Airbus Helicopters has delivered its first helicopters using an electronic-delivery process negating the need for the customer to travel to collect the aircraft in light of the travel restrictions caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Bye Aerospace is approaching the critical design review for its eFlyer 2 two-seat electric training aircraft and has revealed plans to develop an all-electric six- to nine-seater in addition to the already announced four-seat eFlyer 4.
The light aircraft manufacturer has prioritized development of large cargo UAVs because of increasing indications that the entry into service of electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing air taxis could slip to 2028.
Helicopter manufacturers delivered 122 aircraft during the first three months of 2020, down 28% from 170 during the same time a year ago, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
The commercial helicopter industry was locked in a downturn even before the COVID-19 crisis. Deliveries fell again in 2019 to a low of 640 turbine helicopters from the high of 1,111 in 2013. Deliveries of piston helicopters, which had been boosted by demand for training, also declined in 2019.
The company said it must first meet cost targets and then work out a plan to get a type certificate. Only after the regional jet is declared airworthy will the resumption of manufacturing be considered.
Embraer, still shaking off its failed commercial tie-up with Boeing, plans to complete a strategic review by September and is talking to several potential partners that could play a role in the Brazilian airframer's future, the company’s top executive said.
Beta Technologies and Joby Aviation are the first developers of urban air mobility vehicles to progress to the third stage of the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program.
Desert Jet Holdings co-owner James McCool has acquired sole ownership of Desert Jet’s aircraft management, charter, maintenance and fixed base operations, from founder and co-owner Denise Wilson.
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics in Wichita has been named an authorized service center for BendixKing’s AeroCruze autopilots, including the AeroCruze 100/230 and XCruze 100/110.
Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus in Salina, Kansas, is offering teenagers an online unmanned aircraft systems program called the UAS Virtual Academy.
A team of employees at Million Air Westchester in New York has partnered with the White Plains Youth Bureau to help assemble food donation bags for those in need due to the COVID-19 crisis.
London-based Harrods Aviation has restarted operations at its Luton and Stansted FBOs as well as at its Air Harrods helicopter management and charter service.
