one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets, and we see advanced air mobility as a natural extension of the country’s transport ecosystem. This collaboration with SkyDrive and Suzuki reflects our shared ambition to explore 21st century solutions to address real-world challenges while shaping the future of mobility. The potential application of eVTOL aircraft for medical air logistics is particularly compelling because it combines technology and purpose, helping to reduce critical transit times when every minute can make a difference. We are pleased to contribute to this feasibility study with our operational expertise, airport infrastructure knowledge, and stakeholder relationships to help evaluate and develop a framework for safe, reliable, and scalable eVTOL operations.”

Comment by Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO of SkyDrive Inc.
“Since our founding, SkyDrive has been dedicated to transforming the future of transportation through the aerial mobility revolution. We are incredibly proud to partner with Air India and Suzuki to take a step toward medical logistics—a sector where every second counts and lives can be saved. In India, where chronic congestion is a pressing issue, utilizing eVTOLs for advanced medical logistics—including the transport of high-value, time-critical medical supplies—will reshape medical infrastructure. We will work dedicatedly to contribute to saving as many lives as possible.”

Comment by Masao Fujitani, Executive General Manager, Next Generation Business Development of Suzuki Motor Corporation
“The eVTOL aircraft being developed by SkyDrive, with which Suzuki is engaged in business and technology collaboration, represents a new form of mobility that embodies Suzuki’s philosophy of ‘Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi (Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, and Neater)’. We believe it has the potential to play a role in supporting medical infrastructure in urban areas.

Under our corporate slogan, ‘By Your Side,’ Suzuki will continue to provide diverse mobility options tailored to customers’ needs and contribute to regional development. By collaborating with a wide range of mobility companies, including SkyDrive and Air India, Suzuki aims to realize ‘infrastructure mobility closely connected with people’s lives.’”

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Sikorsky names Black Hawk parts distribution centre for EU

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:44:40 +0000

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company announced the selection of Česká letecká servisní, a.s. (ČLS) as an authorized Sikorsky distribution center for BLACK HAWK helicopter parts within the European Union.

Leveraging ČLS’s extensive experience delivering turnkey avionics and equipment solutions for both helicopter and fixed‑wing platforms, the agreement reinforces Sikorsky’s commitment to European customers and enhances parts availability for the growing Black Hawk fleet across the European Union. ČLS’s ability to stock Sikorsky recommended parts in its warehouse ensures that high demand components are readily available. This is particularly important for supporting the increased volume of S-70, UH-60M and UH-60A/L platforms in the European Union, where quick access to parts is crucial for mission-critical operations.

“As the Hawk helicopter fleet grows in Europe, we are committed to supporting operator readiness for emergency response, security operations and more,” said Rich Benton, vice president and general manager, Sikorsky. “By working alongside ČLS, we are strengthening our service footprint in the European Union and ensuring timely parts delivery for Black Hawk helicopters.”

“Being appointed an authorized Sikorsky distribution center for the European Union countries marks a significant milestone for ČLS and proves our expertise in modernizations and after- sales support of helicopter platforms,” said Monika Kowalczykova, CEO of ČLS.

ČLS is authorized to distribute Sikorsky components within the European Union where more than 150 Black Hawks currently are in service. ČLS and Sikorsky, along with PZL Mielec and United Rotorcraft, are also working toward the launch of the new S-70 FIREHAWK helicopter program for the Czech Republic.

ČLS meets the high standards and requirements Sikorsky puts in place for all authorized distribution centers. ČLS completed a detailed review and stringent evaluation process, demonstrating its commitment to excellence and its ability to meet the high quality, process and policy standards set by Sikorsky.

This is Sikorsky’s first authorized distribution center in the European Union, and it joins the growing network of distribution centers throughout South America, the Middle East, and Asia under Sikorsky’s regional sustainment strategy.

The Black Hawk helicopter family’s proven reliability, versatility and rapid‑deployment capabilities make it ideally suited to support a wide range of European Union missions from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to tactical air‑mobility and joint‑force operations. Additionally, the S‑70 Black Hawk variant is proudly manufactured by PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, in Poland, and supported by regional suppliers, underscoring a strong local supply chain and further enhancing European readiness.

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Sikorsky awarded $107.3M contract for VH-92A main blades

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:42:46 +0000

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $107,289,338 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price order (N0001926F1126) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001923G0002). This order provides for the design, integration, and testing of the Power Margin Increment Two main rotor blades for the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter. This effort supports the development, integration, and qualification of an improved main rotor blade design to increase aircraft power margin and enhance operational performance. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (72%); West Palm Beach, Florida (25%); Fort Worth, Texas (2%); and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (1%), and is expected to be completed in March 2031. Fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $18,424,287 will be obligated at the time of award. This order was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

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Bell Boeing awarded $35.8M contract for V-22 improvement kits

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:41:28 +0000

Bell Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed $35,795,938 modification (P00001) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, undefinitized, delivery order (N0001926F0141) under basic ordering agreement N0001922G0002. This modification increases the not-to-exceed ceiling, adding scope to procure an additional five Nacelle improvements kits and 10 shipsets of pylon support assemblies for retrofit of MV-22 and CMV-22 aircraft in support of enhancing the operational capabilities of the aircraft for the Navy and Marine Corps. Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas (84%); Fort Worth, Texas (15%); and Ridley Park, Pennsylvania (1%), and is expected to be completed in August 2030. Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $23,139,716; and fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,707,236, will be obligated at the time of award. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

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SkyMatch expands private aviation strategy into eVTOL

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:33:21 +0000

SkyMatch Group, a global private helicopter concierge, is preparing its international network for the next generation of vertical aviation, including certified eVTOL air taxis and advanced air mobility services. The initiative is designed to extend SkyMatch Group’s existing helicopter concierge model into emerging private aviation markets as commercial operations become available.

LONDON, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SkyMatch Group, a global private helicopter concierge, has begun developing the next phase of its international aviation strategy to prepare for the commercial introduction of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, commonly known as eVTOLs or electric air taxis.

Through SkyMatchGroup.com, individuals and businesses currently have one point of access for private helicopter charter across international destinations. SkyMatch Group is now preparing that concierge model for a future in which certified eVTOL aircraft and advanced air mobility services may operate alongside conventional helicopters in selected markets.

The strategy reflects the evolution of private aviation as new aircraft technologies, operating models and vertiport infrastructure move closer to supporting commercial passenger transportation.

What Is SkyMatch Group Developing?

SkyMatch Group is preparing to extend its existing helicopter concierge model to include eVTOL air taxis and advanced air mobility services as certified commercial operations become available.

The initiative includes evaluating potential eVTOL markets and routes, following certification and commercial-launch developments, identifying relevant operators and vertiport infrastructure, and preparing the SkyMatch Group network to accommodate future passenger requirements.

SkyMatch Group is not currently offering uncertified eVTOL flights. Any future eVTOL service will depend on aircraft certification, licensed operator approvals, local aviation regulations, infrastructure and commercial availability in each market.

From Helicopter Charter to Next-Generation Vertical Flight

SkyMatch Group views eVTOL aircraft as an extension of vertical aviation rather than a replacement for helicopters.

Helicopters remain important for longer-range missions, remote destinations, yacht transfers, executive travel, airport connections and locations where dedicated eVTOL infrastructure may not be available.

Electric air taxis could create additional options for shorter urban and regional journeys, including airport-to-city transportation and connections between major business and leisure destinations.

SkyMatch Group’s long-term model is centered on the journey rather than a single aircraft category.

One journey. One concierge. Multiple aviation options.

A New Access Layer for Private Aviation

Private helicopter charter remains highly localized. Operators typically serve specific geographic regions and aircraft fleets, while private travelers and businesses increasingly require transportation across multiple destinations.

The emerging eVTOL market may create similar complexity, with cities potentially served by different aircraft, operators, vertiports, regulations, range limitations and passenger requirements.

SkyMatch Group sees an opportunity to simplify access to these evolving networks.

Rather than requiring travelers and businesses to research individual operators and aircraft technologies in every destination, SkyMatch Group is developing its concierge model around the journey itself, with the objective of providing one point of access across different forms of vertical aviation.

Private Aviation for Businesses and Luxury Travel

SkyMatch Group’s future vertical aviation model is intended for private travelers and businesses arranging transportation for customers, executives, employees and management teams.

Potential applications include:

Airport-to-city and airport-to-resort transfers
Executive and corporate travel
Luxury hotel, resort and yacht connections
Major sporting and international events
VIP and customer transportation
Time-sensitive regional travel

Luxury hotels, concierge firms, yacht managers, travel advisors and destination management companies could ultimately access established helicopter charter and emerging eVTOL services through one SkyMatch Group relationship.

Businesses and corporate travel departments could similarly gain another transportation option for executives, management teams, customers and delegations in markets where commercial eVTOL operations receive regulatory approval.

Helicopters and eVTOLs in One Vertical Aviation Network

SkyMatch Group will continue developing its international helicopter charter network while preparing for the next generation of private aviation.

Today, a request may be served by a conventional helicopter. In future markets, the same journey could potentially be served by an eVTOL air taxi or a combination of helicopter, eVTOL and ground transportation, depending on distance, passenger requirements, infrastructure, regulations and availability.

Helicopters will continue to provide capabilities that early eVTOL aircraft may not initially offer, particularly for longer distances, remote locations and missions requiring greater operational flexibility. Electric air taxis may complement those capabilities on shorter routes where suitable infrastructure exists.

One request. Local operators. Global access.

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Leonardo appoints MD

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:06:32 +0000

Stefano Villanti is appointed Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters.

Stefano Villanti brings extensive experience in Leonardo’s rotorcraft business, having held senior leadership positions within Leonardo Helicopters for the past ten years, including leading Sales, Marketing and Contracts for over the last three years.

As Managing Director, Stefano Villanti will ensure that Leonardo Helicopters remains firmly focused on its key goals: delivering on commitments to customers, advancing the helicopter business’s industrial strategy and achieving its growth objectives.

Lorenzo Mariani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo said: “Rotorcraft technology, with its unique performance, versatility and capability features, continues to provide an invaluable contribution across all defence, public service and civil markets. We are committed to further strengthening this strategic area of business, increasingly benefitting from synergies across our entire organisation. This will allow us to rapidly understand, adapt to and respond to evolving requirements, anticipating new trends both in terms of innovation and operational needs. I wish Stefano Villanti, in his new role, and his team continued success to achieve further growth and new global competitiveness objectives.”

Stefano Villanti said: “Leonardo is a major global player in the rotorcraft industry — a sector that, like much of the wider Aerospace, Defence and Security landscape, is navigating a period of considerable change. This environment calls for a balanced approach: continuity in execution and performance, combined with a careful assessment of longer-term priorities and the opportunities most valuable to maintaining and strengthening Leonardo’s competitiveness. With customers at the centre of everything we do, we will place acceleration in execution and innovation at the core of how we work, while continuing to enhance quality. We are fully committed to delivering on these priorities, drawing on the expertise, dedication and enthusiasm of everyone across the Division.”

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Collins awarded $472M contract for US Army Chinook avionics upgrade

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:34:49 +0000

The U.S. Army awarded Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, a contract worth up to $472 million to provide engineering services that support the modernization and sustainment of the CH‑47 Chinook fleet.

The engineering services will deliver avionics upgrades that help integrate new capabilities more efficiently, address obsolescence and strengthen the aircraft’s avionics architecture to support continued mission readiness in a rapidly evolving operational environment.

“Collins equips the Chinook with advanced avionics that integrates communication, navigation and mission subsystems into a flexible, interoperable cockpit built for today’s operational demands,” said Jenny Miller, vice president and general manager of Vision and Sensing Systems at Collins Aerospace. “Our longstanding avionics partnership with the U.S. Army ensures the fleet continuously evolves to support the warfighter and meet future operational demands.”

The award supports greater platform commonality across the Army’s aviation enterprise by advancing open, reusable avionics architectures that can be integrated across multiple aircraft. This approach helps streamline technology insertion, reduce integration complexity and drive cost and schedule efficiencies as the Army modernizes its fleet.

Work on this contract will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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Eve signs MOU with RV Connex to advance UAM in Thailand

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:12:01 +0000

Eve Air Mobility and RV Connex Co., Ltd., a leading Thai engineering and aerospace company, are signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together on regulatory development that will help shape Thailand’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry.

Under the terms of the MOU, RV Connex and Eve will jointly collaborate on long term industry and regulatory engagement in Thailand. Bringing together interested public and private stakeholders to establish safe, efficient, and scalable advanced air mobility operations.

“Thailand offers a fantastic opportunity for urban air mobility. Working with RV Connex lets us help shape the regulations this industry needs to grow,” said Johann Bordais, chief executive officer at Eve Air Mobility. “This MOU shows our strong commitment to building the needed regulatory and operational foundations together with local partners.”

This collaboration seeks to evaluate future operational scenarios, safety requirements, airspace rules, and infrastructure needs that are specific to Thailand’s aviation system. Learning from global AAM standards while also meeting the needs of the Thai market. RV Connex will collaborate closely with partners from government, academia, and industry to make sure the process is thorough and inclusive.

“RV Connex wants to help make Thailand a leader in global advanced air mobility,” said Sujate Jantarang, president of RV Connex. “Our MOU with Eve Air Mobility and our partners will create a strong framework to help Thai authorities develop modern, globally aligned regulations for this new technology.”

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Bell awarded $43.2M contract for H-1 gearboxes

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:07:32 +0000

Bell Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded $43,215,352 for an undefinitized contract action delivery order (N00383-26-F-0083) under previously awarded basic ordering agreement N00383-22-G-ZL01 for the procurement of 32 gearboxes in support of H-1 helicopters sold to the Czech Republic under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. All work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and work will be completed by June 2030. This contract involves FMS funds to the Czech Republic (100%). FMS funds (Czech Republic) in the amount of $21,175,522 (49%) will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Subsequent funding to definitize the requirement will be funded with appropriate FMS funds (Czech Republic). One company was solicited for this sole-source requirement pursuant to the authority set forth in 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1) and one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity.

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Lockheed awarded $126.9M contract for HH-60W spare parts

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:05:46 +0000

Lockheed Martin Rotary Mission Systems, Stratford, Connecticut, has been awarded a $126,946,760 modification (PZ0368) to a previously awarded contract (FA8629-14-C-2403) for initial spare parts for HH-60W Lot Five. This contract definitizes an undefinitized contract action from previous modification (P00337) and will bring the total cumulative face value of the contract to $6,436,655,078 from $6,455,719,950. Work will be performed at Stratford, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by March 18, 2030. Fiscal 2024 and 2025 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $17,438,036 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Helicopter Division, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

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Offset agreements signed to support Polish AH-64E fleet

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:04:46 +0000

Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 1 S.A. (WZL-1), the Military Central Bureau of Design and Technology S.A. (WCBKT) and Boeing have signed offset implementation agreements to establish long-term industrial cooperation supporting the sustainment, maintenance and ground support of Poland’s AH-64E Apache helicopter fleet.

The signing ceremony took place at the WZL-1 facility in Łódź, with representatives from the Polish Ministry of National Defence, the Government of the Republic of Poland, and the Polish Armed Forces in attendance.

Under the agreements, Boeing will support WZL-1 as they start to support the AH-64E aircraft for the Polish Armed Forces. The center will provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, including organizational- and intermediate-level inspections and repairs, as well as selected depot-level component repairs. Boeing and WCBKT will evaluate selected WCBKT ground support equipment for use with the AH-64E Apache helicopter. This effort will assess the feasibility of Polish engineering solutions in support of the combat helicopters and help inform their future role in the Apache sustainment program.

“Signing these agreements marks a significant milestone in Boeing’s partnership with Poland and demonstrates our enduring commitment to supporting the Polish Armed Forces through robust, in-country sustainment and maintenance capabilities,” said Marc-Olivier Sabourin, Vice-President EICLA & Training Solutions, Boeing Global Services. “Together with WZL-1 and WCBKT, we are building the industrial framework, technical expertise and workforce needed to support Poland’s Apache fleet for decades, while strengthening Poland’s sovereign defense capabilities.”

As part of offset implementation agreements, Boeing will leverage its sustainment expertise to deliver technical insight, resources, and training to WZL-1 and WCBKT’s highly skilled workforce, which will enable continuous modernization and operational readiness of the Apache platform within Poland.

“For WZL-1, establishing the largest Apache support infrastructure in Europe is both a responsibility and a natural extension of our core business activities. This agreement will enable us to provide support to the Polish Armed Forces, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities,” said Jacek A. Goszczyński, PhD Eng., CEO of Military Aviation Works No. 1 S.A. (WZL-1).

“Signing the implementation agreement with Boeing marks a significant step toward increasing the Polish defense industry’s participation in the AH-64E Apache support program. For WCBKT S.A., this represents an opportunity to further develop capabilities and strengthen the company’s position as a national center of expertise in the design, manufacture, and servicing of ground support equipment for modern military platforms. We believe that utilizing equipment developed and manufactured by WCBKT S.A.—alongside the potential of the Polish industry—will enhance logistical support efficiency and strengthen the operational independence of the Polish Armed Forces. We are confident that WCBKT S.A.’s expertise and the quality of our solutions will enable us to effectively support AH-64E Apache operations with state-of-the-art ground support equipment.” said Roman Fiszer, PhD Eng., CEO of WCBKT S.A.

Poland has contracted for 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters. Poland’s offset agreements support the implementation of its AH-64E Apache program by developing critical maintenance and sustainment capabilities domestically.

Currently the 19^th nation operating the Apache, Poland will become the world’s second-largest Apache operator after the United States with the addition of its AH-64E fleet. Proven in combat, the Apache continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt to missions such as Counter-UAS and absorb new technologies to remain dominant against evolving global threats. Approximately 1,300 Apache helicopters are in operation worldwide.

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EHang EH216-S Completes First Public Flight in Hong Kong

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:03:04 +0000

EHang Holdings Limited, the world’s leading advanced air mobility (“AAM”) technology platform company, today announced that its proprietary EH216-S, a pilotless human-carrying electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has successfully completed its first public flight at Hong Kong Cyberport. The flight marked the first public demonstration since the first phase of validation flights began in mid-August under the HKSAR Government’s Low-Altitude Economy “Regulatory Sandbox X” Trial Project (the “Project”). It also represents a significant milestone in the development of a three-dimensional low-altitude transportation network and the validation of regular operations across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The landmark flight was witnessed by distinguished government officials and industry leaders, including The Hon Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary and Head of the Working Group on Developing Low Altitude Economy; Ms. Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Ms. Clara Wong, Director-General of Civil Aviation; Mr. Wong Leung Pak, Matthew, Chairman of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited; Mr. Simon Chan, Chairman of Hong Kong Cyberport; Dr Rocky Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Cyberport; as well as Mr. Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang; Mr. Conor Yang, Chief Financial Officer of EHang; and Ms. Xiaona Lee, China General Manager of EHang.

At the event, Mr. Simon Chan, Chairman of Hong Kong Cyberport, and The Hon Michael Wong delivered remarks, congratulating the successful completion of the first public flight and highlighting the strategic significance of pilotless human-carrying aviation technology to Hong Kong’s development of new quality productive forces and smart city initiatives.

During the demonstration, the EH216-S took off smoothly from the Cyberport waterfront vertiport, performing vertical take-off and landing, low-altitude cruise, and hover maneuvers along pre-programmed routes, demonstrating stable flight performance and autonomous flight control capabilities. From August 28 to 30, the EH216-S will continue to conduct multiple public flight sessions at Cyberport to further validate and demonstrate system reliability and safety performance of pilotless eVTOL aircraft under regular, high-frequency operational scenarios. EHang is working closely with Kwoon Chung Smart Mobility Company Limited and Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited to advance commercialization preparations under the Project in a rigorous and orderly manner.

As the world’s first pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft to receive the Type Certificate (TC), Production Certificate (PC), and Standard Airworthiness Certificate (AC) from CAAC, EHang is leveraging Hong Kong as a key gateway to accelerate the global expansion of its commercial deployment. In the next phase, the Project will leverage the safe and controlled testing environment of Regulatory Sandbox X to conduct systematic validation flights and accumulate substantial real-world operational data and experience. These insights will help inform the development and refinement of forward-looking regulatory frameworks and operational standards for pilotless eVTOL operations in Hong Kong and other markets, with the goal of making safe, efficient, and green air mobility accessible to people around the world.

Michael Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary and Head of the Working Group on Developing Low Altitude Economy, shared in his remarks at the ceremony: “Today’s inaugural trial flight of unconventional aircraft marks an important milestone in the development of Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy. We are grateful to Kwoon Chung, EHang and Cyberport teams for bringing this aircraft to Hong Kong. Building on the successful experience of the Low-altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox launched in March last year, the Government has subsequently introduced ‘Regulatory Sandbox X’ to test more complex applications. The first batch of 33 pilot projects has been undergoing tests in phases since the first half of this year, including four non-conventional aircraft projects. The Government is also studying dedicated legislation for non-conventional aircraft, with drafting work targeted for completion in 2027. The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly sets out the goal of promoting the healthy and orderly development of the low-altitude economy. The HKSAR Government is taking proactive steps to support this national development, positioning Hong Kong as a hub for innovative low-altitude applications in the Asia-Pacific region, and continuing to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths to contribute to our country’s needs.”

Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, stated in his opening remarks, “The National 15th Five-Year Plan highlights the need to foster emerging industries such as the LAE, leveraging the LAE to lead the development of a more diversified digital and intelligent economy. Under the guidance of the HKSAR Government’s focus on developing the LAE, Cyberport actively supports the initiative as the venue partner for the Regulatory Sandbox, continuously enhancing low‑altitude flight support facilities and environments, supporting diversified application testing, and accumulating substantial operational data to accelerate technology translation and regularised applications. We look forward to joining hands with the Government and industry partners, connecting over 20 Cyberport companies focused on drone applications and LAE development, to foster a vibrant ecosystem of R&D and applications, attract innovation forces from Hong Kong and abroad, and help build Hong Kong into an international hub for innovative low-altitude applications.”

Timothy Wong, Executive Director of Kwoon Chung Bus, said: “Kwoon Chung Bus is honoured to join hands with Cyberport and EHang to advance the commercialisation of LAE in Hong Kong. As a pioneer in local public transport operations, KC Smart Mobility is not only a promoter of eVTOL operations, but also a builder of the ‘Smart Land‑Air Intermodal’ ecosystem. We are actively advancing multiple autonomous driving projects in Hong Kong by integrating ground autonomous fleets with low-altitude aerial routes, we aspire to create a one‑stop 3D travel experience of ‘ground connection and direct air access’ for Hong Kong citizens and visitors, fully supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international smart mobility model city.”

Mr. Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, commented, “The first public flight of the EH216-S under the Project marks an important validation under the sandbox approach and further demonstrates the maturity of our technology standards and safety systems. The sandbox approach provides a practical pathway for validating emerging aircraft and establishing regulatory frameworks—providing real-world flight data generated in a safe and controlled environment to support regulatory assessment. EHang provides not only safe and reliable aircraft, but also integrated set of capabilities spanning technology standards, safety systems, and operational expertise. Our team’s experience in flight planning, regulatory compliance, and safety assurance has been instrumental in supporting the efficient implementation of this Project. For markets that have yet to establish regulatory frameworks for pilotless aircraft, the sandbox approach offers a replicable model for introducing pilotless aviation. Building on this sandbox model and our Global Fast Track Program, EHang will continue to expand across Asia and other global markets and steadily advance the commercialization and deployment of pilotless human-carrying eVTOL operations.”

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CoolFly Launches Urban Standing-Position Personal Aircraft

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:38:56 +0000

CoolFly, a developer of personal electric aircraft and eVTOL platforms, officially launched Urban, its standing-position personal aircraft, during the CoolFly Global Product Launch held on Aug. 13 in Hangzhou, China.

Under the theme “This Time, It Really Flies,” the event also introduced the Dream series of seated personal aircraft and CoolFly’s NA80 flight control system, developed in-house. Representatives from aviation organizations, universities, insurance companies, and domestic and international dealers attended the event.

Urban Introduces a New Form of Personal Flight

Urban was the centerpiece of the launch. Described by CoolFly as the world’s first standing-position personal aircraft, Urban introduces a new eVTOL configuration designed to be compact, intuitive to operate, and purpose-built for individual flight.

The fully electric aircraft features an enclosed-propeller propulsion design and is equipped with CoolFly’s self-developed dual-redundant flight control architecture and triple-redundant inertial measurement units.

Urban reflects CoolFly’s long-term vision of developing personal aircraft that are easier to operate, transport, and use across a wider range of applications.

Dream Series Expands CoolFly’s Personal Aircraft Portfolio

CoolFly also presented its Dream series of seated personal eVTOL aircraft.

Dream ST is designed around ultralight aircraft regulatory frameworks in China and the United States and features a quick-fold configuration for easier transport. Dream Pro extends the platform with greater payload capacity and longer flight endurance for a wider range of applications.

Dream Pro also features millimeter-wave obstacle-detection radar, route planning and intelligent obstacle avoidance, along with a whole-aircraft parachute system and impact-mitigation airbags.

Together, Urban and the Dream series form a complementary personal aircraft portfolio, offering standing and seated configurations for different users and application scenarios.

NA80 Provides a Self-Developed Flight Control Foundation

At the event, CoolFly also introduced NA80, its self-developed flight control system.

NA80 is built around a dual-redundant flight control architecture, with each flight control unit integrating three inertial measurement units. The system provides a common flight-control platform across CoolFly’s aircraft lineup and reflects the company’s full-stack approach to personal aircraft development.

By developing its flight control system in-house, CoolFly is able to integrate aircraft design, propulsion, control logic, and intelligent flight capabilities within a unified engineering platform.

CoolFly and Zhejiang Institute of Security Technology Establish Industry-Education Partnership

CoolFly entered into a cooperation agreement with Zhejiang Institute of Security Technology during the event, with the institute’s President Wen Jianfeng attending the ceremony.

The two parties plan to collaborate in areas including professional talent development, joint training facilities, and the application of flight technologies. The partnership is intended to strengthen industry-education integration in the personal aircraft sector and support the development of skilled technical talent for the emerging industry.

Insurance Partnerships Strengthen Risk Protection

CoolFly also signed strategic cooperation agreements with PICC Property and Casualty and China Pacific Property Insurance.

Insurance policies covering Urban and Dream have already been issued, including a comprehensive insurance package and overseas product liability coverage.

The partnerships will integrate insurance coverage into CoolFly’s product delivery and international operations, providing additional protection as the company expands globally.

Domestic and International Dealer Network Continues to Expand

Multiple domestic and international dealers signed cooperation agreements with CoolFly during the event.

The agreements represent another step in the development of CoolFly’s global distribution network. The company is expanding its domestic and international channels in parallel, with a focus on product delivery, localized customer support, training, after-sales service, and long-term market development.

CoolFly primarily works through authorized dealers to support market development and provide localized services in different regions.

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New commander at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron HX-21

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:35:54 +0000

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 changed command on Aug. 20 during an airborne ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Maryland, where Cmdr. Michael Lindsey assumed leadership from Lt. Col. Aaron Okun.

Naval Test Wing Atlantic Commodore Capt. Daniel Kitts presided over the ceremony.

“Lt. Col. Okun has served HX-21 with distinction,” said Kitts. “Cmdr. Lindsey is ready to carry that momentum forward and lead the squadron into the future.”

Lindsey assumes command after serving as HX-21’s chief test pilot. Okun will join the Marine Aviation Detachment at NAS Patuxent River as the executive officer.

“Every flight test is an opportunity to make naval aviation safer, more capable, and more ready,” said Lindsey. “It’s an honor to lead a team that turns the complexities of rotary-wing, tiltrotor aircraft, and mission systems into real capability for the fleet.”

Lindsey, a Palmdale, California native and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, has more than 1,700 flight hours in 24 aircraft. He served with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 as an MH-60S pilot and deployed in support of Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Lindsey served as an MH-60R/S developmental test pilot and project officer at HX-21 before earning a master’s degree in systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He later led MQ-8 Fire Scout ship integration at the Multi-Mission Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems Program Office and served as the platform’s government flight test director at the Navy’s unmanned test squadron, UX-24. He later became deputy program manager at the Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office before returning to HX-21 as chief test pilot and assuming command.

“Leading and serving alongside the Blackjacks has been both the defining experience and highest privilege of my career,” said Okun. “I leave with tremendous respect for the people who make this squadron what it is and great confidence in the work they will carry forward under the leadership of Cmdr. Lindsey.”

Okun, a Canton, Massachusetts native and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, has accumulated more than 1,900 flight hours in 35 aircraft. After completing flight training, he deployed with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 in support of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Operation Enduring Freedom. He later served as an operational test pilot with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 before graduating from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Okun conducted V-22 flight testing at HX-21 before serving as the Survivability Integrated Product Team lead at the V-22 Joint Program Office. He returned to HX-21 as chief test pilot before taking command in 2025.

HX-21 is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, the test wing under the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. Nicknamed the “Blackjacks,” the squadron provides developmental flight test and evaluation for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft. NAS Patuxent River is home to HX-21 since 1949 where the squadron advances capability and readiness for six families of aircraft including the CH-53E/K, the C/MV-22, the H-1Y/Z, MH-60R/S, and the Presidential Helicopter fleet. For more information about NAWCAD, visit www.navair.navy.mil or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MyNAWCAD/.

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VFS reports on 20th Electric Aircraft Symposium

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:33:28 +0000

The 20th Annual Electric Aircraft Symposium (EAS), held at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on July 18–19, was an outstanding success by all measures. The two-day program featured a record 47 speakers and 12 moderators, and attracted nearly 200 in-person attendees — a 50% increase over last year — also a record. More than 100 registrants also ordered the EAS 2026 video recordings, which are still available to the public to those who couldn’t attend.

“Advanced air mobility (AAM) is a dynamic new segment of the aviation industry enabled by electric propulsion and advanced technologies” said Mike Hirschberg, co-producer of EAS 2026. “This year’s symposium highlighted a wide range of new aircraft designs and propulsion system developments as well as important regulatory and infrastructure developments — some for the first time.”

Building on this success, the organizers confirm that the 21st Annual EAS will be held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on July 24–25, 2027, on the two days immediately prior to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh — the world’s largest aviation event. Proposals from speakers and sponsors interested in participating in EAS 2027 are invited for an expanded program.

Every year, EAS highlights electric vertical-, short, and conventional takeoff and landing (eVTOL, eSTOL and eCTOL) aircraft — collectively referred to as AAM. EAS, the world’s longest AAM conference, provides insights from executives representing most of the leading AAM companies, as well as key developers of infrastructure, propulsion technologies and regulations.

This year EAS featured 12 in-depth sessions encompassing a broad range of electric aircraft categories featuring battery-, hybrid- and hydrogen-electric propulsion approaches. Speakers represented seven countries and highlighted the world’s key AAM developments.

Presentations and panels included representatives from a leading helicopter manufacturer (Robinson), nine eVTOL aircraft developers (AIR EV, Eve Air Mobility, Horizon Aircraft, Joby Aviation, Jump Aero, Laminar Vector Technology, Pivotal Aero, Skyfly and Wisk), six eCTOL and eSTOL aircraft developers (Alphafrog, Ampaire, AURA Aero, Bye Aerospace, Electra Aero and EVIO Aircraft) and seven propulsion system companies (H2FLY, Hydroplane, magniX, Pratt & Whitney Canada, RED Aircraft, VerdeGo Aero and Whisper Aero).

EAS 2026 was honored to have Mr. Jeffrey Vincent, the FAA Southern Region Administrator, and Mr. Will N. Watts, Jr., Chief Operations Officer for the Assistant Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, for a session on the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) eVTOL and AAM Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). NASA was also featured with a talk by Mr. Michael Vincent, NASA’s Open eVTOL deputy program manager.

A special session on the FAA’s new Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC), which just took effect the week of EAS, was moderated by Scott Severen, President of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA). Presentations and discussions included leaders from AIR EV, Skyfly, Laminar Vector and Pivotal.

The annual session on hydrogen-electric propulsion was organized by the non-profit HySky Society and chaired by its CEO, Danielle McLean. It featured Dr. Anita Sengupta, CEO of Hydroplane, LLC; Dr. Josef Kallo, founder and CTO of H2FLY; and Dr. Nick Ingarra, a Senior Engineer at Munro Defense.

The final session provided a retrospective on the past 20 years of electric aviation developments and views on the coming decades. Long time AAM industry participants Mike Hirschberg, Ken Swartz and Will Tacke, as well as electric aviation pioneer Mark Moore, CEO of Whisper Aero, provided their perspectives. Moore had spoken at the first EAS and most subsequent meetings; he and Hirschberg were also co-organizers of the early the Vertical Flight Society (VFS) Transformative Vertical Flight (TVF) / eVTOL Symposiums, beginning in 2014. These events helped bolster Moore’s electric propulsion work when he was at NASA and Uber Elevate, and helped launch today’s AAM industry.

Top sponsors and partners supporting EAS were AERO Friedrichshafen, Bloomy, GoEngineer, magniX, NEXA, Pivotal, Robinson, Toray, Vertiport Chicago, Whisper and Wisk, as well as VFS headquarters. Exhibitors were Bloomy, M4 Engineering, Neuroglia Technologies, Toray, TotalSim, Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo and VFS.

EAS, first held in 2007, is the world’s longest running conference on electric aviation. Since 2017, the symposium has been held in conjunction with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh, which attracted more than 734,000 attendees and 10,000 aircraft again this year. Over the course of 20 years, EAS has featured more than 600 talks by AAM leaders in industry, academia and government agencies.

EAS 2026 was co-produced by Ken Swartz, President EAS 2026 speakers and attendees had the opportunity to see electric aircraft like the Skyfly Axe, shown here. (Ken Swartz photo) and Senior Aerospace Strategist of Aeromedia Consultants, and Mike Hirschberg, Principal of Hirschberg Heuristics Advisors. Both have been engaged in organizing the annual symposium since 2018 and parallel AAM events with VFS. This year’s event was organized under the auspices of the VFS Federal City Chapter, of which Hirschberg currently serves as the vice-president of operations. The proceeds from EAS 2026 generated more than $4,000 for the Chapter’s student scholarship fund.

Plans for EAS 2027 are already underway. It will take place on July 24–25, again the weekend before AirVenture, with ambitious plans for even more comprehensive coverage of electricpowered aircraft, technologies, regulations and more. Learn more about this year’s and next year’s EAS at www.eas2027.org.

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McDermott employee named Apprentice of the Year in Queensland

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:25:17 +0000

McDermott Aviation apprentice Dylan Martin has been named Apprentice of the Year at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards North Coast Regional Final, recognising his commitment and achievements as he builds a career in aircraft maintenance engineering.

Dylan received the award at the North Coast Regional Final in Maroochydore on 31 July and will now represent the region at the Queensland Training Awards State Final in Brisbane in September.

The Queensland Training Awards celebrate the state’s top apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, trainers, employers and training organisations, with Dylan recognised among the North Coast region’s outstanding vocational education and training achievers.

McDermott Aviation Founder and President John McDermott said Dylan’s award was an outstanding achievement and one the entire McDermott team was proud to celebrate.

“Dylan has worked incredibly hard; he’s committed to his trade, and he has a genuine passion for aviation. To see that recognised with Apprentice of the Year is a fantastic achievement and we’re all very proud of him,” Mr McDermott said.

“Aircraft engineering is a highly skilled profession and Dylan has a very promising career ahead of him. He’s exactly the kind of young person we want to see coming through our industry.”

Dylan is undertaking his apprenticeship with McDermott Aviation, gaining hands-on experience within the company’s extensive in-house engineering and maintenance operations.

Mr McDermott said Dylan’s success also highlighted the importance of continuing to develop the next generation of aviation engineers.

“There is strong demand for skilled aircraft engineers in Australia, and we need to continue encouraging young people to see aviation engineering as a rewarding, long-term career,” Mr McDermott said.

“That’s what makes achievements like Dylan’s so important. He’s not only doing exceptionally well in his own apprenticeship, he’s a great example of the talent coming through our industry.

“We want to keep creating opportunities for young people to learn from experienced engineers, develop highly specialised skills and build careers that can take them anywhere in the world.”

McDermott Aviation currently has 20 active apprentices across its operations, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to developing skilled aviation professionals and creating career pathways for young people entering the industry.

Dylan will represent the North Coast at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards State Final in Brisbane in September.

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NHV appoints new Base Manager in Aberdeen

HeliHub.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:52:08 +0000

NHV has announced the appointment of Darren Weatherby-Boon has been appointed as Base Manager in Aberdeen

Darren has been an important part of NHV for several years and currently serves as Ground Operations Manager for our UK AOC. In his new role, he will continue to oversee these responsibilities alongside his position as Aberdeen Base Manager.

Aberdeen is NHV’s largest base and plays a vital role in our operations. Darren brings extensive operational experience, a strong understanding of our UK business, and valuable knowledge of our people and day-to-day operations in Aberdeen.

In their announcement on LinkedIn, NHV acknowledged the contribution of Marc Burns, who has been supporting the Aberdeen team as Interim Base Manager, helping ensure continuity for both the team and the operation during this period.

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Entrol supplies H125 simulator to Tunisian Air Force

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:48:42 +0000

Entrol, the manufacturer of EASA and FAA certified FNPT, FTD, and FFS flight simulators, announces the sale of a customized H125 FNPT II MCC simulator to the Tunisian Air Force, operating under the Ministry of National Defense of Tunisia.

The agreement, formalized in July 2025, marks the second simulator project delivered by entrol to the Tunisian Air Force, reinforcing the trust established between both organizations and further strengthening entrol’s presence in the international defense and public sector markets.

Real avionics and high-fidelity immersion

The simulator’s cockpit is customized to match the customer’s specific AS350B fleet configuration. To ensure maximum fidelity and a seamless transition from simulator to aircraft, the flight deck integrates real Garmin dual GDU1060 hardware.

Physical immersion is complemented by a standard cylindrical visual projection system integrated with a D-BOX vibration system, providing authentic tactile feedback during all flight regimes and maneuvers.

“Working with military operators like the Tunisian Air Force reinforces entrol’s capability to deliver highly specialized, mission-ready simulation devices,” states Juanjo Lechosa, Business Manager at entrol. “Our goal with this H125 project was not just to deliver a certified device, but to provide a tailored environment where pilots can practice high-risk procedures—such as NVIS operations or flying through sandstorms—with total realism and zero risk.”

Geo-specific environments and mission-oriented training

Designed to prepare pilots for complex operational conditions in North Africa, the device incorporates a comprehensive visual and navigation database tailored specifically for the Tunisian Air Force:

Official Navigation Charts: complete navigation data covering all official Tunisian airports, provided directly by the local aviation authority.
Tactical Landing Sites: 15 customized, geo-specific helipads across the region.
Environmental & Tactical Scenarios: specific atmospheric conditions, including realistic desert sandstorms and initial NVIS (Night Vision Imaging System) integration.
Dedicated Instructor Station: Dual IOS seating layout designed for both the instructor and an observer, optimizing tactical evaluation and debriefing.

The H125 FNPT II will be utilized for advanced military mission training, covering procedural drills, emergency management, NVIS tactical flights, and formation flying practice within specialized local scenarios.

With this delivery, entrol reinforces its position as a trusted global partner for defense operators, offering flexible, high-precision simulation technology tailored to public safety and military standards.

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Rolls-Royce awarded $36.5M contract for CMV-22 engines

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:45:39 +0000

Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Indiana, is awarded a $36,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the production and delivery of 10 1107C Lot 28 production engines for the CMV-22 aircraft for the Navy. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is expected to be completed in May 2028. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $36,500,000 will be obligated at the time of award. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001926C0110).

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SkyDrive appoints former Airbus Japan President as Advisor

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:44:47 +0000

SkyDrive Inc. announced that Stéphane Ginoux has joined SkyDrive as an advisor, effective August 1, 2026. In his previous role, Ginoux was concurrently the President of Airbus Japan and the Head of Airbus operations in North Asia.

Ginoux has approximately 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. During his tenure at Airbus, he spearheaded business expansion across the Japanese and North Asian markets, fostering collaboration with corporations, government agencies, and research institutions.

After joining SkyDrive, Ginoux will help the company achieve its declared mission of “leading a once-in-a-century mobility revolution”, creating a world in which eVTOL travel becomes a regular feature of city life.

SkyDrive aims to harness Ginoux’s broad network of government and business partners, in addition to the extensive business development experience gained at Airbus. Ginoux will provide strategic support across a wide range of areas including business development in Japan and Asia, stakeholder engagement with governments, local authorities, and industry associations, and also collaboration with business partners.

SkyDrive looks forward to leveraging Ginoux’s aviation industry expertise and extensive network to accelerate the launch and worldwide adoption of eVTOL aircraft developed in Japan.

Comment from Stéphane Ginoux

“One hundred years ago, humanity first succeeded in flying like birds, if only for a few seconds. Today, we can travel by airplane to virtually any destination on Earth in less than a day. The next step is to enable people to use the sky as naturally as they use the ground, giving people even greater freedom in the way they move. The value that this new form of mobility can bring to society is clear.

I am honored to join SkyDrive in this exciting challenge of bringing this transformative mode of transportation to Japan and the world in the best possible way.”

Comment from Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive Inc.

“Stéphane Ginoux has spent many years leading business developments, public-private partnerships, and industrial partnerships in the Japanese and Asian aviation industries. Profitable eVTOL businesses will not be built only through successful aircraft development. True market success will require wide-ranging collaboration with partners in various fields of government and industry across multiple fields including operations, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure development. By drawing on Ginoux’s rich experience and international network, we will further accelerate the drive to develop and launch our Japan-based eVTOL and then scale it internationally”.

Stéphane Ginoux: Career Summary

Stéphane Ginoux, a native of France, came to Japan in 1992 under a French government assignment. He worked at Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), before serving in the commercial section of the French Embassy in Japan.

He joined Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) in 1996. In 2009, he founded Airbus Helicopters Japan. In 2010, he was appointed Representative Director and President of Airbus Japan while continuing to lead Airbus Helicopters Japan. From 2016, he also served as Airbus Group Japan Representative before being appointed Head of North Asia for Airbus, overseeing Airbus’ business across the North Asia region, including Japan and South Korea.

During his tenure, he played a key role in expanding Airbus’ commercial aircraft business in Japan, building the foundation of its helicopter business, strengthening collaboration with Japanese companies and government agencies, and advancing sustainable aviation initiatives, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen-powered aviation.

Following his retirement from Airbus in June 2025, he currently provides strategic advisory support to Japanese and international companies.

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GE awarded $10M contract for Apache and Black Hawk engine development

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:42:35 +0000

General Electric Co., Lynn, Massachusetts, was awarded a $9,780,000 modification (P00107) to contract W58RGZ-19-C-0003 for engineering and manufacturing development of the Improved Turbine Engine for Apache and Black Hawk helicopters. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $889,489,255. Work will be performed in Lynn, Massachusetts, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2029. Fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $9,780,000 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-19-C-0003). (Awarded June 12, 2026)

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US approves 21 UH-60M Black Hawks for Norway

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:41:29 +0000

The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway for UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and related equipment. The estimated total cost is $2.3 billion.

The Government of Norway has requested to buy twenty-one (21) UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters; forty-six (46) T700-GE-701D engines; twenty-five (25) AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems; twenty-five (25) Common Infrared Countermeasure; twenty-five (25) AN/APR-39E(V)2 Radar Warning Receiver; fifty (50) EAGLE-M+429 Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation Systems; one hundred (100) AN/ARC-231A RT-1987 Very High Frequency (VHF)/Ultra High Frequency/ line-of-sight satellite communication radios; and eighteen (18) M240H machine guns. The following non-MDE items will also be included: AN/AVR-2B(V) Laser Warning System; APX-128 identification friend or foe (IFF) transponder; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader; KIV-79 common IFF crypto appliqué computers; AN/ARN-147(V) VHF omni-directional range/instrument landing system receiver radio; AN/ARN-149(V) low frequency/automatic direction finder radio receiver; AN/ARN-153 tactical air navigation system receiver transmitter; RACC-209 radar altimeter; AN/ARC-201D radio; AN/ARC-210 Gen 6 radio; AN/PRC-167 radio; AN/ARC-220 high-frequency radio; AN/PRC-160 with automatic link establishment capabilities; EBC 406HM emergency locator transmitter; Advanced Sight Display Computer Heads-Up Display system; RDR-7000 color weather radar; MX-10D electro-optical/infrared with laser designator/illuminator/pointer/range finder/cabin viewer; engine inlet barrier filters; ballistic armor protection systems; internal auxiliary fuel tank systems; fast rope insertion extraction

systems; airframe mounted rescue hoists; rescue hoist equipment sets; dual patient litter system sets; Martin-Baker palletized crew chief/gunner seats with crashworthy floor structural modifications; external stores support system with crashworthy external fuel system tanks; country unique instrument panel; cockpit multi-function display; degraded visual environment system; LINK-16 (small tactical terminal KOR-24A); Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System, Type I; direction finder DF-935; environmental control system; snow skis; Bambi Bucket; helicopter terrain awareness system; very important person kit; upturned exhaust system; M-240 (MAG-58) machine gun; M-134 machine gun; M3M (GAU-21) machine gun; external gun mount system; provisions for litters; litter straps; medical trauma bag; 120V AC power; auxiliary bleed air cabin heater; encrypted aircraft wireless intercom system; 60KVA aircraft generator; winterization kit; universal software loader verifier; black hawk aircrew trainer; maintenance and aircrew training devices/software; helmets; transportation; organizational equipment; spare and repair parts; support equipment; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of program and logistics support. The total estimated cost is $2.3 billion.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The proposed sale will improve Norway’s capability to meet current and future threats and enhance its interoperability with U.S. and other allied forces. It will also upgrade Norway’s rotary wing capability, allowing Norwegian Army and Special Operations Forces to independently conduct operations while taking advantage of a common platform across the fleet. Norway will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, located in Stratford, CT. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require approximately fifteen (15) U.S. Government and fifteen (15) contractor representatives to travel to Norway for an extended period for equipment de-processing/fielding, system checkout, training, and technical and logistics support.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

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Bell Boeing awarded $16.2M contract for V-22 flex rings

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:39:59 +0000

The Boeing Co., via The Bell Boeing Joint Project Office, Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, is being awarded $16,224,988 for a firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 25 structural ring assemblies, commonly known as the flex ring, utilized in Marine Corps V-22 Osprey aircraft. The contract does not contain an option provision and work will be completed by October 2032. Work will be performed in Sante Fe Springs, California (90%); and Ridley Park, Pennsylvania (10%). Fiscal 2026 working capital funds (Navy) in the contract’s full amount of $16,224,988 will be obligated at time of award and those funds will not expire at the end of the applicable fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole-source requirement pursuant to the authority set forth in 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1) with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00383-26-C-TA04).

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Vertical Aerospace Announces Date for AGM

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:38:51 +0000

Vertical Aerospace Ltd., a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, announces it will hold its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) at 1:00 pm BST on September 11, 2026 at their Bristol Headquarters, Unit 1, Camwal Court, Chapel St, Bristol BS2 0UW, United Kingdom.

Shareholders are invited to consider proposals detailed in the Company’s circular to shareholders, providing notice of the AGM to the Company’s shareholders, and including a letter to the Company’s shareholders and a form of proxy card in connection with the proposals sought to be adopted by the AGM, which is attached as an exhibit to a current report on Form 6-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 2026.

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EHang Appoints KPMG as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:37:39 +0000

EHang Holdings Limited, the world’s leading advanced air mobility (“AAM”) technology platform company, today announced the dismissal of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP (“PwC”) and the engagement of KPMG Huazhen LLP (“KPMG”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2026, effective August 19, 2026.

The report of PwC on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2025 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2025, and the subsequent period through July 13, 2026, the date on which the Company informed PwC of its intent to dismiss PwC, there were (i) no disagreements (as that term is defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F) between the Company and PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PwC, would have caused PwC to make reference to the subject matter of disagreements in PwC’s report on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for such years, and (ii) no reportable events (as that term is defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F), other than the material weakness as disclosed in Item 15 of the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, as filed on May 15, 2026.

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Lockheed Martin awarded $569M contracts for AH-64 night vision systems

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:33:00 +0000

Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $502,381,686 hybrid (cost-no-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price) contract for post-production support services for Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sight systems supporting AH-64 helicopters fielded worldwide through international agreements. One bid was solicited with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 5, 2031. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-26-D-0052).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, was awarded an undefinitized contract action with a not-to-exceed of $66,759,431 for the AH-64 Apache Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (MTADS/PNVS) performance-based logistics program, including all obsolescence, replacement configurations, and redesigns found only on the AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter, as well as peculiar ground support equipment in active use by the military in support of the MTADS/PNVS system. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $382,051,127. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2026. Fiscal 2026 service funds in the amount of $66,759,431 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-26-C-0006).

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Enstrom featured prominently at EAA AirVenture

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:31:49 +0000

For an event that welcomed 734,000 attendees, 10,000 aircraft, 6,000 volunteers, and more than a thousand exhibitors, Enstrom Helicopter still managed to stand out with its terrific rotorcraft display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026.

Enstrom showcased a 280FX and 480B at its booth, where company representatives welcomed a steady flow of aviation enthusiasts, current Enstrom supporters, past employees, and prospective customers. The combination of brand loyalty and new interest made AirVenture 2026 especially meaningful for Enstrom representatives this year, including Company Owner Chuck Surack, President Adam Richardson, and SVP of Product Sales & Customer Excellence Charles Wade. Booth visitors were awed by Enstrom’s latest paint schemes, aircraft features, and the opportunities to speak directly with knowledgeable members of the Enstrom team.

Wade said he enjoyed hearing directly from customers how Enstrom can help fit the individual needs and lifestyle of pilots.

“AirVenture gives us a unique opportunity to connect with people at every level of aviation,” said Wade. “The value proposition we bring to the market is starting to resonate. The safety record, ease of operating, and maintenance programs help our products stand out from the competition.”

Enstrom also featured a fresh 480B helicopter in EAA’s brand new Vertical Lift Center, providing additional visibility for the brand and another opportunity to connect with the broader vertical aviation community.

Beyond showcasing aircraft, EAA AirVenture offered Enstrom an opportunity to share the people, history, craftsmanship, and momentum behind the Enstrom name.

Enstrom transported VAI President and CEO François Lassale from Oshkosh to Enstrom’s Menominee-based facility aboard an Enstrom 480B. The flight offered an opportunity for Lassale to experience the aircraft in motion and receive a behind-the-scenes look at Enstrom’s manufacturing operations. Lassale noted the close-knit company culture and employee pride.

Wade said, “We’re excited about what we’ll have to share with the aviation community next year. AirVenture continues to be an important opportunity to showcase not only the Enstrom aircraft of today, but our vision for the company’s future and products of tomorrow.”

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EHA extends VAI contract for European Rotors support

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:30:11 +0000

European Helicopter Association (EHA) Chairman Fredrik Kämpfe visited the headquarters of VAI | Vertical Aviation International, where he met with VAI President and CEO François Lassale and the VAI management team for wide-ranging discussions on the future of the two associations’ collaboration and the strategic priorities facing the vertical aviation sector.

The visit reflects the close working relationship the two associations have built through EUROPEAN ROTORS, which has grown into Europe’s leading vertical aviation event since its founding in 2021. The recent extension of the EUROPEAN ROTORS partnership through the Milan 2027 edition, which included the commitment from both organizations to extend the collaboration through 2032, underlines the strength of that collaboration and both associations’ long-term commitment to the show’s continued success. The next edition of EUROPEAN ROTORS takes place in Lyon, France, 30 Nov to 3 Dec 2026.

The discussions also focused on the broader value of connecting VAI’s global membership network, which represents vertical aviation operators, manufacturers, and professionals across more than 60 countries, with EHA’s deep European base. Together, the two associations aim to give the sector a more unified global voice in the policy, legislative, safety, regulatory, and sustainability issues that increasingly cross borders.

The two associations already coordinate closely on international regulatory matters, including the safe integration of BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) drone operations, electronic conspicuity, and the development of practical right-of-way rules for airspace shared by crewed and uncrewed aircraft.

With vertical aviation evolving rapidly, driven by new technology, new missions, and rising sustainability expectations in complex regulatory environments, EHA and VAI are committed to an ongoing strategic dialogue about where the industry is headed, ensuring that innovation and safety advance together and that the sector speaks with coordinated leadership rather than a fragmented voice.

“EUROPEAN ROTORS has shown what EHA and VAI can build when we work as true partners. Continuing this relationship lets us extend that same spirit of collaboration to the bigger questions facing our industry: safety, sustainability, and the future of vertical flight, for members on both sides of the Atlantic.”

François Lassale, President and CEO, Vertical Aviation International

“Vertical aviation’s challenges and opportunities do not stop at Europe’s borders. My visit to VAI confirmed how much our two communities share, from safety and the future workforce to the regulatory questions that will define the next decade of vertical flight. EHA values the partnership we have built with VAI through EUROPEAN ROTORS and as institutional partners, and we look forward to deepening our strategic dialogue so the sector speaks with one coordinated voice. Together, we continue shaping vertical flight, safely and sustainably.”

Fredrik Kämpfe, Chairman, European Helicopter Association

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Wisk Breaks Ground on California vertiport at Hollister

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:28:05 +0000

Wisk Aero, an autonomous aviation company, today announced the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art vertiport at Hollister Municipal Airport in California. The facility is one of the first public airport vertiports designed to support both piloted and autonomous operations in the United States.

Located alongside Wisk’s existing flight test facilities in Hollister, the 100-foot by 100-foot vertiport serves as a dedicated testbed to evaluate terminal area flight procedures, collect real-world operational data, and prove out precision landing technologies. Data gathered from test flights at the site will feed directly into key regulatory and industry initiatives, including the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) and the ongoing refinement of the FAA Vertical Lift Infrastructure Advisory Circular.

Designed to existing FAA vertiport standards, the new infrastructure features a modular, deployable layout constructed with steel elevated structures, integrated solar panels, power banks, and taxiway connectors. Its relocatable template allows the platform to be deployed across various operational environments, including future eIPP flight testing in Texas.

“Breaking ground on this vertiport at Hollister Municipal Airport is a big moment for Wisk, AAM, and autonomous aviation,” said Annie Cheng, Senior Program Manager, Operational Integration and Testing, at Wisk. “By testing autonomous and piloted operations on an actual public airport, we are bridging the gap between advanced aircraft development and real-world infrastructure. The data and operational learnings generated here will directly feed into our autonomy stack and help shape the FAA’s foundational standards for future vertiport operations, moving autonomous air taxis significantly closer to commercial readiness.”

Engineered as a test and data-collection site that meets existing FAA vertiport standards, the vertiport enables Wisk to evaluate advanced landing technologies under nominal conditions, missed approaches, and GPS-denied environments. Wisk-developed transceivers installed directly on the pad will improve reduced and zero visibility operations across all VTOL aircraft – including traditional helicopters, other eVTOLs, and Wisk’s 6th Generation air taxi – while initial surrogate flights and subsequent autonomy testing generate learnings to continuously refine Wisk’s autonomy stack for future commercial service.

The project was made possible through close collaboration among key local, state, and federal stakeholders.

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Ornge achieves paperless MRO with Ramco software

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:24:17 +0000

Enterprise aviation software provider Ramco Systems Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Ramco Systems Limited, announced that its long-time customer, Ornge, has successfully gone live with Ramco’s Digital Task Card with eSign-off and Mechanic Anywhere Mobile Application across all of its maintenance bases. The rollout marks a significant milestone in Ornge’s digital transformation journey, transitioning its maintenance execution operations from paper-based task cards to a fully mobile-enabled, paperless workflow across its AW-139 and PC-12 fleets.

Ramco’s eSign-off solution has been designed to meet Transport Canada’s sign-off compliance requirements, enabling technicians to execute and digitally sign off maintenance tasks in real time. As part of the implementation, Ornge’s existing authored task cards were migrated to an eSign-off-ready format, and Work Summary Reports were introduced to support Ornge’s audit and regulatory compliance needs.

With Mechanic Anywhere, Ornge’s technicians can now access documentation, execute maintenance tasks, and complete digital sign-offs from anywhere, eliminating the delays and inefficiencies associated with paper-based execution. The move to Digital Task Card with eSign-off has also given Ornge’s maintenance and quality teams near real-time visibility into work progress, sign-off status, and task completion, improving compliance through standardized work-step execution.

Robert Zwanenburg, Technical Services Manager, Ornge, said, “In addition to helping us go paperless, Ramco’s Digital Task Card and Mechanic Anywhere app is well positioned to help us in our efforts to ensure timely maintenance turnaround times. We are working as a team to ensure our front-line maintenance crews (AMEs) have the tools they need wherever they’re working.”

Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Customer Officer – Aviation, Aerospace & Defense, Ramco Systems, said, “Aviation maintenance is moving toward a mobile-first, paperless future, and Ornge’s achievement is a great example of what that looks like in practice. This go-live reflects years of investment in building AI-powered tools that are purpose-built for the realities of maintenance execution, and for an organization whose speed is mission-critical, and where precision matters even more. Milestones like this are what long-term partnerships like ours with Ornge are built on.”

Ramco Aviation Software is trusted by 24,000+ users to manage 4,000+ aircraft globally. With 90+ Aviation organizations onboard, Ramco is the solution of choice for top Airlines, 3rd party MROs, large Heli-Operators, leading Defense organizations, and major Urban Air Mobility companies around the world. Available on cloud, Ramco Aviation Suite provides accessibility with ‘Anywhere Apps’, significantly accelerating organizational efficiency and agility. Ramco is changing the paradigm of enterprise software with Artificial Intelligence based solutions, intelligent voice enabled user experience, and advanced features such as digital task cards, offline maintenance capability, conversational chatbots, HUBs and cognitive solutions.

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Singapore’s first indigenous eVTOL takes off in Germany

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 20:35:43 +0000

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has completed a month-long flight-test campaign in Germany with Singapore’s first indigenously designed, engineered and built electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The prototypes, comprising 8-metre and 3-metre wingspan variants, are research technology demonstrators, currently not designed to carry passengers.

Working with flight-test experts from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the NTU team flew the larger 8-metre wingspan demonstrator to heights above 90 metres, while the 3-metre wingspan demonstrator reached speeds of more than 120 km/h. The flights generated critical data on the aircraft’s performance.

The flights mark a historic first for Singapore, demonstrating the country’s ability to design, engineer, build, integrate and fly a complete electric aircraft. The milestone adds a new capability to Singapore’s established aerospace sector and lays the groundwork for further research into electric aviation.

The month-long mission from July to August 2026, was conducted at the DLR National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt, Germany. The prototypes demonstrated the eVTOL design’s ability to hover, fly using its fixed wings and transition between the two modes.

Professor James Wang, Director of the eVTOL Research and Innovation Centre at NTU’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, said: “This is a historic feat for an aircraft designed, engineered and built in Singapore. Reaching these heights, and going from hover to forward flight, marks a new milestone for Singapore-made electric aircraft.

“It is a wonderful birthday present for Singapore as it marks its 61st year of independence.”

Proving the aircraft in real flight

The NTU eVTOL design uses electrically powered lift rotors mounted on its wings to take off vertically and hover.

As the aircraft gains forward speed, its wings increasingly generate lift while a rear propeller provides forward thrust, allowing it to fly like a conventional aeroplane.

This fixed-wing mode enables efficient flight over long distances, consuming the energy of one motor, compared to conventional eVTOLs that may use up to eight rotors to hover and fly.

Transitioning between these modes is a key engineering challenge. The flight-control system must continuously manage changes in propulsion, aerodynamic forces and aircraft stability as the aircraft moves between rotor-borne hovering and wing-borne flight.

During the tests, the prototypes were remotely piloted by Prof Wang, Martin Laubner of DLR, and Mr Lu Weiyao, Co-founder and Technical Director of Flare Dynamics Pte Ltd and an NTU alumnus.

Prof Wang has 30 years of aircraft industry experience and joined NTU in 2019 as a professor teaching aircraft design, where he launched the NTU eVTOL Centre. He has worked on more than 30 manned and unmanned VTOL aircraft development programmes and is an avid model aircraft and helicopter designer and pilot, with more than 10,000 flights under his belt.

The team successfully flew the technology demonstrators beyond line of sight and transferred piloting control between outdoor and indoor pilots while the aircraft remained airborne.

One outdoor pilot will control the hover flight via line of sight. As the aircraft transitions to its fixed-wing mode, another pilot will take over the flight controls in a remote pilot station, before handing it over back for the landing.

The successful piloting control transfers further validated the flight-control systems and operating procedures.
Working closely with DLR flight-test specialists, the NTU team collected performance data under controlled test conditions.

Designed, engineered and built in Singapore

The eVTOL demonstrators are the result of more than three years of engineering at NTU. Following Prof Wang’s configuration design and guidance, researchers carried out structural and aerodynamic analysis, detailed design, system testing and systems integration.

Prof Wang’s motto is: “If it can be dreamt, it can be built.”

The NTU eVTOL Centre operates as a vertically integrated innovation lab consisting of about 30 research engineers.

The small but agile research team designed the electric motor, developed the electrical architecture, integrated and assembled the propulsion systems, avionics and sensors, developed the flight-control algorithms and telemetry solutions, and engineered and assembled the entire airframe.

Bringing these technologies together gave team members a rare opportunity to experience the full aircraft development cycle, from aerodynamics and structural design to propulsion, electrical integration, avionics and real-world flight testing.

Team members and industry partners from 11 countries worked together on the programme. Prof Wang explained that the hardest part of a successful programme is not always engineering but often getting a team to work towards the same goal and achieve a “1 + 1 equals 3” result.

Professor Louis Phee, NTU’s Vice President (Innovation and Entrepreneurship), who played a role in establishing the University’s eVTOL research centre, said: “When we started this programme, we set ourselves a moonshot goal: to gain the capability to design, engineer and build an airworthy electric aircraft with a novel design, useful for transportation of goods and people.

“This milestone shows that Singapore can punch above its weight in aerospace innovation. We may be a small country, but we have the technologies and talent to build a novel Made-in-Singapore electric aircraft, paving the way for Singapore to carve out a place in this emerging industry.

“This project also reflects the DNA of NTU. Like an agile start-up, the team was prepared to try, fail, learn and find another way forward. The achievement came not because every step worked the first time, but because we never gave up until it did.”

Building Singapore’s eVTOL capabilities

The NTU eVTOL research is supported by the University and the Industry Alignment Fund – Pre-Positioning initiative, under Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plan, in collaboration with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

Local and international industry partners include Eaton Aerospace, Syensqo, Luminator, Diab, AVL, Embention, Volz Servos, WingTeck, Bitec, BJO and CEVA, as well as Singapore aerospace companies Admiralty and Flare Dynamics.

A*STAR and Republic Polytechnic have also contributed valuable research and technical expertise, while DLR supported the research with flight-test expertise and facilities in Germany.

The eVTOL research project aims not only to develop individual aircraft technologies, which are protected intellectual property, but also to build systems-engineering know-how and nurture the talent required for Singapore to design, engineer, build, test and eventually support advanced electric aircraft, vertical flight and advanced air mobility.

Prof Wang, an electric vertical flight pioneer who coined the term “eVTOL” in 2008, and in 2010 led the development of AgustaWestland’s Project Zero, the world’s first all-electric tiltrotor technology demonstrator, said the NTU flight tests in Germany were an important part of the engineering development process, beyond validating the aircraft’s design.

“Every flight generated new data, every test provided feedback and every result was an opportunity for the team to learn, improve and move forward together,” he added.

“As our team motto says, ‘Failure is not an option.’ The journey from zero to one has been made. Now, the journey from one to the future begins.”

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Milestone sells three Airbus H225s to Kitz-Air

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:46:47 +0000

The Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), the global leader in helicopter leasing, today announced the sale of three Airbus H225 helicopters to Kitz-Air GmbH (“Kitz-Air”), an Austria-based operator specialising in heavy-lift, transport and special missions.

The transaction marks Kitz-Air’s first acquisition from Milestone and establishes a new customer relationship between the two companies.

The three helicopters, delivered to Kitz-Air in July 2026, will undergo modification and conversion work in Europe before entering service in aerial firefighting operations across Europe and South America, helping to address growing demand for capacity amid increasingly challenging wildfire seasons.

Global Helicopter Services (“GHS”), a long-standing Milestone customer and partner, will undertake the aircraft conversions.

Sébastien Moulin, Chief Commercial Officer, Milestone, said, “We are delighted to welcome Kitz-Air as a new Milestone customer with the sale of these three Airbus H225 helicopters. As demand for aerial firefighting services continues to grow globally, the H225 remains a highly capable and versatile platform for challenging utility missions. We thank GHS for their continued partnership and look forward to building a long-term relationship with the Kitz-Air team as they expand their firefighting operations across Europe and South America.”

Christoph Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Kitz-Air, said, “We are very proud to welcome these three Airbus H225 helicopters to the Kitz-Air fleet. For us, this acquisition is much more than the addition of three aircraft; it is an important step in our long-term vision to expand Kitz-Air’s heavy-helicopter fleet and build reliable aerial firefighting capacity for the years ahead. The H225’s outstanding payload, range and proven versatility make it the right platform for the demanding missions ahead. I am particularly proud of the dedication shown by our team in bringing this project to life, and I would personally like to thank the teams at Milestone and GHS for their trust, professionalism and close cooperation throughout this transaction. Once converted, these aircraft will allow us to support customers and communities across Europe and worldwide when they need us most. This transaction also marks the beginning of what we believe will be a strong, long-term business relationship with Milestone, and we look forward to working together as we continue to expand our H225 fleet.”

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UHNM receives HELP Appeal donation to enhance helipad safety

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:43:16 +0000

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has received more than £800,000 from the HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to funding NHS hospital helipads, to support planned safety improvements to the helicopter landing site at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

The £814K contribution will help fund works identified through the Trust’s helipad upgrade programme, which is focused on enhancing safety and operational arrangements for patients, air ambulance crews and staff.

The Royal Stoke helipad plays a vital role in the rapid transfer of critically ill and injured patients, enabling specialist care to be accessed as quickly as possible, around the clock, when every minute counts. It receives patients from Midlands Air Ambulance, Wales Air Ambulance, North West Air Ambulance, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, The Air Ambulance and Children’s Air Ambulance.

One such patient was Sue Gould from Ipstones, who was seriously injured after being accidently run over by a six tonne tractor on her farm this year. She was flown by air ambulance to the Royal Stoke Hospital helipad for specialised treatment.

The generous donation from the HELP Appeal will contribute towards improvements designed to further strengthen the safety and effectiveness of the site.

Lorraine Whitehead, UHNM Director of Estates, and PFI said:

“We are incredibly grateful to the HELP Appeal for this generous donation and their continued commitment to supporting NHS hospitals across the country.

“Our helipad is a vital part of providing emergency and specialist care, enabling patients to reach the treatments they need as quickly as possible. These improvements will help enhance safety for patients, visiting air ambulance crews and our staff, ensuring we can continue to provide the best possible care in the most critical circumstances.

“On behalf of everyone at UHNM, I would like to thank the HELP Appeal for their support and for helping us invest in the future of this important facility.”

Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal added:

“The HELP Appeal is proud to fund these vital improvements to the Royal Stoke Hospital helipad. The barriers, warning systems and improved lighting will enable the helipad to continue operating safely and efficiently, ensuring critically ill patients can access the urgent care they need without delay.”

Helipad patient, Sue Gould adds:

“When I was airlifted to Royal Stoke Hospital, every second mattered. Knowing that these new safety measures will help keep the area clear and secure when an air ambulance is landing or taking off is very reassuring. The upgrade will help patients just like me, to reach the hospital as safely and quickly as possible.”

In 2019, the HELP Appeal donated £51,000 to fund a weather station on the hospital helipad, the first in the country to have one, which provides certainty and real time information for emergency helicopter pilots about weather conditions, ensuring that its patients are seen quicker and with more efficiency. The weather station, called “Skyview”, measures visibility and conditions around the Royal Stoke University Hospital site and helps ambulance crews understand the next steps for our critically injured patients, making sure they are air lifted to the most appropriate trauma centre avoiding bad weather conditions that can make flying difficult.

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FAA approves aircon STC on Enstrom 280FX

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:40:42 +0000

Innovation extends beyond aircraft performance—it also enhances the pilot experience. Enstrom Helicopter Corporation (Enstrom) is further enhancing the versatility of its 280FX with FAA approval of the Thermacool Electric Air Conditioning system, certified through the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) held by Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems.

The Thermacool electric air conditioning system provides efficient cockpit cooling designed to improve pilot and passenger comfort, particularly during ground operations and flight in warmer climates.

The newly certified installation gives customers another option to tailor the 280FX to their operational needs while improving cockpit comfort. Combined with the aircraft’s responsive handling, outstanding safety record, and low direct operating costs, the addition reinforces Enstrom’s commitment to continually improving the flying experience.

The certification represents another milestone in the continued evolution of the Enstrom 280FX. Alongside the newly certified air conditioning option, Enstrom is progressing toward FAA certification of its updated fuel system, with additional announcements expected as those efforts are completed.

“This certification is another example of our commitment to continuously improving the ownership experience,” said Chuck Wade, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer excellence at Enstrom Helicopter Corporation. “While we’re excited to bring this new comfort option to our customers today, it’s just one of several advancements underway for the 280FX. We’re looking forward to sharing additional certification milestones in the months ahead as we prepare to deliver the next generation of 280FX aircraft to customers.”

Enstrom is now accepting orders for new 280FX helicopters, with customer deliveries beginning in October 2026. As the 280FX platform continues to evolve, Enstrom remains committed to delivering reliable, high-performance aircraft through continuous product innovation, providing operators worldwide with enhanced safety, comfort, and operational capability.

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EHang to Report 2026 Q2 results on August 25

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:38:49 +0000

EHang Holdings Limited announced that it will release its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026 on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, before the U.S. market opens.

EHang’s management team will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Beijing/Hong Kong Time).

Participant Online Registration:
English line: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10056824-n27awx.html

Chinese line: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10056826-dodgtb.html

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company’s Investors Relations website at http://ir.ehang.com/.

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East Gwillimbury Helipad gains long term commitment

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:37:16 +0000

The Regional Municipality of York and Ornge are pleased to announce they have reached an agreement to keep the helipad at York Region Paramedic Services Headquarters in East Gwillimbury operational, ensuring continued access to timely air ambulance services for residents across York Region.

Originally launched on July 12, 2024, as a two-year pilot project following the closure of Buttonville Airport in November 2023, the helipad has provided a vital link between local emergency responders and Ornge’s air ambulance network. This facility has enabled faster, safer and more efficient transport of critically ill and injured patients requiring specialized care at trauma centres and hospitals across Ontario. Since becoming operational, more than 90 flights have landed at the East Gwillimbury site.

“The success of the pilot project demonstrated the importance of maintaining a dedicated landing site within York Region,” says Peter Cunnington, Chief Aviation Officer. “Having access to a reliable and strategically located helipad, helps our crews transport patients quickly to definitive care when every minute matters.”

“As we mark two years of operations at the York Region Paramedic Services helipad, we’re recognizing the significant impact this partnership with Ornge has had on patients and their families,” says Chris Spearen, Chief, York Region Paramedic Services. “The helipad has strengthened emergency response capabilities and improved access to critical and specialized care when every minute matters. We are proud to see this important partnership continue and we remain committed to working with Ornge to support delivery of timely, high-quality care to support our communities.”

Through this agreement, York Region Paramedic Services and Ornge will continue collaborating to ensure the facility remains available to support emergency operations and meet the healthcare needs of a growing population.

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Phoenix Police orders Airbus H145

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:35:01 +0000

Davenport Aviation is pleased to announce that the Phoenix Police Department has placed an order for a new Airbus H145 helicopter, further strengthening one of the nation’s premier airborne law enforcement programs.

The addition of the H145 reflects the department’s continued investment in modern aviation capabilities that enhance public safety, operational readiness, and mission effectiveness. Designed to support a wide range of airborne law enforcement operations, the H145 will provide exceptional performance, advanced technology, and increased mission flexibility for years to come.

The Phoenix metropolitan area presents one of the nation’s most demanding operating environments, where extreme heat, mountainous terrain, and expansive urban and desert landscapes require aircraft capable of exceptional performance and reliability. The new H145 will join the Phoenix Police Department’s existing fleet of Airbus H125 helicopters, adding a twin-engine capability to complement the department’s already extensive airborne operations. Together, the fleet will enhance the department’s ability to support complex search and rescue missions, tactical operations, and public safety response across the Valley.

“We’re honored to continue supporting the Phoenix Police Department as they invest in the future of their aviation program,” said Rob McMillin, Vice President of Aircraft & Aircraft Systems. “The H145 is an exceptional platform for the demanding missions Phoenix performs every day, and we’re proud to help deliver an aircraft that will serve the department and its community for years to come.”

Home to one of the largest law enforcement helicopter fleets in the United States, the Phoenix Police Department continues to invest in modern aviation capabilities that strengthen mission readiness and operational safety. The addition of the H145 builds on an already proven Airbus fleet, providing enhanced redundancy, increased mission flexibility, and expanded capability for the department’s most demanding public safety operations.

Davenport Aviation will support the Phoenix Police Department throughout the acquisition process, with aircraft delivery anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2028. Aircraft completion and mission equipment integration will be performed by Hangar One Avionics in Carlsbad, California, ensuring the aircraft is mission-ready and fully configured to meet the department’s operational requirements upon delivery.

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HeliOperations signs for Reiser AW139 FTD and hoistAR®

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:32:49 +0000

HeliOperations (HeliOps) and Reiser Simulation and Training GmbH (REISER) signed an agreement at the Farnborough International Airshow for the delivery of an AW139 Flight Training Device (FTD) and a stationary REISER hoistAR® training system.

The FTD will be built on REISER’s newly developed Next Generation-FTD (NG-FTD) platform and will simulate the Leonardo AW139 in its Phase 8 configuration. Based on a modular and scalable architecture, the NG-FTD platform allows the device and its capabilities to be tailored to specific aircraft, mission, and training requirements.

The stationary hoistAR® will provide an immersive extended-reality environment for helicopter hoist-operator training. Both FTD and hoistAR® can be used separately and, when required, connected for coordinated pilot and hoist-operator mission training.

The REISER systems will support HeliOps’ seven-year Basic Flight Training programme for German Navy pilots preparing to operate the NH90 Sea Lion and Sea Tiger helicopters. Within the programme, they will complement theoretical instruction and practical day-and-night flying on HeliOps’ AW139 fleet.

“The investment forms part of HeliOperations’ wider strategy to create one of Europe’s leading independent military rotary-wing training centres. Operating from Portland, Dorset, the company combines military-qualified instructors, CAA and UK Military Aviation Authority approvals, a growing fleet of Leonardo AW139 helicopters and expanding synthetic training capability to deliver advanced pilot, aircrew and mission training for defence customers. The addition of the REISER systems further enhances HeliOperations’ ability to provide integrated live and synthetic training within a modern, operationally focused training environment.,” said Steve Gladston, CEO of HeliOperations.

At the core of the FTD is a high-fidelity simulation model provided by Leonardo Helicopters through its cooperation with REISER. Fully integrated into the REISER Modular Simulation Framework, the model provides a highly realistic representation of the AW139 and its systems.

The NG-FTD will also feature full NVG capability, a high-resolution six-channel projected visual system, and motion and vibration cueing to enhance immersion and maximise training effectiveness.

Depending on customer requirements and the applicable qualification basis, the NG-FTD platform is designed to support qualification up to EASA FTD Level 3 and FAA FTD Level 7. It has also been developed with EASA’s new FSTD Capability Signature (FCS) framework in mind, supporting a capability-based approach that more closely aligns training needs with the capabilities of the device.

“Understanding the customer’s mission is the starting point for every REISER training system. This project shows how we translate complex operational requirements into customer-specific, future-ready solutions. We are proud to support HeliOps and to expand our presence in the UK rotary-wing training market,”
said Dr. Johannes Hain, CEO of REISER.

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SkyDrive Signs Australia’s First eVTOL Agreement with Gold Coast Helitours

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:20:04 +0000

SkyDrive Inc., a leading compact eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Gold Coast Helitours, a premier helicopter operator based in the Gold Coast, Australia.

This milestone agreement represents SkyDrive’s first LOI with an Australian operator regarding the introduction of its aircraft. The parties have reached a basic agreement on the terms for purchasing up to five “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL aircraft (Model SD-05) which encompasses specific pricing and a delivery schedule (targeting two aircraft in 2028 and three in 2029). Furthermore, the proposed route for sightseeing services has been mutually agreed upon.

Background to Partnership

Driven by a growing global demand for sustainable transit options and exceptionally quiet mobility experiences, the Gold Coast is spearheading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives. As a top-tier resort destination in Australia with a well-established helicopter sightseeing sector, the region aims to integrate these innovative air mobility systems into practical use.

Aligning with this vision, Gold Coast Helitours, an operator with a long-standing record of safe and highly reliable helicopter flights, sought to leverage the unique advantages of eco-friendly, ultra-quiet eVTOL aircraft to transform air travel and build a new tourism ecosystem in the region.

Proposed Scenic Flight Route

SkyDrive and Gold Coast Helitours plan to launch Australia’s first eVTOL sightseeing service in 2028, operating out of the existing heliport located at Marina Mirage (*2), Main Beach.

Takeoff and Landing Point: Marina Mirage, Main Beach
Flight Overview: An approximate 10-minute scenic loop flying over the Broadwater, Southport, and Surfers Paradise.

Infrastructure and Future Network Expansion

Leading up to the targeted commercial launch in 2028, SkyDrive and Gold Coast Helitours will work closely to secure necessary type certification from regulatory authorities. As a foundational step for operations, the partners will also drive the development of a dedicated vertiport and a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Southport Airfield.

Looking ahead, the long-term vision is to utilize Southport Airfield as a central maintenance hub to build a broader eVTOL aircraft network. This network aims to seamlessly connect the Gold Coast city center, major commercial districts, and the Gold Coast Airport.

Management Comments

Scott Menzies, Chief Pilot and Director, Gold Coast Helitours
“For many years, we have provided our guests with breathtaking views of the Gold Coast from the sky. By adding incredibly quiet and environmentally friendly eVTOL aircraft to our fleet, we can offer an unprecedented new era of air travel. This beautiful coastline is the perfect stage for such a launch.”

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder & CEO, SkyDrive Inc.
“Gold Coast Helitours is an outstanding partner with a proven history of safe operations and a clear, forward-looking vision for next-generation mobility. We are profoundly honored to announce our first aircraft introduction agreement in Australia alongside an operator with such industry-leading ambition.”

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Moog and Near Earth Autonomy collaborate on Cockpit Autonomy

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:15:25 +0000

Moog Inc., a worldwide designer, manufacturer and systems integrator of high-performance precision motion and fluid controls and control systems today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Near Earth Autonomy (Near Earth) to integrate autonomous flight capabilities into Moog’s Genesys Avionics Suite. By combining CAPTAIN, Near Earth’s industry-leading autonomous pilot system and Responsive Uncrewed Capability (RUC) UAS, with Moog’s proven cockpit displays, communications, and control systems, this collaboration will:

● Expand mission capabilities on fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft

● Reduce pilot cognitive load for safer, more reliable operations

● Enable seamless transitions between manual and autonomous flight modes

● Support both crewed and uncrewed missions, from search and rescue to cargo resupply and beyond

Building on successful demonstrations with the U.S. Army’s UH60L Black Hawk uncrewed logistics program, the MOU extends integrated autonomy capabilities to other platforms equipped with the Genesys Avionics Suite. Together, Moog and Near Earth will Figure 1 – Moog Inc. & Near Earth Signing Ceremony pursue domestic and international opportunities, delivering turnkey solutions that empower operators with intuitive, autonomous, mission-ready cockpits.

Sharmila Durairaj, General Manager of Moog Avionics, commented: “By coupling Moog’s mission-proven cockpit systems with Near Earth’s autonomy solutions, we are delivering a leap in operational capability. Users will benefit from advanced decision-support and seamless autonomy modes—so they can focus on the mission.”

“Our prior work with Moog on RUC-60 and MARV-EL has proven that we can bring safe, certifiable autonomy to existing, combat-proven airframes, from the uncrewed Black Hawk to the uncrewed Bell 505,” said Dr. Sanjiv Singh, CEO of Near Earth Autonomy. “Building on that foundation, we’re excited to expand our collaboration with Moog. By combining our CAPTAIN architecture and Autonomy Core with their flight decks, avionics, and aircraft systems, we can deliver practical, phased products for crewed and uncrewed teaming, pilot assist, and autonomous logistics. This partnership gives us a clear framework for aligning customer needs, technical interfaces, and regulatory requirements as we pursue new opportunities across defense, government, and commercial aviation.”

Emphasizing Moog’s unwavering commitment to innovation and operational excellence, this collaboration exemplifies Moog’s commitment to Shaping the way our world moves.

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XTI Aerospace Chairman and CEO resigns; Interims appointed

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:11:56 +0000

XTI Aerospace, Inc., an aerospace and advanced technology platform and parent company of Drone Nerds, LLC, (“Drone Nerds”), a leading drone solutions platform serving commercial, enterprise and government customers, announced two leadership changes designed to streamline management and position the company to address the significant growth opportunities across the commercial, industrial and defense drone markets. Effective immediately, Scott Pomeroy has resigned as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors has appointed Jeremy Schneiderman as Interim CEO, and elected Jonathan Ornstein as Interim Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“The Board is committed to ensuring strong leadership to guide XTI Aerospace into its next chapter,” said Ornstein. “We thank Scott for his contributions over the last two and a half years and wish him the best in his next chapter. We are confident that the team, with Jeremy as Interim CEO, will serve the best interests of the Company and its objectives, employees and shareholders.”

“I’m honored to lead XTI at such an exciting inflection point, with U.S. sourcing becoming a critical point of differentiation in the commercial drone market,” said Schneiderman. “Meaningful work lies ahead, and I’m committed to driving disciplined execution and delivering sustained growth. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the Drone Nerds team as we support our customers in this evolving, high-growth market.”

Jeremy Schneiderman has served as the chief executive officer of Drone Nerds since 2014, and under his leadership, Drone Nerds has grown into one of the premier providers of enterprise drone solutions, services, and hardware in the United States. With more than a decade of experience in the UAV industry, Jeremy has helped establish Drone Nerds as a trusted authority across multiple sectors through a combination of technical expertise, strong vendor partnerships, and a customer-first approach. He brings a program-focused perspective shaped by supporting organizations as they evaluate, deploy, and scale drone operations through platform selection, training, integration, and long-term support.

Mr. Ornstein served as chief executive officer of Mesa Air Group, Inc. (“Mesa”) from 1998 until November 2025 and as chairman of the board of directors of Mesa from 1999 until November 2025. Following his departure, Mesa completed a merger transaction and changed its name to Republic Airways Holdings Inc. Mr. Ornstein co-founded Virgin Express S.A./N.V., an airline in Brussels, Belgium, where he served as chief executive officer and chairman from 1995 until 1999. In 1994, Mr. Ornstein served as chief executive officer of Continental Express, and was later named senior vice president of airport services for Continental Airlines. Mr. Ornstein served as executive vice president and president of Mesa’s then-wholly owned subsidiary WestAir Holding, Inc. from 1988 to 1994. Mr. Ornstein began his career in aviation in 1986 with AirLA, a commuter airline in Los Angeles. Mr. Ornstein attended the University of Pennsylvania.

The Board is confident in the management team’s ability to maintain operational stability and advance the company’s strategic priorities during this transition.

The change in management and the review of corporate governance policies has resulted in the Company’s filing of a Form 12b-25, Notification of Late Filing, with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2026. The Company intends to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as soon as practicable. The delayed filing relates to the efforts the Company is taking to complete an internal review of the Registrant’s former Chief Executive Officer, and other related corporate governance matters.

As a result of the filing of Form 12b-25 Notification of Late Filing, management unfortunately will not be participating in Needham’s Annual Virtual Industrial Tech, Robotics and Power Conference on August 17-18.

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EHang Launches Global Fast Track Program

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:09:32 +0000

EHang Holdings Limited, a world-leading advanced air mobility (“AAM”) technology platform company, announced the launch of its Global Fast Track Program — a structured and accelerated pathway for the assessment and introduction of pilotless eVTOL operations in international markets. Sri Lanka is the inaugural market under the initiative, with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (“CAASL”) adopting the Fast Track Program, targeting sandbox commercialization within four months, subject to the successful completion of mandatory regulatory, technical, operational and safety assessments.

EHang Global Fast Track Program

Driven by EHang’s global expansion strategy, the launch of its Global Fast Track Program is expected to expedite the deployment of EHang’s pilotless eVTOL aircraft from initial regulatory engagement to commercial operations in new international markets.

Built upon EHang’s complete certifications for pilotless passenger eVTOL aircraft, its commercial operating experience in China, and proven safe flight records across 23 countries, this structured framework delivers a validation‑driven pathway. It is expected to enable international civil‑aviation authorities and partners to streamline certification and commercial roll‑out for pilotless eVTOL operations, aiming to compress timelines from years to months.

Rather than being built in isolation, this framework distills the practical experience EHang has accumulated through years of engagement from scratch with multiple civil aviation authorities, including operational learnings from early sandbox projects, as well as EHang talent teams covering the full end‑to‑end workflow spanning technology, airworthiness and flight operations to address regulatory requirements.

Drawing on that experience, Fast Track packages it into a replicable, four-phase roadmap, aiming to enable authorities to move from validation to commercialization more efficiently based on an already-certified aircraft:

1. Framework alignment — regulatory workflow established, and validation pathway defined.
2. Sandbox build-out — site designation, infrastructure and ground operations systems deployed.
3. Validation flights — sandbox flights conducted in accordance with established safety standards.
4. Commercial launch — operational approval and commercial service.

Sri Lanka — The Inaugural Market of EHang Global Fast Track Program

Sri Lanka was the first country to join the Fast Track Program, targeting initial sandbox commercialization within four months, subject to the successful completion of mandatory regulatory, technical, operational and safety assessments. Both parties reached a consensus to conduct continued technical work with CAASL inspectors and technical teams, and to jointly plan sandbox flight sites and practical operation scenarios.

Recently, EHang has held in‑depth multi‑round discussions with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and the CAASL, alongside cross‑government stakeholders from defense, tourism, investment and aviation services. The high‑level engagements were chaired by Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy, together with Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister, and Mr. W.W.S. Mangala, Ministry Secretary, while Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director‑General & CEO of CAASL, led the technical deliberations on behalf of the civil aviation regulators.

During the meetings, both sides exchanged in‑depth views on core topics covering eVTOL regulatory sandbox establishment, implementation pathway, regulatory requirements, operational framework, aircraft and technical requirements, infrastructure, airspace considerations, maintenance arrangements, personnel requirements, and multi‑sector stakeholder coordination.

Initial operations will focus on a designated sandbox zone centered on Port City in Colombo, where eVTOL operational services will be established. Potential routes under consideration include scenic flights over the “Eighth Wonder of the World” — the historic rock fortresses of Sigiriya, as well as the Pidurangala, also shuttle services connecting Katunayake Airport to hotels in central Colombo and catering to tourist mobility needs within Port City and the greater Colombo area. In addition to passenger services, unmanned maritime cargo logistics applications are also being explored. EHang will act as the provider of eVTOL aircraft, operation systems, technical services and personnel training, advancing the safe and structured roll‑out of eVTOL demonstration and trial operations in Sri Lanka in alignment with international aviation safety standards.

Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy, commented, “Sri Lanka is actively embracing emerging aviation technologies to transform our tourism industry, strengthen emergency response capabilities, and meet maritime logistics and coastal service needs. EHang brings a compelling track record, and the Fast Track Program offers a structured approach that aligns well with our development priorities. The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to coordinating across ministries and agencies to create an enabling environment for eVTOL commercialization, and we look forward to working with EHang to bring this vision to life.”

Capt. Daminda Rambukwella, Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of CAASL, commented, “CAASL has adopted the proposals presented by EHang under its Global Fast Track Program, aimed at establishing the first eVTOL sandbox in Sri Lanka, with a target of achieving initial sandbox commercialization within four months. The adoption of this fast-track approach marks an important milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to embrace Advanced Air Mobility and emerging aviation technologies. The four-month target reflects the proposed implementation timeline and remains subject to the successful completion of the required regulatory, technical, operational, and safety assessments and approvals. This initiative represents a significant step towards positioning Sri Lanka as a regional destination for Advanced Air Mobility and eVTOL innovation, while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance, operational integrity and the highest applicable standards of aviation safety.”

Mr. Hu Huazhi, Founder, Chairman and CEO of EHang, stated, “We believe the Global Fast Track Program can serve as a genuine breakthrough for unlocking international eVTOL markets. By enabling civil aviation authorities to validate an already-certified aircraft rather than start from scratch, the Fast Track Program is expected to turn regulatory exploration into actionable progress effectively. We are thrilled to see Sri Lanka has the vision to be the first to adopt this framework. We are in active dialogue with civil aviation authorities in several other markets. We welcome regulators and partners worldwide who share this vision to join us in making pilotless eVTOL operations a reality.”

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Helicopter Institute names new President

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:06:09 +0000

Helicopter Institute announced the appointment of Jonathan “Jon” Britton as President, strengthening the company’s leadership as it continues to grow its military, government, public safety and commercial aviation training programs.

Founder Randy Rowles will continue as Director of Operations and Training, remaining actively engaged in flight operations, training, checking, safety, regulatory oversight and the development of current and future programs.

Britton brings more than 22 years of U.S. Army Avia on experience to the role. A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Assault Battalion Commander, Special Operations veteran and military Instructor Pilot, he completed 13 operational deployments and built a career around aviation leadership, standardisation, readiness and the development of aviators. His experience also includes oversight of large-scale aviation organisations, government flight operations and complex military aviation programs. Britton also holds an Executive MBA from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pairing more than two decades of military aviation leadership with formal executive business education.

“Jon brings exactly the combination of leadership, aviation credibility and character that Helicopter Institute needs for its future,” Rowles said. “He is an exceptional aviator, but what stands out most is his ability to lead people, establish standards and build teams around a mission. He understands accountability, service and the responsibility that comes with developing the next genera on of aviators. I trust his judgment, respect his abilites in the cockpit and have tremendous confidence in him as President of HI.” said, Randy Rowles Founder of Helicopter Institute.

Britton’s appointment comes as Helicopter Institute continues to expand its role in military aviation training. HI’s past and present military programs have demonstrated the value commercial aviation expertise can bring to the development of military aviators, including the company’s current work training the next genera on of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard pilots.

“I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal point in the company’s story. Helicopter Institute is a special company, and that is a direct reflection of what Randy and his team have built. The trust placed in us by military, government, public safety and commercial operators around the world is earned one pilot at a me, and my focus is on honoring that foundation while helping write the next chapter.” said, Jon Britton appointed President of Helicopter Institute. Britton brings a particularly valuable perspective to that mission. During his career, he served as a commander, instructor pilot, aviation standardization leader, government flight representative and operational executive. That background provides firsthand understanding of both the military customer and the aviation organizations entrusted to support the mission.

“This is not Randy Rowles stepping away from Helicopter Institute,” Rowles added. “It is HI building the leadership depth required for where this company is going. Jon and I bring complementary experience to the organization, and this structure allows each of us to focus on the areas where we can make the greatest contribution.” said, Randy Rowles Founder of Helicopter Institute. The leadership transition positions Helicopter Institute to build upon its history while continuing to pursue new opportunities across military, government and commercial vertical lift training.

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New LifeFlight doctors take to the sky to help Queenslanders

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:57:32 +0000

LifeFlight’s latest cohort of critical care doctors are now rescue ready to help Queensland communities across the state.

The 30-strong group recently underwent a week of intensive aeromedical training at the LifeFlight Training Academy at Brisbane Airport to prepare for their new, exciting roles.

The doctors have headed to work in regions and cities across Queensland including Wide Bay-Burnett, Darling Downs, Sunshine Coast, Maranoa and Brisbane.

Swedish Doctor Stefan Sjödin swapped his usual workdays close to the polar circle for the coastal town of Bundaberg, as one of the region’s newest critical care doctors.

“I normally work in the northern part of Sweden, with not a lot of chances to work as a retrieval doctor,” he said.

“To be able to work in a climate like Australia and work on a retrieval service, it was too good not to.”

LifeFlight critical care Doctor Neeban Balayasoderan first saw an aeromedical helicopter in action when he was only a child.

Now, his career has come full circle as one of LifeFlight’s newest retrieval registrars.

“I think my desire to work for LifeFlight started quite a long time ago. I was in the back of the car with my parents when we saw a significant car crash involving a few vehicles,” he said.

“The helicopter landed and the crew came out, including the doctor and paramedic, to help the injured people.

“And by chance, quite a remarkable chance actually, the doctor on board was my cousin.

“I remember being really awestruck by the fact that a healthcare team could come outside of the hospital to the roadside and deliver care to people that needed it there and then.”

The doctors recently underwent a week of intensive training at the LifeFlight Training Academy at Brisbane Airport.

The program put the new doctors to the test through clinical scenarios, winching, Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) and sea survival, helping ensure they are rescue ready from day one.

During HUET, the retrieval registrars were taken through multiple scenarios simulating a helicopter crash into water and how to safely exit the aircraft.

LifeFlight HUET Manager Mick Dowling said the specialist training gave doctors the necessary skills to work safely on board a helicopter.

“Our mission is to have the doctors skilled with the confidence to be able to deal with any aviation situation that they may be faced with,” he said.

“The common response we get from them after the completion is that it was challenging and uncomfortable, but overall, an amazing experience.

“It’s highly unlikely the aircraft will be required to be ditched into the water; however, all crew are trained should they face that situation.”

After being tumbled upside down through the water and learning how to survive out on the open water, the doctors were taken through winching procedures.

LifeFlight Deputy Chief Aircrew Officer Todd Seymour said the winch training prepared them for the unpredictability of the role.

“The doctors learn multiple exercises. They learn how to be winched out of the aircraft by themselves, how to be winched out of the aircraft with a rescue crewman or paramedic and learn how to accompany a stretcher into the aircraft,” he said.

“They’re going to remote areas across Queensland and they could be in dense bushland or out to sea off a cruise ship, so it’s important they’re delivered the training they need to perform these roles to a high and safe standard.

“No two days are the same for us at LifeFlight.”

The doctors also had their clinical skills pushed to the limit at the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy, where they responded to realistic, simulated scenarios including a multi-vehicle collision.

Queensland Fire Department (QFD) personnel also taught the new recruits how to safely extricate a patient from a road accident.

LifeFlight is the largest employer of aeromedical doctors in the country with more than 180 medical professionals.

The Brisbane-based aeromedical crew helped 1,535 people across the fixed and rotary wings in the past financial year.

LifeFlight came to the aid of 8,982 people in the past year – helping nearly six per cent more people than the previous year.

The majority of LifeFlight critical care doctors’ work is performed on behalf of Queensland Health, with missions tasked by Retrieval Services Queensland within Queensland Ambulance Service.

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Kawasaki launches H145 VR pilot training in Asia-Pacific

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:54:55 +0000

Loft Dynamics, the leader in virtual reality (VR) pilot training, announced that Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Kawasaki) will become the first organization in Asia-Pacific to deploy its newly released H145 Multi-Pilot VR Simulator, bringing immersive H145 VR training to the region for the first time.

For nearly five decades, Kawasaki has contributed to the development, manufacturing and support of the Airbus BK117/H145 family. The company also provides Airbus Helicopters-approved H145 training to operators across Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Kawasaki’s investment comes just weeks after the commercial launch of the H145 Multi-Pilot VR Simulator and extends the platform’s early adoption from Europe to Asia-Pacific.

“Kawasaki has long been a central industrial and training force in the H145 program in Asia,” said Sebastien Borel, CEO of Loft Dynamics. “Its decision to deploy our H145 Multi-Pilot VR Simulator marks an important step in bringing aircraft-specific, multi-crew VR training to Asia-Pacific. It also reflects a much larger shift: VR is changing how pilots and crews build proficiency, and it is on its way to becoming a standard part of aviation training worldwide.”

The simulator will be installed at the Kawasaki Training Center in Gifu, one of the leading H145/BK117 training centers in the world. Kawasaki will use it to support initial type ratings, instrument training, multi-crew cooperation, recurrent training and checking for operators in emergency medical services, law enforcement, disaster response and other mission-critical sectors.

“As an Airbus Helicopters-approved training center, our responsibility is to provide operators with the highest standard of H145 training available,” said Hitoshi Kawaguchi, head of the BK117/H145 Program at Kawasaki. “Loft Dynamics’ H145 Multi-Pilot VR Simulator significantly expands our ability to do just that. By combining immersive multi-crew training with OEM-provided aircraft data, we can give pilots more opportunities to build proficiency, prepare for complex missions and train using the same procedures they use in the aircraft. Adding this capability to our training center advances our long-term plans for advanced H145/BK117 training and allows us to serve more operators across Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region.”

Developed in close collaboration with Airbus Helicopters, the H145 Multi-Pilot VR Simulator will allow pilots and crew members to rehearse normal, abnormal and emergency procedures together in a shared virtual environment. The simulator uses flight dynamics, systems data and helicopter software provided directly by Airbus Helicopters. It reproduces the aircraft’s handling and performance characteristics so crews can train according to the procedures used in flight operations.

The system combines a six-degree-of-freedom full-motion platform, a virtual full-scale cockpit and a 360-degree panoramic field of view. Kawasaki will be able to repeat demanding scenarios that would be difficult, costly or impractical to conduct in an aircraft, giving pilots and crews more opportunities to build proficiency across a range of H145 operations.

Kawasaki’s planned deployment follows Loft Dynamics’ previous simulator installation in Japan and expands the company’s support for two widely operated Airbus Helicopters platforms in the country.

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37th Helicopter Squadron holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for MH-139 Grey Wolf hangar

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:51:07 +0000

On August 14, 2026, the 37th Helicopter Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the MH-139 Grey Wolf hangar and 90th Missile Security Operations Squadron Tactical Response Force building, marking an advancement in modernization for the U.S. Air Force’s strategic operations.

The MH-139 Grey Wolf is designed to replace the UH-1N Huey fleet, with a primary focus on improving security operations, combat search and rescue missions and transport capabilities.

With 90 MSOS TRF operators on 24-7 standby for security responses, the MH-139 stands ready to transport them for security missions with its improved speed and range, which are essential for safeguarding intercontinental ballistic missile sites.

“I want to stress that this is not just a helicopter hangar,” said Col. Bryant Bevan, 582nd Helicopter Group commander. “This is a Helicopter and TRF Operations building. It is for the entire nuclear security enterprise and we are excited to partner with our defenders.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony not only highlights the technological advancements of the MH-139 Grey Wolf but also emphasizes its importance to the local community and national security. 37 HS directly supports the 90th Missile Wing, which plays a vital role in the U.S. nuclear deterrent strategy–integrating the Grey Wolf into its operations enhances the overall security posture of the nation.

This new facility is crucial for enhancing operational readiness and security within the nuclear security enterprise, reflecting a commitment to excellence and collaboration. As the 37 HS and the 90th Missile Wing integrate advanced capabilities, they strengthen and ensure preparedness in an evolving landscape of threats.

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VAI recognises FAA deputy administrator

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:21:28 +0000

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) President and CEO François Lassale commends FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau’s service and leadership as the FAA veteran prepares to depart the agency:

“On behalf of VAI and our members, I congratulate Chris Rocheleau and thank him for his dedicated service to the FAA. Chris provided steady leadership during one of the most transformational periods in recent aviation history while advancing safety, air traffic control modernization, and the integration of new technologies into the National Airspace System,” Lassale said.

“Chris has been a respected partner to the vertical aviation community and a strong advocate for a safe, efficient, and modern aviation system. We appreciate his public service and look forward to continuing our work with him as he returns to the National Business Aviation Association.”

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LifeNet Arizona 8 Receives First Responder Status

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:19:46 +0000

Patients in southeastern Arizona may now receive emergency air medical care faster because Willcox-based LifeNet Arizona 8 recently obtained first responder status. This means that when they are called to the scene of an emergency by 911 dispatch or a Sheriff’s or fire department, the pilot can identify a safe place to land the helicopter and the medical crew can begin patient care before other responders arrive. Prior to receiving this designation, the crew had to remain in the air until first responders on the ground secured a landing zone.

“First responder status allows our crews to safely reach patients faster than ground EMS units in remote or rural areas,” said Jenn Culbert, account executive with Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service and parent company of LifeNet Arizona. “When every minute counts, this ability allows us to do our job to its fullest.”

In order to obtain first responder status, LifeNet had to demonstrate a need, develop a plan to reduce any risk associated with landing a helicopter in an unsecured area, train its pilots and flight crews on how to identify a suitable landing zone without the benefit of ground support, and educate ground crews in the service area on how to approach a scene when an aircraft is already on site.

As ground ambulance companies face pressures ranging from staffing shortages to large service areas that require them to travel long distances, granting air medical providers the ability to arrive on the scene first is a benefit to the entire emergency response system.

“The partnership between ground and air emergency resources is crucial in providing patients with the best possible care,” said North County EMS Chief Anthony Kugler. “The closest Level 1 trauma center is in Tucson, which may be an hour and a half away by ground. In situations where time is of the essence, it is critical that patients get in the air as quickly as possible.”

LifeNet crews will still rely on ground responders to secure landing zones when they are unable to locate a safe place to land from the air or when potential hazards need to be cleared. Additionally, other emergency responders must be en route to the scene, and the helicopter must still be dispatched through a 911 or agency request. No air medical team is permitted to self-dispatch in any situation.

On every transport mission, the LifeNet clinical team carries whole blood and can administer it in flight if needed, positively increasing patient outcomes through pre-hospital care. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) – the highest standard in safety, clinical practice, quality assurance, and training in the industry. Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities they serve and is in-network with most major health insurance providers for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability.

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AutoFlight showcases AAM in Kazakhstan

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:17:22 +0000

AutoFlight, a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), together with its strategic partner Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd. (AAAG), is showcasing Advanced Air Mobility through live electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) demonstration flights and themed activities during the Games of the Future 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

AutoFlight successfully completed its Air Taxi Demonstration Flight on 24 July, with the ton-class eVTOL aircraft continuing to be showcased throughout the Games of the Future 2026 as part of the official public exhibition.

As one of the world’s leading international phygital tournaments, Games of the Future 2026 brings together more than 800 competitors from over 50 countries across eight disciplines, combining elite physical competition with digital gaming. Against this global stage, AutoFlight’s showcase demonstrates how Advanced Air Mobility is becoming part of the future of transportation.

The Astana demonstration follows AutoFlight’s successful first eVTOL flight in Alatau City in May 2026 and reflects the company’s continued commitment to supporting the development of Advanced Air Mobility in Kazakhstan. Through its partnership with AAAG, AutoFlight is working to accelerate commercial deployment by supporting aviation innovation, smart infrastructure and regional connectivity.

“The demonstration flights in Astana are not a standalone event but part of a systematic effort to introduce urban air mobility in Kazakhstan. The country is steadily building a comprehensive ecosystem: the necessary legislation has been adopted, infrastructure development is underway, and international cooperation with leading global companies continues to expand. Our goal is to make innovative air transport an integral part of Kazakhstan’s transportation system,” said Sergey Khegay, Chief Executive Officer of AAAG.

“We envision our large-scale eVTOL technology transforming this region across multiple dimensions—from urban air mobility and intercity travel to aerial sightseeing, logistics and emergency response,” Kellen Xie, Senior Vice President of AutoFlight emphasized, “These applications represent not merely technological possibilities but a new paradigm of sustainable, zero-emission transportation for Central Asia.”

As AutoFlight continues expanding its global footprint, the company remains committed to working with governments, regulators and strategic partners worldwide to accelerate the commercialization of eVTOL technology and unlock new opportunities for sustainable air transportation.

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Elroy Air equips Chaparral with three delivery modes under US Army contract

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:14:30 +0000

Elroy Air, a leading U.S.-based technology developer of autonomous heavy-cargo drones for defense, rapid response and commercial logistics, today announced that the company has created three new unattended delivery modes for its Chaparral drone, developed under contract with the U.S. Army. Chaparral can now deliver payloads three ways: precision airdrop from a hover, precision airdrop in forward flight, and ground delivery, each executed without personnel or ground infrastructure at the receiving site.

In a demonstration at the company’s Byron, California headquarters on July 15, 2026, Chaparral completed two payload releases in a single flight: a 68-pound payload drop from a close-in hover and a 70-pound payload release from 65 feet in forward flight. Both deliveries were software-commanded from pre-programmed coordinates, with no operator input during execution, a requirement for communications-denied environments. Neither drop required personnel at the delivery point. Elroy Air separately demonstrated ground delivery without attending personnel, in which the aircraft released its payload after landing.

“The Army asked us for these unattended delivery capabilities, and we developed them on time and on budget in a single autonomous aircraft. That’s real capability for the warfighter, and it carries straight over to our commercial customers as well,” said Andrew Clare, CEO of Elroy Air. “Next we will begin testing in the field alongside the U.S. Army in exercises designed to rapidly put these capabilities into the hands of our soldiers.”

The Chaparral was designed for multi-mission flexibility, with swappable cargo pods that allow a single aircraft to support different missions without airframe reconfiguration, runway or ground infrastructure, or delivery equipment or personnel. The aircraft can release cargo from hover for precision placement, in forward flight when speed or altitude must be maintained, or on the ground when conditions permit. The capability supports missions where landing is not possible or would reveal a position, including contested environments, disaster response, maritime operations, and austere terrain.

Aerial resupply is a critical capability for Army logistics. Unattended delivery from a runway-independent vertical-takeoff-and-landing (“VTOL”) platform gives commanders a way to sustain distributed operations without putting aircrews at risk, a priority reflected in the Army’s growing investment in autonomous and contested logistics.

“Contested logistics is one of the hardest problems the joint force faces, from maritime resupply to sustaining distributed forces far from established hubs,” said Mark Rodrigo, who leads Federal Business Development at Elroy Air and served as a U.S. Air Force intelligence officer supporting ISR operations across five continents. “One Chaparral can now resupply multiple positions in a single sortie, with no pilot at risk and no personnel required at the drop point. That’s a force multiplier for units operating at the tactical edge.”

These new delivery modes will be available on production Chaparral aircraft, which will be manufactured by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (Nasdaq: KTOS) (“Kratos”) under Kratos and Elroy Air’s U.S. manufacturing partnership. On July 20, 2026, Kratos announced that it will manufacture Elroy Air’s Chaparral autonomous cargo aircraft in its expanding Sacramento, California production facility.

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Robinson R66 beats Bell 505 to $10 Billion US Army contract

HeliHub.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:53:08 +0000

M1 Support Services (M1) announced late on Friday that it has been awarded a single-award IDIQ contract with a ceiling value of $10 billion and a 26-year period of performance to provide Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) training under the Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) Program.

Multiple bids had been put forward in recent months, with the US Army gradually whittling it down to a final few from which their selection was made. Bell had put forward their 505, and having not won the contract, they have already removed their “Flight School Next” page from their website.

Key factors which are expected to have worked in favour of the M1 bid with the Robinson R66 include price – the ticket price of a new R66 is considerably lower than a 505 – along with the source of the key components. The Bell 505 production line in Canada and the engine source in France are both countries which have been the focus of tariffs imposed.

FSN is a landmark Army initiative to modernize IERW training through a contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) turn-key solution designed to improve student pilot proficiency and reduce costs. This contract model is being seen widely in other countries including the UK, France, Germany, Canada etc

“We are honoured to be entrusted with this vital mission,” said George Krivo, Chairman and CEO of M1. “M1 will deliver a fully integrated, innovation rich training solution designed to develop more proficient Army Aviators on time and on budget.”

M1’s Flight School First is a comprehensive training and simulation ecosystem, integrating an AI enabled adaptive learning environment, advanced simulation platforms, immersive virtual training, proficiency based instruction, and safe, reliable R66 helicopters.

M1’s team includes industry leaders across training, simulation, manufacturing, civil aviation and academia. The team consists of M1 Support Services, Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), Quantum Helicopters, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), and the University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation (UNDAF) — each contributing best in class capabilities to strengthen the Army’s FSN mission.

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UnityPoint Health LifeFlight upgrades to three Bell 429s

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:52:51 +0000

Patients needing emergency air medical transport across central and western Iowa will soon receive critical care faster than ever thanks to three upgraded Bell 429 helicopters coming to UnityPoint Health – Des Moines LifeFlight this year. The first arrived in Audubon this week, with the other two arriving in the fourth quarter of the year to serve the areas surrounding Ft. Dodge and Des Moines. For over 45 years, LifeFlight has partnered with Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, which is in the midst of a multi-year initiative to upgrade its fleet.

“The Bell 429 is a critical asset for our operation across Iowa,” said Air Methods Area Manager Mikele Wissing. “These aircraft fly faster with a cruising speed of up to 170 mph, which minimizes our time to the scene of accidents or medical emergencies, as well as the time to transport patients from one medical facility to another for specialized care.”

In addition to its speed, the B429 offers a cabin configuration that gives flight nurses and paramedics more maneuverability and better patient access for advanced airway management and other lifesaving interventions in flight. It also has an improved heating and cooling system for greater patient comfort.

“These upgraded aircraft enhance patient care by pairing advanced medical capabilities with reliability to ensure every patient transport is completed safely, quickly, and without compromise,” said LifeFlight Manager Chad Nelson. “These advancements will help support our mission statement for years to come.”

Equipped as flying ICUs, all LifeFlight aircraft carry the medical equipment and medications the clinical teams need to provide lifesaving care for trauma, cardiac, stroke, pediatric, neonatal, high-risk obstetrics, and other critical patients. They also carry blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering from severe blood loss.

“We are excited for a new chapter as we transition into this airframe,” said Air Methods Senior Account Executive Blair Phipps. “Not only is the B429 a highly trusted helicopter, but the upgraded model has the latest in avionics, including an advanced autopilot system, that takes safety in air medical operations to an even higher level. This aircraft highlights our continued commitment to serving the people of Iowa with excellence.”

Air Methods is dedicated to serving communities across Iowa and beyond. The company is in-network with most health insurance providers, and the Air Methods patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance status, to help ensure the affordability of air medical services. Patients do not need a membership to be transported by any air medical company.

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Archer announces aviation AI foundation model, Zee

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:49:07 +0000

Archer Aviation Inc. announced its aviation foundation model, ZEE, achieved a technical breakthrough demonstrating the capability to accurately predict real-time aircraft trajectories on the airport surface minutes into the future, a frontier breakthrough in its mission to lead the industry in building physical AI for aerospace and defense. Archer shared the technical details underpinning this achievement in a technical blog, also released today.

Controllers and flight crews face the growing cognitive burden of coordinating over 44,000 daily flights across the National Airspace System. While most modernization efforts focus on airspace congestion, runway-related incidents account for 30% to 40% of global aviation accidents. As demand on the National Airspace System continues to grow, modernization requires AI systems that can process complex airspace data in real time, extending the situational awareness of pilots and controllers.

Archer’s goal with ZEE is to move beyond passive data aggregation, establishing it as an active, highly accurate predictive layer for air traffic management around the world, creating a proactive, safer, more scalable foundation for the next era of aviation.

“ZEE provides a highly accurate ‘window into the future,’ transforming raw observations from a myriad of inputs into predictive context, helping to identify path anomalies and cross-route conflicts before they develop into safety risks. We believe ZEE can give the humans in the loop the most critical asset in aviation: time to react.” said Mario Srouji, VP of AI Products at Archer.

Prediction models struggle with the fluid, branching choices an aircraft can make on the ground. To solve this, ZEE was purpose-built by Archer’s leading AI team using a state-of-the-art generative framework called “conditional flow matching” to model the full distribution of possible futures rather than a single rigid path. This capability is paired with a vision transformer trained on high-resolution satellite imagery, enabling ZEE to “see” native map features like runways, taxiways, and aprons, grounding its spatial calculations and predictions in real-world physical data.

Archer has already begun testing this technology at Hawthorne Airport, which Archer acquired control of late last year. Early results measured against real-world tracking data have been strong, and larger-scale testing is now underway.

To safely transition this technology into the aviation ecosystem, Archer will work with government agencies to build the rigorous empirical foundation needed to further demonstrate ZEE’s effectiveness as a predictive safety net supporting human controllers and pilots across the globe.

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Baltimore County Police orders second H125

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:46:23 +0000

Davenport Aviation is pleased to announce that the Baltimore County Police Department has placed an order for a new Airbus H125 helicopter. Purchased through Davenport Aviation’s GSA contract, the aircraft represents the department’s second new H125 acquisition through Davenport and will replace an older AS350B3 currently in service.

The Baltimore County Police Department operates a fleet of three Airbus helicopters supporting public safety missions across the county. Following delivery of the new aircraft, the department will maintain its three-helicopter fleet, with two of the three aircraft modernized to the H125 platform.

The department’s Aviation Unit supports a wide range of missions across Baltimore County, including routine patrol, search and rescue, command and control, and emergency response.

The replacement of the AS350B3 reflects the department’s continued investment in modernizing its aviation capabilities while maintaining the fleet size required to support daily operations. The new H125 will provide updated technology, proven performance, and mission flexibility for demanding airborne law enforcement and public safety missions.

“We’re honored that the Baltimore County Police Department has once again chosen Davenport Aviation to support the modernization of its aviation fleet,” said Rob McMillin, Vice President of Aircraft & Aircraft Systems. “The H125 has proven itself as an exceptional platform for airborne law enforcement, and we’re proud to help deliver another aircraft that will serve the department and the citizens of Baltimore County for years to come.”

The H125 is a versatile single-engine helicopter widely used by public safety agencies for patrol, search and rescue, surveillance, tactical support, and other specialized missions. Its performance, maneuverability, advanced avionics, and mission flexibility make it well suited for the Baltimore County Police Department’s diverse operational requirements.

Mission equipment integration and aircraft completion will be performed by Metro Aviation in Shreveport, Louisiana. The completed aircraft is anticipated to be delivered to the Baltimore County Police Department in October of 2027.

The purchase is being completed through Davenport Aviation’s GSA contract, providing Baltimore County with a streamlined procurement path for the aircraft and associated program support. The department’s first new H125 was also purchased through Davenport’s GSA contract, continuing an established relationship between the two organizations.

Davenport Aviation is proud to continue supporting the Baltimore County Police Department and looks forward to working alongside Metro Aviation throughout the completion and delivery process.

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Florida Dept of Transport partners with Eve for Advanced Air Mobility

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:41:42 +0000

Eve Air Mobility, a global leader in eVTOL aircraft and integrated services, is announcing a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for a focused Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiative at SunTrax Air.

The FDOT-led initiative will bring together Eve’s expertise in eVTOL aircraft, operations, and services with SunTrax Air’s research, testing, and validation capabilities. The effort will focus on delivering insights into the infrastructure, operational procedures, and airspace navigation procedures needed to enable the safe and efficient integration of Advanced Air Mobility into Florida’s transportation network.

“Florida recognizes its strategic role in the future of Advanced Air Mobility and is proactively building the ecosystem needed to support it,” said Johann Bordais, chief executive officer of Eve Air Mobility. “Chief Will Watts and the FDOT team understand that successfully introducing a new mode of transportation requires alignment across aircraft, infrastructure, operations, and communities. Building on Embraer’s longstanding relationship with the state, Eve is proud to bring its expertise to help advance Florida’s vision and readiness for eVTOL operations.”

Owned and operated by FDOT, SunTrax Air serves as Florida’s dedicated Advanced Air Mobility research and development hub, providing a collaborative environment to evaluate technologies, operational concepts, and supporting infrastructure for next-generation aviation.

“This partnership is another step of forward-progress being made in Florida toward achieving the implementation of Advanced Air Mobility,” said Jared W. Perdue, P.E., FDOT Secretary. “The unique resources and infrastructure found only at SunTrax will play a key role in Eve’s research and testing needed to ensure the safe integration of Advanced Air Mobility into our transportation system.”

The partnership builds on the growing relationship between Eve and FDOT. Through ongoing collaboration, the organizations will work to position Florida as a national leader in AAM. Using SunTrax Air’s purpose-built research and testing environment, they will evaluate operational concepts, infrastructure readiness, passenger experience, and future ecosystem requirements, creating a foundation that supports Florida’s long-term transportation strategy while helping accelerate the commercialization of Advanced Air Mobility.

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VAI 2027 scholarship program now open

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:35:03 +0000

Awards are available for students, professional aviation mechanics/engineers, and commercial helicopter pilots.

VAI is offering four scholarships for 2027 to help students, aviation maintenance technicians, and commercial helicopter pilots continue their education and training.

Mechanic/Engineer and Student Scholarships

• Robinson Pete Riedl Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Scholarship: Presented by Robinson Helicopter Co., this scholarship honors the late, longtime Robinson engineer. The winner receives full tuition to attend an aviation maintenance course from the OEM.

• Bill Sanderson AMT Scholarship: This scholarship awards full tuition to attend a maintenance course from airframe and powerplant (A&P) manufacturers, including Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and Safran Turbomeca.

• Bell 505 B2 Integrated Avionics Maintenance Technician Scholarship: Presented by Bell, this scholarship is awarded to an individual who has held an A&P license for any length of time or to an individual who has finished avionics technician training within the past two years. Winners receive full tuition to attend Bell’s 505 B2 Integrated Avionics Maintenance Course.

Commercial Pilot Professional Development Scholarship

• Michelle North Scholarship for Safety: This scholarship provides full tuition for the recipient to attend a safety management course offered as part of VAI’s Professional Development Program at VERTICON 2027. The scholarship was established in memory of Michelle North, a helicopter safety expert and educator.

All award recipients also receive a complimentary full registration to VERTICON 2027 (formerly HAI HELI-EXPO) for the recipient and a guest (hotel and travel expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship winner and guest).

Applicants must be a member of VAI. Not already a member? Join VAI now and enjoy not only access to the VAI scholarship program but a host of additional educational, safety, and other benefits, as well.

Applications for a 2027 VAI scholarship award must be received by 11:59 pm eastern time (UTC-5) on Dec. 4, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact us at Scholarships@verticalavi.org.

Learn more about each scholarship and its requirements and apply today!

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Summit Aviation names new CFO

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:32:27 +0000

Summit Aviation has named Victor Kriger chief financial officer. Kriger joined the company July 27 and will oversee Summit Aviation’s financial strategy, planning, reporting and decision support.

Kriger’s appointment is part of a planned leadership transition ahead of the retirement of Joyce Price Morales, who has served Summit Aviation for more than 39 years. Kriger and Morales will work together over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. Summit Aviation thanks Morales for her many years of service and wishes her well in retirement.

Kriger has more than 17 years of experience leading financial strategy, planning and decision support across the aerospace, pharmaceutical and biologics industries. He began his career in aerospace and spent more than 13 years supporting multiple programs within Boeing’s Vertical Lift division in Philadelphia.

Before joining Summit Aviation, Kriger served as finance director for a $100 million operating company at W.L. Gore & Associates. In that role, he supported strategy execution, mergers and acquisition integration, financial oversight, reporting, and drove initiatives to improve business execution and profitability.

Kriger earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. He also holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification from Villanova University.

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Rotortrade US MRO base adds Mexican approvals

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:27:49 +0000

Rotortrade, the global helicopter dealership, is pleased to announce that its U.S. maintenance facility, Rotortrade MRO Latrobe, has received Mexico’s Workshop Certificate Convalidation (Convalidación de Certificado de Taller de Mantenimiento Aeronáutico) from the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC), extending international recognition of its FAA Part 145 capabilities.

The approval authorizes Rotortrade MRO Latrobe to perform maintenance, inspections, repairs, modifications, and retrofit work on helicopters registered in Mexico under AFAC regulations, including commercial and private operators. The certification recognizes the facility’s existing FAA Part 145 capabilities and enables Rotortrade to directly support Mexican operators from its U.S. base.

The approval follows a comprehensive audit conducted by AFAC, during which the authority reviewed Rotortrade’s maintenance procedures, quality systems, technical documentation, and operational processes. The audit also included interviews with technical personnel to verify compliance with regulatory requirements. Following the successful assessment, only minor recommendations were issued and promptly incorporated into the organization’s manuals and procedures.

During the visit, Ingeniero Julio Cesar Jiménez Villalobos, Head of the Aircraft Maintenance Organizations Division (Subdirector de Talleres Aeronáuticos) at AFAC, congratulated the Rotortrade MRO Latrobe team on the quality of the facility and its operational standards.

The new approval further strengthens Rotortrade’s growing maintenance network and reinforces its commitment to supporting helicopter operators throughout the Americas.

“Our objective has always been to provide customers with seamless support wherever they operate,” said Philippe Lubrano, CEO of Rotortrade. “This AFAC approval represents another important milestone in the development of our U.S. MRO capabilities and allows us to better serve the growing Mexican helicopter market with certified maintenance solutions.”

Rotortrade MRO Latrobe has rapidly established itself as a key pillar of the company’s global maintenance strategy. Located at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Pennsylvania, the FAA Part 145-certified facility provides line and base maintenance, structural repairs, avionics integration, aircraft completions, mission equipment installations and retrofit services from its dedicated maintenance center. Since its launch, the facility has supported private, corporate, EMS and law enforcement operators across North America and continues to expand its technical capabilities and international approvals.

The Latrobe facility is currently approved to maintain Bell 206, 407, 412 and 429 helicopters, Airbus H130, H135 and H145 models, as well as Leonardo AW119 and AW109 series aircraft. As an official dealer for Garmin, Astronautics and Skytrac, Rotortrade MRO Latrobe also provides OEM-supported avionics installations, mission equipment integration and cockpit modernization programs, offering customers a single source for maintenance, customization and advanced aircraft upgrades.

The addition of AFAC validation enables the facility to support Mexican-registered helicopters while further establishing Latrobe as a strategic maintenance hub serving operators across North and Latin America. Together with Rotortrade’s EASA-approved Maintenance Center in Tallard, France, and the future Rotortrade Helipark in Riyadh, the Latrobe facility forms part of a growing global MRO network designed to provide harmonized maintenance, retrofit, avionics integration and lifecycle support across multiple regulatory jurisdictions.

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Native Air and LifeGuard Introduce TOCO Monitor for High-Risk Pregnancies

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:24:45 +0000

Expectant mothers with high-risk pregnancies now have improved access to a higher level of care thanks to Native Air and LifeGuard. The Roswell-based emergency air medical provider can now carry a TOCO monitor for continuous in-air fetal monitoring, and their sister bases in Artesia and Carlsbad are also trained to use the device on their helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Native Air and LifeGuard join a handful of programs within Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical service provider, to carry this device. Air Methods plans to expand the use of TOCO monitors to other community-based programs throughout the year.

A tocodynamometer, commonly known as a TOCO monitor, provides clinicians with valuable information about uterine activity, including the frequency, intensity, and length of contractions during labor. It is a non-invasive sensor placed on the abdomen to help clinicians gain insight into the well-being of both the mother and baby and respond with any critical care needed.

“The TOCO monitor allows us to monitor a baby’s heart rate and condition, as well as the frequency and length of the mother’s contractions, continuously throughout the transport,” said Air Methods Regional Clinical Director Ronnie Rivas-Savell. “This gives us the opportunity to see real time changes in both the baby and mother and treat them immediately, which is particularly important for women with high-risk pregnancies.”

Due to limited OB resources in New Mexico, women with high-risk pregnancies, including those with twins, pre-eclampsia, premature membrane rupture, pregnancy-induced hypertension, or pregnant patients suffering trauma from car accident, falls, or other incidents are often flown to Albuquerque or to Lubbock, TX for specialized care. With the addition of the TOCO monitor, more patients will be able to be transported by air in order to receive this medical attention as this device will be used on all pregnant patients transported after 20 weeks of gestation.

Native Air and LifeGuard have been serving the Energy Basin for over 20 years. Their helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes function as flying ICUs, carrying the equipment and medications needed to save lives in emergency situations. Their industry-leading flight nurses and paramedics are trained to provide critical care to patients suffering from trauma due to accidents, cardiac and stroke events, high-risk obstetric emergencies, and more.

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities it serves and is in-network with most major health insurance providers across the country for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocates work with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability while making pre-paid air medical membership unnecessary.

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SkyDrive completes tourist flight demos over Japan’s Seto Inland Sea

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:16:11 +0000

SkyDrive Inc., a leading compact eVTOL (*1) aircraft developer based in Japan, announced the completion of a demonstration flight of its “SKYDRIVE” eVTOL aircraft (SkyDrive Model SD-05). The flight, held at the test site inside the Yamaguchi Kirara Expo Memorial Park, western Japan, was designed to simulate a scenic touring flight over the Seto Inland Sea.

The flight, which was witnessed by Mr. Tsugumasa Muraoka, Governor of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Mr. Toru Kawano, Vice Chairperson of the Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly, and Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, SkyDrive’s official production partner, provided further confirmation of the aircraft’s technical maturity and the potential use of eVTOL for scenic tourist flights.

https://youtu.be/KDvE4AbiQ0E

Demonstration Flight Details

The demonstration flight, which was flown without passengers or crew, simulated the future operational flows SkyDrive will use to provide tourist flights once SkyDrive’s aircraft is in service. Alongside the actual flight of the remotely piloted aircraft, the simulation included a run through of a seamless passenger journey conveying passengers arriving by car at the vertiport (takeoff and landing facility) straight to their eVTOL flight.

[First Flight]

Date & Time: Around 8:00 AM, Monday, July 13, 2026
Operation Mode: Autonomous control and remote piloting without a pilot on board
Flight Results: Flight distance: 2 km (approx. 1.24 miles) / Flight time: 6 min 20 sec / Maximum speed: 86 km/h (approx. 53.4 mph) / Maximum altitude: 30 m (approx. 98.4 ft.)

[Second Flight]

Date & Time: Around 11:05 AM, Monday, July 13, 2026
Operation Mode: Autonomous control and remote piloting without a pilot on board
Flight Results: Flight distance: 1900 m (approx. 1.18 miles) / Flight time: 5 min 42 sec / Maximum speed: 54km/h (34 mph) / Maximum altitude: 25m (82 ft)

Background and Objectives

SkyDrive is developing a compact eVTOL with the mission of “leading the once-in-a century mobility revolution” that will establish eVTOLs as a feasible option for intra-urban transportation and a regular feature of city life. To date, SkyDrive has flown its prototype aircraft more than 300 times in various environments, including flight test sites in Toyota City (Aichi Prefecture) and Yamaguchi City (Yamaguchi Prefecture), as well as at the Expo 2025 Osaka venue, Osaka Port, and, most recently, at Tokyo Big Sight in February 2026.

Future eVTOLs will contribute to society in various ways including the avoidance of urban traffic congestion, the post-disaster delivery of emergency relief supplies and emergency medical support, and the expansion of regional economies through the provision of novel tourism experiences. Today’s demonstration flight exercise, which simulated the seamless movements required to transit passengers arriving by road to a scenic eVTOL flight, helped confirm the feasibility of these new eVTOL-centered tourist opportunities.

https://youtu.be/H0Z5yxUGgcU

Comment from Tomohiro Fukuzawa, Founder and CEO of SkyDrive Inc.

“I was proud and delighted to see today the successful completion of our demonstration flight here in Yamaguchi, a milestone that builds upon our previous flights at the Expo 2025, Osaka Port, and Tokyo Big Sight. I also am extremely grateful to our immensely supportive partners, including Governor Muraoka, Assembly Vice Chairperson Kawano, and President Suzuki of Suzuki Motor Company, for taking the time to visit our test facility and share this experience with us.

Today’s flight simulated a concrete example of how eVTOL will be integrated into future tourist experiences. These scenic flights are a key pillar of the commercial eVTOL services we plan for 2028. In our simulation today, passengers arrived by road, demonstrating the seamless, zero-wait time switch from road transport to eVTOL, a model case that showcases the potential of next-generation urban air mobility to drive tourism in various destinations. SkyDrive also looks forward to working with our railway company partners to deliver the same seamless transitions we saw today, showing how both road and rail travel will link smoothly into eVTOL departures.

With safety as our utmost priority, SkyDrive continues to make progress in our aircraft development and production. While some of our earliest use cases will be tourist flights, as demonstrated today, our ultimate goal is to create sustainable, wide-ranging eVTOL infrastructure that addresses diverse social challenges, boosts urban and regional economies, supports post-disaster relief, and provides emergency medical care.”

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Bell Australia adds hydraulics capabilities

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:13:49 +0000

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has expanded its component, repair, and overhaul (CRO) facility in Australia to include hydraulic component maintenance and repair. This marks a major milestone as Bell’s first facility in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to offer specialized hydraulic services, reinforcing the company’s commitment to comprehensive aftermarket support across Australia and the broader APAC region.

The Clontarf, Brisbane facility has grown from a 50m² workshop to an 800m² standalone site. As part of this expansion, Bell has invested in enhanced non-destructive testing (NDT) capabilities, including a new NDT room three times larger than the original, and has increased the number of qualified technicians to meet growing demand.

The upgraded CRO shop now offers a full suite of hydraulic services, including inspection, testing, repair, and overhaul of individual components and assemblies for Bell aircraft. These improvements are designed to reduce operator downtime, lower costs, and provide tailored support that meets customers’ operational and budgetary needs. Collectively, these enhancements have contributed to a 50% increase in Bell’s component capability over the past 12 months.

“This expansion reflects a major investment in our operations and a clear, long-term commitment to the Australian rotary wing market,” said Dean Ashton, general manager, Bell Textron Australia. “By upgrading our facilities, introducing new services, and growing our team through workforce and talent development, we are strengthening our ability to provide reliable, responsive, and locally driven support for operators across Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region. These enhancements are part of our broader vision to build a comprehensive aftermarket support ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of our customers today and well into the future.”

To further support customers, Bell Australia has a dedicated CRO logistics team focused on streamlining freight forwarding for faster turnaround times and improving spares management to strengthen demand forecasting and optimize inventory.

The expansion has also created new job opportunities. Over the last 18 months, the CRO shop has doubled its staff to support current growth and future demand. Bell Australia has an apprenticeship program and has increased investment in factory training for technicians, building a strong pipeline of skilled talent and maintaining rigorous quality standards.

The facility holds certifications from CASA 145, FAA, and TCCA, underscoring compliance with global aviation standards. Bell Australia’s hydraulic services currently cover the overhaul and repair of hydraulic servos for the Bell 205, Bell 206, Bell 212, Bell 407, and Bell 412. Integrated servo and valve assemblies are also available for the Bell 212 and Bell 412, with further capability expansions planned.

Globally, Bell operates 12 company-owned service centers offering aircraft maintenance, blade repairs, and customizations across Australia, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Singapore, and the United States. This is further supported by a network of more than 50 authorized service centers worldwide, ensuring operators have access to reliable support wherever they fly.

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PHI Air Medical to open new Arizona base at Buckeye

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:11:11 +0000

PHI Air Medical, a leading provider of air ambulance services, announced its new partnership with Arizona Fire & Medical Authority (AFMA), which will expand vital emergency air medical transport to residents across Arizona’s West Valley. The co-operative partnership will bring together PHI Air Medical aviation and clinical flight expertise with AFMA public safety paramedicine capabilities, improving rapid access to advanced medical care across the region.

Responsibilities will be shared, with PHI Air Medical providing experienced pilots, mechanics, and flight nurses, and AFMA supplying trained paramedics. The base will support both emergency scene responses and interfacility patient transports throughout the region. The integrated crew model will support seamless coordination between aviation operations, advanced clinical care, and local emergency response systems.

“This new partnership with AFMA reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, life-saving care to the communities we serve,” said Mark Leighton, Co-President PHI Health and President of PHI Cares. “By integrating our teams and resources, we are strengthening emergency response capabilities across the West Valley.”

This is a unique air medical partnership that will expand access to time-critical air medical services for West Valley communities, and support faster transport to definitive care when minutes matter more than ever. “Residents will be flown via aircraft fully equipped with advanced life support, night and adverse-weather capabilities, and staffed by a team able to provide immediate scene and interfacility response, involving the transport of a patient between one health care facility and another.”

“Residents in the Buckeye and West Valley area can join PHI Cares Membership. Members transported by PHI Air Medical or any cooperative partner across the country will have no out-of-pocket cost for their flight.”

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Penn State Health adds third H155 to Life Lion fleet

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:08:58 +0000

Penn State Health Life Lion Critical Care Transport has welcomed a new helicopter to its life-saving fleet, reinforcing the program’s commitment to providing safe, rapid critical care transport across central Pennsylvania and surrounding communities.

The newest aircraft will be stationed at Life Lion’s Lancaster base, within the program’s top referral county for both air and ground transports. The helicopter joins a fleet of two other Airbus H155 aircraft, part of the manufacturer’s Dauphin family of helicopters.

With the arrival of the new aircraft, Life Lion operates three of the largest and fastest aeromedical helicopters in Pennsylvania. Each helicopter features a large interior cabin that accommodates advanced lifesaving equipment, specialty medical personnel and family members during transport. The aircraft can also transport additional clinical specialists, including neonatologists, respiratory therapists and perfusionists.

Equipped with advanced avionics and instrument flight capabilities, the helicopters can safely operate in a wide range of conditions, including low visibility and high wind.

“Critical care transport is about more than getting a patient from one location to another,” said Dr. Chadd Nesbit, lead EMS physician and division chief for Life Lion. “Our teams provide intensive, evidence-based care from the moment they arrive at the patient’s side until they reach the appropriate specialty center. Adding this aircraft strengthens our ability to deliver that care safely and efficiently, giving more patients access to the advanced resources that can improve outcomes.”

This year, Life Lion celebrates 40 years of air medical transport. Since its first patient flight in 1986, the program has transported more than 45,000 patients. Life Lion flies approximately 1,200 air medical missions and completes about 900 critical care ground transports each year. Nearly half of all Life Lion missions involve pediatric or neonatal patients.

“Life Lion has spent four decades serving Pennsylvanians during some of the most critical moments of their lives,” said Keith McMinn, senior director of Life Lion Emergency Services. “This aircraft helps ensure we can continue providing safe, high-quality critical care transport for patients when they need it most.”

Life Lion serves a large geographic region, providing access to trauma, stroke, cardiac, pediatric and neonatal specialty care, including direct access to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the region’s only Level I adult and pediatric trauma center.

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