National Airlines Completes World’s Longest Nonstop Commercial Boeing 777 Freighter Flight
U.S.-based cargo carrier National Airlines has successfully completed what is believed to be the world’s longest commercial Boeing 777 Freighter flight carrying live cargo. The ultra-long-haul mission covered 9,849 nautical miles nonstop from Prestwick, Scotland to Melbourne, Australia in 19 hours and 23 minutes. The flight was operated using one of National Airlines’ newest Boeing 777 Freighters (registration N792CA) to transport time-critical Aircraft on Ground (AOG) components for another airline. Designed to resolve an urgent maintenance requirement, the entire charter was planned, coordinated and launched within 30 hours of the initial customer enquiry. The mission generated widespread public interest on global flight-tracking
Emirates and South African Airways Expand Codeshare Agreement to Boost Regional Connectivity
Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) have announced a major expansion of their long-standing codeshare partnership, transitioning the arrangement into a fully reciprocal agreement that adds nine new destinations across central and southern Africa. The enhancement marks a key operational evolution in the nearly 30-year partnership between the two carriers. Previously operating on a unilateral basis where SAA placed its code on Emirates flights, the newly approved framework allows Emirates to place its ‘EK’ code on SAA-operated domestic and regional flights. Under the expanded network, passengers gain single-ticket connectivity, coordinated flight schedules and through-checked baggage to additional destinations via SAA’s hub at
South African Civil Aviation Authority Strengthens Regional and Transport Safety Ties with Dual MoUs
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has finalized two strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with domestic and regional transport authorities, expanding regulatory collaboration with South Africa’s Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) and Angola’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). The bilateral agreement signed with the RSR establishes an inter-agency framework between two of South Africa’s primary transport safety regulators. Executed at SACAA headquarters, the agreement targets enhanced cooperation across risk management protocols, safety promotion initiatives, technical capacity building, joint research projects and coordinated responses to systemic transport sector challenges. Expanding its international civil aviation oversight, the SACAA simultaneously concluded a technical cooperation MoU
SUSTAERO Partners with Topsoe and Sasol for Landmark Canadian Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project
SUSTAERO GP Inc. (SUSTAERO) has entered into a single point licensing agreement with global technology leaders Topsoe and Sasol to deliver advanced process technologies for its pioneering wood waste to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project in Canada. The agreement marks a major milestone for SUSTAERO, locking in the core chemical synthesis and upgrading blocks of its proprietary SOAR (Syngas Optimization for Aviation Renewables) architecture. Under the terms of the agreement, Topsoe and Sasol will provide their integrated Gas-to-Liquid synfuels (G2L) technology. This fully wrapped solution integrates Topsoe’s hydrogen production, gas reforming and hydroprocessing solutions with Sasol’s world-leading Fischer-Tropsch and treatment technologies. The
MD Helicopters Delivers First MD 530F to Zimbabwean Wildlife Conservation Agency
MD Helicopters has announced the successful delivery of a new MD 530F rotorcraft to an operator in Zimbabwe, marking the first time this specific aircraft model has been delivered into the Southern African country. The light single-engine helicopter was officially accepted by the customer at the manufacturer’s primary production facility in Mesa, Arizona before being prepared for international shipment. The aircraft is destined for a prominent wildlife conservation agency in Southern Africa to support highly demanding regional operations, including anti-poaching patrols, aerial surveillance and wildlife monitoring. To ensure a seamless transition, MD Helicopters is providing a complete turnkey delivery solution for the
Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X Engines Power Successful Maiden Flight of Dassault Falcon 10X Flagship
Rolls-Royce has announced that its highly advanced Pearl 10X engines have successfully powered the first flight of Dassault Aviation’s brand-new flagship business jet, the Falcon 10X. The maiden flight took off from Dassault’s production facility in Mérignac near Bordeaux, France, signaling the official commencement of the aircraft’s comprehensive flight test programme and marking a pivotal milestone toward its final entry into service. Over the coming months, both the airframe and the powerplants will undergo a rigorous series of operational tests designed to gather critical aerodynamic and performance data necessary for final type certification. The Pearl 10X stands as the newest and most
Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 Takes First Flight, Advancing Next-Generation Light Jet Program
Textron Aviation has reached a major development milestone in its next-generation light jet portfolio as the Cessna Citation M2 Gen3 prototype successfully completed its maiden flight. The aircraft will now enter an expanded phase of flight testing as the company works toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and a planned entry into service in 2027. The initial flight, piloted by Andrew Thorson and flight test engineer Tanner Towns, lasted 2.7 hours and focused on evaluating aircraft handling and key systems. The M2 Gen3 reached a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet and a maximum speed of 263 knots. “The aircraft systems and software
ACSA and Mangaung Sign MoU to Boost Bram Fischer Airport Development
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Bram Fischer International Airport to drive airport development, logistics growth and regional investment. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between the airport and the municipality while supporting economic development and improving connectivity across the Free State. The MoU establishes a framework for coordinated planning and cooperation on a range of initiatives. Key focus areas include economic growth and investment attraction, skills development, infrastructure development, tourism promotion, cargo and logistics expansion and aerotropolis development. By aligning airport expansion with municipal priorities, the partnership seeks to
Global Air Cargo Demand Soars 11.2% in February 2026
Global air cargo markets maintained strong momentum in February 2026, with demand rising 11.2% year-on-year, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). International operations saw slightly higher growth at 11.6%, reflecting ongoing global trade resilience despite emerging geopolitical challenges. Capacity expanded by 8.5% overall and 9.8% for international flights, indicating that airlines are keeping pace with rising demand, albeit under increasingly complex conditions. “Air cargo demand grew 11.2% in February. Even considering the boost from pre-Lunar New Year shipments, the month showed strong growth. The outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of the month,
AT-6 Twin: A New Era in Multi-Engine Flight Training
Flight testing has officially begun in Poland for the AT-6 Twin, a new four-seat aircraft designed by Tomasz Antoniewski with a bold vision: to make multi-engine training more accessible and affordable. This aircraft represents a unique approach to light aviation, blending innovative design with cutting-edge regulations to create a trainer that could transform pilot education worldwide. A Revolutionary Design The AT-6 Twin features a three-surface configuration, including a forward canard, main wings and a conventional tailplane. This layout is engineered for improved stability, efficiency and handling, particularly in the critical phases of multi-engine flight training. According to Antoniewski, the design allows pilots
Japan’s National Police Agency Expands H135 Fleet
On 12 March 2026, Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) placed a follow-on order for three Airbus H135 helicopters, bringing its total Airbus fleet to 26 units. The new aircraft will be deployed to Hokkaido, Shimane, and Miyagi Prefectural Police departments, supporting patrol, search and rescue, and tactical transport missions. “We are honoured by the National Police Agency’s continued trust in the H135,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “Its proven reliability and performance make it ideal for law enforcement operations.” The order follows the successful delivery of an H135 to Hiroshima Prefectural Police in late 2025, which now
Life Flight Network Signs Ten-Year Agreement and Orders 12 PC-12 PROs
Life Flight Network has signed a ten-year agreement and placed a firm order for twelve PC-12 PRO aircraft with additional options for future fleet growth. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027, representing a major long-term investment in advanced air medical capabilities. As the largest not-for-profit air medical transport provider in the United States, Life Flight Network will be the launch customer for the PC-12 PRO configured with a turnkey aeromedical interior. The aircraft, delivered by Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd from its Broomfield facility, will be outfitted for ICU-level care and transport. Founded nearly 50 years ago, Life Flight Network has established
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