
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

Diamond Aircraft Highlights DA62 MPP Advancements and Unveils 2026 Development Roadmap
Diamond Aircraft’s Special Mission Aircraft Division has announced a series of technical milestones achieved in 2025 for the DA62 MPP, alongside a forward-looking 2026 roadmap aimed at expanding the platform’s versatility and operational efficiency. The announcement was made from Diamond’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, on 19 March 2026. In 2025, Diamond delivered significant upgrades across connectivity, certification, and avionics integration, enhancing the DA62 MPP’s performance for ISR, law enforcement, environmental monitoring, and maritime surveillance missions. Starlink Mini connectivity was demonstrated through extensive six-month flight trials across Europe and North Africa, validating stable, high-bandwidth airborne performance. This enables real-time sensor streaming, VOIP

SAA Monitoring Middle East Developments Amid Global Jet Fuel Concerns
South African Airways (SAA) is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global jet fuel supply while reassuring passengers and industry stakeholders that the airline currently does not anticipate any disruption to its operations. Amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the region concerns have emerged across the aviation sector about potential volatility in global oil markets and aviation fuel logistics. However SAA has confirmed that its fuel supply arrangements remain stable and sufficient to support its scheduled operations. South Africa benefits from a diversified aviation fuel supply chain that includes domestic refining capacity as well as established import

Textron Aviation Leads Industry in Key Aircraft Delivery Segments
Textron Aviation once again led the general aviation sector in several major delivery categories according to the annual shipments and billings report released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. The results reinforce the confidence customers continue to place in the performance, reliability and mission versatility of the Cessna and Beechcraft brands. The company ranked first in total business jet deliveries, total turbine aircraft deliveries and total turboprop deliveries further strengthening its position at the forefront of the industry. Several of its flagship platforms also maintained their long-standing market leadership. The Cessna Citation Latitude remained the most delivered midsize business jet for the