Today's Aerospace Pulse
Icelandair to retire B757‑200 fleet by late 2026
Icelandair announced it will retire its Boeing 757‑200 aircraft in late 2026 as part of fleet modernization. In the same coverage cluster, Flexjet’s Irish subsidiary received regulatory approval to operate in the United States.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Eaton merges mobility business with Dana in $10B deal
Blue Origin’s Surprise TeraWave Constellation Jolts LEO Broadband Race
Blue Origin filed an FCC application for a hybrid LEO‑MEO broadband system called TeraWave, proposing 5,280 low‑Earth orbit satellites operating in Q‑ and V‑bands and 128 medium‑Earth orbit satellites linked by lasers. The architecture promises point‑to‑point links delivering up to 6 terabits per second, aimed at roughly 100,000 enterprise and government customers. Blue Origin plans to launch the constellation on its New Glenn rockets, targeting initial deployments by 2027. Industry observers question the technical feasibility and launch capacity needed to meet the aggressive timeline.
El Al Resumes Limited Ops as Tel Aviv Reopens
El Al Israel Airlines will restart inbound services on 4 March 2026, operating a single flight per hour as Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport reopens. The limited schedule focuses on repatriating Israelis stranded in 22 European, Asian and U.S. locations, while outbound sales are...
Warp Nacelle Print Collapse Leaves Me with Spaghetti
Well dang. Bound to happen. Enterprise’s warp nacelle pylon’s fell during printing and I got spaghetti.
ADB Safegate Sells Terminal Business
Belgian‑based ADB Safegate announced the sale of its Terminal business, sharpening its focus on airside operations. The company will concentrate on next‑generation airfield lighting, intelligent power solutions, and digital platforms, while expanding R&D through its Safegate Labs initiative. Upgrades to...
India Signs $238M Deal with Russia for Shipborne Missiles
India’s Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport on March 3 to purchase ship‑borne vertical‑launch surface‑to‑air missiles for the Navy’s Shtil‑1 system. The $238 million (2,182 crore rupees) deal will provide 9M317ME missiles for four Project 11356 frigates, including the already‑operational F70 Tushil...
U.S. Air Force Conducts Minuteman III Missile Test Launch
The U.S. Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 3, carrying two test reentry vehicles to a target near Kwajalein Atoll. The flight, designated GT 255, is part of a long‑running reliability program that has...
Circuits Integrated Launches Ka-Band Integrated Switch Power Amplifiers
Circuits Integrated Hellas has introduced the CI-ONE family, a small‑form‑factor Ka‑band module that combines a high‑performance power amplifier with a single‑pole double‑throw switch. The integrated solution delivers 5 ns switching, up to 36 dBm output, and about 22% efficiency at the 1 dB...
U.S. Marine Corps Buys More Titan Counter-Drone Systems
The U.S. Marine Corps awarded BlueHalo Labs a $22.8 million contract modification to purchase additional Titan SV MPv3 counter‑drone systems and spare‑parts kits under its Organic‑Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems program. Delivery is slated for on or before July 1 2026, addressing an...
U.S. Air Force Signs $1.9B C-130J Simulator Support Deal
The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.9 billion contract for the C‑130J Maintenance and Training System IV (JMATS IV). The deal covers production, modernization, sustainment, and support of high‑fidelity aircrew and maintenance simulators. The program will service training devices across dozens...
Russia Likely Downed Its Own Military Helicopter
Russian air defenses likely shot down their own Ka‑52 attack helicopter near Millerovo on March 3 while intercepting a massive Ukrainian drone swarm. The helicopter was reportedly misidentified as a hostile UAV, resulting in crew casualties that remain unconfirmed. Russian officials...
Breaking: Israeli F-35I Shoots Down Iranian Yak-130 Over Iran
On March 4, 2026, the Israeli Air Force confirmed that an F‑35I Adir shot down an Iranian Yak‑130 over Tehran, marking the first time an F‑35 has downed a manned fighter. The Yak‑130 was reportedly on a counter‑drone mission, equipped...
Revised UK Night Flight Policy Needed
The UK government must overhaul its night‑flight regime before 2028 as the delayed Aviation Night Noise Effects (ANNE) study pushes policy decisions into the autumn. Night flights underpin the air‑freight sector, delivering express services that 95% of businesses label essential...
Vista America Receives FAA Diamond Award of Excellence
Vista America has earned the Federal Aviation Administration’s Diamond Award of Excellence, the highest U.S. distinction for maintenance training. The award required every eligible technician to finish a year‑long curriculum covering advanced aircraft systems, regulations and safety procedures. The company...
Saxon Air Adds Agusta AW139 to Managed Fleet
Saxon Air has expanded its managed fleet with a 2025‑built Agusta AW139, registration G‑MCFC, now available for charter services. The medium‑twin helicopter seats seven in an executive layout and offers increased payload, range, and flexibility for UK and European missions, including...
PLD Space Raises $209 Million to Shift Into Serial Rocket Production
PLD Space announced a €180 million Series C round, the largest European space funding this year, to accelerate serial production of its Miura 5 launch vehicle. The round was led by Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric, which will receive priority launch access for its satellite...
Book Review: Space Shock
The review of *Space Shock: 18 Threats That Will Define Space Power* examines China’s surge in space capabilities in 2025, from asteroid sampling to lunar lander tests, and frames them as strategic challenges for the United States. The authors, Garretson...
Aircraft Interiors Industry Development Summary: Jan/Feb-2026 - A321XLR Lavatory Headaches
CAPA’s latest bi‑monthly analysis flags growing passenger backlash over the lavatory design on the Airbus A321XLR. The aircraft’s extended range and flexible cabin layouts have prompted airlines to experiment with new interior configurations, but cramped restroom spaces are sparking complaints....
F-15E Deploys Massive Counter‑Drone Arsenal in Epic Fury
USAF F-15E in full counter drone loadout for Epic Fury. 4 X AIM-120, 4X AIM-9, 28 FALCO APKWS laser-guided rockets + the 20mm. Jet is clean aside from that, so likely has nearby tanker support and can get to...
Russian Sources Say Own Mi‑8AMTSh Downed by Friendly Fire
Several Russian Telegram and media sources say that a Russian Mi-8AMTSh helicopter was shot down last night by Russian air defenses.
ATN International Inc (ATNI) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
ATN International reported fourth‑quarter 2025 revenue of $1.2 billion and full‑year revenue of $4.6 billion, the strongest top line since 2012. Adjusted EBITDA reached $232 million in Q4 and $859 million for the year, lifting the margin to 19.7% and surpassing guidance. Management guided...
Ukrainian UAVs Destroy Russian S‑400 Launcher in Belgorod
Video from the Ukrainian National Guard Lasar’s Group of bomber UAS strikes on a Russian S-400 TEL in Belgorod oblast that was located by the 429th Achilles Brigade. https://t.co/JQeQ980VPP https://t.co/X5MSQYsK1D
Inception Aviation CEO Discusses Future at RAeS Fireside
Today at RAeS HQ! As part of #RAeSCivilAviationWeek - Tony Lucking Fireside Chat 2026 - Tasos Michael - CEO, Inception Aviation Holdings Limited #avgeek https://t.co/nDuunYNrFf https://t.co/KXoTZlU6Aj
South Australia Chosen for HAMR Energy’s First Australian Methanol-to-Jet SAF Plant
South Australia has been chosen as the site for HAMR Energy’s $700‑800 million methanol‑to‑jet sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant, the first of its kind in the country. The facility will use Honeywell technology to convert 300,000 tonnes of low‑carbon methanol into about...
Decorated Kuwaiti Pilot
Kuwaiti AF Hornet pilot promotion board, 20 years hence "30-plus years of service. Combat medals. Citations. Only man to shoot down three planes in the last 40 years. Why are you still a Captain?" https://t.co/1mfw8xqxRz
Kairos Launch Scrubbed Amid Ongoing Space One‑Firefly Delays
Kairos launch scrubbed, as Space One and Firefly Aerospace continue their battle of the launch delays.
Southwest Faces Pushback on Assigned Seating One Month In
Southwest Airlines abandoned its 53‑year open‑seating model on Jan. 27, becoming the last U.S. carrier to switch to assigned seating. Within a month, passengers voiced strong dissatisfaction, citing standby assignments and family separations despite available seats. In response, Executive Vice President...
Kuwaiti Hornet Shoots Down Three U.S. F‑15
Kuwaiti F/A-18 Hornet Responsible For Shooting Down Three USAF F-15E Strike Eagles: Report The bizarre friendly fire incident resulted in the total loss of all three Strike Eagles, but their crews survived. https://t.co/CRnKlnLVDa
First Symphony Engine Prototype Enters Production with 3,000lb Aluminum Frame
As the first prototype Symphony engine approaches assembly, we've launched manufacturing for the first production unit. Here is 3,000lbm of cast aluminum, which will be HIP'd and then machined into an inlet frame. https://t.co/8yiGkixeJ6
Singapore Airlines Newark–Singapore Flight Clips a Spirit Jet at the Gate — One of the World’s Longest Routes Sits for...
Singapore Airlines Flight 21, a 19‑hour‑10‑minute non‑stop Newark‑Singapore service, clipped the tail of a Spirit Airlines aircraft while departing the gate. The low‑speed contact prompted a six‑and‑a‑half‑hour delay while the A350‑900 underwent mandatory structural checks. FAA officials classified the event as...
US Sinks Iranian Fleet as Iran’s Missile Barrage Falters
A few notable details here. Adm. Cooper says: - The U.S. is sinking "the entire" Iranian navy, including 17 ships so far - Iran has launched 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones so far - U.S. combat power still building as Iran's is...
Launch Tower Upgrades Needed for Rapid Artemis Missions
Problem with more rapid SLS launces in my mind is the ability to turn around the launch tower work quick enough. There was big damage after Artemis 1 to the tower and it took a lot of time (and $$$)...
Space Force Modernization Push Runs Into Acquisition Workforce Shortfall
The Space Force’s push to modernize its space capabilities is being hampered by a critical shortage of contracting officers and financial managers. As the service moves from buying discrete hardware to fielding integrated warfighting systems, it needs acquisition professionals with...
And Now We Have “NASA Force”
NASA announced the launch of “NASA Force,” a two‑year term recruitment program in partnership with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The initiative will bring top aerospace, software, and systems engineers into the civil service workforce to restore core competencies...
United Semiconductors Reserves Payload Space with Starlab to Advance Commercial-Scale In-Space Semiconductor Manufacturing
United Semiconductors has secured payload space on Starlab’s commercial space station to transition its micro‑gravity semiconductor crystal growth from the International Space Station to sustained, commercial‑scale production in low Earth orbit. The partnership leverages Starlab’s rapid, no‑assembly launch architecture and...
Air Freight Backlog Set to Gridlock Asia Airports Amid Middle East Conflict: K+N CEO
Air cargo originating in Asia for the US and Europe will soon pile up at regional airports as the expanding Middle East conflict grounds a sizable share of available capacity. Kuehne + Nagel CEO Stefan Paul warned that backlogs will materialise by...
Canada’s Space Commander on Protecting Satellites From Jamming and Potential Nuclear Risks
Brigadier‑General Christopher Horner, commander of Canada’s 3 Space Division, warned that a nuclear detonation in low‑Earth orbit would generate an electromagnetic pulse capable of crippling global satellite services. He highlighted that Russia’s electronic‑warfare jamming already extends into space, threatening commercial...
Why FlightPath3D Stays Ahead of Geopolitics for Aviation Map Clients
FlightPath3D, a leading 3‑D moving‑map supplier for more than 90 airlines, has built a rapid‑response system to update geopolitical changes on inflight displays. The firm monitors global disputes, executive orders and naming mandates, rolling out map revisions—such as the Taiwan...
Engine Issue Forces Emergency Landing at LAX
United Airlines forced a Boeing 787‑9 to return to Los Angeles International Airport on Monday after the aircraft’s left engine exhibited a malfunction, prompting an emergency landing about an hour after takeoff. Smoke continued to plume from the engine for...
Gulf States in Race Against Time to Repel Iran's Onslaught
Iran has intensified its drone campaign targeting the Persian Gulf, prompting neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to scramble limited air‑defence interceptors. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait are accelerating purchases of Patriot, SAMP/T and other high‑altitude...
Gulf Interceptor Shortage Forces Costly Missile Reliance
The Gulf states are rapidly running out of interceptors. They have already burned through more than half their stockpile trying to stop low-cost Shahed drones, and soon they may have to ignore drones entirely to conserve missiles for ballistic threats. That...
Add Backup Launch Tower to Boost Launch Frequency
Can't it be used as a second launch tower for when the other is being repaired? Seems reasonable to have a few of them if they really want that launch frequency to rise.
NASA Officially Drops EUS and ML‑2 From Roadmap
This NASA press release is the first time I've seen them say explicity that EUS and ML-2 are no longer part of the plan. It was implied before, but not stated. https://t.co/dszeLdwLOG https://t.co/M5G9X3Kejl
Russia Deploys Cheaper, Faster, More Powerful Cruise Missile
New Russian Air-Launched Cruise Missile Appears In Ukraine The Izdeliye 30 is likely cheaper, faster to produce, and harder-hitting than previous Russian air-launched cruise missiles. https://t.co/sRc5Dz3PJ0
SLS Fixed, New Rollout Begins April 1
SLS repaired ✅ New rollout in the coming weeks ✅ Launch window: starts April 1st ✅
Decarbonisation Likely to End Cheap Airline Tickets
The end of cheap flights? How decarbonisation could up up putting up the price of airline tickets #avgeek #RAeSCommercialAviationSummit #RAeSCivilAviationWeek https://t.co/uPfVlkUuNF https://t.co/0RhCg9Gr45
Artemis II Fixes Helium Blockage, Validates Repairs, Replaces Batteries
Artemis II update: engineers determined that a quick disconnect seal obstructed the flow of helium in the ICPS upper stage. Repairs have been made and are now being validated. They're also replacing batteries, and a seal on the core stage...
Easter Europe Travel Spikes as Middle East Conflict Drives Demand
Ryanair's O'Leary sees surge in Easter bookings to Europe due to Middle East war https://t.co/TDpGBi7ecF
U.S. Deploys Additional F‑35A and F‑15E Fighters
More U.S. Fighter Aircraft Heading To Middle East Additional F-35As and F-15Es will be arriving in the CENTCOM area of responsibility shortly. https://t.co/hkdnWi8tcM
FlightPath3D Swiftly Updates Maps Amid Geopolitical Disputes
Geopolitical tensions, disputed territories, and legal requirements are just some of the reasons why maps differ worldwide. It’s also why leading aviation map provider FlightPath3D has procedures in place to quickly address any required changes. https://t.co/tQ212Infl5 #PaxEx https://t.co/RdEe1Jfv1h
Airborne Battle Management Essential Across All DoD Priorities
New @CNASdc report: In "Eyes in the Sky," @PhilSheers explains why airborne battle management aircraft aren't just vital in the Middle East—they're essential for DoD's top priorities, from a war with China to defending the homeland. https://t.co/y2xBWinnY5