50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

Day`s summary for 26 Mar 2025

Qantas' $10 million regional grants program open for applications

The national carrier is reinforcing its longstanding commitment to regional Australia with $2 million in regional grants available for Australian based not-for-profit community groups and projects that benefit regional areas in 2025. In its fourth year, the Qantas Regional Grants program will provide a total of $10 million in grants over five years – $2 million each year – in the...

Bombardier Defense announced order of two Challenger 650 aircraft destined for ISR missions in Australia

Bombardier Defense announce that Principle Finance, a renowned provider of customised operating lease for aircraft in Australia, has acquired two Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft destined for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Australia. The delivery of both aircraft is planned for 2026.  Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Air...

XTI Aerospace provides TriFan fuel system design update

XTI Aerospace announced the successful update of its fuel system design, achieving a key 2025 first quarter product and engineering milestone announced in a prior press release. The updated fuel system design significantly increases the fuel volume in the wings from approximately 300 gallons to 400 gallons while minimizing unusable fuel in the system.  Dave Ambrose, VP of Engineering at XT...

Technology transfer project between Lockheed Martin and Pilatus for PC-21

Under the terms of an offset project, Pilatus and Lockheed Martin will partner on the technology and development of avionics and training functionality for its advanced next-generation pilot training system. This will allow Pilatus to provide a bespoke pilot training solution to customers operating the F-35 and other fifth-generation frontline aircraft. In 2022, Switzerland finalized an agreement...

Microflite orders Airbus H125 helicopter to expand utility work in Australia

Melbourne based helicopter operator, Microflite, has ordered an additional H125 to join their fleet in Australia, making it their 20th Airbus helicopter ordered over the years. This proven utility helicopter joins the fleet as part of Microflite’s strategy to continue to deliver the highest levels of safety available to their customers, with the H125 being the backbone of their fleet for all...

Japan Airlines orders 17 additional Boeing 737 MAX jets to refresh fleet

Boeing and Japan Airlines finalized an order for 17 737-8s to leverage the fuel efficiency and flexibility of the 737 MAX. The airline aims to launch the new 737 MAX jets on its robust domestic network, amid continued record-breaking tourism. This marks JAL’s second order for the 737-8 and nearly doubles its 737 MAX backlog to 38 firm orders. Mitsuko Tottori, president of Japan Airlines,...