HeliHub.com News

Production starts on first AH-1Z of twelve for Nigeria

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 08:22:05 +0000

Production of the first AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter for the Nigerian Air Force is officially underway, marking a critical step in a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program designed to deliver a decisive warfighting advantage to an international partner.

Facilitated by the USMC Light/Attack Helicopters Program Office (PMA-276) and industry partner Bell Textron Inc., the kickoff of airframe assembly in Amarillo, Texas, directly advances the deployment of expeditionary capabilities. The delivery of 12 AH-1Z Vipers will provide the Nigerian armed forces with unmatched multi-mission flexibility, maximizing lethality against modern threats while minimizing logistical footprints in forward operating areas.

“Integrating the AH-1Z Viper into the Nigerian Air Force introduces an advanced, attack platform capable of employing lethality in highly contested environments,” said Col. Jason Duke, PMA-276 program manager. “This production line velocity ensures our international partners receive a resilient, force-multiplying asset, granting their deployed commanders immediate tactical flexibility to execute complex multi-mission operations.”

The AH-1Z Viper delivers critical targeting and strike capabilities that function as a continuous deterrent and operational asset for partner nations. To ensure seamless integration and sustained readiness, the Department of War FMS contract tasks Bell with the manufacture of the 12 aircraft, while PMA-276 will drive the associated engineering, program management, and long-term logistics support. This comprehensive sustainment strategy guarantees uninterrupted material availability and strike fighter readiness from the moment the first skids touch the ground.

A recent beam-signing event at the Texas production facility commemorated the manufacturing start, bringing together representatives from the Nigerian Air Force, PMA-276, and Bell.

Production of the AH-1Z helicopter fleet is projected to be completed in early 2029, reinforcing the ongoing integration of allied forces under a unified operational framework to protect mutual security interests.

About PMA-276 The USMC Light/Attack Helicopters Program Office manages the cradle-to-grave procurement, development, support, fielding, and disposal of the Marine Corps’ rotary-wing close air support, anti-armor, armed escort, armed/visual reconnaissance, and fire support systems.

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Former Airbus CEO appointed Chair at Vertical Aerospace

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 16:30:39 +0000

Vertical Aerospace announced the appointment of Fabrice Brégier as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective September 21 2026.

Mr. Brégier is one of the world’s most respected aerospace and defence leaders, with more than three decades of experience spanning commercial aviation, helicopters, defence and advanced technology. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Commercial Aircraft from 2012 to 2016 and as Chief Operating Officer of Airbus Group and President of Airbus Commercial Aircraft from 2017 to 2018, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Airbus from 2006 to 2012, where he led the development of the A350 programme and the operational turnaround of Airbus. Before that, he was President & CEO of Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), overseeing its civil and military businesses.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Brégier served as Chief Executive Officer of Matra BAe Dynamics and subsequently MBDA, overseeing complex multinational defence programmes and the integration of Europe’s leading missile businesses. More recently, he served as President of Palantir Technologies France from 2018 to 2024, bringing experience at the intersection of defence, data and AI.

Mr. Brégier is a non-executive director of Safran SA, a global aerospace, defence and aircraft-equipment technology group, ENGIE SA, a global low-carbon energy and energyservices company leading the energy transition and non-executive Chair of SCOR SE, a global provider of reinsurance and insurance solutions.

His appointment comes as Vertical enters its next phase of development, focused on certification and commercialisation of the all-electric Valo aircraft while expanding the potential of its aircraft platform across hybrid-electric, autonomous and defence applications, including its collaboration with Near Earth Autonomy and the UK Ministry of Defence’s confirmed interest in Vertical’s hybrid-electric and autonomous capabilities.

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said:

“We have proven our technology in flight and are now focused on turning that progress into a certified aircraft and a scaled global aerospace business. Few executives have Fabrice’s breadth of experience across the areas that matter most to our future. He has led Airbus and Eurocopter, delivered the A350 and led the integration of Europe’s missile businesses at MBDA, and worked at the forefront of AI and advanced technology with Palantir.

That experience is particularly relevant as the opportunities for Vertical expand. Alongside certification and commercialisation of Valo, we are developing hybrid-electric and autonomous capabilities, seeing growing interest from defence customers, and building the charging and airspace ecosystem needed to operate electric aircraft at scale. Fabrice’s experience will be enormously valuable as we turn those opportunities into a global aerospace business.

I also want to thank Ben Story, who has led the Board as interim Chair since May and who continues as a member of the Board.”

Incoming Chair, Fabrice Brégier, said:

“Vertical has reached an exciting point in its journey. The progress the team has made in flight testing demonstrates the maturity of its technology, while its work in hybrid-electric flight, autonomy and defence shows the much broader potential of the platform.

I have spent much of my career bringing complex aerospace technologies to market, scaling aircraft programmes and building international businesses around them. In my view, Vertical combines exceptional talent, the best product and the most robust strategy to create a category-defining aviation business. I look forward to working with Stuart, the Board and the wider Vertical team as the Company moves towards certification and commercialisation.”

Ben Story, Interim Chair, said: “Fabrice is one of the most accomplished aerospace leaders of his generation. His firsthand experience leading a global OEM through complex aircraft programmes, industrial transformations and international growth will be highly valuable to Vertical as the Company executes the next phase of development.”

Upon Mr. Brégier’s appointment, Ben Story will remain a member of the Board following the conclusion of his role as Interim Chair.

Vertical’s recent developments include:

• Expanded its defence and autonomy strategy through its collaboration with Near Earth Autonomy, a proven provider of autonomous flight systems, supporting Valo’s common platform strategy across commercial and defence markets.

• Advanced its hybrid aircraft programme, including integration testing of its nextgeneration propulsion system, alongside confirmed UK Ministry of Defence interest in Vertical’s hybrid-electric and autonomous capabilities.

• Progressed its battery and charging capabilities, continuing investment in Vertical’s proprietary battery technology and launching the UK Government-backed ECLiPSE programme to develop next-generation charging and thermal-management technologies, supporting the electric aviation market and Vertical’s recurring battery revenue opportunity.

• Advanced plans for commercial operations and airspace integration by joining Honeywell Aerospace-led Project VERTI-GO – Europe’s equivalent of the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) – while continuing engagement with six regulators across key international markets.

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US Air Force retires last HH-60G Pave Hawk

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:48:22 +0000

For more than three decades, the HH-60G Pave Hawk served as a critical part of the Air Force’s combat search and rescue mission, carrying generations of rescue Airmen into some of the world’s most challenging environments to recover those in need.

From combat zones in Afghanistan and Iraq, to California communities devastated by disasters, the Pave Hawk stood ready to answer the call. The aircraft became synonymous with the Air Force rescue mission and its commitment to bringing people home.

That chapter closed on Sept. 10, as the California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing marked the retirement of the U.S. Air Force’s final operational HH-60G Pave Hawk with a divestment ceremony and final flight at Moffett Air National Guard Base, near Mountain View, California.

The ceremony commemorated more than the retirement of tail number 27045. It honored a legacy built by the pilots, special mission aviators, pararescuemen, maintainers and support personnel who transformed the Pave Hawk from a helicopter into a symbol of hope and survival. For those Airmen, the aircraft’s legacy is inseparable from the people who kept it flying and the lives its crews worked to save.

“Our motto is ‘these things we do that others may live’, which means that at any time, anywhere, any place, we’re going to send crews and helicopters into harm’s way if necessary to save a life, because it matters,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Sean Pellaton, flight engineer and senior enlisted leader of the 129th Rescue Squadron.

Since 1977, the 129th is credited with saving 1,190 lives, many of them with the Pave Hawk playing a critical role in the rescue. The aircraft supported many of the wing’s most critical missions, including operations following hurricanes Katrina, Ike, and Harvey.

Overseas, the Pave Hawk carried 129th crews during deployments in Afghanistan, contributing to more than 300 combat saves.

After training and combat losses in Afghanistan and Iraq impacted the rescue fleet, the Air Force converted six U.S. Army UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters to rescue, modified to become HH-60G Pave Hawks. Tail #27045, the last operational Pave Hawk, was one of them.

For air crews, accomplishing that mission required countless hours of training and trust built between crew members and the aircraft.

“When you’re flying the [Pave Hawk], you kind of become one with that machine,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Buchta, HH-60 pilot and commander of the 129th Rescue Squadron. “The Golf feels like home when I sit in it.”

Before every launch was another team of Airmen whose work began long before wheels left the ground.

Maintainers spent long hours inspecting and repairing the Pave Hawk, working to sustain an aging aircraft, where readiness could directly affect whether someone made it home.

“You go through all this training and finally all this training comes to a point when you have to prove yourself that you performed training correctly,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Brock Woodward, a flight engineer and prior maintainer assigned to the 129th Rescue Squadron.

For many of those Airmen, the HH-60G was the aircraft they learned their profession on, deployed with, and devoted their lives to help save others.

“Rescuing another human being is much more rewarding than any award and [decoration] that you could receive,” said Woodward.

The Pave Hawk’s retirement, however, does not mean the end of the mission it helped define. “It built the helicopter combat search and rescue community into what it is today,” said Buchta.

The Pave Hawk was the platform and cornerstone for many of the tactics the Air Force uses now, he said.

The HH-60W Jolly Green II carries the Air Force’s next generation of combat rescue capabilities, bringing new technology and increased capabilities to the personnel recovery mission.

The final flight of the HH-60G marked the end of an era that stretched across generations of rescue Airmen. Its legacy can be measured in missions flown and lives saved, but it also lives in the Airmen who crewed its cockpits, worked on its flight line and supported every launch.

They gave the Pave Hawk its purpose.

And while the last HH-60G has flown its final Air Force mission, the legacy those Airmen built will continue wherever rescue crews answer the call to bring someone home.

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US networks avoid coverage of White House helipad launch

HeliHub.com — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 07:07:30 +0000

President Trump showed off his new White House helipad on Monday, side-stepping a firestorm with the major television networks keeping their cameras away.

This follows Trump withdrawing the press accreditation from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, citing “false reporting”. CNN is one of the “White House press pool” – the others being ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC – which have shown solidarity to CNN’s suspension by boycotting live coverage of relevant events.

In a rare joint statement, these five organisations announced “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting,” ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC said in a rare joint statement.

BBC in the UK report that the five have now raised a legal challenge claiming First Amendment rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

Trump used oversized gold scissors to cut a red, white and blue ribbon. He then exchanged handshakes with officials wearing green construction kit and hardhats — seeking to portray business as usual.

The noise of the waiting Sikorsky VH-92 Patriot lead to Trump not answering shouted questions before climbing aboard for a flight to New York for the United Nations 81st General Assembly.

The helipad does not appear to comply with FAA guidelines for helipad surface painting and markings, as detailed in Advisory Circular AC 150/5390-2D (Heliport Design). Additionally, no lighting has been installed for movements in low light.

Screenshot from White House video

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Alaska gets its first H125 VR simulator

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:40:55 +0000

Loft Dynamics, the leader in virtual reality (VR) pilot training, announced that Pathfinder Aviation will install Alaska’s first Airbus H125 VR simulator at its main base in Anchorage, giving its pilots year-round access to aircraft-specific training in Alaska.

Pathfinder operates a fleet of 22 helicopters and averages roughly 8,000 flight hours annually, supporting remote operations and precision external-load work across Alaska and the continental United States. For helicopter operators in Alaska, training often competes with the realities of the job: weather can limit flyable days, winter brings limited daylight, and peak operating periods are also when helicopters are needed most for customer missions. Most of Pathfinder’s pilots live outside Alaska and travel in for training events, making weather-driven delays even more disruptive.

The simulator is expected to arrive in Anchorage in October 2026, and Pathfinder plans to begin using it immediately for proficiency and mission training.

“Helicopter pilots often do their most demanding work in places where consistent simulator access is hardest to come by,” said Sebastien Borel, CEO of Loft Dynamics. “Alaska exposes the limits of a training model that depends on good weather, spare aircraft and long-distance travel. Pathfinder is changing the equation by putting H125 training at its base in Anchorage, where pilots can train more often, safely and on their own schedule. The old model asks pilots to go to the simulator. We’re building a future where the simulator comes to the pilots.”

“In Alaska, we don’t get to choose when conditions become difficult, so our pilots need to be ready before they do,” said Rogan Parker, CEO of Pathfinder Aviation. “The value of having this simulator in Anchorage is repetition. We can put pilots through a whiteout, IIMC event or emergency, work through decision making, then run the scenario again. That kind of repetition is hard to achieve consistently in the aircraft, and it gives pilots the chance to build judgment before the stakes are real.”

Pathfinder plans to use the simulator for inadvertent IMC (IIMC) avoidance, including repeated practice responding to a loss of visual reference and transitioning to instruments; Part 135 emergency procedures; Part 133 external-load operations; normal and abnormal procedures; whiteout conditions; mountain, pinnacle, slope and confined-site operations; and local site and terrain familiarization.

Heli-skiing will be an early focus. Pathfinder’s H125 pilots operate in mountainous, snow-covered terrain where flat light, blowing snow and rapidly changing visibility can complicate landing-zone decisions. Loft Dynamics is developing scenery based on Pathfinder’s real-world heli-ski operating areas in the Chugach Mountains, including the Valdez/Thompson Pass region and north Cordova, allowing pilots to familiarize themselves with local terrain and landing sites before flying those missions.

The simulator will initially support Pathfinder’s internal pilot group. Pathfinder plans to integrate it into recurrent and seasonal training and, as local demand develops, make it available to other helicopter operators and pilots in the region.

The Anchorage installation builds on Loft Dynamics’ work with operators including Air Greenland and Helitrans Norge, bringing aircraft-specific training closer to pilots in places where distance, weather and geography can make frequent training harder to access.

Pathfinder plans to pursue FAA Level 7 flight training device qualification for the simulator. It will use the device for proficiency and mission training before qualification. Once qualified, Pathfinder would plan to incorporate available FAA training credits into its formal training programs.

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McDermott Aviation adds new Airbus H125

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:37:56 +0000

Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter operator, McDermott Aviation, has strengthened its fleet with the arrival of a factory-new Airbus H125 helicopter, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing investment in fleet capability, operational efficiency and long-term growth.

Powered by a Safran Arriel 2D engine, the Airbus H125 is widely regarded as one of the world’s most versatile and capable single-engine helicopters, with a proven track record across utility, emergency response and specialist aviation operations globally.

Founder and President of McDermott Aviation, John McDermott, said the acquisition reflects the company’s commitment to continually investing in the aircraft, technology and capability required to support its growing operations.

“Over the past four decades, we have built one of the world’s most capable specialist helicopter fleets through strategic investment, engineering expertise and an unwavering focus on operational excellence,” Mr McDermott said.

“The addition of the Airbus H125 represents another step forward in that journey and provides a modern, highly versatile platform that complements our existing fleet.

“The H125 has an outstanding reputation for reliability, performance and adaptability, making it an excellent fit for our business and the diverse range of operations we undertake.

“As our operations continue to evolve both in Australia and internationally, we will continue investing in the aircraft, people and infrastructure needed to support our clients and maintain our position at the forefront of specialist aviation.”

The decision to acquire the H125 was driven by its operational capability, versatility and compatibility with McDermott Aviation’s existing fleet.

The aircraft shares similarities with the company’s AS355F1 helicopters, providing commonality in maintenance knowledge, tooling and parts support, helping streamline its integration into the fleet while supporting long-term operational efficiencies. The aircraft will be based on the Sunshine Coast.

The acquisition forms part of McDermott Aviation’s broader strategy to continue expanding and modernising its fleet while supporting a diverse range of aviation operations across Australia and overseas.

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PHI and Allegiance Mobile Health open third Texas EMS base in 10 months

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:35:48 +0000

PHI Air Medical, a leading U.S. helicopter-based medical transport provider, announces the opening of a third air medical base in Texas, in cooperation with Allegiance Mobile Health. The new base in Livingston opened in July, less than a year after the partnership opened the first two emergency air medical bases in Kirbyville and Bay City.

The expansion of air medical services across Southern Texas, along with the new eastern opening in Livingston, showcases the success of the PHI Air Medical and Allegiance Mobile Health partnership, and their shared commitment to provide gold-standard air medical emergency care services for communities in rural and underserved communities across Southern and Eastern Texas.

“These base openings are more than just new locations on a map. They bring first-time access to critical emergency air medical care and faster response times within local communities, a key part of our commitment to the health and safety of people in Texas,” says Paul Julander, Co-President at PHI Health. “In a patient’s most vulnerable moment, our purpose is simple – deliver excellence-in the provision of emergency care. It’s what drives our teams, and it’s what continues to fuel the growth of this partnership across Texas.”

Since opening less than a year ago in November 2025, the Kirbyville base has brought emergency response services across Jasper County and neighboring communities in Southeast Texas. Just three months later, in February 2026, the successful cooperative expanded critical care coverage for local communities along the Gulf Coast region with the opening of the Bay City base. The new Livingston base will further extend access to advanced air medical services for residents across East Texas.

Each base is equipped to provide advanced care transport capabilities, with highly trained clinical staff across all three Texas bases that are trained to handle specialist equipment including, intra-aortic balloon pumps, fetal heart tone monitor, high-flow oxygen, impella, isolette, and whole blood on board. The full set of specialist capabilities cover, Critical Care Transport, RSI & Advanced Airway Management, Comprehensive Care Guidelines, Hamilton T1, High-Risk OB Services with EFM Monitoring, Third-ride capability, Pediatric safety restraint device, and Lucas CPR device.

Together, the result is an air medical program focused on excellence, skill, compassion, and safety for Texas communities.

The partnership leverages the strengths of both organizations. PHI Air Medical provides decades of aviation and air medical expertise, aircraft operations, maintenance support, clinical education, and safety leadership. The Allegiance Mobile Health team is deep-rooted in the Texas EMS network, delivering extensive local knowledge and operational leadership and clinical excellence trained to PHI standards.

As Texas communities continue to grow, both PHI Air Medical and Allegiance Mobile Health are committed to expanding the network and improving emergency medical infrastructure and access across the region.

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New President named at Pratt & Whitney

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:15:50 +0000

RTX announced Jill Albertelli has been appointed president of Pratt & Whitney, effective Jan. 1, 2027, and will report to RTX Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chris Calio. Albertelli succeeds Shane Eddy who has decided to retire.

“Jill is a seasoned and highly respected leader with over three decades of experience across nearly every corner of Pratt & Whitney,” said Calio. “Her proven track record and deep understanding of the business and our customer base make her the right person to lead Pratt & Whitney into the future.”

Albertelli’s breadth of experience spans engineering, manufacturing operations, quality, supply chain management, commercial programs, sales, maintenance repair operations, as well as transformation and strategy. She most recently served as president of Pratt & Whitney’s Military Engines, where she secured the company’s sole source propulsion position on the F-35 fighter aircraft, improved F135 engine delivery and quality performance and expanded sustainment capability and capacity to ensure mission readiness for military customers. Albertelli earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Boston University and Master of Business Administration degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Eddy will remain with the company through March 2027 as a special advisor to support the transition. Eddy’s more than 40-year career has taken him from flight line mechanic to president of Pratt & Whitney, a position he assumed in 2022. He has guided Pratt & Whitney through a multi-year transformation effort, as well as the production and sustainment ramp for two critically important programs for RTX – the Geared Turbo Fan and F135 engines.

“Shane’s steadfast leadership – paired with his relentless focus on our CORE operating system, our people and our customers – helped Pratt & Whitney achieve record sales growth and positioned the business for continued success,” said Calio.

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Reichmuth Infrastructure buys majority stake in Lobo Leasing

HeliHub.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:22:41 +0000

Reichmuth Infrastructure, a pan-European infrastructure asset manager, has successfully completed another investment in the aviation sector by acquiring a majority stake in Lobo Leasing Ltd on behalf of its Mobility fund and mandate clients.

Reichmuth Infrastructure and Lobo Leasing are joining forces to further expand Lobo Leasing’s position as a leading mission-critical aircraft leasing platform, supported by secured funding for aircraft leases to operators across OECD countries.

The partnership combines Lobo Leasing’s deep operational and technical expertise with Reichmuth Infrastructure’s capital strength, industry network and investment capabilities, creating significant benefits for customers. Clients will benefit from increased financial capacity, greater flexibility in transaction structuring, faster execution, and access to a broader network of industry relationships. The enlarged management team and strong capital base will support continued fleet growth and larger, more complex transactions, while preserving Lobo Leasing’s entrepreneurial culture, independence and customer-focused approach.

Filippo Rima, CIO of Reichmuth Infrastructure, commented: “We have worked closely with Lobo Leasing for many years and have been consistently impressed by its team and execution capabilities. This partnership is a natural next step and will support the continued growth of a leading mission-critical aircraft leasing platform serving essential sectors such as firefighting, emergency medical services and natural resource operations.”

Dan Roberts, CEO of Lobo Leasing, added: “We are delighted to partner with Reichmuth Infrastructure. Both organisations bring deep aviation-sector experience and a shared commitment to long-term, sustainable growth. This transaction gives Lobo Leasing the backing of Reichmuth Infrastructure’s highly experienced team and enables us to invest directly with our own balance sheet. We look forward to using these new capabilities in close alignment with our existing investor clients.”

About Reichmuth Infrastructure

Reichmuth Infrastructure, established in 2012 as a pan-European infrastructure asset manager and part of the wider Reichmuth & Co Group, with a dedicated investment focus on infrastructure investment across Europe in the sectors of energy, transportation, aviation and circular economy. Reichmuth Infrastructure offers institutional investors access to investment solutions in the mid-market segment. As of September 2026, Reichmuth Infrastructure manages around EUR 2.0 billion through four diversified investment funds and segregated mandates. The interdisciplinary team consists of 28 employees with extensive infrastructure investment experience, a broad industry network and established partnerships with various industrial companies.

About Lobo Leasing

Lobo Leasing was established in 2013 as a dedicated helicopter lessor headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The company now manages over 80 mission-critical aircraft across more than 15 jurisdictions. For investors, Lobo Leasing offers a highly experienced asset management team capable of managing all stages of an aircraft lease investment. For aircraft operators, Lobo Leasing delivers competitive lease pricing; fast and efficient transactions and a flexible, practical approach based on the realities of the aviation industry.

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AirLIFE TEXAS in Uvalde Gets Injured K9 Officers to Help Faster

Gwen Wilson — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:29:10 +0000

When K9 officers are injured in the line of duty, they can now be airlifted to emergency veterinary services thanks to AirLIFE TEXAS. The air medical provider recently trained its crews to transport police, fire, EMS, and border patrol dogs to 24-hour animal hospitals in San Antonio. There are over 200 K9 officers working within the AirLIFE TEXAS service area of 150 miles around Uvalde.

“If a K9 officer was injured or became sick in the isolated areas where they work, it might take over an hour before they even reached a paved road,” said Air Methods Area Manager Joel Ramirez. AirLIFE TEXAS is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading emergency air medical service provider. “With our helicopter, we have the potential to land in these remote areas and get them to an animal hospital in San Antonio within an hour. This could easily be the difference between life and death for these valuable law enforcement team members.”

Establishing the program required identifying the agencies with the potential need for the service, then partnering with animal hospitals and supporting agencies to ensure safe transport. The Air Methods education team contracted a veterinary medical director to develop protocols and a bi-annual Canine Trauma Combat Casualty Care training program for crew members. These procedures were tested last month when AirLIFE TEXAS, San Antonio Fire, and BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital conducted a mock transport exercise with a canine training mannequin.

K9 officers may be transported for conditions ranging from heat stroke, to gunshot wounds, to snake bites, and more. The AirLIFE TEXAS helicopter can land at the scene of an injury to load the animal and its handler, then transport them to established helipads where they will meet the San Antonio Fire Department for ground transport to either BluePearl or MissionVet Specialty + Emergency.

“In a critical emergency, seconds matter,” said Irina Cossio, assistant practice manager with BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital. “That is why the partnership between BluePearl and AirLIFE TEXAS is a crucial step in helping support our canine heroes – pairing people who are personally invested in the health and safety of these remarkable dogs.”

While the care and safety of K9 officers is important, AirLIFE TEXAS will continue to prioritize the transport of human patients.

AirLIFE TEXAS provides an ecosystem of emergency air medical support across the state with bases in Lockhart and Snyder in addition to the base in Uvalde. Their flying ICUs carry industry-leading clinicians who are trained to provide critical care to human patients suffering from trauma due to accidents, cardiac and stroke events, high-risk obstetric emergencies, and more. They carry whole blood on board and can administer it in flight to patients suffering from severe blood loss and at risk for hemorrhagic shock. They are also the state’s only program to carry the ZOLL AutoPulse® NXT automated CPR device, which delivers consistent, high-quality chest compressions to patients in cardiac arrest, allowing clinicians to provide other critical care.

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WAI counts down to 12th Annual International Girls in Aviation Day

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:50:50 +0000

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is counting down to its 12th Annual International Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) on September 19, 2026. A total of 200 events are planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia, with more than 34,500 attendees expected to take part. Of these events, 70 are planned in international locations representing 27 countries, and 131 are planned in the U.S. and U.S. Territories.

Girls in Aviation Day is part of a multi-faceted international youth program designed by WAI to spark interest in aviation and aerospace careers among girls and young women around the world. Attendees will meet female role models, hear from career panels, and tour airplanes and airports — introducing them to the full range of career and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace.

Hands-on activities planned for this year’s events include a sectional chart scavenger hunt, flight planning, building a tailwheel airplane, inflight safety briefing, and learning about aircraft engines and avionics alongside maintenance technicians.

“Every year, Girls in Aviation Day opens more doors and sparks more curiosity in the next generation of aviators,” says WAI CEO Lynda Coffman. “We’re grateful to our chapters, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters whose generosity makes this program possible, and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of new participants into the aviation community this September.”

About Girls in Aviation Day: Since WAI’s first annual international Girls in Aviation Day in 2015, the event has grown every year from its inaugural gathering of 32 events and 3,200 participants. Last year’s GIAD reached more than 40,000 participants across 200 events in 34 countries. To find a GIAD event near you, click here: https://www.wai.org/giad2026-events.

Many thanks to our 2026 Girls in Aviation Day supporters, without whom this education program would not be possible. Our supporters include WAI Strategic Partners Amazon, American Airlines, and United; Aim High Flight Academy; Emanuel Bachmann Foundation; ISTAT Foundation; JCL Aviation Services; Sheltair; and Sporty’s Pilot Shop.

Event hosts: GIAD2026 resources are available now to help chapters and corporate members plan and promote their local events.

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EHang Showcases Global Fast Track Program at ICAO DGCA/61

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:47:53 +0000

EHang Holdings Limited announced that it was invited to attend the 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Region (DGCA/61), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 7 to 11. Hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) under the theme “Smart Skies: Emerging Technologies for Safe, Secure, Sustainable and Efficient Aviation,” the conference brought together more than 500 representatives — civil aviation authorities, international organizations and industry leaders — from 35 countries.

CAAM Backs Low-Altitude Economy and Regulatory Sandbox to Facilitate New Technology Adoption

During the conference opening, Malaysia’s Minister of Transport Anthony Loke emphasized that artificial intelligence, unmanned aircraft and AAM have the potential to transform logistics, public services and connectivity. As these technologies develop, he noted, governments and regulators must provide clarity and confidence, ensuring that innovation proceeds responsibly and continues to serve the public interest.

Dato’ Captain Norazman Mahmud, Chief Executive Officer of CAAM, stated in his opening address, “We must also prepare for the next frontier, the low-altitude economy. Unmanned aircraft system, and AAM offer enormous potential, but they also raise new questions involving airspace, certification, traffic management, infrastructure, and accountability. Technology is moving faster than traditional regulatory cycles. Our challenge is to ensure that regulation enables responsible innovation while remaining firm in its most fundamental purpose — protecting safety, security, and public confidence. This requires regulatory approaches that are adaptive, risk-proportionate, and performance-based.”

This regulatory direction is closely aligned with EHang’s sandbox validation initiatives in multiple markets, providing a strong regulatory foundation for translating policy initiatives into real-world pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL operations across the Asia Pacific.

EHang Outlines the Global Fast Track Program: From Product Export to Empowering Global Markets with Chinese Standards

Conor Yang, Board Director and Chief Financial Officer at EHang, was invited to deliver a keynote speech titled “From Certification to Operations: A Practical, Replicable Pathway for eVTOL AAM in the Asia Pacific”.

In his speech, Mr. Yang noted that AAM holds immense potential across the Asia Pacific. Regulators across the region are exploring a common question: how to make this new mode of mobility safe, accessible and truly practical. Airworthiness certification is only the first step — building local regulatory frameworks, cultivating local operations and maintenance capabilities, and ensuring safe public flights day after day are the real challenges.

Drawing on the EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft’s complete set of certifications, along with nearly 100,000 autonomous safe flights across 23 countries, and operational experience from more than 40 sites in China, Mr. Yang introduced EHang Global Fast Track Program: “The Program is expected to compress a market-entry cycle that traditionally takes years into a matter of months, without compromising safety. We deliver capabilities step by step, leverage existing certification achievements and avoid unnecessary duplication of validation, with the civil aviation authority retaining full regulatory oversight at every stage. EHang brings aircraft, operational platforms and operational support, working with regulators to jointly build the pathway to market entry.”

Sandbox Projects Advance Across Overseas Markets and Multiple Civil Aviation Authorities Signal Deeper Cooperation

In his speech, Mr. Yang shared EHang’s successful implementation of regulatory sandbox projects across international markets, which have attracted widespread attention and positive feedback. Directors General of multiple civil aviation authorities expressed strong interest in the Global Fast Track Program and further explored opportunities for cooperation.

THAILAND

EHang is working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to advance sandbox validation. In November 2025, Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of CAAT, personally boarded the EH216-S and experienced a pilotless urban flight in Bangkok. EHang and CAAT are now accelerating preparations for commercialization, aiming to conduct the first commercial flight by the Second International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Advanced Air Mobility Symposium (AAM 2026) in Bangkok this December.

SRI LANKA

In August 2026, Sri Lanka became the first country to adopt the EHang Global Fast Track Program. The parties plan to establish the first sandbox zone centered on Port City in Colombo, targeting validation and the transition to commercial operations within four months, subject to the successful completion of comprehensive regulatory, technical, operational, and safety assessments. EHang and the Sri Lankan authorities are progressing regulatory framework alignment and other related work as planned.

HONG KONG, CHINA

EHang was selected as one of the first batch of trial projects under the Hong Kong Low-Altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox X initiative. The EH216-S recently successfully completed its first phase of validation flights and public demonstration. EHang is also actively assisting the HKSAR Government in advancing legislative research on this new type of aircraft.

Throughout the conference, EHang’s exhibition booth attracted significant attention from delegates. Senior representatives of CAAM, along with directors-general and delegates from the civil aviation authorities of Laos, Fiji, Cambodia, the Philippines, Tonga, Vietnam, the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, and other countries, visited the booth, holding detailed discussions on the feasibility of introducing regulatory sandbox mechanisms and implementing the Fast Track Program in their respective countries. The visiting regulators agreed that EHang’s mature airworthiness system and standardized operational support provide a practical turnkey solution for countries without ready-made AAM regulatory frameworks.

From Product Deployment to System-Level Cooperation: Building a Global Low-Altitude Ecosystem

From EHang’s debut at the 40th ICAO Assembly in 2019, to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) sharing the Special Conditions for the EH216-S unmanned aircraft system with the world at the 41st ICAO Assembly, and now to presenting the Global Fast Track Program as a systematic offering to the Asia Pacific’s top aviation officials at DGCA/61, EHang has evolved from showcasing an aircraft to sharing airworthiness standards, and now to providing a structured pathway for implementation.

EHang will continue to embrace openness and cooperation, working closely with aviation regulators and industry partners worldwide. Building on the regulatory sandbox, the Company will steadily expand its international routes and commercial networks, bringing safe, intelligent, and green air mobility within reach of people around the world.

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AirLIFE Texas 1 Honors Anniversary with Special Celebration

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:44:48 +0000

Lockhart-based AirLIFE TEXAS 1 commemorated its first full year of service as the only emergency air medical base located in Caldwell County with a celebration held at the Southside Clubhouse in Luling on Aug. 20. The event brought together crew members, program leaders, and representatives from Caldwell County EMS, Caldwell County Emergency Services District #5, Caldwell County Sheriff, Luling Fire Department, and Ascension Seton Edgar B Davis Hospital.

“AirLIFE TEXAS is proud to provide the highest level of air medical care to the people of this community,” said Air Methods Account Executive Spencer Gunn. AirLIFE TEXAS is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading emergency air medical service provider. “As the only provider based right here in the county, we take seriously our commitment to getting patients to the appropriate hospital as quickly as possible while administering exceptional critical care on the way. We had a fantastic first year, and we look forward to serving Caldwell County and the surrounding area for many more years to come.”

Guests got a close-up look at the base’s helicopter, heard from special guest speakers, enjoyed lunch, and gained insight into what it takes to deliver critical care from the skies 24/7. AirLIFE TEXAS 1 functions as a flying ICU, responding to scene calls to administer critical care for accident and trauma patients, as well as those suffering from hearts attacks, strokes, and other urgent medical needs. They also provide interfacility transport when patients need to move from one hospital to another for specialized care.

“In critical emergencies, time matters,” said Caldwell County EMS Chief Cean Charles. “Geography should not determine someone’s chance of surviving a serious illness or injury. AirLIFE TEXAS 1 helps close that distance. It also strengthens our entire emergency response system. Our EMS, fire departments, law enforcement, hospitals, and air medical partners all become part of a more capable and coordinated system of care.”

With sister bases in Uvalde and Snyder, AirLIFE TEXAS provides a network of emergency air medical support across the state.

Air Methods is committed to providing care 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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Indian EMS eVTOL partnership launched by Sarla Aviation, Manipal Hspitals and Aeromed

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:42:07 +0000

In a significant step towards transforming emergency medical transportation in India, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sarla Aviation and Aeromed International Rescue Services to explore the development of next-generation air ambulance services using electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Shri. Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation of India, at the inauguration ceremony
Shri. Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation of India, at the inauguration ceremony
The partnership brings together Sarla Aviation’s eVTOL technology, Manipal Hospitals’ network of hospitals and clinical expertise, and Aeromed’s experience in air ambulance and medical evacuation services. The aim is to develop a seamless system that can transport patients directly between their location and the appropriate hospital, helping reduce delays caused by road traffic and long-distance travel.

The MoU, signed on August 7, 2026, will focus on developing the aircraft’s medical cabin, establishing patient transfer procedures and identifying medical routes where faster transportation could make a critical difference. The partners will also work on emergency transfers for trauma, heart attacks, strokes, newborns requiring specialised care and organ transplantation.

As part of the collaboration, the teams will jointly work on designing the medical bay and integrating essential equipment into Sarla Aviation’s Shunya eVTOL aircraft, while keeping patient safety and comfort at the centre. They will also develop standard procedures for transferring patients between ground ambulances, the aircraft and hospitals, including protocols for situations where patients require urgent escalation of care. Training programmes, insurance and safety frameworks, as well as research into patient outcomes, will also form part of the collaboration.

Speaking about the potential of such technologies, Shri. Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation of India, said, “What we have to now provide is seamless connectivity from the airport to the doorstep. That is where this will be very, very instrumental. With the kind of urbanisation and increase in population that we are seeing, we have to bring in new technologies to cater to that.”

For patients and families, the potential impact is significant. In medical emergencies, every minute can matter. A dedicated air ambulance service that can avoid congested roads and connect patients more quickly to specialised medical care could help make emergency and inter-hospital transfers faster and more efficient.

Dr. H. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman, Manipal Hospitals, said, “Healthcare is constantly evolving, and our responsibility is to embrace innovations that can make care more accessible, timely and effective. The integration of advanced aviation technology with our healthcare expertise has the potential to significantly transform emergency and inter-hospital patient transfers. Through this collaboration, we hope to help shape a safe, clinically robust and scalable model for next-generation air ambulance services in India, with the patient firmly at the centre.”

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LockMart awarded $67M Night Vision contract for Apache

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:07:21 +0000

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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GE awarded $10M more for Improved Turbine Engine development

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:05:33 +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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iMEDCAP completes autonomous medevac demo during NATO exercise

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:03:12 +0000

The iMEDCAP consortium proudly announces the successful completion of the live pilot demonstration of its autonomous tactical medical evacuation system at NATO’s Vigorous Warrior 2026 exercise in Estonia, on 12 June 2026. The demonstration showcased a fully integrated chain of autonomous search, rescue, ground transport, in-transit treatment, and aerial evacuation for combat casualties, considering also contaminated soldiers.

The Challenge: Protecting the Golden Hour and Medics on the Battlefield

The conflict in Ukraine has underscored a critical challenge in modern warfare: as battlefield lethality increases, medical personnel are themselves becoming priority targets. The “Golden Hour” principle, which holds that survival rates improve dramatically when a wounded soldier receives advanced care within 60 minutes, is increasingly difficult to uphold.

The Solution: iMEDCAP

iMEDCAP (Development of intelligent military capabilities for monitoring, medical care and evacuation for contagious, injured and contaminated personnel) is a European Defence Fund project (Grant Agreement No. 101121421) funded in 2023 and led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM). The consortium comprises 24 partners from 9 nations, bringing together expertise in drone technology, robotics, sensor systems, data processing, software development, transport engineering, and military medicine.

The iMEDCAP system operates as a fully autonomous chain:

Phase 1: Search & Rescue

A thermal-imaging reconnaissance drone autonomously locates the casualty. A second drone equipped with millimetre-accurate radar technology then detects respiration, to confirm the casualty is alive.

Phase 2: Autonomous Ground Evacuation

The THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), fitted with the iMEDCAP Autonomy Kit – comprising dual LiDAR sensors, an inertial measurement unit, satellite navigation antennas, and advanced navigation algorithms – autonomously navigates to the casualty. The system dynamically re-plans its route in real time using live reconnaissance data, maintaining navigation even when GNSS signals are blocked or jammed. The THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle is equipped with a Patient Box.

Phase 3: In-Transit Treatment

The iMEDCAP Patient Transport Box contains a set of sensors for the monitoring of the casualty, as well as an autonomous robotic arm system capable of administering autoinjectors, relieving tension pneumothorax, and applying a smart tourniquet remotely. Onboard sensors include a 3D body scanner, CBRN sensors, a diagnostic camera, a blood detector, and an eye movement sensor. All diagnostic data is relayed in real time to a remote physician, who must authorise any invasive intervention. Vital signs are also automatically transmitted to command and control elements and medical treatment facilities.

Phase 4: Aerial Continuation

Upon arrival at the Casualty Collection Point (CCP), the patient transport box is transferred to the Grille UAV for aerial evacuation to the nearest medical facility. The Grille is electrically powered, carries a maximum payload of 175 kg, has a range of 50 kilometres, and can be deployed by two personnel in approximately 15 minutes.

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Sikorsky amends CH-53K contract with Albany International

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:56:09 +0000

Albany International Corp. (NYSE:AIN) today announced the completion of the strategic review of its Amelia Earhart Drive facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. Following new business wins, a renegotiated Boeing 787 contract for one-piece composite fuselage frames, and new contract terms with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, on the CH-53K® program, Albany will retain the facility and end the previously announced strategic review. Under the new agreement with Sikorsky, Albany will continue with its current production scope on CH-53K, having improved the financials for the program. Albany partnered with Sikorsky to ensure continuity of production of these heavy lift helicopters, delivering a critical new capability for the United States Marine Corps.

Gunnar Kleveland, Albany International’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are pleased to announce the completion of our strategic review of the Amelia Earhart Drive facility, which enables the continued execution of the CH-53K program through an amended contract. The contract reduces the program risk, generates positive cash flow, stabilizes 53K aircraft production, and offsets projected losses while maintaining support for our longstanding customer, Sikorsky. Throughout this process, our goal has been to maximize shareholder value while continuing to support our valued customers, as we carefully evaluated multiple alternatives. After reviewing all available options, we concluded that retaining the facility and continuing operations under the amended contract delivers the strongest overall economic outcome. We appreciate the continued engagement and partnership with Sikorsky through this process, which was critical to achieving an outcome that benefits both companies and our troops in the air and on the ground. The outcome of this process allows us to retain a strategically important and well-capitalized manufacturing facility that is well positioned to deliver on a number of existing growth programs and is a key enabler of future growth.”

Chris Stone, President of Albany Engineered Composites said, “In support of that growth, we have entered a contract extension for the composite fuselage frames on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a notable legacy program for the Salt Lake City facility. In addition, we have also recently secured new defense contracts with a strategic customer that will expand our program portfolio and contribute to the long-term, balanced growth of our Salt Lake City business.”

Mr. Stone continued, “The conclusion of the strategic review and retention of the Amelia Earhart Drive facility allows us to retain a world-class facility supporting critical A&D customers and programs, including the CH-53K program. Just as importantly, it ensures capacity and expertise to support a growing pipeline of commercial aerospace, defense, and advanced air mobility opportunities with several strategic customers that leverage our composite expertise. The extension with Boeing and the new defense contracts we have recently secured are key examples of the growth pipeline in front of us. I could not be prouder of the performance and professionalism of the team in Salt Lake City. Throughout this process, they remained focused on delivering for our customer and executing at a high level. Their professionalism and dedication played a key role in preserving the strong relationship we have built with our customer and in enabling this outcome. In addition, I’d like to thank Sikorsky for their continued support and collaboration throughout the process and Guggenheim Securities, who served as exclusive financial advisor to Albany International Corp. in connection with its strategic review. I am excited for the future of this site and our business as a whole.”

Updated Outlook for the Third Quarter of 2026

Consolidated net revenue outlook remains unchanged at between $320 million and $330 million
Machine Clothing net revenue outlook remains unchanged at between $165 million and $170 million
Engineered Composite net revenue outlook remains unchanged at between $155 million and $160 million
Adjusted EPS increased from prior guidance of $0.60 to $0.70 to between $1.40 and $1.50
Third-quarter effective tax rate of 31.5%

Outlook for the Fourth Quarter of 2026

Consolidated net revenue between $325 million and $335 million
Machine Clothing net revenue between $170 million and $175 million
Engineered Composite net revenue between $155 million and $160 million
Adjusted EPS between $0.65 and $0.75
Fourth-quarter effective tax rate of 31.5%

The Company will host a webcast at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to listen to the live webcast via the Company’s Investor Relations website at investors.albint.com or by registering via the link here. The event can also be accessed by dialing +1 (833) 461-5787 and using the Meeting ID: 903 513 219

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EHang Partners with CSCEC Sixth Engineering Bureau on Low-Altitude Infrastructure

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:47:21 +0000

EHang Holdings Limited announced a strategic cooperation framework agreement of intent with China Construction Sixth Engineering Bureau Corp., Ltd., a top-tier state-owned infrastructure giant in China. The partnership intends to focus on low-altitude infrastructure development and operational scenario planning. The Cross-Sea Low-Altitude Corridor Project in Lingao, Hainan (the “Project”) marks the first project to break ground under the partnership, aiming to establish a closed-loop low altitude economy ecosystem that integrates infrastructure and commercial operations.

Under the framework agreement, China Construction Sixth Engineering Bureau will draw on its industrial chain strengths and state-owned enterprise resources to jointly develop low‑altitude infrastructure such as general aviation airports, eVTOL vertiports and hangars tailored for low‑altitude flight operations and project planning and implementation. EHang, in turn, will deploy its core expertise in R&D, airworthiness certification and operations of pilotless passenger‑grade eVTOLs, providing aircraft alongside supporting operational and technical solutions.

The Project, as the first implementation of the partnership, has officially commenced construction, with Hainan Fuma General Aviation, a client and partner of EHang, as the project owner, CSCEC Sixth Engineering Bureau as the main constructor and EHang providing joint planning of infrastructure and operational sites, aircraft, operational services and technical support.

Centered around the Maniao General Aviation Airport, the Project will develop multiple eVTOL operational sites and vertiports along Lingao’s coastline, with plans to implement point-to-point passenger eVTOL routes and cross-sea shuttle services. The first key flight station, the WingHub South Sea, is taking shape and will include an operations and exhibition center, vertiports compatible with EHang’s pilotless eVTOL aircraft, and testing zones. The center’s application rollout will be implemented in phases: starting from offering aerial sightseeing, low-altitude logistics, training, and testing, followed by expansion to cross-sea passenger transport.

In December 2025, EH216-S completed a 22-kilometer cross-sea flight across the Qiongzhou Strait in 18 minutes, from Haikou in Hainan to Xuwen Port in Guangdong, validating the technical capabilities and efficiency of pilotless eVTOLs in cross-sea applications.

Hainan’s 15th Five-Year Comprehensive Transportation Plan calls for the development of island-wide and cross-sea low-altitude route networks, as well as upgrades of general aviation airports and construction of low-altitude vertical takeoff and landing infrastructure. The Maniao General Aviation Airport in Lingao has been included among 36 major low-altitude infrastructure projects of Hainan’s 15th Five-Year plan. Upon completion, the airport is expected to support point-to-point eVTOL flights between Lingao in Hainan and Xuwen in Guangdong, serving as the key base of an “aerial express corridor” across the inter-provincial Qiongzhou Strait.

A representative of CSCEC Sixth Engineering Bureau, stated, “As a strategic emerging industry and an important area of future development, the low-altitude economy is becoming an important driver of new quality productive forces and urban development. We will leverage its strengths in engineering construction, infrastructure investment and urban development to work with EHang, a leading eVTOL enterprise, on low-altitude infrastructure and application scenarios, supporting the standardized and high-quality development of the low-altitude economy in China.”

Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, said, “With our pilotless human-carrying eVTOL aircraft that have met the technical and airworthiness requirements for commercial operations, infrastructure remains a critical enabler for scaling real-world applications. Our strategic partnership with CSCEC Sixth Engineering Bureau will bring together infrastructure development capabilities and EHang’s pilotless eVTOL technology to accelerate the build-out of AAM operational infrastructure and flight route network. Starting with the Project in Lingao, Hainan, EHang will work with CSCEC Sixth Engineering Bureau from infrastructure planning through operation launch. We look forward to applying this integrated approach to more cities and regions.”

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Linfox takes delivery of first H160 in Australia

HeliHub.com — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 21:30:26 +0000

Melbourne-based logistics and supply chain enterprise, Linfox Group, today took delivery of Australia’s first Airbus H160 helicopter, marking a landmark moment for next-generation rotorcraft in the region.

With this delivery, Linfox became the first operator in Australia to bring the twin-engine Airbus H160 into service. The state-of-the-art helicopter will support the business and corporate aviation requirements of the Linfox Group, operating across Australia’s diverse geography from urban hubs to regional destinations.

“Linfox has built its reputation over decades on the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and operational performance, and the H160 reflects exactly those principles,” said Linfox founder, Lindsay Fox.

“Being the first to bring this aircraft into service in Australia is a proud moment for our team and a clear statement of our commitment to operating the most technologically advanced platform on the market.”

The H160 is certified for up to 12 passengers. Linfox Aviation has selected an 8-passenger configuration, allowing guests to fully experience the aircraft’s expansive windows, airy cabin, and industry-leading technology.

“We are incredibly proud of this endorsement of the H160 by one of Australia’s most respected operators,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters. “The H160 joins their fleet as the world’s most technologically advanced medium twin-engine helicopter, exceptionally suited for Australia’s varied terrain,” he added.

The aircraft was prepared for its entry into service locally by Pacific Crown Helicopters (PCH), a Part 145 certified maintenance organisation and long-standing Airbus Helicopters partner, ensuring support to the highest international airworthiness standards from day one.

The H160 is designed as a multi-role helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions, including public services (such as search and rescue, homeland security, law enforcement, and emergency medical services), military operations, offshore transportation, and private and business aviation.

The aircraft is engineered to optimise performance and safety. Featuring the advanced Helionix avionics suite, the aircraft delivers highly intuitive flight controls, vastly improved situational awareness, and a significantly lightened workload for pilots.

Designed for diverse landscapes like Australia’s, the H160 Arrano engines deliver up to an 18% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous-generation engines in its class, and the aircraft is certified to operate on fuel blends containing up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Additionally, its curved Blue Edge main rotor blades reduce the aircraft’s external acoustic footprint by up to 50% compared to previous generation helicopters.

Through continuous design improvements, the H160’s official empty weight has been reduced, providing operators with an increased payload of 100 kg or an additional 60 nm of range.

Today’s delivery ensures Australia joins an exclusive but rapidly growing global footprint of more than 70 H160 helicopters operating worldwide, which have already accumulated more than 14,000 flight hours in just the past year.

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New heli squadron at Joint Base Andrews flying HH-60W

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:23:59 +0000

Joint Base Andrews activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron Aug. 27, marking the installation’s first U.S. Air Force helicopter squadron activation in 60 years.

The squadron stands up at a time when the base anticipates accepting the HH-60W Jolly Green II to execute Andrews’ 24/7 operations. The 5th HS will do so alongside the 1st Helicopter Squadron, which was the Air Force’s only rotary-wing unit in the National Capital Region for six decades until now.

“The vision is very straightforward,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Bonilla, who assumed command as the first 5th HS commander. “We aim to rapidly and safely integrate the HH-60W into the missions here in the National Capital Region and establish a premier rotary-wing organization that supports our nation’s most critical missions, without any pause in operations.”

Transitioning to the HH-60W will modernize the fleet and ensure sustainable operations with a modern airframe that meets current and future requirements. The HH-60W’s increased speed, range and carrying capacity will better deliver safe operations for U.S. senior leaders, service members and the communities around the region.

In the next few years, the 5th HS will train aircrew and maintainers, establish operational and maintenance processes, and receive new aircraft as it prepares to execute the national security mission within the National Capital Region. Throughout the transition, the 1st HS will continue providing immediate-response capability and support daily operations with the UH-1N airframe.

“The Huey has been part of this mission and this community for generations,” said Col. Kevin Geoffroy, 316th Operations Group commander and an HH-60W pilot. “Today, we are standing up the 5th Helicopter Squadron — a unit that inherits a proud, storied legacy. We will honor that legacy by delivering excellence as we modernize our fleet at Joint Base Andrews for the future.”

The phased transition is designed to maintain the 1st HS’ immediate-response mission while Airmen establish the new squadron to train aircrew and maintainers and progressively bring HH-60Ws into service at JBA. The two squadrons will operate in parallel as the 5th HS progresses toward full operational capacity, which the Air Force anticipates will occur in 2030.

Once the 5th HS has transitioned fully to the new airframe and can safely and sustainably execute the missions, the 1st HS will then begin transitioning from the historic UH-1N to the HH-60W platform. Its replacement will bring a platform with greater capacity for the demanding conditions of the mission, including enhanced navigation, secure communications, weather capability and personnel recovery.

Since 1969, the 1st HS has supported its no-fail mission of immediate-response contingency operations in support of vital national security requirements while maintaining a rigorous training schedule to ensure readiness over the decades, and has flown the UH-1N since 1971, with three of the Hueys that flew in the Vietnam War still flying today.

As the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the 1st HS’s response remains a notable part of its history. Following the attack, the Airmen immediately responded to provide support to U.S. senior leaders.

“Our 24/7 mission continues while we prepare the next generation of Airmen and aircraft to continue the legacy of excellence,” said Lt. Col. Zachary Minner, 1st HS commander. “The incredible professionals of the 1st Helicopter Squadron are ready to respond whenever the National Capital Region needs us.”

The HH-60W represents a significant modernization of capability, including updated communications, navigation, weather, sensor and survivability systems. The aircraft is suited to support civil search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster response, humanitarian assistance and rescue command-and-control missions.

“Our priority is to maintain uninterrupted mission support and ensure the safety of our aircrew, senior leaders, and neighbors, while preparing the next generation of Airmen for future operations,” Bonilla said. “The Airmen here have carried out this mission for more than half a century. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and the 5th HS is the next evolution of Airmen who time and time again deliver exactly what our nation asks of the military in a crisis or contingency.”

In a time-honored tradition, the 5th HS gains its heraldry from the 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron, which was operational from 1944 to 1956. When Lt. Wilton Bowman, a YR-5 pilot assigned to the 5th ERS, flew the unusual machine past Andrews to a nearby air show in 1946, Airmen dubbed it a “whirling oddity.” Eighty years later, the 5th Helicopter Squadron is carrying that legacy into a new era of rotary-wing operations.

As the 5th HS activates, its Airmen will turn a historic “whirling oddity” into a modern chapter of rotary-wing readiness. The unit’s task extends beyond receiving a new helicopter: it will train Airmen, expand capability to meet future challenges, and lead the way in modernizing a legacy fleet to execute the Air Force’s vital national security mission.

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Lockheed Martin awarded $126.9M contract for HH-60W spares

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:21:47 +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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Coulson explains scope of EmberWorks, its new innovation division

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:20:39 +0000

Coulson Aviation is moving forward with EmberWorks, its dedicated innovation division created to turn real-world operational challenges into new capabilities for aerial firefighting, aviation, and emergency response.

First introduced at the Aerial Fire Fighting Global Conference in Rome earlier this year, EmberWorks formalizes an approach to innovation that has existed throughout Coulson’s history. From aircraft modification and mission-system development to programs such as C-130 airtanker, Boeing 737 Fireliner, and CH-47 Chinook helicopter, Coulson has long developed solutions in response to real-world operational needs. EmberWorks builds on that history by giving this approach a dedicated structure and a broader path forward.

What sets EmberWorks apart is its position within an active global aerial firefighting organization. Across the wildfire industry, specialized technologies such as fire retardant, airborne sensing, and mission systems are typically developed independently. EmberWorks brings these disciplines together with direct access to the people, aircraft, and infrastructure needed to develop, integrate, and evaluate new capabilities in an operational setting.

“The fire service does not need technology for technology’s sake. It needs information and tools that fit the way people actually operate on an incident,” said Stu Sprung, Vice President of EmberWorks. “We can start with an operational problem, work directly with the people experiencing it, develop a solution, and evaluate it in the environment where it ultimately needs to perform. That feedback loop is fundamental to EmberWorks.”

While wildfire and aerial firefighting are the immediate focus, EmberWorks is structured around operational challenges rather than a fixed portfolio of technologies, allowing the division to pursue new capabilities as agency requirements and operating environments evolve.

That work is already underway. In airborne intelligence, EmberWorks is developing ORBIT, a sensing and mission technology designed to make operational aircraft active contributors to the incident intelligence picture. Initial systems are installed aboard two tactical aerial supervision aircraft, providing an operational platform to develop and evaluate capabilities that can improve situational awareness and decision-making. Additional applications are being implemented for Coulson’s C-130 and 737 airtankers and helicopter platforms.

EmberWorks is also advancing suppression science through Coulson Fire Retardant, which combines advanced chemistry with decades of aerial firefighting and retardant delivery experience to develop next-generation suppression solutions. Beginning with CFR HALO, the program brings real-world operational insight to the development of improved burn resistance, coverage consistency, aircraft compatibility, operational efficiency, and greater operating margins for flight crews.

“Coulson has spent decades developing solutions because the operation demanded something better,” said Britt Coulson, President and COO of Coulson Aviation. “EmberWorks gives that mindset a dedicated home. We have the aircraft, the operators, the technical expertise, and the operational environment to develop and test new ideas within our own organization, creating a direct path from identifying a problem to proving a solution.”

As EmberWorks moves forward, Coulson plans to introduce new programs and partnerships as they reach meaningful development, testing, and operational milestones. Its first programs are focused on wildfire challenges shared by agencies around the world, with the model designed to address a broader range of aviation and emergency-response challenges over time.

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Avincis signs LOI for five 214ST firefighters

Gwen Wilson — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 14:19:30 +0000

Avincis, Europe’s leading aerial emergency services operator, and McDermott Aviation are pleased to announce a Letter of Intention (LoI) for the acquisition of five McDermott 214ST medium-lift twin-turbine helicopters, expanding the rotary-wing capacity available for aerial firefighting and critical utility missions across its operating regions.

The investment comes as demand for aerial firefighting capacity continues to rise. By 31 July 2026, Avincis had completed more than 12,600 firefighting flight hours and nearly 5,400 missions across Spain, Portugal and Italy — almost 90% more flight hours than at the same point in 2025 — while dropping more than 225 million litres of water. The aircraft will be deployed across Avincis’ operations to support wildfire and utility operations, with their allocation determined by operational requirements and seasonal wildfire demand across the Group’s operating regions.

The five aircraft will add a high-capacity and versatile platform to Avincis’ integrated fleet of helicopters and amphibious water bombers. Depending on mission configuration and operating conditions, the 214ST offers up to 3,000 kg of useful load, a maximum external hook load of 3,582 kg, endurance of up to 4.1 hours and a cruise speed of 120 knots. Its twin CT7-2A engines, large cabin and hot-and-high performance make it well suited to water-dropping, the transport of crews and equipment, external-load operations and missions from remote or confined locations.

The LoI further strengthens the relationship between the two organisations, combining McDermott Aviation’s expertise in developing and supporting specialised medium-lift aircraft with Avincis’ extensive operational network across its global regions of operation.

John Boag, Group CEO of Avincis, said:

“As demand for aerial firefighting and utility operations continues to grow, investing in versatile medium-lift aircraft is essential to ensuring we can support our customers wherever they need us most.”

“The McDermott 214ST is a highly respected platform, and these aircraft will strengthen our ability to deploy resources across our operations in response to changing operational requirements and wildfire conditions. We look forward to continuing our relationship with McDermott Aviation as we invest in the future of aerial emergency services.”

“These five aircraft give Avincis another powerful option within our integrated fleet. The 214ST’s lift, endurance and hot-and-high performance will strengthen our rotary-wing response, while its utility capability will allow us to deploy the aircraft across a wider range of critical missions throughout the year.”

“We are not simply adding aircraft. We are giving our customers and the emergency services directing operations on the ground more options when conditions escalate.”

John McDermott, Founder and President of McDermott Aviation, said:

“The agreement represented an important milestone for the McDermott 214ST program and reflected growing international demand for capable, mission-ready aircraft.

“We’ve believed in the capability of the 214ST for a long time. An agreement for five aircraft is a significant step forward for the program and reinforces the role we believe this aircraft can play in firefighting and utility operations globally.

“We have spent decades operating, maintaining and engineering the 214 series in some of the toughest environments in the world. That experience gives us a very clear understanding of what the aircraft is capable of and what operators need from it.

“As the Type Certificate holder for the 214ST, we are committed to the long-term future of the platform. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with Avincis and seeing these aircraft supporting critical operations across its network.”

McDermott Aviation owns the Type Certificates for both the Bell 214B and 214ST series and is preparing to commence production of its modified Utility 214ST model. The program builds on more than four decades of operational, engineering and maintenance experience with the 214 series.

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The Air Ambulance Service celebrates Air Ambulance Week 2026

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:18:22 +0000

Air Ambulance Week 2026 takes off across the UK from 7 – 13 September, raising awareness of the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities.

This national awareness week, organised by Air Ambulances UK, brings together air ambulance charities from across the UK to share one powerful message: “Every Mission Starts With You.”

Air ambulance crews across the UK are dispatched to over 137 lifesaving missions each day across the UK – and each of those missions is powered almost entirely by public support. Whether you choose to donate, fundraise, or simply spread the word, your support helps critical care teams reach people in their moment of need.

The charities rely on generous donations to continue delivering urgent, advanced medical care to people with sudden life-threatening injuries or illnesses. By supporting The Air Ambulance Service, you’re helping save lives and improve patient outcomes every single day.

The Air Ambulance Service CEO Peta Wilkinson said: “During Air Ambulance Week, we pay tribute to the people who choose to donate, fundraise, or simply spread the word. Their support helps our critical care teams reach people in their moment of need to provide advanced pre-hospital care at the scene. Every single mission starts with that support.”

The Air Ambulance Service delivers lifesaving care through two vital services.

The National Children’s Air Ambulance (NCAA)operates across England, Scotland and Wales, providing specialist transfers for critically ill babies and children.

Your Local Air Ambulance (YLAA) brings rapid emergency care to communities across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Your Local Air Ambulance and the specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots respond to around ten emergency missions every day — delivering advanced care at the scene and getting patients the best possible chance of survival.

Every mission costs £2,500. They receive no government or National Lottery funding for the daily missions. Each pound comes from people who believe lives are worth saving.

The National Children’s Air Ambulance is a UK-wide service working alongside 11 NHS paediatric retrieval teams dedicated to transferring critically ill babies and children between hospitals — bringing expert care closer, fast, when every moment matters.

Each mission costs around £5,700. They receive no government or National Lottery funding for these flights; every penny comes from people who believe children deserve the chance to survive.

Mike McGrath, CEO of Air Ambulances UK, said:

“Every mission starts with you – and that couldn’t be truer for the UK’s air ambulance charities. Behind every lifesaving mission is the support of people and organisations backing their local air ambulance, whether through donations, fundraising, volunteering, or helping to raise awareness – every action makes such an impact. Air Ambulance Week is an opportunity to recognise that vital support and the role it plays in helping crews deliver lifesaving care across the UK, because every mission really does start with you.”

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Bell showcases B407GXi & B505 at Salon Privé Concours

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 08:11:02 +0000

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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Strata Critical to Present at the 2026 Jefferies Healthcare Services and Technology Conference

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:56:58 +0000

Strata Critical Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRTA, “Strata” or the “Company”), announced that management will present at the 2026 Jefferies Healthcare Services and Technology Conference on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 2:15 pm ET. A webcast of the event will be available at the link here. A replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the presentation on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at https://ir.stratacritical.com/.

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PAL-V achieves European Production Organisation approval

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:55:49 +0000

Dutch company PAL-V has obtained its European Production Organisation Approval (POA). With this milestone, PAL-V now holds both the automotive and aviation production approvals required to manufacture its products on an industrial scale. This approval authorises PAL-V to manufacture aviation products under EASA regulations and marks a significant step toward bringing certified FlyDrive mobility solutions to market.

PAL-V is the first company in the FlyDrive segment of Advanced Air Mobility to receive this approval, placing the company in a unique position worldwide, ahead of both American and Chinese initiatives within the Advanced Air Mobility sector.

European Aviation Authority Gives Green Light to Complete Certification

PAL-V has ensured compliance with existing regulations across all areas of its development programme. With the achievement of its POA, PAL-V has successfully completed several critical certification milestones, including receiving a “No Technical Objection” from EASA in 2025. These certification achievements confirm PAL-V’s leading position in the emerging FlyDrive market and demonstrate the maturity of the company, its technology and its products.

Professionals’ Mobility Challenges Are a Growing Global Problem

Whether it involves saving lives, deploying specialists to remote locations or transporting critical goods, traditional mobility solutions force operators to choose between, or combine, road and air transport. This results in delays, additional complexity and operational inefficiencies.

FlyDrive products provide a unique solution to this challenge. They are the only vehicles capable of transporting professionals at flight speed while offering the flexibility of a car immediately after landing. As such, a FlyDrive vehicle represents a valuable capability for organisations where speed, accessibility and operational effectiveness are critical.

Leadership Through Certification and Execution

The Production Organisation Approval confirms that PAL-V’s production system meets the stringent requirements for airworthy manufacturing. This milestone validates nearly two decades of development of certification experience and regulatory expertise that have established the company as the clear leader in the emerging FlyDrive market.

“Obtaining the POA is a major milestone for PAL-V,” said Robert Dingemanse, Founder and CEO of PAL-V. “It confirms that we have not only developed a groundbreaking platform for FlyDrive products but have also built a world-class organisation capable of developing, certifying and manufacturing airworthy products.”

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Zuri unveils 165kg payload hybrid uncrewed cargo VTOL

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:46:35 +0000

Zuri unveiled the Zuri uncrewed cargo VTOL, a hybrid-electric tiltrotor for civil and defense operators. It carries a hundred-plus kilograms over 679 km by design, or 569 km with a full 30-minute reserve, cruises at 220 km/h, and lands on a pad, a deck, or open ground. The useful load is 165 kg, payload plus fuel.

It is built on Technology Demonstrator 2.0, the full-scale aircraft now in ground test in Prague. A €6M Series A first tranche funds TD 2.0 and its full flight test campaign, with €1.1M committed by existing investors.

The missions are routine and extraordinary: scheduled resupply to offshore platforms and islands, the failed part that idles a rig, relief past broken roads and bridges, and resupply to positions where the risk is sending people. Today a hundred-kilogram load to a North Sea deck goes by helicopter or supply vessel, or it waits; the aircraft flies the 200 km leg out and back while the vessel is still outbound, then refuels and flies it again. A 380 km resupply run between Baltic bases takes a road convoy most of a day; the aircraft covers it in a morning. No one is on board for any of it.

Zuri has flown more than fifteen aircraft and hundreds of test flights since 2018, and has held full-scale hover since 2021. Technology Demonstrator 2.0 carries the whole architecture in one full-scale aircraft and is in systems integration and ground test in Prague now. Flight testing is planned to begin in early 2027, and what TD 2.0 proves in the air becomes the uncrewed cargo aircraft. Six of the program’s eight graded risks are already retired. What remains is integration and flight test, not invention.

Cargo rides in a sealed bay in the airframe. A pod underneath carries sensors, a communications relay, or more cargo, and is swapped on the ground as the mission changes. Every flight is remotely piloted, with one operator in command from the ground and automation handling the flying. Distributed propulsion and redundant fly-by-wire keep the aircraft controllable after the loss of a rotor, and leave no single point of failure. If the generator fails, the battery carries the landing. That is the redundancy offshore rules are asking for when they require a second engine on a helicopter.

Three decisions made in 2017 produce that reach, and the rest of the field is now converging on them. Tilting rotors carry the aircraft from vertical lift into wing-borne cruise, so the mission picks the site. A generator makes the electricity in flight, so range is set by tank size and refueling takes minutes on AVGAS, automotive gasoline, or bioethanol, which is already sustainable. A wing carries the weight in cruise, far more efficiently than rotors can hold it up.

The powertrain carries about 1,500 watt-hours per kilogram at system level, where the best aviation batteries reach 230 to 280. That buys a trade no battery aircraft can make, because a battery weighs the same full or empty: 115 kg across the full 679 km design range and 569 km with a full 30-minute reserve, or 145 kg over 272 km and 162 km with the same reserve. In the sensing role, carrying extra tanks and sensors only, it reaches about 1,908 km for coastal surveillance, survey, or scientific work.

“We spent nine years and more than fifteen aircraft teaching ourselves what this architecture can do. The uncrewed cargo VTOL is the first one we are building for someone else to fly. This round funds the demonstrator and its full flight test campaign.”

Michal Illich, founder and CEO of Zuri

Zuri is raising a €6M first tranche of its Series A, of which €1.1M is committed by existing investors. The tranche funds TD 2.0 and its full flight test campaign, and carries the cargo aircraft toward its first airframe. The company has raised €7.6M since 2018, including that €1.1M; comparable Western programs have spent €300M and more to reach similar results. Commercial deliveries follow with the later tranches, in the 2027 to 2029 window.

Approval runs through the EASA Specific category, risk-assessed per operation under SORA, with no passenger type certificate between the aircraft and revenue. The Czech authority has known the company since its first aircraft registration in 2018. Design, build, and flight test happen in-house in the Czech Republic, ITAR-free, on a sovereign European supply base.

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AirLife Georgia 14 Honors 10 Years of Lifesaving Service in Blairsville

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:44:31 +0000

The AirLife Georgia emergency air medical program in Blairsville commemorated 10 years of dedicated service to the people of Union County and beyond with a celebration held at Union County Farmers Market on Wednesday, August 26. The event brought together current and former crew members, first responders from throughout Northern Georgia, and other partners.

“Being here with so many partners to celebrate a decade of providing life-saving care is just amazing,” said Air Methods Senior Account Executive Marcus Lindsey. “All of these folks here, from the ER staff to EMS to fire and police, they are the reason we are here. Without their partnership, we wouldn’t be able to serve the people of Blairsville and beyond.”

Guests got a close-up look at the program’s helicopter, heard from special guest speakers, and gained insight into what it takes to deliver critical care from the skies 24/7. Among the attendees was Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, who had nothing but good things to say about having AirLife GA 14 available to help his residents.

“It means the world knowing that if someone up here needs something, they are here,” said Bradshaw. “Traditionally, if someone had a heart attack or fell off a latter, the only option was to drive to Gainesville. Now, the residents of Towns County, Union County, anywhere up here in North Georgia can get wherever they need to be to get the care they need.

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 wit 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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Lockheed awarded $33.5M contract for MH-60R data link work

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:39:38 +0000

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Owego, New York, is awarded a $33,464,645 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001926F1104) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001923G0002). This order provides non-recurring engineering for the AN/ARQ-59 Common Data Link to mitigate component obsolescence and integrate the Common Crypto Modernization Compact Multi-Band Data Link 2, replacing the legacy Mini-T modem in support of future production of the AN/ARQ-59 system in support of the MH-60R Seahawk for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Additionally, this order provides for modifications to the multiplexer and radio frequency amplifier, development of a new Electronic Frequency Converter, and associated systems engineering, integration, interface management, and technical support to ensure continued interoperability, cybersecurity, and long-term sustainment of the AN/ARQ-59 communications system. Work will be performed in Owego, New York, and is expected to be completed in July 2029. FMS customer funds in the amount of $24,000,000 will be obligated at the time of award. This contract action was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

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US Senator and CPIFA VP Take a Flight on EH216-S

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:37:51 +0000

EHang Holdings Limited announced that its CEO Mr. Huazhi Hu welcomed a delegation led by U.S. Senator Steve Daines to its headquarters in Guangzhou on August 29, 2026. The visiting delegation also included Geng Shuang, Vice President of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs; Pauline Kao, U.S. Consul General in Guangzhou; as well as officials from the Guangdong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Guangzhou Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, and Guangzhou Development District.

Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of EHang, said: “It is our great privilege to host Senator Daines, Mr. Geng Shuang, Consul General Pauline Kao, and all distinguished guests at EHang headquarters. We look forward to deepening exchanges with global partners to jointly usher in a new era of three-dimensional transportation and smart mobility.”

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Sikorsky awarded $49.9M contract for H-60M Black Hawk T901 engine integration

Gwen Wilson — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:31:45 +0000

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $49,929,599 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00027) to contract W58RGZ-22-C-0063 for procurement of services and data for the integration and qualification of the Improved Turbine Engine onto the UH/HH-60M Black Hawk. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $137,968,024. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2030. Fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $49,929,599 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

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New SE Asia and Australasia event planned by VAI and AHIA

Gwen Wilson — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 16:20:33 +0000

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) and the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) today announced the signing of a letter of intent and initial engagement agreement, marking the first step toward developing a new, internationally credible vertical lift industry event for Australia and the broader Southeast Asia region.

Under the agreement, signed Aug. 4, 2026, VAI and AHIA will work together to explore, design, and structure a new event to succeed AHIA’s current show arrangements following their contractual expiration. The event—referred to for now as the “New Australian Vertical Lift Event,” pending a final name and brand identity—is intended to become a flagship gathering for the Australian and Southeast Asia regional helicopter and vertical aviation community, joining VAI’s global portfolio of premier vertical flight events alongside VERTICON in the United States and EUROPEAN ROTORS in Europe.

“AHIA is delighted to strengthen its relationship with VAI through the signing of a letter of intent to collaborate on delivering industry events across Australia and the broader region. As AHIA continues its focus on advancing safety, education, industry capability, and informed policy that supports a strong and sustainable vertical aviation sector, this partnership will expand our capacity to deliver greater value to our members, supported by VAI’s global expertise, resources, and reach.” – Julian Fraser, CEO, AHIA

“This letter of intent with AHIA is an exciting step toward unifying the vertical aviation community across Australia and the broader Southeast Asia region under a shared vision, and toward engaging operators, manufacturers, suppliers, and government stakeholders in building an environment in which the entire industry can thrive. We’re proud to partner with AHIA on this next chapter, and we look forward to building an event the region can be proud of.” – François Lassale, President and CEO, VAI

With the letter of intent now signed, VAI and AHIA will begin working together to assess the format, location, and commercial framework for the proposed event. Further details, including the event name, location, and timing, will be announced as the development work progresses.

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Elroy Air makes first Uncrewed Autonomous Flights under US eIPP program

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:44:22 +0000

Elroy Air, a U.S.-based technology developer of autonomous heavy-cargo drones for commercial logistics, defense and rapid response, today announced the completion of the first autonomous and uncrewed flights authorized under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). This marks a historic moment on the way to nationwide commercial autonomous cargo operations.

Elroy Air’s Chaparral, an autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft capable of carrying more than 500 lbs of payload with a maximum range of up to 450 miles, conducted a week-long series of flights in Houma, Louisiana in late August. The flights were completed in partnership with LIFTOFF Louisiana and long-time partner Bristow Group, demonstrating Chaparral’s readiness for commercial service across the Gulf Coast’s energy and industrial corridors across Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. A variety of cargo was transported during the week including packages and parcels, medical supplies, toolboxes with spare parts, food and jerry cans of water. Elroy Air was selected for the eIPP in March 2026 as part of the State of Louisiana’s application and Chaparral remains the only purpose-built, heavy-payload cargo drone in the program.

“Over the course of the week, Chaparral flew autonomously and with no pilot on board from one of the nation’s busiest airports for rotorcraft under Air Traffic Control oversight. These flights bring Chaparral closer to fulfilling our mission: moving heavy cargo autonomously, safely, and at scale for commercial operations,” said Elroy Air CEO Dr. Andrew Clare. “Through the eIPP, we’re working closely with the FAA as well as local and state officials to shape how uncrewed cargo aircraft operate in the National Airspace System. We’re grateful to Bristow Group, LIFTOFF Louisiana, and the FAA for their partnership, and to the White House, Secretary Duffy, and the USDOT for their commitment to American aviation leadership.”

The eIPP was established under President Trump’s Unleashing American Drone Dominance Executive Order to accelerate the safe integration of Advanced Air Mobility aircraft into the National Airspace System. The program brings together aircraft manufacturers, operators, state and local governments, and federal agencies, with operational data informing future aviation policy and the broader commercialization of Advanced Air Mobility across the United States.

“I witnessed Chaparral fly at Houma–Terrebonne Airport under air traffic control. It was a disciplined, safe operation—and exactly the kind of work this program is meant to produce,” said Josh Duplantis, Advanced Aeronautics Director at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. “We are proud of this first week with Elroy Air and Bristow Group, and we are ready for the work still ahead under LIFTOff Louisiana.”

“This demonstration with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and Elroy Air provides data to help turn these concepts from trial to deployment.” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “These test flights demonstrate how these new aircraft can expand cargo delivery options to communities nationwide and improve our logistics infrastructure.”

“Our energy and government services customers need low-risk, high-tempo options for moving critical cargo across the Gulf Coast, and that’s exactly what Chaparral delivers,” said Dave Stepanek, Bristow Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer. “Louisiana is our core U.S. base of operations, and these flights bring us closer to offering our customers new ways to move freight offshore and across the region.”

While Chaparral’s eIPP flights are focused on commercial operations, its dual-use design extends to defense logistics, tactical resupply and humanitarian aid. Elroy Air’s commercial demand pipeline exceeds 1,400 aircraft, representing more than $5 billion in potential revenue from leading logistics and aviation companies. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, the exclusive U.S. manufacturer of the Chaparral, will produce the aircraft at its expanding Sacramento, California facility, with the first production aircraft planned for late 2026.

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Tata partners Sarla Aviation to develop India’s first eVTOL

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:42:02 +0000

Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, and Sarla Aviation, an advanced air mobility company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of Shunya, Sarla Aviation’s six-seater plus one pilot electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The partnership brings together Sarla Aviation’s vision for urban air mobility and Tata Elxsi’s expertise in aerospace, software and flight critical digital engineering to support the aircraft’s development, testing and certification.

The MoU was signed at Sarla Aviation’s newly inaugurated headquarters in Bengaluru in the presence of Manoj Raghavan, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Elxsi; Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder & CEO, Sarla Aviation; and Rakesh Gaonkar, Co-Founder & CTO, Sarla Aviation, along with members of the aerospace and engineering teams from both organisations.

Under the collaboration, Tata Elxsi will provide engineering support across avionics such as flight control systems, software integration, testing, verification and validation, and certification, while Sarla Aviation will lead the design, development and type certification of the Shunya platform. The engagement also creates opportunities to extend support across sensor fusion based navigation software, industrial and structural design, and airworthiness test support.

Designed for 300 Km+ range of flight operations, Shunya combines vertical take-off and landing capability with fixed-wing cruise efficiency, enabling runway-independent operations and improved propulsion efficiency.

The aircraft’s first flight is targeted within the next 18 to 24 months, with certification activities expected to follow. The development reflects the growing role of Indian Aerospace companies in next-generation aircraft and advanced air mobility platforms.

Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder & CEO, Sarla Aviation, said: “Building a new class of aircraft is not simply an engineering challenge. It requires bringing together people and organisations willing to solve problems that have never been solved before in this market. Tata Elxsi’s experience in complex aerospace systems gives us access to capabilities that are critical as we take Shunya from concept to reality. What excites me most about this collaboration is that it brings together two teams that believe advanced air mobility can move from ambition to everyday infrastructure much sooner than many think.”

Manoj Raghavan, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Elxsi, said: “Every major shift in transportation has been enabled by a combination of engineering innovation and ecosystem readiness. Advanced air mobility is no different, and Sarla Aviation’s vision for Shunya reflects the ambition driving this transformation. Initiatives like this create opportunities to apply expertise built across aerospace, mobility and digital technologies to entirely new aviation platforms.”

Jayaraj Rajapandian, Head of Aerospace, Tata Elxsi, added: “Shunya is a reminder of how quickly aerospace innovation is evolving in shaping the Technology landscape in India. As aircraft become increasingly fly-by-wire, electrified and connected, entirely new opportunities are emerging to rethink how people, goods and critical services move. We are excited to work alongside Sarla Aviation as they take this vision forward and contribute to the next phase of its journey.”

Beyond Shunya, the partnership is expected to help strengthen capabilities relevant to logistics, air ambulance services and defence-related applications.

For Tata Elxsi, Advanced Air Mobility is a natural extension of the Connected, Autonomous and Electrification transformation reshaping transportation. By bringing together expertise from aerospace and mobility, Tata Elxsi is helping build the foundations for advanced air mobility platforms in the country.

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USAF announces Initial operating capability of MH-139 Grey Wolf

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:38:13 +0000

Air Force Global Strike Command announced that the MH-139 Grey Wolf has officially achieved Initial Operational Capability as of August 10, ushering in a new era of modernization for AFGSC’s nuclear security operations.

This milestone marks the historic transition from the Vietnam-era UH-1N Huey, a platform that served the Air Force for more than five decades. The MH-139 Grey Wolf boasts significant capability upgrades: it is nearly 50 percent faster, can carry twice as many troops, and features enhanced defensive systems. These advancements allow security forces to mobilize combat power and arrive on-site sooner than the legacy platform.

“For more than half a century, the UH-1N Huey has been a key element of our Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) security, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the crews who flew and maintained it over all these years,” said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. “Securing these missiles demands our best efforts and the MH-139 will significantly improve our capabilities.”

The integration of the Grey Wolf ensures Global Strike Command remains postured, prepared, and ready to meet any threat to the land leg of the nuclear triad.”

Speed and extended reach are vital for the 20th Air Force’s sprawling mission requirements. Navigating the approximately 33,600-square-mile area of responsibility, which spans a diverse topography of prairies, plains, and mountain ranges, demands a highly capable and resilient aircraft. The Grey Wolf was built to support missile field security across the vast and austere terrain within which our nuclear mission operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

As the command prepares to replace the Minuteman III ICBM with the next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel weapon system, the Grey Wolf’s capabilities are postured to support this critical modernization effort. The Sentinel program involves a comprehensive overhaul of our land-based ICBMs, and the MH-139’s speed, range, and modern command-and-control systems are crucial for securing assets during the phased transition. This helps ensure uninterrupted operations as new Sentinel sites are brought online, and Minuteman III facilities are decommissioned.

Bringing these advanced capabilities online to support the evolving nuclear enterprise was a monumental effort. The journey to IOC involved rigorous testing, conversion training, and operational milestones executed by the 582nd Helicopter Group. In January 2026, the 40th Helicopter Squadron conducted the first operational Minuteman III ICBM convoy with the MH-139, successfully escorting maintenance and armored security vehicles over 100 miles during a six-hour movement without needing to refuel.

Earlier, in January 2025, the 550th Helicopter Squadron completed the aircraft’s first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flight.

“It has been a distinct privilege to watch the iconic Huey faithfully support our global operations throughout my entire career,” said Col. Bryant Bevan, 582nd HG commander. “However, this transition represents a critical leap forward. The advanced capabilities of the MH-139A Grey Wolf will directly empower our airborne forces with the enhanced speed, range, and survivability required to decisively defend and secure the Minuteman III weapons system.”

Beyond its core convoy support and 24/7/365 emergency response tasks, the Grey Wolf’s capabilities will also be leveraged for search and rescue, disaster response, and medical evacuations.

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US approves $600M sale of Bell 407M and 412EPX to Iraq

Gwen Wilson — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:35:07 +0000

The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Iraq to buy to buy Bell 412EPX helicopters, Bell 407M helicopters and related equipment. The estimated total cost is $800 million.

The Government of Iraq has requested to buy Bell 412EPX helicopters; Bell 407M helicopters; GAU-19 three-barrel machine gun launchers; M260 2.75-inch, 7-tube rockets; L-3 Wescam MX-15HDI Electro-Optical/Infrared sensor; AN/AAR-60 Block 2 Missile Launch Detection Systems; very high frequency radios; spare parts; peculiar ground support equipment; publications and technical data; new equipment training, including pilot and maintenance; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner.

The proposed sale will improve Iraq’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its rotary wing transport, reconnaissance, and air-to-surface targeting capabilities.

The principal contractor will be Bell-Textron, located in Fort Worth, Texas.

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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.

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.”

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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Airbus makes first Japanese H160 order for fire and disaster management

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

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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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Change of Command at US Navy 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

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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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