Tag: Aeronautical

New Executive Order Aims to Usher in New Generation of U.S. Aircraft

Flying Magazine reports, “President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that aims to usher in a new generation of drones, self-flying planes, and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis while shutting out “unfair foreign competition” from countries like China. The order, “Unleashing American Drone Dominance,” contains a package of measures designed to bolster the U.S. drone industry by lifting restrictions and streamlining manufacturing, testing, and access for American-built uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)

Japan’s Skymark Airlines to Purchase Six 737 Max 8s

Flight Global reports, “Skymark Airlines is to acquire six Boeing 737 Max 8s, in an orderbook top-up for fleet renewal purposes. The deal, which was approved by the Japanese carrier’s board on 22 May, is valued at Y143.4 billion ($997 million) at list prices, and includes the purchase of CFM International engines.”
Full Story (Flight Global)

Boeing Increases 737 MAX Production Rate

Reuters reports, “Boeing expects to stabilize 737 MAX production at 38 airplanes a month over the next couple of months, its Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Quality Doug Ackerman told reporters on Tuesday. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration capped output at 38 airplanes a month after a mid-air panel blowout in a nearly new 737 in January 2024.”
Full Story (Reuters)

 

Stratolaunch Reusable Hypersonic Vehicle Exceeds Mach 5 in Two Test Flights

Space News reports, “The U.S. is re-entering the era of reusable hypersonic flight testing for the first time in more than half a century, using an autonomous drone developed by Stratolaunch. The hypersonic vehicle named Talon A2 exceeded Mach 5—the threshold for hypersonic speed—in two Pentagon-backed test flights conducted in December 2024 and March 2025, the Defense Department confirmed May 5.”
Full Story (Space News)

Joby and Virgin Atlantic to Launch Air Taxi in UK

Aerotime reports, “In a groundbreaking move set to launch air taxi services in the UK, Joby Aviation has announced a strategic partnership with Virgin Atlantic. The new partnership, which was unveiled on March 15, 2025, marks a significant step toward launching zero-emission, high-speed air taxi services across the country. According to the United States venture-backed aviation company, the new air taxi service will initially connect key Virgin Atlantic hubs, including London Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester Airport (MAN), with regional cities.”
Full Story (Aerotime)

Joby Aviation Completes FAA Aerostructure Tests

Aerotime reports, “Joby Aviation has completed a series of major aerostructure tests to gain certification approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In a press release published on December 17, 2024, the company announced it has completed static load tests on the tail structure of its electric air taxi. These are the first major aerostructure tests done with FAA representatives present for credit.”
Full Story (Aerotime)

Stratolaunch TA-2 Set to Make First Reusable Test Flight

Aviation Week reports, “Stratolaunch is recycling for another attempt at the first reusable test flight of the Talon A hypersonic testbed after aborting a mission off California on Dec. 13. The planned test of the second Talon (TA-2) was to have been the first under Stratolaunch’s five-flight block buy…”
Full Story (Aviation Week – Subscription Publication)

Joby Receives FAA Approval to Launch Air Taxi Flight Academy

Flying Magazine reports Joby on Tuesday “said it received Part 141 flight academy certification from the FAA, laying the groundwork to begin training qualified aviators at its Joby Aviation Academy in Watsonville, California, a short air taxi flight away from its headquarters in Santa Cruz. The company intends to offer private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, and certified flight instructor courses, beginning at entry level. Graduates could go on to fly air taxis for Joby or a competitor.”
Full Story (Flying Magazine)