Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to explore solutions based on the MV-75 for the Republic of Korea’s High Speed Medium Utility Helicopter (HSMUH) program, aligned with U.S. Government priorities and policies.

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A recent collaboration with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Additive Manufacturing Team and Fleet Support Teams has allowed the Advanced Technology and Innovation Team at FRCE to develop processes and obtain certification to use metal additive manufacturing to create its first non-flight-critical aircraft parts.

Metal additive manufacturing works similarly to traditional 3D printing, but instead of applying plastic filament layer by layer, it uses high-powered lasers to weld thin layers of aluminum powder into a solid object. Since establishing capability, FRCE has used this process to manufacture and deliver three flight-worthy parts to the fleet: the weapons pylon fitting for the AH-1Z Viper, the repair fitting for the main landing gear on the V-22 Osprey, and a blanking plate for the C-130 Hercules.

The integration of metal additive manufacturing marks a strategic shift in the command’s warfighter support. This capability is designed to enhance mission readiness by providing a more efficient and localized solution for parts procurement, effectively reducing maintenance lead times and ensuring aircraft remain flight ready. This on-demand manufacturing initiative is a central element of FRCE’s broader effort to modernize its support and enhance mission readiness.

Beyond delivering its first flight-ready metal additive manufactured parts, FRCE reached a second milestone along the way: successfully completing the rigorous capability demonstration in under six months. This achievement serves as a formal validation of the depot’s metal additive manufacturing processes and confirms the 3D-printed metal parts made at the facility meet the same safety and quality requirements as traditionally manufactured parts. FRCE’s Advanced Technology and Innovation Team lead said this accomplishment was a group effort between many teams within NAVAIR.

“We were challenged to complete the qualification, production and certification processes for these parts in six months, and we not only met but exceeded that standard,” the team lead said. “This is the fastest this sort of thing has ever been done within Naval Air Systems Command, and it shows that we are competitive with industry standards. This entire process has been a team effort between FRC East, our headquarters, the site in Lakehurst, and the Fleet Support Teams, working together to ensure these parts are ready and reliable for our troops.”

The pylon fitting, a small but important attachment point for the aircraft’s weapon pylons, was the depot’s first flight-certified metal additive manufactured aircraft part. FRCE delivered the pylon fitting to the H-1 Fleet Support Team in early 2025, followed by the delivery of the landing gear repair fitting to the V-22 Fleet Support Team and the blanking plate to the C-130 Fleet Support Team later that year.

In addition to the three flight-worthy parts, the FRCE has also used the metal additive manufacturing equipment to produce specialized tooling and support parts for the depot’s maintainers to use, allowing for more efficient repairs.

Metal additive manufacturing provides the fleet with a time-saving solution for replacing worn and damaged parts that can be difficult to obtain through the traditional supply chains. FRCE Additive Manufacturing Team lead said producing the parts in-house and on demand improves flight line readiness by decreasing aircraft downtime.

“If there’s a fight and the fleet needs these parts tomorrow, they won’t have time to wait for those parts through traditional supply chains,” the team lead said. “The fleet was having a hard time getting their hands on repair fittings for the V-22 main landing gear – it’s basically a doorstop for the landing gear door when it comes up. They turned to additive manufacturing and asked us if it was something we could make, so we took on that part, and a few others, as part of our capability demonstration. The goal is to give the fleet what they need when they need it, and we did just that.”

FRCE will soon expand its metal additive manufacturing capabilities to include stainless steel, a stronger and more durable material than aluminum. This expansion will allow the depot to produce a wider range of flight-critical parts and support equipment for the fleet, further increasing flight line readiness.

FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $865 million. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

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Joby’s aircraft (N545JX) departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and landed across the city’s existing heliport network, including Downtown Skyport, and the West 30th Street and East 34th Street Heliports in Midtown, home to Blade Air Mobility’s premium passenger lounges. Together, these sites trace some of the commercial routes the company envisions for New York, connecting Lower Manhattan and Midtown to JFK in under 10 minutes.

“New York has always been a city that defines the future by demanding better,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby. “We first flew here in 2023, and now we’re showing what the next chapter looks like: a quiet, zero operating emissions air taxi service designed to better serve New Yorkers. This week, flying between JFK and Manhattan, we showed what the White House-backed eIPP initiative makes possible and offered New York a look at what’s coming.“

“The bridges, tunnels, airports, and rail lines that the Port Authority operates move hundreds of millions of people through this region every year, and our job is to make sure that network keeps pace with the future,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This cutting-edge aircraft is exactly the kind of innovation we have a responsibility to test, understand, and help shape for the good of the region and the public. These flights advance our work to determine how next-generation aviation technology can serve the people of New York and New Jersey.”

“We operate some of the busiest airports in the world, and with that comes a responsibility to think seriously about what aviation looks like in the decades ahead for our passengers, for our communities, and for the environment,” said Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia. “These demonstration flights are one data point in a larger body of work we’re building around next-generation electric aviation, and it reflects our conviction that responsible exploration of these technologies now is how we prepare this region for the future.”

Led by the NYC Economic Development Corporation, and in partnership with Skyports Infrastructure and Vertiports by Atlantic, New York City’s heliport infrastructure will be electrified in anticipation of the launch of commercial air taxi service.

“These historic Joby flights, linking our city-owned heliport to our airports, is proof that the future of advanced air mobility is no longer a Jetsons-esque fantasy – it’s already here,” said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. “NYCEDC is thrilled to usher in New York City’s transition to electric flight, and these flights mark a real milestone in that journey. Building on the progress we’ve made alongside Downtown Skyport and Atlantic Aviation since Joby last flew in NYC skies by upgrading the city-owned heliports to support eVTOL charging infrastructure and Blue Highways maritime delivery, NYCEDC is making New York a more sustainable, greener, and innovative transportation landscape for all New Yorkers.”

Central to Joby’s New York strategy was the 2025 acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Joby. Blade’s operational expertise, broad base of passenger infrastructure in Manhattan and at key New York area airports enabled it to serve more than 90,000 passengers in 2025. Blade provides the foundation for commercial electric air taxi service at scale and will accelerate the city’s transition from the use of helicopters to quiet and emission-free aircraft.

In New York, Joby’s commercial vision is simple: turn one of the city’s most time consuming trips into one of its fastest. Through partnerships with Delta Air Lines and Uber, Joby aims to create a seamless, end-to-end experience that connects ground transportation and air travel in a single journey. In a city where a typical commuter lost, by one estimate, 102 hours to traffic congestion in 2025, Joby’s goal is to reclaim that time by transforming a 60-to-120-minute drive to JFK into a seven-minute flight.

Joby’s aircraft has been specifically designed with redundancies across multiple systems to enhance safety and reliability. Its proprietary design achieves a considerably lower noise footprint than similarly sized conventional aircraft or helicopters, and its acoustic signature blends into the ambient sounds of everyday city life.

These flights celebrate the March announcement of New York being selected under the federal eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), established by executive order, which aims to accelerate commercial rollout of this next generation of air transportation across the U.S. Joby was named a partner on five selected projects, spanning 12 states. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey — the lead partner behind one of the selected projects and the agency responsible for much of the region’s critical transportation infrastructure including airports, bridges, tunnels, and the seaport — worked closely with the FAA, Joby, and other eIPP partners to make these flights possible, bringing the program’s goals to life by integrating quiet, emissions-free air taxi service at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

Joby continues to make progress in the final stages of FAA certification, marked by the recent flight of its first conforming aircraft for TIA, which will pave the way for FAA pilots to carry out for-credit tests. Building on a series of piloted demonstrations across the San Francisco Bay Area, the New York campaign puts the aircraft in real flight routes and real environments in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, demonstrating the acoustics and performance metrics that are critical to unlocking the urban aerial ridesharing market.

The flights continue Joby’s 2026 Electric Skies Tour, a national showcase timed to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary, following the tour’s inaugural Bay Area flight campaign, which included a landmark flight over the Golden Gate Bridge.

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Investors may participate in the call by using the following link, which is now open for early registration: https://bristowgroup-1q2026.open-exchange.net

A replay of the call will be available through May 27, 2026, and can be accessed using the same link. The accompanying investor presentation will be available on May 5, 2026, on the investor section of Bristow’s website at www.bristowgroup.com.

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To join the live call, please register here. Upon registration, a dial-in and unique PIN will be provided to join the call.

An audio-only webcast of the call may be accessed from the Investors section of the Company’s website at https://ir.stratacritical.com/ or by registering at the link here. A replay of the webcast will be available for one year.

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Through this partnership, DHL Express UK will raise funds to support the critical work of air ambulance charities across the UK. Donations will be distributed evenly across all 21 charities, helping ensure crews can continue to deliver advanced pre-hospital care to people experiencing life-threatening injury or illness.

As part of the partnership, DHL Express UK is encouraging local engagement, giving staff the opportunity to volunteer and support their local air ambulance charity, helping to strengthen the connection between communities and lifesaving services.

Mark Heaven, Head of Corporate Fundraising at Air Ambulances UK, said:
“We are delighted to welcome DHL as a national partner. Their support will make a real difference to air ambulance charities across the UK, helping ensure critical care teams can respond quickly and effectively. By engaging their staff in fundraising and volunteering, DHL is helping bring communities closer to the vital work of air ambulance crews every day.”

John Cornish, CEO at DHL Express UK, said:
“The lifesaving work of Air Ambulances UK is something that genuinely resonates with our colleagues, many of whom spend their working hours driving across the UK. Serious accidents on the road demand rapid, specialist care, and air ambulance crews are often the vital link between the scene and hospital treatment. We’re proud to support AAUK’s work, helping ensure these teams can continue delivering advanced care when every second matters”.

Air ambulance charities carry out an average of 134 missions every day — each funded almost entirely by the generosity of the public, supporters, and partners. This partnership will help fund lifesaving care and raise awareness of the challenges these charities face in delivering emergency response and critical care across the UK.

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Texas DPS has access to SR3’s entire training curriculum under the contract, giving the department flexibility to tailor each training event to the specific needs of its teams. This training includes initial and advanced helicopter hoist rescue, aerial use-of-force, tactical medical, helicopter underwater escape, NVG, and night hoist operations. Advanced curriculum options include open water, swift water, high altitude, and mountain rescue scenarios.

“This contract is a testament to the commitment Texas DPS has made to the safety and preparedness of their aviation crews,” said Dave Callen, Owner of SR3 Rescue Concepts. “Over the past three years we have trained much of their agency statewide, and this agreement takes that relationship to the next level. Instead of coordinating each class one at a time, Texas DPS now has SR3 at their disposal multiple times a year across every base in the state for the next five years. That kind of continuity and flexibility is what saves lives.”

SR3’s relationship with Texas DPS began in 2023 with a single training class. Impressed with the professionalism and quality of the instruction, the department hired SR3 for additional classes across the state that year and has continued to secure the company to train its teams annually ever since.

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The ability to deliver ammunition, medical supplies and other essential equipment at the point of need – regardless of terrain, weather, or enemy threat – is critical to the U.S. Marine Corps’ continued success. The MARV-EL program fills a capability gap between small tactical drones and large strategic airlifters, delivering a reliable “middleweight” uncrewed logistics platform capable of operating from austere forward operating bases, ship decks or unimproved landing zones. The R66 TURBINETRUCK will support mission success when ground or crewed aviation assets are unavailable and keep personnel out of danger in high‑risk scenarios.

The R66 TURBINETRUCK is enabled by the MATRIX system and will leverage similar features as Sikorsky’s new fully autonomous S-70UAS U-Hawk helicopter.

Executive Perspectives

“As we expand the MATRIX family, we also extend the reach of uncrewed solutions for both civil and military customers,” said Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky. “The commercially developed R66 TURBINETRUCK is simple, economical and re-configurable; ideal for high-risk, hard-to-reach environments where keeping personnel out of harm’s way is essential.”

“Our partnership with Sikorsky brings the trusted performance and reliability of the R66 platform into the unmanned logistics arena,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “The R66 TURBINETRUCK represents a significant step forward in expanding proven rotorcraft into scalable, autonomous cargo solutions for demanding operational environments. Together, we are delivering a game‑changing capability that will enhance warfighter readiness and open new opportunities for safe, reliable and affordable autonomous transport.”

“Operators need logistics solutions that can keep pace with rapidly changing mission demands without increasing complexity,” said Paul Fermo, president of Robinson Unmanned. “By combining MATRIX’s advanced autonomous capability with the rugged, flight-proven R66 airframe, the R66 TURBINETRUCK delivers that capability whenever and wherever it’s needed—no matter the environment.”

Why It Matters

The MARV-EL program is the middleweight capability responding to a gap within the Unmanned Logistics System – Air (ULS-A) program.

• Payload & Range: MARV-EL requires an uncrewed aircraft that can carry a logistic payload between 1,300 and 2,500 lbs to a combat radius of 100 nautical miles (NM), operating through a common digital handheld device.
• Delivery: Robinson Unmanned will deliver the first R66 TURBINETRUCK to Sikorsky for integration, test and evaluation, and demonstration. Capability demonstrations will showcase MATRIX’s platform-agnostic and open architecture design operating on the R66 TURBINETRUCK airframe.
• Integration: MATRIX will integrate into the R66 TURBINETRUCK in a similar manner as Sikorsky’s S-70UAS U-Hawk helicopter, while incorporating a smaller footprint, different performance parameters and a lower operating cost.
• Operator Workflow: Similar to the U-Hawk helicopter, the operator enters the mission objectives into a digital tablet. The system then automatically creates a flight plan, using sensors and algorithms to guide the R66 TURBINETRUCK safely to the target location.
• Experience: Sikorsky participated in the U.S. Marine Corps’ Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) Phase 1 in 2025 and will be bringing that experience to MARV-EL Increment 2.

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The program addresses a growing logistics challenge for the Marine Corps. As forces disperse under Distributed Maritime Operations and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations concepts, sustainment demands increase, while exposing onboard helicopter crews to increased risk. The MARV-EL program will develop a risk-worthy, cargo-moving asset that can sustain forces at the tactical edge, where crewed aircraft may be too vulnerable or constrained by force-availability limits and crew-rest cycles during high-tempo 24/7 ops.

“The program is to develop an uncrewed aerial logistics aircraft for where the risk and need are highest,” said Lyle Chamberlain, CTO of Near Earth. “We are combining our Captain autonomy architecture with a proven Bell 505 platform to move cargo without putting Marines in harm’s way. To be as intuitive as possible, we are designing the aircraft around existing Marine Corps workfl ows. Operators will be able to request, dispatch, and manage missions through familiar command-and-control pathways, including MAGTAB and MANGL integration. At the same time, cargo can be loaded with standard pallet jacks and forklifts. This approach reduces infrastructure burden and helps make autonomous resupply practical for expeditionary operations.”

“This program builds on lessons learned with the Marines on the Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) and Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) programs, while extending the same shared autonomy framework we are using with the Army for the RUC-60 optionally piloted Black Hawk helicopters. Our foundation of insights, technology, and processes dramatically accelerates the development of this product and readiness to scale.”

“Our approach optimizes for fast, effi cient progress on a mature, OEM-supported aircraft, rather than slowly reinventing the wheel with a new vehicle,” said Samuel Dinnar, Chief Strategy Offi cer at Near Earth. “Each of our collaborators brings a great deal to the table. Bell Textron provides the proven Bell 505 platform, the technical data, and the airworthiness foundation needed for derivative military confi gurations. Moog delivers the certifi ed fl ight control system that connects autonomy to the aircraft with high-integrity fl ight control. XP Services provides the modifi cation, integration, maintenance, and experimental fl ight-test support needed to progress through every step of development.”

“Near Earth’s Captain autonomy architecture is a safety-critical, risk-aware, MOSA-based framework. Captain is designed to support autonomous takeoff, en route navigation, obstacle avoidance, GPS-denied navigation, safe landing, and dynamic in-fl ight mission updates while preserving the assurance artifacts needed for airworthiness and future military fl ight release processes. The same framework also provides a repeatable path for extending autonomy across multiple logistics aircraft.”

“The Bell 505 provides a proven, OEM-supported platform that is well suited for rapid adaptation to new mission requirements,” said Jason Hurst, SVP of Engineering, Bell. “By combining that aircraft maturity with Near Earth’s autonomy and integration expertise, this program has a strong foundation for delivering an effective autonomous logistics capability for the Marine Corps.”

“Moog is proud to bring our innovative design capabilities in autopilots, avionics, and fl ight-control hardware to a program focused on autonomous logistics for the Marine Corps,” said Sharmila Durairaj, General Manager, Moog Avionics. “By combining our fl ight-control technology with Near Earth’s autonomy into the Bell 505 platform, this team has a proven path to delivering a practical autonomous aerial logistics capability for contested operations.”

“Our collaboration and fl ight-test approach show that we have the right team to deliver an autonomous aircraft to support the Marine Corps’ requirement to operate in a contested logistics environment,” said Ken Pfl eger, Program Manager of XP Services. “The XP Services team has performed hundreds of aircraft conversions since its beginning in 2008. We have the resources to support these aircraft modifi cations and installations at the rate and standard customers will demand.”

The awarded contract will deliver an aerial logistics capability that meets MARV-EL threshold requirements for a 1,300-pound payload, at a 100-nautical-mile combat radius. Near Earth’s proposal outlines a Bell 505 confi guration designed to exceed selected objectives, including greater payload, capacity for a full Joint Modular Intermodal Container (JMIC), longer combat radius, and effi cient transportability, with two aircraft fi tting inside a C-130 with minimal disassembly.

This program will build on Near Earth’s 13+ years of aerial autonomy innovation, which today includes 10,000+ fl ights across 140+ airframes. The progression began with the Autonomous Aerial Cargo/Utility System (AACUS) program, which pioneered rotorcraft autonomy for Marine Corps resupply. Near Earth’s recent autonomous helicopter development has included the Kaman K-MAX, Bell 412, Leonardo AW139, and Sikorsky UH-60.

Over the next 36 months, Near Earth will integrate and fl ight test the autonomous fl ight system, progressing from early demonstrations to full mission capability while helping inform future Marine Corps operational procedures for autonomous aerial logistics.

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ILS connects buyers and sellers across 125+ countries, empowering aerospace professionals to efficiently find, buy, sell, and analyze aviation parts and services. Block Aero delivers a private, permissioned blockchain-based platform that supports asset traceability, documentation management, and secure collaboration across the aviation ecosystem.

As part of the agreement, ILS will provide application programming interface (API) connectivity to the Block Aero platform. Suppliers using Block Aero will have an integrated company logo displayed alongside their ILS inventory listings, signaling to buyers that documentation for those parts is available.

“At ILS, we continue to prioritize part provenance because it promotes a more transparent ecosystem where buyers can operate with confidence,” said Ashley Neeley, VP of Product Services at ILS. “When documentation is accurate, accessible, and embedded directly into the workflow, it reduces friction, builds trust, and strengthens accountability across the entire aviation aftermarket community.”

Together, the integration aims to reduce fragmented processes and improve data flow between internal asset management systems and marketplace activity – helping aerospace organizations operate with greater efficiency and visibility.

“ILS has long been committed to helping aviation companies connect more efficiently with the global marketplace,” said John Herrman, GM & EVP of ILS. “Our integration with Block Aero extends that mission by giving customers a more connected and streamlined way to manage asset data while accelerating parts sourcing and sales activity.”

“As the aerospace aftermarket becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, customers expect their technology providers to work seamlessly together,” said Todd Siena, CEO of Block Aero. “I still remember my first day at our family-owned parts distribution facility in Florida, where ILS was the go-to source for finding parts. Eighteen years later, it’s an honor to announce that Block Aero is integrating with ILS. This integration will streamline buying and selling for our shared customers and enhance data exchange across organizations, creating a more efficient and connected marketplace.”

This partnership is expected to support a wide range of aerospace industry stakeholders, including airlines, MROs, parts suppliers, lessors, asset managers, and aftermarket service providers.

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Advanced Technology for Critical Missions

The H135 DMK represents Bucher Leichtbau’s commitment to delivering innovative, mission-critical helicopter equipment solutions. The system is designed to support multiple emergency scenarios, including search and rescue operations, aerial firefighting, and disaster response missions in challenging environments.

“This installation marks a significant milestone in enhancing Tanzania’s disaster management capabilities,” said Lukas Hollnsteiner, Sales Manager at Bucher Leichtbau. “Our team has worked closely with the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force to ensure the system meets their specific operational requirements while maintaining the highest safety standards.”

Key Features and Capabilities

Bucher Leichtbau’s helicopter interior solutions feature several distinctive advantages:

• Flexible and Modular Design: Equipment certified under one STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) roof, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational reliability
• Multiple Configurations: Various options available for different mission types, from emergency medical services to specialized rescue operations
• Medical Certification Excellence: Full medical certification with CE labeling for highest safety standards
• Ergonomic Design: Functional and hygiene-conscious concept ensuring optimal working conditions for crew members
• Customizable Solutions: Modular equipment that adapts to different rescue operations and specific operator requirements

Comprehensive Training and Support

The project included extensive training programs for Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force personnel, ensuring optimal utilization of the advanced equipment. Bucher Leichtbau’s experienced technical team provided hands-on instruction covering system operation, maintenance protocols, and emergency procedures.

Industry-Leading Partnership

The successful completion of this project was facilitated through strategic partnerships with Jetstream Avia and NAFFCO, both recognized leaders in their respective fields. This collaboration demonstrates the importance of industry partnerships in delivering complex, mission-critical solutions to end users. Reliability, ensuring every product embodies the essence of Swiss silent luxury and excellence.

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“Finger thoracostomy (FT) increases the survival rate of patients in prehospital settings by immediately relieving the pressure of air in the chest, known as a tension pneumothorax. Previously, we were able to use needle decompression. This method is often successful but also has limitations due to needle length or blockage,” said Stephanie Smith, a flight nurse with Wyoming Life Flight. “In a traumatic arrest, FT has the ability to restore spontaneous circulation, which can increase the survival rate. FT also allows for safer drainage of the pleural space in the event of hemothorax (blood in the chest cavity) and can be performed quickly.”

When pressure builds in the chest due to air or blood, it can not only collapse the lungs, but also compresses the heart, making it difficult to circulate oxygen around the body effectively. Having two proven methods for relieving this pressure gives flight nurses more options for helping patients survive chest trauma, frequently caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls, or other emergencies. With an open thoracostomy, the flight nurse makes a small incision between the ribs on the patient’s side and inserts a finger to release the trapped air or blood. It allows more air/blood to escape, leading to a fuller reinflation of the lung, over a needle thoracostomy.

“Open thoracostomy is intended to optimize oxygenation and relieve pressure, particularly when needle thoracostomy has been unsuccessful or when transporting patients with known tension physiology without immediate access to a chest tube,” said Air Methods Regional Clinical Director Teather Campbell. Wyoming Life Flight is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical provider.

With both rotor and fixed wing aircraft, Wyoming Life Flight serves the entire state. Their clinicians have at least three years of experience in an emergency or intensive care setting before joining a flight crew, and they receive ongoing advanced training. Their aircraft are equipped as flying ICUs, carrying the medical equipment and medications needed to provide lifesaving care for trauma, cardiac, stroke, pediatric, neonatal, high-risk obstetrics, and other critical patients. Wyoming Life Flight recently added a TOCO fetal monitor to track critical vital signs of pregnant women and their babies during transport. They also carry a Zoll AutoPulse CPR device for in-flight mechanical CPR, as well as whole blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering from severe blood loss. The ability to perform open thoracostomies is another tool in their nurses’ belts to provide the highest level of care when every minute counts.

“In our rural setting, a scene call can be over 30 minutes away from a hospital,” said Smith. “This procedure can bridge the gap to definitive care, giving the patient a chance of survival they may not have otherwise had.” Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities they serve and are in-network with most major health insurance providers for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability without the need for an air medical membership.

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Over the course of one week at Kotroni Helicopter Base, the initial two CAMCOPTER® S-100 systems, comprising four Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs), underwent functional testing, successfully completing the acceptance campaign and confirming their readiness for operational use.

Equipped with L3 Harris MX-10 EO/IR and Overwatch Imaging PT-8DN Oceanwatch, the CAMCOPTER® S-100 will provide the Hellenic Navy with enhanced capability across missions including maritime security, search and rescue, environmental monitoring and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) control.

“This milestone marks an important step in the introduction of the CAMCOPTER® S-100 with the Hellenic Navy,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “The successful acceptance campaign highlights the effective collaboration between Schiebel and the Hellenic Navy, paving the way for operational deployment.”

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Safran Helicopter Engines has been established in Germany for 35 years and provides in-service support to 300 helicopter operators Northern, Eastern and Central Europe, covering a fleet of 2,300 engines.

With its new site, Safran Helicopter Engines is able to offer its customers a range of support services for Arrius, Arriel and RTM322 engines, with local maintenance, spare parts storage capacity and 24/7 availability.

This new site, 50% larger than the previous one, is targeting carbon neutrality in its operations through multiple initiatives such as photovoltaic panels, a green roof to absorb CO₂, and energy-efficient systems (including heat pumps and ventilation with heat recovery), whilst providing staff with the best possible working conditions.

The new facility now employs 80 people and was built with the support of EGNO (Entwicklungsgesellschaft Norderstedt mbH) and the town of Norderstedt.

Cédric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, said:

The launch of our new German site is essential for delivering the highest standard of proximity service and support to our customers in the region. The opening of this facility is a direct response to the strong growth in both the civil and military helicopter markets in Europe. It also strengthens German sovereignty by enhancing local expertise, particularly with the introduction of new helicopters into the German armed forces.

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“We continue to see a growing demand for our corporate-configured aircraft in region, especially with the Bell 429,” said Robin Wendling, Managing Director, Europe, Bell. “The Bell 429 combines speed, comfort, and luxury, which are three things that are especially ideal for our corporate and VIP customers. We look forward to working with our three new operators as they expand their fleets with this exceptional platform.”

Currently, there are over 500 Bell 429s in operation across the world, accumulating more than 735,000 flight hours. Designed for passenger transport, the Bell 429 boasts one of the largest cabin spaces in the light twin helicopter category, featuring flat flooring and seating for up to seven people, on top of an integrated avionics suite and IFR capability.

Last month during VAI Verticon 2026, Bell revealed it launched new luxury interior options for the Bell 429 – the latest upgrade in the Designer Series offerings for the platform that was inspired by customer feedback to amplify their flight experience.

To find out more about how Bell aircraft advances missions worldwide, please visit the Bell product page or visit the Bell booth (#Hall B5) this week during AERO Friedrichshafen 2026.

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“I approach each flight as if it were my own family member, or someone I know,” Moore said. “If I can accomplish the flight safely and within our regulations, I am going to find a way to do it.”

Moore has served at the JeffSTAT 2 base in Lansdale, PA, since joining Air Methods, the rotor wing operator for the JeffSTAT program. As long-standing partners, JeffSTAT and Air Methods—the leading air medical provider in the nation—work together to ensure access to critical care throughout the region. JeffSTAT provides critical care clinicians, while Air Methods provides aircraft, pilots, and mechanics at their locations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Moore is one of those pilots.

“Mike represents everything JeffSTAT stands for: professionalism, safety, and an unwavering commitment to patient care,” said Tom Mazzo, JeffSTAT interim director. “Reaching 3,000 transports is an extraordinary achievement, but what truly sets Mike apart is the way he leads, mentors, and partners with our clinical teams every day. His impact extends far beyond the aircraft. He has helped shape the culture of excellence we expect across our program and strengthened the way we care for patients across the region.”

Moore’s aviation career spans more than four decades, with more than two decades of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and nearly 20 years with Air Methods. Over the course of his career with Air Methods, he has supported patients and clinical teams across the region, flying overtime shifts at bases throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey while helping ensure access to critical care.

His path to Air Methods was as unique as it was personal. As he approached retirement from the Marines, Moore followed a helicopter to a nearby base and introduced himself to the lead pilot. A position opened roughly a year later, and within two weeks of retiring, Moore became a pilot for Air Methods.

“I was impressed early on that even as a large company, Air Methods felt like a family-oriented organization,” Moore said. “That still holds true today. The people here, the commitment to safety, and the focus on customer service continue to set this company apart.”

Throughout his tenure, Moore has remained a constant presence at the Lansdale base. Early in his career, he recalls going multiple shifts without a flight request. Today, the program is one of the busiest in the company. In fact, the Lansdale base logged record highs in patient transports over the past two years, with Moore personally flying more than 500 patients during that period.

“Mike is an exceptional pilot and an even better teammate,” said Stephen Konold, Air Methods Northeast regional vice president. “He leads with professionalism and humility, and he’s helped build an incredible base culture in Lansdale—one rooted in safety, service, and taking care of each other.”

Moore’s aviation experience includes more than 7,750 total flight hours, including over 2,850 hours in the EC135 aircraft with Air Methods. It took Moore nearly 18 years to reach the 3,000-transport milestone, an achievement that reflects both his longevity and commitment to the mission.

Despite the individual achievement, Moore is quick to emphasize the team behind every flight.

“This milestone isn’t mine alone,” Moore said. “It takes an entire team to fly patients, from the maintenance professionals who keep our aircraft safe, our hospital partners who are highly trained and motivated, and our AirCom and Northeast regional leaders who support us every day.”

He added a special note of gratitude for the mechanics and clinical teams he has worked alongside throughout his career.

“I’ve been truly blessed to work with outstanding maintenance professionals and highly skilled medical crews,” Moore said. “Knowing the aircraft is safe and being surrounded by competent, dedicated teammates makes all the difference.”

From watching crop dusting operations as a child in Missouri to building model airplanes to becoming a trusted leader in air medical transport, Moore’s journey reflects a lifelong passion for aviation and a steadfast commitment to serving others.

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With a payload capacity of approximately 550 lbs., and over 25 units ordered and paid for, the aircraft is purpose-built for demanding logistics missions across a range of environments and sectors, including remote resupply, contested logistics, maritime operations, humanitarian aid, and commercial cargo delivery.

Unlike early-stage proof-of-concept systems, the Production AIR Cargo-Heavy Lift UAS has reached this flight milestone as a mission-ready platform. It is the product of more than two years of operational development, hundreds of flights, and direct customer feedback from deployments in real-world conditions. That process shaped an aircraft built to perform consistently across dust, darkness, and sustained mission cycles, not just controlled demonstrations.

“This flight milestone reflects what AIR has been building toward,” said Rani Plaut, CEO and Co-Founder, AIR. “We’ve spent two years refining this aircraft against real operational demands, not benchmarks or simulations. Delivering that now, at this scale, is what we set out to do.”

Built for high volume mass production, the production platform features next-generation motors, an advanced aircraft battery system, and fully matured avionics. Its enhanced autonomy and flight logic enable more reliable, repeatable mission execution with reduced reliance on human intervention, a critical capability as operators across sectors look to scale unmanned logistics safely and efficiently.

“This next-generation configuration taking flight is the culmination of years of engineering iteration and direct operational learning,” said Chen Rosen, CTO and Co-Founder, AIR. “Every design decision, from the motors to the flight logic, was stress-tested against what operators actually encounter in the field. The result is an aircraft built not just to fly, but to work.”

The platform’s dual-use architecture makes it equally relevant for defense and commercial operators. In defense contexts, it addresses a growing need for autonomous, flexible logistics in contested and infrastructure-limited environments where traditional supply chains cannot reach. It is among the only available VTOL aircraft in the high demand “Group 4 UAS” category defined by the U.S. Department of Defense. In commercial and humanitarian contexts, it enables mid-mile delivery, maritime resupply, and rapid aid deployment in remote or infrastructure-limited areas.

Aircraft Highlights:

• Payload capacity: ~550 lbs.
• Cargo Bay: 70 cu. ft.
• One of the world’s largest VTOL-capable unmanned aircraft
• Group 4 UAS
• Mission-ready: engineered for operational deployment, not demonstration
• Built from the ground up with next-generation motors, advanced battery systems, and fully matured avionics
• Enhanced autonomy and flight logic for consistent, scalable mission execution
• Dual-use platform: defense logistics, commercial cargo, humanitarian aid, maritime resupply

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Complementing the company’s existing global footprint, with bases already in New York, San Diego, Sydney, Singapore, and headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, the new location reflects continued growth in Southern Europe, where Web Manuals now supports more than 50 customers, including 15 in Spain.

As part of the expansion, Web Manuals Group CEO Martin Lidgard has relocated to Spain. He says: “Southern Europe has become a strategic growth region for Web Manuals. By establishing a stronger local presence, and building a local team here, we are ensuring that we can support our customers more closely, respond faster to their needs, and continue building long-term partnerships in the region.”

The new office is located in the heart of Barcelona’s ‘innovation district’, where Web Manuals will be neighbors with innovation hubs, research centers, startups, large corporations, and universities across the technology and creative sectors.

Web Manuals supports more than 750 aviation organizations worldwide, including airlines, business aviation operators, cargo, training schools, eVTOLs, and MROs.

To find out more, visit Web Manuals at AERO Friedrichshafen 2026, at stand A1-216.

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Advancing operational SAR capabilities through real-time onboard sensor processing and automated target recognition in complex environments.

The first integration tests have been successfully completed, combining FlySight’s OPENSIGHT Mission Console and Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) technologies with neural models trained and developed by Norwegian authorities.

The system architecture enables real-time, onboard processing of electro-optical sensor data alongside geospatial information, enhancing situational awareness and supporting faster, more informed decision-making during time-critical missions. This approach aims to significantly increase the probability of locating missing persons in challenging environments.

Designed for deployment in high-complexity scenarios—including mountainous terrain and maritime domains—the solution enhances operator capabilities by improving detection reliability and reducing false positives. As a result, it enables more efficient allocation of search and rescue (SAR) assets and increases the likelihood of successful target identification under demanding operational conditions.

From Pilot Initiative to Operational Validation

This pilot initiative represents a critical step forward in transitioning advanced technologies from the laboratory into operational environments. By augmenting the capabilities of SAR operators—particularly in complex scenarios such as mountainous terrain and maritime missions—the system is designed to deliver faster, more reliable, and actionable insights in situations where every second matters.

Last week, the project saw FlySight team deployed at Sola Naval Air Station for initial onboard helicopter integration trials. From now through August, the Mission Console and ATR systems will be continuously refined to ensure full alignment with operational requirements collected during field activities.

In parallel, the program supports the development of a structured SAR data framework for Norway, aimed at enabling scalable deployment across a broader fleet and enhancing long-term mission effectiveness through data-driven capabilities.

Statement from Mattia Carpin, Head of Engineering at FlySight:
“I just returned after spending three days alongside the professionals who dedicate their lives to saving others in Norway, onboard one of these extraordinary helicopters.
Their missions span an exceptional range of scenarios: deep forests, vertical rock faces, and open-sea rescues. Wherever there is a life to save, they go. The sky is not the limit—it is their workspace.
What struck me most is their relentless commitment to excellence. Every detail matters. Every decision counts. Because in their world, compromise is not an option—it could mean missing the chance to save a life.

Contributing to this mission with our technology carries both responsibility and accountability.

We embrace the challenge: delivering true excellence in service of search and rescue missions.”

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The annual PEOTRAM audit, conducted by the Brazilian state-owned energy company, evaluates offshore aviation operators based on the international IOGP 690 standards, which cover safety, maintenance, and operational integrity. Over five days, three experts appointed by Petrobras assessed six pre-qualified companies, with CHC achieving the highest number of excellences.

CHC’s continued success reflects its position as a global leader in offshore helicopter services, with a focus on safety and reliability. With nearly 80 years of experience in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments, CHC has developed robust processes and procedures, as well as a mature Safety Management System, which ensures consistent performance across all CHC bases, including our long-term operations in Brazil.

Every month, CHC safely transports approximately 35,000 workers from Petrobras and other companies in its supply chain , using a mixed fleet of S-92A and AW139 aircraft. This operational scale, coupled with consistent delivery in a highly complex environment, represents a fundamental pillar of CHC’s role in the Brazilian energy sector.

In addition to supporting Petrobras, CHC do Brasil has been expanding its operations over the past three years, growing sustainably to meet the increased demand in the sector. During this period of expansion, CHC continues to strengthen its leadership in safety through a safety culture based on continuous improvement.

This safety-based performance — reaffirmed through the PEOTRAM award — reinforces the partnership between Petrobras and CHC: “We are extremely proud to receive this recognition for the third consecutive year. It reflects the strength of our safety culture and the high standards that CHC applies to all its operations in Brazil and globally. I thank our operational and support teams, whose commitment ensures the daily delivery of excellent service to our clients throughout the region,” says Gilson Caputo, Executive Director of CHC in Brazil.

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EAS 2026 is organized by the Federal City Chapter of the Vertical Flight Society (VFS), which today announces AERO Friedrichshafen in Germany as a new supporting partner. VFS headquarters is the foundational supporting partner.

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 AirVenture Oshkosh, which attracted more than 700,000 attendees and 10,000 aircraft last year. EAS is an annual showcase for new electric aviation technology and progress.

Ticket prices for EAS 2026 have been reduced to stimulate attendance, with the early bird price of $200 less than half the price of similar electric aviation or advanced air mobility (AAM) conference. To help inspire the next generation of aviation and aerospace innovators, full-time students can attend for only $50.

This year, EAS 2026 will feature more than three dozen experts participating in 12 moderated in-depth discussions covering the full spectrum of topics spanning the entire electric aviation and AAM segment with insights on industry and government developments. Details on the agenda, registration and sponsorships are posted at www.eas2026.org.

AERO Becomes Supporting Partner
“We’re delighted that AERO has signed on as a supporting partner of the Electric Aircraft Symposium,” said Mike Hirschberg, Principal of H2 Advisors, LLC, and co-producer of EAS 2026. “AERO Friedrichshafen is Europe`s leading General Aviation and Business Aviation trade show and this year’s edition, being held April 22-25 in Germany, is also a major platform for innovation in electric and sustainable aviation.”

“The teams organizing the Electric Aircraft Symposium at Oshkosh and the e-flight-expo at AERO have collaborated for years, so it was time to strengthen our trans-Atlantic partnership for the benefit of attendees, sponsors and exhibitors,” said Tobias Bretzel, Show Director, AERO Friedrichshafen. Hirschberg, Ken Swartz of Aeromedia Consultants, and Willi Tacke of Flying Pages GmbH and e-flight-expo have worked together on EAS programming since 2019.

EAS Speakers & Sponsors
Speakers at EAS 2026 will highlight the numerous conventional and vertical takeoff and landing (eCTOL and eVTOL) aircraft in development today powered by battery-, hybrid- and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems aimed at the recreation, flight training, general aviation, air taxi, regional air mobility, cargo, aeromedical and special mission markets. Other speakers will discuss propulsion systems, infrastructure, regulations and market trends.

EAS 2026 sponsors to date include Bloomy, GoEngineer, magniX, NEXA Capital Partners, Pivotal, Toray, Robinson Helicopter Company and Wisk (additional sponsorships are still available). AERO is sponsoring an evening reception for all attendees on Saturday, July 18.

In addition to representatives from these companies, confirmed speakers include top executives from leading AAM-related companies, Ampaire, AURA Aero, Bye Aerospace, Chicago Vertiport, Electra Aero, Electro Aero, H55, Horizon Aircraft, Hydroplane, Joby Aviation, Jump Aero, Skyfly and Whisper Aero.

This year’s Symposium will also highlight several recent industry developments.

Energy Independence
The recent increase in global fuel prices has stimulated aviation industry interest in the lower direct operating costs of battery-electric and hybrid-electric aircraft for a variety of roles, including pilot flight training.

MOSAIC Rule
Last year at AirVenture, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published its final Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) regulations for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). The new rules will now permit electric powered aircraft — including helicopters, gyroplanes and eVTOL aircraft — to be certified as LSA aircraft in the US for the first time. A growing number of companies have announced electric aircraft designs they plan to certify under MOSAIC rules.

FAA’s eIPP
The FAA’s AAM and eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) — directed by the Trump Administration’s Drone Dominance Executive Order — will see electric, hybrid-electric and autonomous aircraft start flying this year with eight demonstration projects spanning 26 states, allowing more operational testing before the aircraft are certified.

World’s Longest-Running AAM Event
The first Electric Aircraft Symposium was organized by the CAFE Foundation in Santa Rosa, California, in 2007. Since then, more than 500 industry visionaries have spoken over the past two decades, including the founders of many of the leading AAM companies today. The event moved to Oshkosh in 2017 to reach a wider aviation audience from industry, academia and government.

EAS will be held at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh campus at Reeve Memorial Union. Each moderated panel session will include a Q&A discussion with presenters and attendees — a hallmark of the annual Electric Aircraft Symposium. The focus of EAS is on technological advancements and addressing major challenges like certification and infrastructure for the industry as a whole.

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This mission is the longest to date in Switzerland with the AW09.

The flight offered exceptional visibility over the Swiss Alps, while providing valuable real-flight conditions for the aircraft.

It was performed as part of the Function & Reliability Test campaign, a key phase aimed at validating the helicopter’s systems, endurance, and overall performance.

This achievement marks another important step forward in demonstrating the AW09’s maturity and readiness for entry into service, confirming the robustness of its design and capabilities.

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“The addition of the finger thoracostomy capability allows our crews to rapidly relieve life-threatening tension pneumothoraces (excessive pressure from air trapped in the chest),” said Black Hills Life Flight Nurse Megan Catalano. “This procedure can significantly improve oxygenation, blood pressure, and overall patient outcomes, especially for critical trauma patients in rural areas where time is a limiting factor.”

When pressure builds in the chest due to air or blood, it can not only collapse the lungs, but also compresses the heart, making it difficult to circulate oxygen around the body effectively. Previously, crews were able to use needle decompression, which is often successful but also has limitations due to needle length or blockage. Having two proven methods for relieving this pressure gives flight nurses more options for helping patients survive chest trauma, frequently caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls, or other emergencies. With an open thoracostomy, the flight nurse makes a small incision between the ribs on the patient’s side and inserts a finger to release the trapped air or blood. It allows more air/blood to escape, leading to a fuller reinflation of the lung, over a needle thoracostomy.

“Open thoracostomy is intended to optimize oxygenation and relieve pressure, particularly when needle thoracostomy has been unsuccessful or when transporting patients with known tension physiology without immediate access to a chest tube,” said Air Methods Regional Clinical Director Teather Campbell. Black Hills Life Flight is part of Air Methods, the nation’s leading air medical provider.

With both rotor and fixed wing aircraft, Black Hills Life Flight serves not only the people of South Dakota, but eastern Wyoming and Montana, and western Nebraska as well. Their clinicians have at least three years of experience in an emergency or intensive care setting before joining a flight crew, and they receive ongoing advanced training. Their aircraft are equipped as flying ICUs, carrying the medical equipment and medications needed to provide lifesaving care for trauma, cardiac, stroke, pediatric, neonatal, high-risk obstetrics, and other critical patients. They also carry a Zoll AutoPulse CPR device for in-flight mechanical CPR, as well as whole blood that can be administered in-flight for patients suffering from severe blood loss. The ability to perform open thoracostomies is another tool in their nurses’ belts to provide the highest level of care when every minute counts.

“Having this capability enhances our ability to deliver advanced, definitive interventions earlier, ensuring patients receive the highest level of critical care from the moment our crews arrive.” said Catalano.

Air Methods is committed to providing air medical services to all members of the communities they serve and are in-network with most major health insurance providers for emergency air medical services. Additionally, their patient advocacy program works with all patients, regardless of insurance, to ensure affordability without the need for an air medical membership.

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SkyDrive is the first dedicated eVTOL developer in Japan to achieve this prestigious certification. The ADO status serves as official public proof that SkyDrive possesses rigorous quality control and safety management systems regarding its capabilities for aircraft design and post-design inspection. This achievement marks a definitive step forward in the commercialization of eVTOLs and the establishment of a next-generation mobility ecosystem in Japan.

This certification is equivalent to the Design Organisation Approval (DOA) issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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The trial used AutoFlight’s CarryAll (V2000CG) – a fully autonomous, unmanned eVTOL aircraft – to transport fresh spring tea between the cities of Anshun and Guiyang, located approximately 120 km apart in Guizhou Province. The unmanned aircraft crossed the rugged mountain terrain in just 37 minutes, a significant improvement over road transport in the region.

Following the eVTOL air transfer, the fresh tea was transported by high-speed train over a distance of almost 2,000 kilometers from Guiyang to Shanghai. The integrated “eVTOL + high-speed train” model enabled same-day delivery, allowing the freshly picked tea to reach consumers in major eastern cities from remote mountain plantations in western China within 24 hours.

The most important advantages of the autonomous eVTOL solution

• Autonomous flight capability : No pilot is required on board, increasing the safety and operational efficiency of cargo transport.
• High air speed : 37 minutes for the 120 km long mountain crossing, thus reducing the transit time by several hours compared to conventional land transport.
• Environmentally friendly : Fully electric drive, no operating emissions and low noise pollution, in line with the goals for sustainable development.
• High flexibility : Vertical take-off and landing capability, no runway required for point-to-point direct delivery.

Information on AutoFlight CarryAll (V2000CG)

The CarryAll (V2000CG) is the world’s first 2-ton class eVTOL aircraft to receive type approval (TC), production approval, and an airworthiness certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) . As a fully autonomous, unmanned cargo aircraft, it offers exceptional performance for a wide range of logistics scenarios.

• Maximum payload: 400 kg
• Maximum range: up to 200 km
• Cruising speed: approx. 180 km/h

Li Yun , CCO of AutoFlight, The innovative model of autonomous eVTOL air transfer + high-speed rail line overcomes logistical bottlenecks in high-altitude mountain regions. AutoFlight will partner with other companies to extend this efficient, environmentally friendly autonomous cargo model to other specialized agricultural sectors. This will help ensure that more high-quality local agricultural products reach national markets quickly and promote regional industrial development and rural revitalization.

AutoFlight’s eVTOL cargo models have conducted flight operations in real-world scenarios, including on offshore oil platforms, transporting agricultural products between cities, and fighting fires, collaborating with global customers to advance the commercialization of eVTOL. In addition, the 6-seat eVTOL passenger aircraft V2000EM Prosperity is currently undergoing civil aviation certification by the CAAC and has reached Phase IV of the conformity assessment.

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“Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Singapore facility has been a cornerstone of our Asia Pacific operations for over four decades, delivering heavy maintenance support to regional turboprop and APU operators,” said Anthony Rossi, vice president, Customer Service, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “With the addition of these new heavy MRO services, we are better positioned to meet rising demand from our in-region customers by offering advanced, localized maintenance solutions and reducing turnaround times.”

Since its opening in 1983, Pratt & Whitney Canada’s Singapore facility has evolved into a vital hub for customer support across the Asia Pacific region, specializing in the overhaul, repair and front-line services for turboprop engines. The new PT6C-67C capabilities mark the introduction of turboshaft maintenance at the site, including full overhauls supported by a new modular test cell. Additionally, the facility has expanded its existing PW100 MRO capabilities to include full overhaul support for the PW127XT.

The PT6C-67C and PW100 engine families are among the most widely used in the world. Pratt & Whitney Canada has delivered over 3,000 PT6C-67C engines, which have collectively accumulated more than 10 million flight hours. Meanwhile, the PW100 family boasts over 220 million flight hours globally, with 300,000 hours attributed to the PW127XT alone.

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The V-22 Osprey nacelle houses critical power components to the V-22’s vertical take-off and landing capabilities and transition to forward flight. The NI program is a targeted upgrade designed to modernize the V-22’s nacelles. By simplifying wiring, enhancing structural components, and integrating fleet maintainer-informed feedback, NI improves the Osprey’s reliability, readiness, and sustainability for any mission for the next 30 years.

“Since the initial rollout, the CV-22 Nacelle Improvement has saved AFSOC more than 24,000 maintenance hours, equating to a savings of more than 1,000 days of maintainer time that can be used toward other high-priority needs,” said V-22 Joint Program Office Principal Military Deputy Program Manager and CV-22 Senior Materiel Leader. “CV-22 readiness saw more than a 10 percent increase; meaning more mission capable CV-22s on the flightline, which allows for further training and improved safety.”

Bell completes the NI modification at its Amarillo Assembly Center (AAC), which actively produces V-22s for the U.S. Department of War. The AAC assembles all variants of the Bell Boeing V-22 model – MV, CMV, and CV.

“The Nacelle Improvement Program enhances the V-22s reliability, flexibility, and global reach for combat and humanitarian missions alike,” said Kurt Fuller, senior vice president, Military Fielded Programs, Bell. “We are pleased to see these remarkable results from the NI program and look forward to continued collaboration to enhance focus on V-22 safety, sustainability, and readiness.”

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“Alan’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening and growing our Government Services business,” said Chris Bradshaw, Bristow President and Chief Executive Officer. “Under his direction, we secured important long-term contracts and reinforced the Company’s position as a trusted partner to government agencies. We are grateful for Alan’s commitment and the lasting impact he has made on Bristow, and we wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Corbett joined Bristow in 2014 and has held several senior leadership positions across the Company’s international operations, including Region Director of the Europe Business Unit, Region Director of the Europe Caspian Region, Vice President of EAMEA, and Senior Vice President for Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Search and Rescue. He was appointed to his current role of Chief Operating Officer, Government Services, in February 2023.

During his tenure, Corbett played a significant role in expanding the Company’s Government Services portfolio. Under his leadership, Bristow secured major long-term contracts including the UK Search and Rescue Second-Generation program, the Irish Coast Guard contract, and the Netherlands and Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard programs.

The Company has initiated a comprehensive global search process with an experienced, international executive search firm to support the effort.

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“The NH90 has recently reached 500,000 flight hours, a testimony to its maturity and operational relevance, as well as its continuously upgraded capabilities. The Sea Tiger and the NH90 Standard 2 are establishing themselves as the state-of-the-art benchmark for naval and tactical operations and we are already preparing the midterm evolution of the NH90 with the Block 1 upgrade. The signing of the Block 2 contract now marks a decisive step in ensuring the NH90 remains at the forefront of European defence for decades to come,” said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “As NATO and its member nations define the future of vertical lift, Airbus and its partners are committed to evolving this proven platform to meet the most demanding operational challenges of the future battlespace,” he added.

This two-year architecture study will ensure industrial continuity by building upon the achievements of the Block 1 programme while evolving the platform for the 2040+ operational environment. Guided by high-level requirements defined by NAHEMA and the participating nations, the study will run in parallel with the European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) initiatives. The goal of the architecture study is to deliver the critical technical outputs necessary for NAHEMA and the nations to evaluate and select the upgrade design options that best align with their long-term sovereign capability needs.

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“The new Armed Black Hawk kits give warfighters one aircraft that can do it all: a single, versatile, combat-proven platform where ground units can quickly switch out the commercially-produced kits, keeping mission readiness high,” said Sikorsky Vice President and General Manager Rich Benton. “Offering these upgraded kits is another example of our commitment to delivering 21st Century Security solutions that deliver unmatched performance, lifecycle savings and gives soldiers the reliable, interoperable capability they need to win today and tomorrow.”

The Armed Black Hawk kits enable:

• Multirole Capability – A single fleet delivers assault, transport and support functions, cutting acquisition and sustainment costs.
• Production-Ready Kits – Operators can select from two production-ready kits for close support or precision strike capabilities. Choose an integrated solution now or upgrade later via modular armament wings.
• Rapid Reconfiguration – Three-hour mission reconfiguration, allowing rapid role changes.
• Unmatched Value – A cost-effective, single-fleet solution backed by a robust supply chain and Black Hawk operations beyond 2070, delivering meaningful lifecycle savings in maintenance and training.

The kits are available via Foreign Military Sale (FMS) or Direct Commercial Sale (DCS), for seamless integration into FMS fleets supported by Lockheed Martin in the United States, or direct commercial sale options installed by PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, in Poland.

Building on years of experience supporting an armed Black Hawk fleet in the Middle East, Sikorsky is uniquely positioned to provide next-generation kits for tomorrow’s mission. The Black Hawk helicopter continues to lead multi-mission performance across medium-lift operations, delivering modern, affordable capability for today’s and tomorrow’s missions. Its flexibility to operate at extended ranges and in the most demanding environments enhances survivability and overall mission effectiveness for 21st Century Security® missions.

The Black Hawk is a continuously evolving platform, with each upgrade since the “M” model was introduced in 2006 building on hard-earned lessons from the most demanding missions. Sikorsky is accelerating this evolution—installing higher output engines, integrating a digital architecture and adding an autonomy system that help pilots operate safely and efficiently in the toughest conditions.

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In 2025, the Army revealed the Mission Design Series (MDS) MV-75. The “MV” signals that it is a multi-mission vertical takeoff aircraft and the “75” commemorates the U.S. Army’s founding year, 1775. While the MDS honors the Army’s origin, the common name, Cheyenne II, honors the Cheyenne Tribes and their enduring legacy.

“In naming the MV-75 Cheyenne II, we honor the enduring contributions of the Cheyenne people to our Nation – both their distinguished service in uniform and their legacy as steadfast protectors of their way of life, said COL Jeffrey Poquette, Project Manager, FLRAA. “The name also reflects a connection to the bold vision of the AH-56 Cheyenne, while ‘II’ signifies a new era of innovation and capability. It is a name that pays tribute to an indomitable warrior spirit and signals a decisive step forward for Army aviation.”

Throughout their history, the Cheyenne demonstrated remarkable adaptability, resilience, and determination in the face of shifting environments and external pressures. As the Cheyenne relocated multiple times due to threats from rival nations and westward expansion, they developed new skills, reorganized their communities, and remained agile in rapidly changing conditions.

The MV‑75 Cheyenne II reflects these same qualities. With its speed, range, lethality, and multi-mission adaptability, the Cheyenne II provides commanders with rapid options to mass combat power while reducing exposure in contested environments. Its Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) ensures the platform can evolve with the demands of the modern battlefield.

The Cheyenne developed a strong warrior ethos defined by courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to protecting their people. Their warriors were celebrated for strength, endurance, and steadfastness in harsh conditions. The MV-75 Cheyenne II brings increased lethality to the Army, enabling commanders to have more options against adversaries to overwhelm them in battle. Its endurance enables the Army to operate at vast distances outside of the densest threat rings. A capability unavailable to them with current rotorcraft.

With its new name, the MV-75 represents two distinct groups of warriors – the U.S. Army and the Cheyenne tribes. Both share a heritage of skill, confidence, and commitment to the mission. The MV‑75 Cheyenne II embodies these values as it becomes the centerpiece of the Army’s long‑range air assault mission.

“Bell is proud that the MV-75 carries the name of the Cheyenne Tribes as we revolutionize Army Aviation. The Cheyenne heritage represents everything that the MV-75 will bring to the future fight,” said Ryan Ehinger, senior vice president & program director, FLRAA, Bell. “This is a significant milestone that comes right as we are accelerating assembly and production to deliver the MV-75 capability to warfighters faster.”

Bell and the Army remain on schedule as the team advances toward the delivery of the first test aircraft. Assigning an official name demonstrates the shared commitment to fieldling this critical next generation capability.

The MV-75 Cheyenne II is a transformational capability for the U.S. Army. With today’s naming announcement, Bell and the Army are one step closer to introducing the next generation of Army Aviation to the battlefield.

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Since taking to the skies in 2003, the RAC Rescue helicopters have become a vital part of the Western Australia’s emergency response network, working alongside other emergency services including St John WA, WA Police and our frontline DFES personnel and volunteers.

Behind every one of the 11,000 missions is a highly skilled crew, including pilots, critical care paramedics, aircrew officers, engineers and administration staff who work together to ensure RAC Rescue is there when it matters.

The pilots are highly skilled in flying to places where other emergency services can’t reach, whether that’s responding to an incident on the side of Bluff Knoll, assisting a boat in need of help at sea or flying on night vision goggles to inaccessible terrain. They operate in unpredictable conditions and in challenging environments.

In partnership with RAC, the DFES Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service exists for one clear purpose. To save lives and be there for Western Australians when we are the right service to respond.

While 11,000 missions mark a significant milestone for RAC Rescue, they also represent people we have supported in some of their most difficult moments. We hope those we have helped continue to recover, reconnect with loved ones and carry with them the knowledge that RAC Rescue was by their side. For those who are no longer with us, our thoughts remain with their families and loved ones.

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Lars-Henrik Thorngreen, CEO of NHV said: “The introduction of the H160 represents an important objective for NHV. It underlines our commitment to building a modern, efficient and resilient fleet that can support the evolving needs of our customers. As we add the H160 to our medium helicopter fleet, we strengthen our operational offering and create new opportunities to support NHV’s continued growth in Europe and Africa. With latest-generation technology, improved environmental performance and high operational availability, the H160 is a strong complement to our existing fleet.”.

The H160 represents a new generation of medium helicopters and will further strengthen NHV’s operational capabilities to support offshore energy customers across Northern Europe and Africa. This includes both Oil and Gas operations as well as the rapidly growing Offshore Wind sector.

“With the H160, we have introduced a truly next-generation platform that redefines the standards of safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort for the most demanding offshore missions,” said Régis Magnac, Head of Energy, Leasing and Global Accounts at Airbus Helicopters. “Its arrival in the European offshore energy market is a pivotal moment; by integrating this advanced technology, GDHF and NHV are raising the benchmark for modern fleet operations across the region. Airbus is fully committed to supporting NHV’s growth as they lead the way with the H160.”

In the coming weeks, NHV’s first H160 helicopters will become available to serve customers across the North Sea and Baltic Sea regions. Operations will be supported from NHV’s bases in Denmark, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, with the United Kingdom to follow.

The H160 helicopters will be configured for Oil and Gas and Offshore Wind crew change operations, reflecting sustained demand for new-technology, cost-efficient and environmentally optimised helicopter solutions. They will, in this initial phase, primarily operate from Den Helder, while maintaining the flexibility to be deployed to other locations in line with evolving operational requirements. The first commercial flights are scheduled for May 2026.

Michael York, CEO of GDHF said: “We are very pleased to support NHV with the introduction of two Airbus H160 helicopters into its fleet. NHV is a highly respected operator with a strong track record in offshore operations, and the H160 is ideally suited to meet the evolving requirements of its customers. This transaction reflects GDHF’s focus on placing new technology, multi mission helicopters with leading operators through flexible leasing solutions”.

This fleet expansion represents an important step in delivering NHV’s 2026 business plan and reinforces the company’s commitment to maintaining a versatile and modern fleet.

NHV continues to invest in innovation and operational excellence to support its customers and contribute to the future of offshore energy.

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The first aircraft, appropriately registered G-NPAS, will start a pilot training program in the next few weeks from the NPAS base at Redhill in Surrey, just north of London’s Gatwick Airport. The program will include training for NPAS Training Captains, preparing the addition of the H135 T3H to the Approved Training Organisation (ATO), and supporting work to bring the new fleet onto the Police Air Operator Certificate (PAOC). It will then enter the modification programme in early 2027.

The second aircraft G-NPAA is already at Oxford and will become the lead aircraft for the mission equipment installation, which is also being completed by Airbus Helicopters. A list of specific equipment to be installed is not yet being released, and any non-sensitive items will be named in spring 2027 when this first completed aircraft is handed over. That said, the fleet will feature full Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) capability and a range of advanced technologies to enhance operational effectiveness. These include upgraded daylight, low‑light and infrared imaging systems offering improved detection, tracking and evidential recording.

Crews will also benefit from three-dimensional (3D) spatial audio to improve situational awareness and reduce cognitive load, as well as enhanced video architecture enabling the integration of more sophisticated sensors. Fourth and fifth generation (4G/5G) connectivity will provide faster, more reliable data sharing between aircraft and ground units.

The aircraft’s open architecture design will allow future integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI)assisted detection. Additional enhancements include weather radar, collision avoidance systems, High Definition (HD) air-to-ground and air-to-air data links, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) capability and ergonomic workstation layouts to support crew performance during extended missions.

Two further aircraft G-NPAB and G-NPAC are already test flying at the factory at Donauworth, Germany and are expected to arrive in the UK in the next few weeks. The other three are expected by the end of September 2026, ready to begin their completion program – each aircraft is likely to be at Oxford for around 9 months for this process.

As the seven new H135s are delivered, seven other helicopters will be retired in order to keep the total helicopter fleet at 20 – a potential challenge for NPAS to choose from their fleet, which includes three of the five highest time 135s in the world.

All four EC145s will be replaced, along with one EC135T2+ and two EC135P2+ aircraft.

Discussions are also under way to add a further three new H135s, but Chief Superintendent Fiona Gaffney confirmed to HeliHub.com that the hold-up is “budgetary approval”.

NPAS also operates a further four fixed wing Partenavia/Vulcanair P68, and in the latter half of 2025 was trialing unmanned systems from a location near Avonmouth.

NPAS has a total headcount of 330 across 15 locations.

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This announcement follows the late 2025 approval of Enstrom’s crash resistant fuel system (CRFS), which was the final hurdle restricting sales. The new model is designed to minimize the risk of post-impact fuel fires during crashes.

Senior Vice President of Product, Sales, and Customer Excellence Charles Wade said, “This is a major step in our journey back to prominence in the light helicopter market. Customers have been very patient with us as we made every effort to ensure safety and compliance, and we greatly appreciate that.”

Wade said the next step is to make the optional glass panel upgrade available for all factory-new 480B helicopters. The state-of-the-art upgrades include a Garmin G500H avionics display, GTN Digital Audio radios, ADSB In/Out Surveillance, and Howell engine indication.

“We’ve already received many inquiries, and the majority of these certainly lean into wanting the latest technology,” he said. “We anticipate deliveries of helicopters with this technology to begin in October 2026.”

Enstrom is also nearing completion on ensuring adherence to fuel system mandates for the piston-powered 280FX, like the pictured aircraft 2179.

Wade said, “Our engineering team is working very closely with the FAA to push this project across the finish line. We are expecting to perform FAA flight tests in May 2026, which would mean we could be ready to deliver factory-new 280FX aircraft as early as July 2026.”

The initial aircraft will feature a legacy round dial instrument cluster and a Garmin GTN radio stack. Enstrom is working to incorporate the Garmin G500H 7” portrait display into the 280FX, but a completion date is not ready to be announced.

With new aircraft ready to deliver, Wade said it is more important than ever to build up a network of Enstrom-authorized serve centers and dealers to support the fleet.

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About Strata Critical Medical

Strata Critical Medical provides time-critical logistics solutions and specialized medical services to healthcare providers across the United States, strategically expanding its portfolio of services through acquisition and organic growth. Strata’s subsidiary, Trinity Medical Solutions, is an industry leader in air and ground transportation of human organs for transplant, leveraging Strata’s asset-light platform to reliably and efficiently deliver logistics solutions to its customers across the United States.

For more information, visit www.stratacritical.com

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Leaving Mercers College in the mid-fifties, Mike’s headmaster described him as a “plausible rogue.” Expected to join his father and grandfather at law firm Herbert Smith, he lasted just two years before walking into the Admiralty one lunchtime and announcing, “I’ve come to join the Navy—I want to fly.” His nerve paid off, launching a distinguished Fleet Air Arm career.

An exceptional pilot, Mike achieved Master Green standard—maintaining remarkable precision in speed, height, and bearing, and often exceeded Master Green tolerances by flying “needle’s width”. He later became deputy Examiner for Naval Helicopter Command Instrument Rating.

His eight years as a commissioned officer included being part of the first Search and Rescue unit at Culdrose, earning a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery, though he always credited his crew for their bravery boardin a pleasure yacht at night in a stormy sea, all he had done was fly.  It was the first and last time a yacht was towed by helicopter, they saved the yacht crews lives

In Borneo with 848 Squadron, he helped establish the most effective forward jungle base at Nanga Ghat.  He lead with humility and teamwork, where rank mattered little and everyone shared the workload, whether that was cooks passing wrenches or pilots doing the washing up. No man slept until the day’s tasks were complete.

His rescue of nine injured soldiers deep in the jungle went unrecognised due to award limits. In a daring mission, he was lowered through the canopy with explosives and detonators straped to his waist to clear a landing zone—an act he felt deserved acknowledgment.

His wife Mary once travelled from Cornwall to Singapore using RAF flights and even joined him briefly in the jungle—hidden in a helicopter tail boom locker.

After leaving the Navy, Mike’s 55-year flying career continued with distinction. He flew a conservative estimate 27,000 miles.

Among his many remarkable achievements, he flew around the world in 13 days, 14 hours, and 40 minutes—unacknowledged due to a brief log recording failure.

Mike worked with the Police and LBC as London’s first “Eye in the Sky”. He flew for films including, the first series of Doctor Who, The Avengers, Red Baron, Oh What a Lovely War, and most famously the final scene of The Italian Job. He formed close ties with figures such as John Lennon and Yoko Ono. His discretion and humility, coupled with his skill, made him a trusted pilot for a wide arc of prominent individuals.

A decorated competitor, he won medal after medal in the British Helicopter Championships for his precision flying and represented Britain at the FAI World Helicopter Championships many times, continuing to win medals.

Mike was also known for direct and honest opinions. He was an instructor of instructors.  An examiner of examiners. Mike served as chairman of the Helicopter Instructor Examiner Panel until it was disbanded  by the CAA.  In Mike’s words  the CAA stood for  “Campaign Against Aviation (which) fails to adequately describe the manner in which they have relentlessly presided over the sad decline of UK aviation”

The truth about the identity of the “stunt pilot” who flew under the Skye Bridge can finally be revealed, this surely would have lost him his licence!

Mike was a living legend and in 2022 was the 1st to be presented with Royal Aero Club Chairman’s Award for his lifetime contribution to the world of civilian helicopter flight. Mike built and sold several successful helicopter businesses, sold more helicopters in one year than any other company worldwide but his greatest commitment was to mentoring and investing in others.  He influenced and changed the course of so many people both in and out of aviation.  He gave people opportunities and was so proud of those who seized them.  He never sought recognition, though surely he deserved it Retiring in 2009 at 71, he settled in Cyprus with his beloved wife, Mary.  He never truly recovered from losing her to dementia in 2024. He  remained active and sociable to his last. He found new people to mentor. He played pool on his final day, winning 7–5.

His funeral was well attended by Cypriots and Expats who held him in great respect.  He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, kindness and humility. Above all, Mike was a raconteur who captivated audiences without ever boasting. Survived by his aviator son, Q, with his 3 aviator children and his sailor daughter, Sarx,  with her 2 sailor children.  All of whom he was so proud.

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“Reaching 50 successful test flights with our engineering prototype is more than a technical milestone. It is clear evidence of the maturity of our program and the strength of the solutions we are building,” said Johann Bordais, chief executive officer at Eve. “Eve is uniquely positioned to deliver not only a high‑performance eVTOL aircraft but also aftermarket services, operational and airspace solutions that customers and cities will require to deploy urban air mobility at scale.”

The fast pace of testing continues to validate the performance and operational capability of Eve’s eVTOL. This achievement spotlights the company’s product development process, based on the proven Embraer methodology. This consists of an integrated approach that combines aircraft development with solutions to help operators, cities, vertiports and air navigation providers prepare for the introduction of urban aviation.

The results and knowledge gained from flights with the full-scale engineering prototype are central to the development of Eve’s conforming prototypes and the commercial aircraft. The company expects to begin producing its conforming prototypes this year, progressing toward a total of six that will be used in the certification flight test campaign with Brazil’s civil aviation authority, ANAC.

With 50 test flights completed, Eve is now expanding flight envelope evaluations, gradually increasing forward speed, evaluating energy management, controllability and stability, noise and vibration, among others, leading to full transition flights later this year.

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This transaction marks the first H160 to enter service in Argentina and across the Southern Cone, representing an important step in the region’s fleet modernization and operational capabilities.

[Editor Note: this is the traditional definition of “Southern Cone” – ie Argentina, Uruguay and Chile.  Helicopter Market Intelligence company Parapex Media reports a further six H160s are operational in Brazil, and some are within the southern Brazilian states which sometimes make up the alternative definition of “Southern Cone”]

The project required coordination across multiple stakeholders, including OEM, local partners, and authorities, as well as alignment between our LATAM and European teams.

Beyond the transaction itself, we supported pilot training coordination and technical readiness, ensuring the aircraft was fully operational upon entry into service. This reflects our commitment to delivering complete solutions, not just aircraft.

We thank all partners, Helipatagonia, Airbus, Helicópteros Marinos, Sabena Technics – all involved for their collaboration and trust.

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The EBAA exists to represent, support and strengthen business aviation in Europe. As a trade association, EBAA’s mission is to promote responsible and sustainable growth in business aviation, improving connectivity and creating opportunities in the sector on behalf of our members. To that end, the Association brings the industry together, defends its interests, and ensures that business aviation is properly understood and effectively represented in the political, regulatory and public debates that shape its future.

In recent years, EBAA has taken deliberate steps to reshape EBACE in response to market expectations and direct industry feedback. The 2025 edition marked the first visible phase of that effort, with a renewed focus on the event’s B2B value, stronger emphasis on networking opportunities, the introduction of dedicated networking zones, a refreshed brand identity, and a clearer focus on delivering value for both exhibitors and attendees.

For the 2026 edition, EBAA further introduced a series of changes intended to respond to those developments and renew the event. These included the planned return of the static display in a reimagined format, a stronger focus on operators, new networking opportunities including an operator lounge, and a cost structure designed to better reflect exhibitor and attendee expectations.

Despite our efforts, it has become clear that the EBACE26 format did not generate the momentum needed to deliver a viable edition of the event. As a result, EBAA has taken the responsible and transparent decision to cancel EBACE26, which had been scheduled to take place in Geneva from 2 to 4 June 2026. This will also allow the Association to focus its efforts and resources on its core mission and to step up its work on shaping the initiatives, platforms and forms of engagement that best meet the needs of its members and those of Europe’s business aviation community.

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Mr Dutton brings a wealth of experience across government, business and philanthropy.

He served for 23 years in Parliament in a range of roles including Minister for Defence, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Minister for Health and Sport, and as the inaugural Minister for Home Affairs.

His achievements include as Health Minister establishing the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund to support long-term medical research and creating the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation to protect children from online harm and sexual abuse.

Before entering politics Mr Dutton developed, owned and operated multiple early day care centres alongside investing in the property sector.

Mr Dutton said he was looking forward to adding his expertise to the Board at a time of strong growth across the organisation.

“Being based in Queensland, I’ve had plenty of time to observe LifeFlight’s evolution over the past five decades into a major force in the aeromedical sector,” Mr Dutton said.

“I’ve also been privileged as a former Minister for Defence and Minister for Home Affairs to see what LifeFlight was able to bring on its deployments for the Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force.

“LifeFlight is making great strides across Australia and internationally, which makes it an exciting time to become part of the Board.”

LifeFlight Commercial was launched in 2018 to strengthen LifeFlight’s community rescue helicopter service by channeling funds from the entity into LifeFlight’s core mission of saving lives.

Deployments in addition to the Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force have supported the New South Wales State Emergency Service and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

In 2025 LifeFlight announced a $250 million commercial partnership with Leonardo, including state-of-the-art training and engineering facilities in Queensland.

LifeFlight’s StarFlight joint venture with Linfox also recently commenced 24/7 aeromedical operations in Tasmania after being awarded the emergency air services contract by the Tasmanian Government.

LifeFlight Commercial Chair John Lewis welcomed Mr Dutton and said he would be an invaluable source of knowledge and insight for the Board.

“Peter Dutton has had a remarkable career in government and business, and his appointment strengthens the board immeasurably,” Mr Lewis said.

“We’re looking forward to his contributions as we seek to grow commercial operations over the next decade.”

Mr Dutton joins after Stewart Morland stood down as a non-executive director.

He joins Mr Lewis (chair), Hon. Jim Elder (non-executive director), Katarina Carroll (non-executive director) and Ashley van de Velde OAM (managing director – executive) on the Board.

His appointment is effective March 1.

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Each system consists of two CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), increasing the French Navy’s total fleet to eight S-100 systems, once deliveries are completed. The systems will be delivered progressively, starting 2026.

The French Navy has operated and deployed the CAMCOPTER® S-100 globally at sea since 2012, when the system was first fully integrated aboard the Gowind-class L’Adroit Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). In 2019, it was integrated on the Mistral-class amphibious helicopter carrier Dixmude, marking the first operational integration of a rotary-wing Unmanned Air System (UAS) into a European naval Combat Management System (CMS). In 2020, the French Navy expanded its capability with the acquisition of two additional S-100 systems, deployed aboard the Mistral and Tonnerre.

The CAMCOPTER® S-100 provides maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and is operated from naval vessels without the need for launch or recovery equipment. Its compact footprint and proven shipborne performance enable flexible deployment across a wide range of missions, and different classes of ships.

“The French Navy was among the first European naval forces to operationally integrate the CAMCOPTER® S-100 into its shipborne operations. This follow-on order reflects the system’s capabilities, as well as maturity and the confidence placed in its performance at sea. We are proud to continue supporting the French Navy with a proven and operationally deployed VTOL UAS,” said Lubos Sramek, Director of Schiebel Aéronaval SAS in Toulon.

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RotorTech is Australia’s premier industry exposition for the helicopter, uncrewed flight, and Advanced Air Mobility communities, bringing together global manufacturers, operators, policymakers, and aviation professionals for three days of exhibition, static displays, expert panels, and high-level networking.

Australia and the broader ANZ region represent a key strategic market for Rotortrade. With a strong base of operators across offshore, EMS, utility, corporate, and government segments, the region continues to offer long-term growth opportunities for both aircraft transactions and maintenance support services. Rotortrade’s presence at RotorTech underscores its commitment to strengthening relationships with local operators, owners, and industry stakeholders while expanding its footprint across Asia-Pacific.

Visitors to the event can meet the Rotortrade team at Booth 64, where the company will present its three core service pillars: Helicopter Sales, Financing Solutions, and Maintenance Services. The team will showcase its global inventory, structured transaction capabilities, and integrated MRO support solutions, while engaging directly with partners and customers throughout the region.

“We are excited to join the RotorTech 2026 community in Australia,” said Aurélien Blanc, Executive Vice President APAC & MEA at Rotortrade. “Australia and New Zealand are strategically important markets for Rotortrade. Being present at RotorTech allows us to engage directly with operators and owners, better understand their operational requirements, and demonstrate how our global platform can support their aircraft acquisition, financing, and maintenance needs. We look forward to strengthening our relationships across the region.”

The RotorTech Vertical Flight Exposition provides a focused platform for industry dialogue and collaboration. For Rotortrade, the event represents an important opportunity to reinforce its position as a trusted global partner in helicopter transactions and lifecycle support.

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The agreement, signed recently with Slovak operator Heli Company, secures the use of the aircraft during the critical fire-risk period – significantly improving the country’s ability to both prevent and combat wildfires, while helping safeguard lives and protect natural landscapes.

The contract runs from April 1 through October 31, 2026, with an option to extend it by an additional 30 days if required for operational reasons.

The contract was signed by Panagiotis Symeou, Director of Defence, representing the Ministry, and by Jozef Dzurus, the CEO of Heli Company.

The 2025 season saw two Black Hawks from Heli Company and two Sikorsky S61s from British operator Heli-Lift.

[File photo]

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Over the course of a century, the 83rd Squadron has represented a fundamental benchmark in the Italian Air Force’s search and rescue capabilities, constantly adapting to evolving operational scenarios: from the first aerial reconnaissance missions to transatlantic flights, from the deployment of sea rescue squadrons to modern Combat SAR operations. A path characterized by continuous technological and training innovation, always guided by the founding values ​​of service to the community.

The numbers clearly demonstrate the impact of this operational legacy: over 800 rescue missions completed and thousands of lives saved, often in extremely complex weather and environmental conditions, confirming the high level of readiness and professionalism of the crews.

The ceremony was well attended, with civil and military authorities in attendance, as well as numerous current and former members of the Group, united by a strong sense of belonging and shared operational experience.

During the speeches, Major Simone Agostinelli , Commander of the 83rd SAR Group, Colonel Antonio Viola , Commander of the 15th Wing, and Air Major General Alessandro De Lorenzo , Commander of the Mobility and Support Forces Command, emphasized the excellence of the personnel and the value of a tradition built over time. Special emphasis was given to remembering those who lost their lives in the line of duty, an example of dedication and sacrifice.

Among the day’s highlights was the unveiling of the official Centenary logo and the special color livery dedicated to the anniversary, symbols of the Group’s identity and history.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, two HH-139 helicopters flew over the Cervia base in formation, performing the traditional “handover of the flag” to the tune of the National Anthem.

With this important milestone, the 83rd SAR Group inaugurates its second century of activity, confirming itself as one of the most operational and representative entities of the Air Force, always ready to intervene promptly and competently, faithful to its motto: “so that others may live” .

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The placement in New York also marks the first deployment of a RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector on the East Coast of the U.S. Together, the new deployments strengthen aerial search-and-rescue coverage across diverse landscapes, from the remote wilderness to the mountain regions and backcountry terrain.

The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector can quicker search large areas for missing persons, covering up to a square kilometer in approximately six minutes. The system helps reduce search times while minimizing exposure and risk for rescue personnel during missions.

“Each new placement strengthens the overall RECCO SAR network,” said Fredrik Steinwall, CEO at RECCO. “We’re seeing strong adoption from professional rescue organizations and brands, and the expansion into the eastern United States represents an important milestone. Our goal is to make more people searchable and safer in the outdoors, regardless of where their adventures take them.”

The newly announced placements include:

• Prince George, British Columbia
  The new helicopter detector based in Prince George expands aerial search coverage across the northern half of British Columbia as part of the province-wide RECCO SAR network. The unit serves as a shared provincial resource available to all BC SAR teams and requesting agencies and covers the following areas:
  • North to South: The entire northern half of British Columbia, extending south into the Cariboo region
  • West to East: From the Northern West Coast to the Alberta border
• Riverside County, California
  In Southern California, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has adopted the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector to enhance search-and-rescue operations across the region’s mountain terrain. ”We look forward to utilizing the device in future search missions and to developing a long-lasting partnership with RECCO,” says Jason Beeman, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
• New York State
  In the eastern United States, the RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector will be operated by the New York State Forest Rangers in cooperation with the New York State Police Aviation Unit.

Howie Howlett, North American Director of Training and Technical Support for RECCO, said: “The collaboration with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office expands regional search capabilities to now cover the southern part of the state of California. The new placement in New York expands our network into the eastern U.S.. Combined with the new Prince George placement in Canada, this is a display of RECCO’s ongoing commitment to increase the availability of a system that can save time and resources when backcountry adventurers are reported missing.”

The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector system was launched in 2016, expanding the technology beyond avalanche rescue to support year-round search-and-rescue missions. The helicopter-mounted detector complements RECCO handheld detectors and enables rescue teams to search large areas more efficiently across a wide range of environments — from dense forests and bushland to alpine terrain.

Today, there are 45 RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors deployed worldwide, including 16 in North America, 28 across Europe, one in Nepal, and two in New Zealand. More broadly, the RECCO rescue network supports operations at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations across 32 countries.

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As a charity operating from two strategically located bases in Cambridge and Norwich – enabling our two helicopters to reach anywhere in the region within 25 minutes – we have had to search for an alternative site for our Cambridge‑based service due to the impending closure of Cambridge Airport.

To find a site that offered similar response times to our current home, we carried out extensive research and assessed dozens of potential locations across Cambridgeshire, including airfields. The Fulbourn site ranked highest against our specialist aviation, clinical and rapid‑response criteria, all of which are essential for reaching patients in life‑threatening emergencies as quickly and safely as possible.

We now urgently need to raise the money required to build the new base. The approved site is located 2km southeast of Fulbourn village and extends to approximately 10.35 acres. Alongside helipads and a hangar, our plans include a garage area for our critical care cars, crew facilities, a medical store, a training and educational area, overnight accommodation and resting facilities for night‑shift and visiting crew, as well as office space for our ground staff.

Our Director of Operations and Infrastructure, Richard Hindson, said: “East Anglian Air Ambulance and the owners of Cambridge City Airport, Marshall, have worked together since 2007 to ensure that our Cambridge crew can swiftly attend local people in their moment of greatest need. But that chapter is coming to an end with the planned closure of the airport.

We have acted quickly to identify a new site for our Cambridge‑based operation that will allow us to continue providing this vital service, which directly treated over 900 people in 2025.

We are delighted to have been granted planning permission for our new base in Fulbourn, and grateful to all those who supported our application. However, this is just the start of our journey to a new home. Creating a new Cambridgeshire air base, from scratch, is our biggest ever project and we need to raise a significant sum of money to make this happen.

Our bases aren’t ordinary buildings. They are vital lifelines for countless families, friends, and colleagues – anyone whose life would be devastated by the sudden tragic loss of a parent, a child, a spouse, a caregiver, or a friend.

The new base will safeguard the continuity of our lifesaving air ambulance service and deliver vital improvements in crew welfare, training facilities and public engagement. This is a hugely exciting opportunity for the future of critical care in our region, and we will be launching an appeal in the coming weeks to help us raise the money needed to build our new home and ensure we can meet the region’s future critical care needs for generations to come.”

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“This milestone is a proud achievement for Bell, showcasing the trust we have with our customers and the exceptional efforts of our team,” said John Ramos, managing director, Latin America. “The Bell 505 has been a highly sought after aircraft in Latin America since its introduction to the market, and that really highlights how well it meets the needs of such a diverse region while also offering exceptional performance and adaptability.”

In the Southern Cone, there are more Bell 505s in operation than any other area in Latin America, making Bell’s support network critical to the success of the Bell 505. Through a system of customer service and authorized maintenance facilities, Bell delivers reliable, around-the-clock support that builds trust and confidence. This infrastructure strengthens the ownership experience and distinguishes Bell, highlighting the Bell 505’s versatility while cultivating long-term customer relationships that lead to repeat sales, new sales and customer upgrades.

[Editor Note:  “Southern Cone” usually refers to the three countries of Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.  However, from analysis by market intelligence company Parapex Media, it is clear that Bell must be taking the less-used extended definition which includes Paraguay and Brazil’s four southernmost states (Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo).  Brazil is Bell’s largest 505 market outside USA ]

The Bell 505 was introduced in 2014 and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2017. There are now more than 600 Bell 505s operating in more than 66 countries on six continents, surpassing 300,000 total fleet flight hours. With a maximum cruise speed of 125 knots (232 km/h) and a useful load of 1,500 pounds (680 kg), the Bell 505 is designed to be easy to fly while providing significant value to the operator and best-in-class cabin visibility. The customer-driven design of the aircraft places safety, performance, and affordability at the forefront, blending proven systems with advanced technology and a sleek, modern design. Visit the Bell product page to learn more.

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Lockheed Martin was competing for FSN as a prime training systems integrator responsible for designing, delivering and operating the IERW Flight School Next enterprise. This includes responsibility for training system architecture, performance monitoring, supply‑chain management and delivery of advanced modeling and simulation that supports live‑flight and synthetic training.

The company provided the following statement to HeliHub.com

“While we are disappointed to learn we were not selected to continue to the next phase of the competition, we are proud of the innovative turnkey training solutions we matured throughout the process. For decades, Lockheed Martin’s turnkey training approach has benefitted flight schools in the UK, Australia and Singapore, and is proven to be an effective solution for initial-entry, rotary-wing pilot training. We look forward to leveraging the capabilities we developed in support of Flight School Next for future turnkey training opportunities.”

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“Bell is proud to be selected for the fourth phase of the Flight School Next competition alongside our teammates,” said John Novalis II, strategic director, Flight School Next, Bell. “From the very beginning, our team set out to deliver the most cost-effective and low-risk solution for the Army’s Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) program at Fort Rucker, leveraging Bell’s unique position as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and world leader in flight training. Making it to this stage proves that Bell’s solution is strong and we look forward to demonstrating our ability to execute.”

During phase four, Bell and our teammates, DigiFlight, Delaware Resource Group (DRG), V2X, Alpha 1 Aerospace, Semper Fly and TRU Simulation, will demonstrate to the Army our turnkey solution to include the Bell 505 along with the technology and innovation that supports execution of the program. Additionally, Bell and our teammates are moving forward with preparations for program execution. Bell will be ready to support from day one.

Bell is excited about the opportunity to partner with the Army for Flight School Next. Flight training is in our DNA, and we have the right team, aircraft, and an innovative solution to transform Army flight training at Fort Rucker.

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“We are honored to advance to Phase IV,” said George Krivo, Chairman and CEO of M1. “In this next phase, Team M1 will demonstrate our comprehensive, innovation-rich solution to produce more proficient Army Aviators on time and on budget.”

M1’s “Flight School First” is a comprehensive, turn-key training and simulation solution featuring an AI-enabled virtual training environment, advanced simulation, proficiency based learning, and safe, rugged, and reliable Robinson R66 training helicopters.

“We are excited to demonstrate several game-changing technologies to accelerate learning and build student pilot proficiency,” said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Tom Drew, M1’s Executive Program Director for FSN. “M1 brings an immersive training experience and significant increase in flight hours to fundamentally transform Army flight training.”

M1 supports all branches of the military in managing, operating, and sustaining large scale aviation training enterprises, including Army flight training at Fort Rucker. At Fort Rucker, M1 currently supports more than 500 rotary-wing aircraft dispersed across five primary airfields, flying up to 400 sorties per day and 240,000 flight hours per year.

M1 Support Services (M1) brought together the best of industry, civil aviation, academia, and senior Army Aviation subject matter experts (SME) to develop Flight School First. Team M1 consists of M1, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), Quantum Helicopters, and the University of North Dakota Aerospace Foundation (UNDAF), each of whose best-in-class capabilities are featured in Team M1’s solution. M1’s SMEs worked closely with these teammates to deliver leading technologies and commercial best practices to exceed the Army’s objectives for FSN. M1 is ready now to train more proficient Army Aviators for this no-fail mission.

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This milestone unlocks the defining capability of eVTOL aviation and places Vertical at the forefront of the global advanced air mobility industry.

This marks a first for a piloted, full-scale eVTOL aircraft of this class operating under the oversight of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is working in close collaboration with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) toward certification of Vertical’s electric aircraft, Valo.

This is the most significant technical milestone in Vertical’s ten-year history and represents the completion of the first half of the two-way transition sequence. In two-way transition, the aircraft takes off vertically, flies on the wing, and then decelerates to land vertically — without the need for a runway, enabling seamless point to point flight from helipads, vertiports and rooftops.

On April 2^nd, 2026, Test Pilot Paul Stone flew the transition sequence at Vertical’s Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport. The aircraft took off vertically before the front propellers tilted forward, enabling a smooth acceleration into wingborne flight as the rear propellers stowed, followed by a conventional runway landing.

This flight demonstrates the aircraft’s ability to perform one of the most complex challenges in aviation: transferring lift from propellers to wings in real-world conditions, at full scale.

This milestone was achieved concurrently with Vertical announcing an agreement in principle for a financing package of up to $850 million on March 30^th, 2026, to provide immediate capital and access to additional flexible capital as the Company continues to progress towards type certification and the commencement of commercial operations.

A systematic approach towards two-way transition

This achievement builds on nearly two years of piloted flight testing under strict regulatory oversight. During this time, the aircraft has demonstrated all key phases of eVTOL flight, including hover, vertical take-off, wingborne flight, and vertical landing. Additional milestones include the first winged eVTOL flight in open European airspace and an airport-to-airport flight at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Vertical is systematically expanding the transition envelope from both ends — accelerating from hover and decelerating from wingborne flight — with this latest flight completing the former.

Supporting certification

Each expansion of the flight envelope is conducted under a strict Permit to Fly regime and contributes directly to the certification path for Valo, Vertical’s commercial aircraft.

Every test flight is supported by extensive structural testing, systems validation, simulator work, and the submission and review of detailed evidence to regulators before progressing further.

Stuart Simpson, Chief Executive Officer at Vertical Aerospace, said: “This marks a turning point not just for Vertical Aerospace, but for the entire advanced air mobility industry. Achieving piloted thrustborne transition under active regulatory oversight — alongside the recently announced financing package — demonstrates that we have solved the hardest engineering challenges, have the regulatory relationships to complete certification, and now have the financial foundation to see this through to commercial service.”

David King, Chief Engineer at Vertical Aerospace, said: “Completing this piloted transition milestone is a profound achievement and the result of years of engineering innovation and disciplined test execution. The aircraft performed exactly as designed, transitioning smoothly and under full control — proving the core elements of Vertical’s distributed electric propulsion and tiltrotor technology at full scale, in real flight conditions. This is not yet final mission accomplished, but it is a pivotal technical proof point on our path to two-way transition.”

Paul Stone, Test Pilot at Vertical Aerospace, said: “This aircraft was made to transition. From the moment the front propellers tilted and the aircraft began to accelerate, the response was exactly as the simulation predicted — smooth, stable, and fully under control throughout. What the engineering team has built here is genuinely extraordinary. The aircraft handled the transition with a level of confidence that gives me great optimism for everything that comes next.”

Vertical’s piloted flight test programme explainer:

• Phase 1: Tethered – stabilised hover while tethered (Completed September 2024)
• Phase 2: Thrustborne – vertical take-off, landing and low-speed manoeuvres (Completed February 2025)
• Phase 3: Wingborne – conventional take-off, flight and landing (Completed September 2025)
• Phase 4: Transition – transitioning between thrustborne and wingborne flight
  • Thrustborne transition (vertical take-off to wingborne flight): Completed April 2026
  • Two-way transition (including return to vertical landing): In progress

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This latest order reinforces a trusted partnership between VNH and Airbus Helicopters that has spanned more than 40 years, and reflects the Vietnamese operator’s long-term strategy to modernise and strengthen its heavy helicopter capabilities.

“The H225 has proven itself time and again across our offshore missions, delivering the reliability, performance, and safety we expect. As we look ahead, we see the H225 forming the backbone of our future fleet, allowing us to modernise our operations while expanding capacity and mission flexibility,” said Kieu Dang Hung, CEO of VNH.

“We are honoured to continue supporting VNH and its subsidiaries as they strengthen and revitalise their fleet. Their decision to centre future operations around the H225 underscores the aircraft’s exceptional reliability and performance in demanding offshore environments,” said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Our enduring partnership with VNH is built on trust and shared commitment to mission success, and we look forward to supporting their growth for many decades to come,” he added.

The new H225s will join VNH’s existing Airbus fleet consisting of Super Puma and H155 helicopters, for deployment across offshore energy transport, utility missions, search and rescue, and broader transport operations.

As the latest addition to the Super Puma family, the H225 is recognised for its high performance in challenging conditions as well as its outstanding range and payload capacity. The aircraft’s state-of-the-art avionics and autopilot systems provide increased safety while reducing pilot workload.

There are more than 360 H225s and H225Ms in service around the world, totaling more than one million flight hours. Military customers include Brazil, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Thailand.

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Manx Care has secured the Isle of Man’s emergency air bridge to provide patient transfer services for the next five years, following the completion of a comprehensive Air Tender process.

The tender reviewed and awarded a range of critical services that support urgent and life‑saving transfers between the Island and specialist centres in the United Kingdom.

Will Bellamy, Divisional Director for Ambulance and Transfer Services at Manx Care, said:

‘Securing the Island’s emergency air bridge services for the next five years is a significant step in protecting access to specialist care for our population.

These contracts ensure continuity, resilience and long‑term stability across the full range of patient transfer services, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality and patient outcomes.’

As a result of the tender process:

• Interhospital Transfer and Repatriation Service (Fixed Wing Air Ambulance) has been awarded to incumbent provider IAS Medical Lt
• Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) has been awarded to the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS)
• UK Road Ambulance Provision, supporting onward transfers from UK airports to receiving hospitals, has been awarded to Spark UK Medical Ltd

All contracts have been awarded for an initial five‑year term, with the option to extend for a further two years, supporting continuity across the Island’s emergency and patient transfer services.

The Isle of Man’s emergency air bridge plays a vital role in ensuring patients who are seriously ill or who have suffered major trauma can be transferred quickly to specialist centres in the UK for life‑saving treatment. Working alongside the Isle of Man Ambulance Service (IMAS), air ambulance clinicians provide advanced pre‑hospital care and enable direct transfers to centres of excellence, including major trauma and specialist cardiac hospitals.

Peter Roberts, Managing Director at IAS Medical, said:

‘We are pleased to continue supporting Manx Care and the Isle of Man through the delivery of fixed‑wing air ambulance and repatriation services over the next five years. The emergency air bridge is a lifeline for patients who need rapid access to specialist care, and we are proud to help ensure transfers are delivered safely, reliably and to the highest clinical standards.

This long‑term contract provides valuable stability and allows us to build on our close partnership with Manx Care and the Isle of Man Ambulance Service.’

Joe Garcia MBE, Chief Executive Officer at GNAAS, said:

‘We are delighted to continue our partnership with Manx Care and provide a critical care service to the Isle of Man population. On average we’re responding to around 20 incidents a year, and we are grateful to Manx Care and the Isle of Man community for their help in funding these missions. If we can raise sufficient funds to support our costs, we will be able to reduce the contribution required from Manx Care and develop our exciting future plans on how we can begin to extend the service we provide into a day and night time service across the region. The long-term commitment of this new contract will help to support this transformational development.’

Laura Parry, Head of Ambulance Operations at Spark UK Medical, commented:

‘We are proud to support the Isle of Man’s emergency air bridge by providing UK road ambulance services that ensure safe and timely onward transfers for patients requiring specialist care. Working closely with Manx Care and partner services, our focus is on delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care and continuity throughout the transfer journey.’

The completion of the Air Tender ensures that Manx Care can continue to deliver high‑quality, reliable and responsive emergency transfer services, supporting the ongoing provision of safe and effective care for Isle of Man residents.

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The arrival begins the Combat Aviation Brigade’s transition from the Army’s oldest AH‑64D fleet to the most advanced Apache variant now in service.

“Our CAB is transitioning from the oldest fleet of Apaches in the Army to the most modern fleet of Echos coming straight from the factory,” said Lt. Col. Ross “Matt” Ridge, commander of 1-501st AB, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st AD. “This is a significant leap forward for our aviators, maintainers, and the entire formation.”

The AH‑64E was designed for the modern battlefield, where Army aviation must integrate with unmanned aircraft, joint partners and rapidly changing operational environments.

Ridge said the new aircraft gives the Iron Dragons the tools needed to stay ahead of emerging threats.

“The Echo’s ability to link UAS platforms and joint assets between the Air Force and Navy helps us stay abreast of the changes,” said Ridge. “As we look at how we adapt and stay ahead of the adversary, this modern equipment and updated procedures keep us aligned with innovation efforts across the division.”

Pilots transitioning from the AH‑64D to the AH‑64E say the aircraft feels familiar in the controls but delivers a significant boost in capability.

“You don’t feel much difference in how the aircraft handles,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nathaniel Iwata, a pilot with 1-501st AB, CAB, 1st AD. “The biggest change is the power and flexibility it gives you. In the Delta, it’s easy to pull more power than the aircraft can handle. In the Echo, the engines give you everything you need in nearly every situation.”

Iwata added that the Echo’s improved digital systems reduce workload and increase situational awareness, especially during complex missions.

“In real‑world operations, the Echo is far better at fighting with the crew rather than against them,” Iwata said.

Most new Apache pilots graduate flight school already trained on the Echo model. For those switching between variants, the transition includes classroom instruction on system differences followed by simulation tests and flights with an instructor pilot to experience the capabilities firsthand.

More AH‑64E aircraft will arrive throughout the year as the 1st AD CAB continue their transition to a fully modernized fleet. The new helicopters will enhance the brigade’s ability to support multi‑domain operations and maintain overmatch against future threats.

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In late 2025, the German Armed Forces completed customer acceptance and qualification of CAE Prodigy as part of upgrades to their CH-53GS full-motion helicopter simulators. These updated simulators were successfully audited by the German Military Aviation Authority (LufABw).

At the same time, CAE Prodigy was deployed on a Eurofighter fixed-wing device for the Austrian Armed Forces, demonstrating its adoption across diverse high-performance military training environments.

CAE Prodigy delivers a seamless transition between live and synthetic training environments. It enables crews to move naturally between both environments, blending them into a unified and immersive training experience. This approach enhances mission readiness and brings unmatched training realism.

“With these successful deployments and rigorous qualifications by the German and Austrian authorities, CAE continues to advance the realism and effectiveness of training,” said Emmanuel Levitte, Chief Technology Officer, CAE. “CAE Prodigy offers unprecedented visual realism that narrows the gap between virtual and real-world operations, making the transition from simulator to live platforms increasingly seamless, ultimately making the world safer.”

For programs such as the CH‑53GS for the German Armed Forces and the Eurofighter training device for the Austrian Armed Forces, CAE Prodigy provides highly realistic, scalable, and repeatable mission preparation. It allows aircrews to rehearse complex scenarios, integrate advanced synthetic threats, and improve performance through measurable outcomes, while increasing safety, reducing cost, and strengthening operational effectiveness.

CAE Prodigy is a cornerstone of CAE’s future-proofing initiatives to elevate training and mission rehearsal to the next level.

Following a highly successful product introduction in the civil aviation market, with more than 30 devices around the world qualified to FAA and EASA level D, CAE Prodigy’s latest version is now enhancing CAE’s Defense & Security simulation applications.

“We’re proud to have achieved this important milestone, successfully deploying CAE Prodigy on both rotary and fixed-wing military platforms,” said Thibaut Trancart, Vice President, Domestic Markets, CAE Defense & Security, Canada-International. “Acceptance by the German and Austrian Armed Forces reflects the strong cooperation between CAE, national authorities, and, importantly, the end users. We expect to see further deployments of CAE Prodigy on other military platforms, for both new and updated simulators.”

The rollout of CAE Prodigy for both the German and Austrian Armed Forces will provide aircrews with the ability to train in true-to-life, low-level flying, featuring an unprecedented level of scene density with highly realistic special effects. CAE’s latest visual solution significantly enhances flight training accuracy and enables superior simulation of challenging conditions, including confined spaces and degraded visual environments. Overall, this capability will strengthen the readiness of helicopter crews within Germany’s armed forces and enhance fast jet training for Austria’s defence forces.

CAE looks forward to supporting the mission readiness of defence forces worldwide with the advanced immersion and visual realism provided by CAE Prodigy.

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This opportunity represents the acquisition of an established, fully operational aerospace manufacturing and support company with longstanding FAA certifications, active production capabilities, existing contracts, and an experienced workforce. The company continues to operate normally, supporting its global customer base and fleet operators while pursuing new ownership to support future growth and expanded production.

The sale includes the company’s FAA Type Certificate #4H12 covering the 269A, 269A-1, 269C, 269C-1, and 269D helicopter models, FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certificate, manufacturing tooling and production assets, inventory, intellectual property, customer contracts, and related business operations necessary to continue manufacturing, supporting, and servicing the Schweizer product line.

This sale process will be conducted in multiple phases. Phase One will run approximately 60 days, during which written offers will be accepted, and prospective buyers will be qualified. Additional phases will be discussed directly with qualified parties.

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Importantly, the agreement includes residents who are not enrolled in Medicaid, do not have existing medical insurance coverage, or lack a responsible third-party for their medical transport. In all other cases, PHI Air Medical coordinates with the resident’s insurer to resolve claims for medically necessary transports, ensuring members have no out-of-pocket costs and can focus on what matters most, their recovery.

As an additional benefit of this agreement, residents qualify for a Full National Household Membership Upgrade Option at $40 per year per household. This optional upgrade extends coverage outside the County Service Area to include any current PHI Cares service areas, applying only to transports aboard a PHI aircraft. The household plan includes all members of a resident’s household as defined in the agreement. To enroll in the Full National Household Membership Upgrade, residents can contact Sonya Palacios, PHI Cares Field Sales Team Manager, at 855-345-4844 or visit https://phicares.com/socorro-county-nm/.

In emergencies, residents should contact 911. Following a flight, the resident flown or representative on their behalf should notify PHI Cares at 1.888.I.Fly.PHI (1.888.435.9744) and supply the County membership number #075391 and any available transport details.

Sonya Palacios, PHI Cares Field Sales Team Manager overseeing New Mexico, said: “We are proud to partner with Socorro County to bring this vital protection to its residents. This agreement ensures that when emergencies happen, families can focus on recovery — not the financial burden of air medical transport. We encourage every resident to pick up their membership card and consider protecting their household when traveling outside the county.”

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This appointed seat was established to provide the AAMS President & CEO with the flexibility to appoint a board member whose skills and experience align with the specific needs, focus areas, or initiatives facing the association at a given time. Unlike elected positions, the appointed role allows for adjustments as strategic direction, vision, or project demands evolve.

AAMS leadership identified strategic communications and public relations expertise as a critical need for this position, particularly to support effective engagement and messaging across both member and non member organizations. Ms. Itzoe’s background and experience position her to help strengthen AAMS’ communications reach, clarity, and impact across the full spectrum of stakeholders.

“Clear, consistent, and trusted communication is essential to advancing our mission and supporting the air medical and critical care transport community,” said Jana Williams, AAMS President & CEO. “Donna brings deep communications leadership, a strong understanding of our industry, and academic prowess, making her an ideal fit for this strategic role.”

Ms. Itzoe serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Communications and Events Officer at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), where she leads enterprise level communications strategy, brand management, and major events. She brings extensive experience in public affairs, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, and executive messaging, along with a longstanding connection to AAMS’ leadership development efforts through the AAMS Leadership Incident Fortification Training (LIFT) program. In her appointed role, Ms. Itzoe will focus on strengthening strategic communications, supporting organizational initiatives, and helping ensure AAMS messaging effectively reaches and resonates with diverse audiences across the industry.

“I am honored to join the AAMS Board and to support an industry that serves patients and families at some of the most critical moments of their lives,” said newly appointed AAMS Board Member, Donna Itzoe. “I have deep respect for the dedicated professionals who do this work every day, and I’m committed to helping amplify their voices, strengthen our shared mission, and advance the impact of air medical and critical care transport.”

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The bipartisan bill responds directly to the NTSB’s final accident report and advances a comprehensive framework aimed at strengthening safety across the US National Airspace System (NAS). The ALERT Act addresses the full range of safety recommendations identified during the investigation and seeks systemwide improvements to reduce collision risk and improve operational coordination.

Key safety issues addressed in the legislation include:

• Establishing requirements for equipping collision-mitigation, -avoidance, and -alerting technologies and systems for civil fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft
• Improving helicopter route design, guidance, and separation
• Reducing loss-of-separation incidents
• Addressing deficiencies in FAA safety culture
• Enhancing air traffic control training and procedures, particularly during high-traffic periods
• Strengthening airspace safety around KDCA
• Repealing section 373(a) of the most recent National Defense Authorization Act, among other provisions.

VAI thanks House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.-06) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.-02) for their leadership in strengthening safety in the NAS.

VAI looks forward to continued engagement with the US House and the US Senate as the legislation advances toward enactment and implementation.

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Aeropar delivers aviation transport services in Paraguay and Brazil, with its’ main bases located in Paraguay at International Airport Ciudad del Este and Silvio Pettirossi International Airport Asunción. It operates a mix of 15 aircraft and rotary wing aircraft delivering technical support, maintenance and training services. The company is playing an important role in the set-up of a new aviation ecosystem in Paraguay, supporting the need for a modern transportation network. This is in line with a national economy growth requirement for fast mobility services as a further key level of development.

With its top category maximum speed, large cabin, advanced flight and navigation technology, and skids which operate on any terrain, the AW109 Trekker is a valuable asset and the perfect fit for this new requirement. The deal with Aeropar further expands the already solid presence of Leonardo in the Latin America’s helicopter market. This includes over 400 aircraft covering both commercial and military sectors across a wide spectrum of tasks such as VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport supporting the energy industry, law enforcement, rescue, firefighting, utility and naval roles.

With nearly 1700 aircraft sold across the globe for the widest spectrum of applications to date, the AW109 series has established itself as one of the most successful light twin in decades, and has proven extremely successful in Central and South America. The AW109 Trekker maintains the AW109’s large cabin and exceptional performance while offering greater payload at a competitive cost, thus proving perfectly suited to meet the stringent requirements of operators in terms of capabilities, efficiency and economics. The AW109 Trekker is the latest addition to Leonardo’s light twin helicopter portfolio and the company’s first light twin to offer skid landing gear.

The latest Genesys Aerosystems “glass” cockpit provides pilots only with the necessary information to help reduce their workload while flying in challenging environments and in demanding weather conditions. The AW109 Trekker retains the same characteristics of high productivity, excellent performance and flying qualities, high manoeuvrability, robustness, advanced navigation capabilities and high inherent safety of the other light twin helicopters produced by Leonardo.

The spacious cabin, the same size as the Grand/GrandNew, can accommodate up to six passengers. Capable of single pilot operations, an additional passenger can be seated in the cockpit if required. The AW109 Trekker incorporates many safety features including a cocoon-type airframe; crash resistant fuel system, crew and passengers seats, full Cat. A / Class 1 performance in hot environments and a 30 minute ‘run-dry’ main gear box.

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The event was also attended by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Luciana Santos; the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho; the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) President, Tiago Chagas Faierstein; Brazil’s National Development Bank (BNDES) President, Aloizio Mercadante; and members of the media covering the sector.

Eve continues advancing its flight test campaign, with its engineering prototype having completed 35 flights and accumulated nearly 1.5 hours of total flight time since its first flight in December 2025. The aircraft has reached an altitude of 140 feet above ground level (AGL), equivalent to 43 meters, establishing new program milestones and demonstrating consistent flight behavior under the tested conditions, including maneuvers with simultaneous inputs across three axes.

Preliminary results indicate efficiency gains, with propulsion and battery performance above initial expectations, while noise levels remain within projections, significantly lower than those of conventional helicopters.

Flights conducted to date have focused on low-speed operations (up to 15 knots, approximately 28 km/h), enabling validation of control laws, rotor aerodynamic efficiency, thermal behavior and the propulsion model. Eve continues to advance its campaign, expanding the flight envelope and testing at higher speeds.

“We are advancing with discipline and consistency in our flight test campaign, reducing risk and building the foundation for future certification flights. The results achieved in these first months following our initial flight in December 2025 reinforce our confidence in the aircraft’s architecture and our ability to deliver a safe, efficient and scalable solution for the urban air mobility market,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve.

In addition to flight tests, Eve has completed ground testing and related activities, including sensor calibration for measuring aerodynamic loads during flight. These efforts support the expansion of the aircraft’s flight envelope, enabling flights of up to 30 knots (approximately 56 km/h) in the coming days.

“Embraer has over five decades of proven expertise in aircraft development and certification. Applying this knowledge to Eve’s program reinforces our commitment to innovation and the future of sustainable aviation. We see significant potential in the global urban air mobility market and believe Eve is well positioned to be a leader in this industry,” says Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer.

Certification of the aircraft remains subject to the successful completion of technical milestones and approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.

In parallel with technical progress, Eve continues to support the development of the regulatory and institutional framework for urban air mobility. Last week, the company participated in the launch of a public consultation process that will inform Brazil’s National Urban Air Mobility Policy, led by the Ministry of Ports and Airports.

Eve is also supported by BNDES, which has provided more than BRL 1.4 billion in financing since 2022, and by Finep (the Brazilian Funding Authority for Studies and Projects), which has approved up to BRL 90 million in grants to accelerate Eve’s digital innovation and sustainable aviation initiatives.

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The pair were completed late 2025 and shipped from the production plant at Donauworth to Hong Kong around the start of the year.

Initial flight testing and training is currently in progress, and the pair will replace two of the operator’s four MD902 Explorers.

It is noted that each helicopter has “The Peninsular” titles in small letters below the pilots’ window on the port side.  This refers to the famous Hong Kong hotel with dual roof top helipads, a regular destination of Heliservices aircraft.

Heliservices will hold an official launch ceremony for the H135s in May

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Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, stated:”As a globally leading new-generation civil aviation company specializing in pilotless aircraft, EHang’s eVTOL products and their commercial application ecosystem can effectively alleviate urban traffic congestion, enhance emergency medical response capabilities, and improve connectivity in remote areas. We warmly welcome the visit and discussions with Mr. Huazhi Hu and the EHang management team. The Ministry of Transport will actively promote the introduction of EHang’s new technologies and will direct the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand to accelerate the development of relevant regulations and standards to speed up commercialization, ensuring public confidence in the safety and oversight of all future flight activities.”

During the meeting, EHang briefed the attending Thai government leaders on its efforts in Thailand over the past few years in areas such as technology collaboration, product deployment, scenario development, and regulatory framework establishment. The Company also shared the significant achievements of the EH216-S pilotless human-carrying aircraft in type certification, commercial operations, low-altitude service ecosystem development, and global flight and industrial deployment. Since obtaining China’s first Air Operation Certificates (OC) for civil pilotless human-carrying aircraft, EHang General Aviation and Heyi Aviation have completed one year of continuous trial operations at EHang’s Future City headquarters in Guangzhou and at the Luogang Park site in Hefei , accumulating extensive experience in operational management, safety assurance, and passenger services. Both sites are expected to begin public ticketing and offer low-altitude sightseeing flight services in March 2026, entering a new phase of commercial operations. The Thai officials in attendance expressed strong recognition of thetrial operations in Guangzhou and Hefei and the remarkable achievements that have garnered global attention. Officials from Thailand’s Ministry of Transport and CAAT noted that EHang’s established experience in China will provide solid theoretical and practical support for eVTOL commercialization in Thailand, serving as an important reference for advancing relevant regulations and standards. They stated that the”EHang experience”will help Thailand rapidly establish an urban air mobility operational system tailored to local needs.

Thailand is one of EHang’s key strategic markets overseas. Since completing its first manned flight in Bangkok in November 2024, launching the AAM Sandbox Program with continuous trial operations in October 2025, and conducting manned flights within Bangkok under the AAM Sandbox in November of that same year, EHang has steadily advanced its footprint in Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian market. Air Chief Marshal Manat Chavanaprayoon, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, previously experienced a city flight aboard the EH216-S pilotless human-carrying aircraft, expressing strong recognition of EHang’s technical capabilities and the safety performance of the EH216-S.

Following the meeting, EHang signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bangkok Land Public Company Limited, Aerial Sea Thailand Co., Ltd., and China Harbour Engineering (Thailand) Company Limited to jointly explore comprehensive Urban Air Mobility (UAM) solutions covering passenger transport, logistics, emergency response, and medical rescue services.Bangkok Land Public Company Limited is the developer of IMPACT Challenger, a key multi-purpose exhibition and convention center in Thailand. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) AAM Symposium will be held at IMPACT Challenger in December 2026, and the AAM sandbox project also plans to establish commercial operation site near this venue.

Leveraging its pioneering advantages in eVTOL and UAM, EHang will collaborate with its partners, combining their core capabilities in property development, UAM operations, and engineering construction, to jointly build a new urban air mobility ecosystem in Thailand. The parties will also work together to advance aircraft type certification, operating license applications, after-sales service, and operations and maintenance system development, including the planning and construction of vertiports and supporting takeoff and landing facilities, communication networks, digital traffic management systems, and operational support infrastructure. This will contribute to the development of Thailand’s air mobility infrastructure and accelerate the deployment and commercialization of EHang’s eVTOL in Thailand and across Southeast Asia in the future.

On March 20, Mr. Kajonpat Maklin, Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), along with department heads and officials, held a dedicated meeting with the EHang team to discuss advancing the commercialization of EHang’s eVTOL in Thailand. Li Xiaona, Vice President of EHang, East China Regional General Manager, and General Manager of Hefei Heyi Aviation, shared Heyi Aviation’s experience in obtaining the Air Operation Certificate (OC) with CAAT. She provided a detailed introduction on the current safety operation system, covering organizational structure, personnel training, manual systems, operational environment, procedures, and safety management. She also offered localized recommendations and measures based on Thailand’s operational environment and site development requirements, helping to open new horizons for low-altitude operations in Thailand. CAAT acknowledged the achievements and experience EHang has gained in Hefei, China, and expressed its willingness to strengthen communication and collaboration with EHang and Heyi Aviation in areas such as personnel training certification, aircraft maintenance, and safety management systems, working together to promote the establishment of commercial operation pilot projects in Thailand.

Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of EHang, said:”As a key hub in Southeast Asia, Thailand boasts a thriving tourism industry and significant urban transportation needs—an ideal scenario for eVTOL applications. The forward-looking commitment and strong support from Thailand’s Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Authority have also created fertile ground for the commercialization of urban air mobility. We will leverage our strengths in eVTOL R&D and manufacturing, certification, operations, and infrastructure coordination to work with our partners in advancing the deployment of urban air mobility solutions across diverse scenarios in Thailand, supporting the country in refining its relevant regulations and standards. Together, we aim to build a regionally influential future aviation technology hub, expand our reach across Southeast Asia and global markets, and promote the large-scaleadoption of eVTOL technology worldwide, bringing EHang’s safe, intelligent, and environmentally friendly advanced air mobility service ecosystem to more countries and regions.”

EHang management team with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ministry of Transport, and Civil Aviation Authority

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Following a contract award for Generation 4 Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (Gen 4 TADS/PNVS) systems, the partnership between Lockheed Martin and WZL-1 establishes a Special Repair Activity for Apache sensors. WZL-1 will maintain and repair Gen 4 TADS/PNVS and LONGBOW^® Fire Control Radar systems from a new facility in Łódź. The initiative marks another milestone in Lockheed Martin’s commitment to supporting the Polish Armed Forces and strengthening the allied defense industrial base.

Designed as a center for Apache Fire Control sensor sustainment, the new facility will combine Lockheed Martin’s sustainment expertise with WZL-1’s workforce and supply chain to shorten turnaround times and keep Polish Air Force aircraft operational, ensuring they can effectively engage targets and successfully complete their missions.

• Localizing Apache sensor sustainment in Poland will help increase mission-capable rates by enabling faster repairs and upgrades, maximizing aircraft availability for the Polish Armed Forces.
• The partnership with WZL-1 advances a broader initiative to spur industrial growth by creating skilled jobs, transferring technology for future sensor and avionics sustainment and bolstering the U.S. defense industrial base.
• Strengthening Poland’s Apache fleet sustainment capability also contributes to allied deterrence and interoperability by enhancing allied readiness and operational effectiveness.

“Lockheed Martin is honored to deepen our long-standing partnership with Poland, delivering advanced sensor and sustainment capabilities that strengthen the nation’s security and its vital role within NATO,” said Stacy Kubicek, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Sensors and Global Sustainment. “By working hand-in-hand with Poland’s defense industry, we’re supporting both Poland’s industrial base and fortifying the U.S. defense ecosystem.”

“The conclusion of our executive offset agreements, enabling the implementation and execution of the transaction for Poland’s acquisition of 96 AH-64E combat helicopters, will allow for the establishment of an Industrial Service Center for Apache Helicopters in Poland, based on the specialized entity WZL-1 S.A. in Łódź and Dęblin. These capabilities will ensure the maintenance of a high level of operational availability of Apache helicopters in the Polish Armed Forces, which will translate into the security of our state” highlighted Jacek A. Goszczyński, PhD. Eng., CEO of Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 1 S.A. (WZL-1).

Under the partnership, Lockheed Martin will provide resources, training and technical support to WZL-1’s skilled technicians to enable in-country maintenance and repair of Apache sensor systems.

The initiative reaffirms Lockheed Martin’s commitment to bolstering NATO allies’ military capabilities through advanced technologies and sustainment solutions, enhancing allied readiness and supporting a secure Euro-Atlantic region.

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Notably, the H145 D3 XR Simulator is the first to combine mixed-reality visuals with a fully haptic cockpit and roll-on/roll-off modular technology – a unique design now fully validated by regulators.

In addition, REISER has been authorized by the German Federal Aviation Office to conduct the full qualification process for its simulators in-house under direct regulatory oversight. This allows Full-Flight Simulators and Flight Training Devices to be delivered as fully EASA-qualified devices, requiring only minimal final verification after installation.

REISER’s innovation strength is also reflected beyond certification: the company’s XR-SIM has been nominated for the Bavarian Innovation Award 2026. The nomination follows a successful first-stage evaluation, in which the system demonstrated strong alignment with the award’s criteria.

The Bavarian Innovation Award is presented by the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, together with the Bavarian Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the Chambers of Crafts. Winners are expected to be announced in autumn 2026.

“Achieving full certification of our H145 D3 XR Simulator is a proud moment for the entire REISER team,” said Martin Keil, Chief Technology Officer at Reiser Simulation and Training. “We are especially pleased to deliver a mixed-reality training device that is fully certified right out of the factory. With in-house qualification, our customers can start training almost immediately after delivery.”

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