🎯Today's Aerospace Pulse
Updated 1h agoWhat's happening: Airbus posts record FY2025 revenue and backlog
Airbus delivered 793 commercial jets in FY2025 and generated €73.4 billion in revenue, a 6% year‑on‑year rise. The order backlog reached a record 8,754 aircraft and total order intake grew 19% to €123.3 billion.
Also developing:
- •RTX fast‑tracks XA103 engine for next‑gen F‑47 stealth fighter
- •Embraer and Northrop Grumman team up to add boom refueling to KC‑390 tanker
- •SpaceX to attempt rare downrange booster landing in the Bahamas on Starlink launch
- •NASA prepares 700,000‑gallon cryogenic propellant load for Artemis II SLS wet‑dress rehearsal
By the numbers: American Airlines and United Airlines inject $200M into Azul
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
UK Defence Warned Against Complacency on Drones and AI
Defence experts warned that drones and artificial intelligence are rapidly redefining warfare, yet UK armed forces remain complacent. Air Marshal Edward Stringer criticised officers for dismissing Ukraine’s lessons, emphasizing low‑cost drone integration with conventional forces. Dr. Keith Dear highlighted AI’s accelerating productivity, projecting a full year of human output by 2029 and warning against assuming crewed platforms will dominate into the 2030s. Both testified that autonomy will dominate detection, decision‑making, and strike processes in future conflicts.
By UK Defence Journal – Air
Social•Feb 10, 2026
Learn How to Direct an Air Show – Free Lecture
Free #aviation lecture, RAeS Southend Branch, 10 Feb 'So you want to have an Air Show - The role of the Flying Display Director' #avgeek https://t.co/Io71kgb894 https://t.co/23Dcc3BwhA
By Tim Robinson
Social•Feb 10, 2026
Free Lecture on Heavy‑Lift Uncrewed Air Systems
FREE #aviation lecture, RAeS Loughborough Branch, 10 Feb, 'Heavy Lift Uncrewed Air Systems' #avgeek #drones https://t.co/0txRAQ0fIY https://t.co/kvuzcxwgR0
By Tim Robinson
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Harith Targets FlySafair in Strategic Airline Buyout
Harith and its affiliates have signed a sale‑and‑purchase agreement to acquire 100% of FlySafair, South Africa’s leading low‑cost carrier, from ASL Aviation’s 74.86% stake. The transaction, still pending approval from the South African Competition Commission and aviation regulators, follows years...
By AirInsight
News•Feb 10, 2026
Singapore Airshow 2026: Rafael Highlights Tailored Effector Solutions for Different Operational Needs
At Singapore Airshow 2026, Israeli defence firm Rafael unveiled two new Spike family effectors – the L‑Spike 1X, a section‑level ISR and loitering munition, and the L‑Spike 4X, a battalion‑scale loitering missile. CEO Yoav Turgeman stressed that customers now demand battle‑proven systems...
By Shephard Media
News•Feb 10, 2026
Russian Stealth Jets Have Arrived in North Africa, as Filmed by Algerian Potato Farmer
Algeria has become the first foreign operator of Russia's fifth‑generation Su‑57 stealth fighter, a claim supported by a TikTok video filmed by a local potato farmer near Oum El Bouaghi Air Base. Leaked Rostec documents and Russian media indicate an...
By Defense News
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Despite some Turbulence, SPEEA Exec Sees Progress Under Boeing’s Ortberg
Kelly Ortberg, who took the Boeing helm in August 2024, has been working to repair strained labor relations across multiple unions. While the IAM 751 contract ended after a 53‑day strike and the Teamsters deal closed without walkouts, the IAM...
By Leeham News and Analysis
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Hypersonic Systems Startup Emerges From Stealth with Series A and Test Launch
Munich‑based Hypersonica has emerged from stealth, announcing a €23.3 million Series A round led by Plural and backed by Germany’s Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation, General Catalyst and 201 Ventures. The startup also reported its first successful hypersonic missile test on 3 February from...
By European Spaceflight
Blog•Feb 10, 2026
Frontier Sues American Airlines For $100,000+ After Collision At Miami International Airport Badly Damaged Plane
Frontier Airlines filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida seeking more than $100,000 from American Airlines after a March 7 ground collision at Miami International Airport badly damaged Frontier’s Airbus A321neo. The incident forced the aircraft to remain...
By Paddleyourownkanoo
Social•Feb 10, 2026
Red Wolf Missile Adds Standoff Strike to OA-1K
Red Wolf Cruise Missile Eyed To Give OA-1K Skyraider II Standoff Strike Capability Giving the OA-1K a standoff strike capability has been seen as one potential way to expand its relevance in an era focused on high-end foes. Story: https://t.co/TdDjlCz6b3
By Tyler Rogoway
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Newcomer ERC, Now Flight Testing, Keeps Germany’s eVTOL Dreams Alive
Germany’s eVTOL sector has faltered, with Lilium and Volocopter bankrupt and Airbus pausing CityAirbus, leaving the country’s air‑taxi ambitions in doubt. This week Munich‑based ERC System completed the maiden flight of Romeo, a full‑scale lift‑plus‑cruise eVTOL weighing over 6,000 lb, making...
By The Air Current
News•Feb 9, 2026
Pentagon Needs More Time to Finalize Defense Firms on Naughty List After Initial Review
The Pentagon has finished an initial review of defense contractors deemed non‑compliant with President Trump’s executive order, but will keep the assessment open while negotiating remediation. The order bars share buybacks and dividends unless firms invest in modernizing weapons production,...
By Breaking Defense
News•Feb 9, 2026
Teledyne Advances U.S. National Defense with SDA’s Tranche 3 Tracking Layer Program
Teledyne Technologies announced multiple contract awards from the U.S. Space Development Agency to supply infrared focal‑plane modules for the SDA’s Tranche 3 Tracking Layer. The sensors will augment the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, providing low‑Earth‑orbit coverage against hypersonic glide vehicles and...
By SatNews
News•Feb 9, 2026
Kepler Communications’ Next-Generation Optical Data Relay Constellation Launched
Kepler Communications has launched the first operational tranche of its next‑generation optical data relay constellation, deploying ten 300‑kg satellites into a Sun‑Synchronous orbit via a SpaceX Falcon 9 "Twilight" rideshare. The Aether series carries SDA‑compatible laser terminals, multi‑GPU compute modules and...
By SatNews
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
PLA Navy’s J-15 Reportedly Seen Carrying YJ-15 Anti-Ship Missile for the First Time
China’s supersonic YJ‑15 anti‑ship cruise missile was reportedly photographed mounted on a J‑15T carrier‑borne fighter, marking its first confirmed air‑launched deployment. The missile, unveiled at the September 3, 2025 parade, is believed to exceed Mach 5 and reach 1,200‑1,800 km, extending the PLAN’s standoff...
By The Aviationist
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Air Canada Suspends Service to Cuba Amid Fuel Shortage
Air Canada announced the suspension of all flights to Cuba after the island nation ran out of aviation fuel. The airline will operate empty southbound trips to bring roughly 3,000 stranded Canadians home, and may tanker extra fuel for return...
By AirlineGeeks
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
British Airways Helicopters: A Pioneering Chapter in UK Rotary Aviation
British Airways Helicopters, originally formed as BEA Helicopters in 1964, operated scheduled passenger routes such as the iconic Penzance‑Isles of Scilly service and provided extensive offshore support for the burgeoning North Sea oil industry. Its fleet progressed from Sikorsky S‑61s...
By UK Aviation News
News•Feb 9, 2026
IMOD, Elbit Systems Sign Deal for CH-53K Helicopter Upgrades
Israel's Ministry of Defense signed a contract exceeding NIS 400 million ($130 million) with Elbit Systems to outfit 12 new CH‑53K “Pereh” helicopters with indigenous command‑and‑control, avionics, electronic‑warfare and DIRCM anti‑missile suites. The upgrades aim to improve flight operations in adverse environments and...
By Airforce Technology
News•Feb 9, 2026
Ukraine Seeks God Mode with New Control App for Drone War
Ukraine has deployed Mission Control, a digital command‑and‑control system that centralizes planning, execution, and reporting for every drone operation across the country. Integrated into the broader DELTA battlefield management ecosystem, the platform captures launch data, flight routes, and mission outcomes...
By Defense News
News•Feb 9, 2026
CMA CGM Group, Marlink, and Eutelsat Partnership
CMA CGM, Marlink, and Eutelsat have signed a multi‑year partnership to equip over 300 CMA CGM vessels with OneWeb LEO satellite connectivity. The rollout will be completed within nine months, using a hybrid LEO/GEO architecture via Marlink’s XChange NextGen edge...
By SatNews
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
The EU Is Under Pressure To Suspend Contentious Airline Deal With Qatar After Key Official Accepted Free Business Class Flights
European aviation unions and watchdogs are urging the EU to suspend its 2019 Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement with Qatar after evidence surfaced that senior Commission transport official Henrik Hololei accepted complimentary business‑class flights from Qatar Airways during negotiations. The deal...
By Paddleyourownkanoo
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Air France Expands Service to U.S.
Air France announced a summer‑time expansion of its New York service, adding up to six daily flights between Paris and JFK and a second daily frequency to Newark from June through October. The carrier will tap its Delta joint‑venture partner for...
By AirlineGeeks
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Interview with RFA CEO Indulis Kalnins
In this interview, Rocket Factory Augsburg CEO Prof. Dr. Indulis Kalnins reflects on his first nine months leading a young, international team and outlines the company’s focus on completing the Helix engine development, finalizing the RFA ONE first stage, and preparing the...
By Europe in Space (Substack)
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
APFA Board Issues No Confidence Vote in American CEO
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) voted unanimously to express no confidence in American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, marking the first such measure against an American Airlines chief. The union, representing 28,000 flight attendants, cited weak fourth‑quarter earnings, operational...
By AirlineGeeks
Social•Feb 9, 2026
Crew‑12 Launch Set for Feb 12 After Weather Delay
From NASA: NASA and SpaceX now are targeting no earlier 5:38 a.m. EST, Thursday, Feb. 12, for launch of the Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Mission teams completed a weather review on Monday and elected to waive off a Wednesday, Feb. 11, launch opportunity due...
By Jeff Foust
Social•Feb 9, 2026
F-15E Strike Eagles Showcase Laser‑Guided Power at Super Bowl
Laser-Guided Rocket-Armed F-15E Strike Eagles Make Super Bowl Cameo Appearance F-15Es sitting ready to knock down drones in the Middle East were highlighted during the National Anthem along with the crews that keep them flying. Story: https://t.co/HE8syvE8Fj
By Tyler Rogoway
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
ESA Is Preparing to Announce Aeolus-2 Prime Contractor
The European Space Agency has cleared a €70 million award to launch Phase B2 of its Aeolus‑2 weather satellite programme and is set to announce the prime contractor. Aeolus‑2 will consist of two 2.5‑tonne satellites equipped with a Doppler wind lidar, delivering...
By European Spaceflight
Social•Feb 9, 2026
A‑10 Warthogs Guard LCS Against Iranian Boat Swarms
A-10 Warthogs Protect Mine-Hunting Littoral Combat Ship In Arabian Gulf Exercise The A-10, now in the twilight of its career, is uniquely suited to protect naval assets from lower-end threats, such as swarms of Iranian small boats. Story: https://t.co/SZFRWOmm9F
By Tyler Rogoway
Social•Feb 9, 2026
Turkish Satellites Identified on Bandwagon‑4, Owner Unclear
The Semi-1N, Semi-1P, Semi-1L payloads from Nov 2025's Bandwagon-4 launch are now identified and revealed to be Turkish satellites. As far as I know the specific owner has still not been revealed - anyone know?
By Jonathan McDowell
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
MAX 8-200’s Fuel Burn Surprise, Backed by New Data
Recent Skailark data confirms that Boeing’s 737 MAX 8‑200 variant burns fuel per seat at a rate comparable to the Airbus A321neo, validating earlier US DOT findings that were based on a single operator. The new dataset expands coverage beyond Allegiant, incorporating...
By AirInsight
Social•Feb 9, 2026
Proton Rocket Returns to Pad After Three Years
Proton rocket returned to launch pad this morning in preparation for its first flight in nearly three years on Thursday: https://t.co/DyHPm6OdhH https://t.co/KXqkCYSXcA
By Anatoly Zak
Social•Feb 9, 2026
Japan Airlines Adds LEO Satellite Wi‑Fi to 787‑9 Fleet
Japan Airlines plans to bring LEO satellite-powered inflight connectivity to both existing and new Boeing 787-9s, as part of a broader plan to refresh the twinjets’ interiors. https://t.co/44fW9OnTt7
By Mary Kirby
News•Feb 9, 2026
U.S. Army Taps RSGS for IFPC Inc 2 Air Defense Interceptor Program
Rafael Systems Global Sustainment has been awarded Phase 1 of the U.S. Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) Second Interceptor program, positioning its Iron Dome‑derived technology as a core element of the Army’s layered air‑defense strategy. The program will integrate the...
By Defense Update
Social•Feb 9, 2026
Meet 4477th Red Eagles Pilot Lt. Col. Zettel
Heads-up! An evening in conversation with a 4477th TES Red Eagles pilot, Lt. Col. Rob ‘Z-Man’ Zettel, - 18 April, RAF Museum Midlands, Cosford #avgeek https://t.co/1awlh7Yygx https://t.co/d5KaTTh4Xx
By Tim Robinson
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Press Release: Air Cambodia Selects AirFi for Wireless Streaming IFE
Air Cambodia has partnered with AirFi to roll out a wireless streaming inflight entertainment (IFE) system across its Airbus A320 and ATR 72 fleet, launching on February 1. The browser‑based platform lets passengers use their own devices to stream movies,...
By Runway Girl Network
News•Feb 9, 2026
The Uncrewed Revolution: MQ-9B and Gambit Series Forge a Path to Regional Air Dominance
Uncrewed aerial systems are reshaping Middle Eastern warfare, highlighted by the 2024 Israel‑Iran conflict. General Atomics’ MQ‑9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian offers long‑endurance ISR and maritime surveillance, while its Gambit Series delivers modular, semi‑autonomous strike and combat capabilities. Together they provide a scalable...
By Breaking Defense
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Nat Pieper Tackles the Tall Task of Fixing American’s Revenue Problems
American Airlines hired former oneworld CEO Nat Pieper as chief commercial officer to reverse a deep revenue slump. Pieper, with a background in finance, alliances and fleet strategy at Northwest, Delta and Alaska, faces the challenge of making the carrier...
By Cranky Flier
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Cardiff Airport in Court over £205m Welsh Government Subsidy
Cardiff Airport faces a tribunal over a £205.2 million subsidy granted by the Welsh Labour Government in April 2025. Bristol Airport has filed the case, alleging the aid breaches competition law and unfairly diverts airlines and passengers. The subsidy, equivalent to...
By UK Aviation News
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
CAA Data Shows Most Complained About UK Airlines
UK Civil Aviation Authority data covering mid‑2024 to spring‑2025 shows over 43,000 airline complaints. Hungarian ULCC Wizz Air topped the list with more than 10,000 complaints, translating to roughly 900 complaints per million passengers and £1.5 million in compensation payouts. Air France...
By UK Aviation News
News•Feb 9, 2026
How a Tiny Plasma Device Could Reduce Drag and Make Future Aircraft Faster and Cleaner
University of Notre Dame researchers demonstrated that a thin plasma‑actuator strip can slash skin‑friction drag on aircraft surfaces. Laboratory tests showed up to an 80% reduction in turbulent drag on flat plates and a 44% cut on a half‑meter airfoil,...
By AIAA – Industry News (Aerospace)
News•Feb 9, 2026
Berlin Ready to Choose GCAP over Franco-German Project SCAF?
Berlin is weighing a switch from the Franco‑German Future Combat Air System (SCAF) to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a move that would signal a major shift in European defence collaboration. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly raised the...
By Defence24 (Poland)
Social•Feb 9, 2026
Windracers Partners with HITRANS to Boost Remote Drone Deliveries
News from the UK's @Windracers as it announces MoU with Scotland's Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) to expand use of drone cargo deliveries to most remote regions of the UK #avgeek https://t.co/KpjvD28at5 https://t.co/7hDBSxpdfQ
By Tim Robinson
Social•Feb 9, 2026
Singapore Airshow Highlights: This Week’s Must‑See Moments
ICYMI: Missed out on all the news from the #SingaporeAirshow last week? Catch up with our round-up of the week's highlights #avgeek #aviation #aerospace https://t.co/jxkdVZJgSd https://t.co/OdNrk2NVVT
By Tim Robinson
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
Outlook 2026: The State of the Major eVTOL Projects
The eVTOL sector suffered a sharp contraction in 2025 as Lilium, Volocopter, Hyundai’s Supernal, Airbus’s CityAirbus, Textron’s Nexus and Overair all ceased development or shut down. Only China’s EHang EH216‑S achieved full certification, receiving a Type Certificate in 2023, a...
By Leeham News and Analysis
Blog•Feb 9, 2026
New Video Shows Ukrainian F-16 Scoring Gun Kill on Russian Drone
Ukrainian Air Force F‑16s have been captured on video using their M61 20 mm Vulcan cannon to shoot down a Russian Shahed (Geran‑2) drone, marking the clearest gun‑kill footage to date. The engagement highlights a broader shift toward gun‑based interceptions, which are...
By The Aviationist
News•Feb 8, 2026
Singapore Airshow 2026 – Indo-Pacific Strategic Realignments
The Singapore Airshow 2026 confirmed that drone‑centric forces are now the operational baseline across the Indo‑Pacific, highlighted by the RSAF’s rollout of Orbiter 4 and Hermes 900 UAVs. Indonesia abandoned the US F‑15EX program, opting for a mixed fleet anchored by 42...
By Defense Update
Blog•Feb 8, 2026
Boeing and Airbus in Line for Large Order From Saudia
Saudia Airlines is in early‑stage talks with Boeing and Airbus for a potential order of up to 150 aircraft, with Boeing likely supplying wide‑body jets and Airbus the A321neo single‑aisle family. The mix would include both passenger and cargo variants...
By UK Aviation News
Blog•Feb 8, 2026
Israel Scrambles Fighter Jets To Intercept Wizz Air Plane From London As Terror Alert Is Declared
Israeli fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a Wizz Air Airbus A321 en route from London to Tel Aviv after pilots reported a security situation. The alert was triggered when a passenger’s phone broadcast a private Wi‑Fi network labeled “Terrorist”...
By Paddleyourownkanoo
Blog•Feb 8, 2026
United Airlines Dangles Immediate Pay Rises to Push Flight Attendants Toward Controversial Scheduling System
United Airlines is offering flight attendants an immediate pay increase if they agree to a Preferential Bidding System (PBS) in a new contract. The airline argues PBS will streamline scheduling, cut administrative costs, and free up funds for higher wages....
By Paddleyourownkanoo
Social•Feb 8, 2026
Leadership, Amanah, and Teamwork: Turning a Struggling Airline Around
In this Part 2 of bbaviation7’s exclusive interview with former Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) group MD, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail reflects on the moment he was asked to take over the helm of a struggling national carrier and the weight...
By Bilqis Bahari