Kitplanes for Africa (KFA) announced a significant leadership transition.
Embraer and Airlink sign contract for collaborative inventory planning.
Piper Aircraft reports strong year-over-year growth in 2024 highest unit volume since 2001.
Joby successfully conducts first FAA testing under TIA, begins final phase of certification program.
Wingcopter extends range of applications to long-range LiDAR surveying.
Diamond Aircraft announces increase in maximum take-off mass for DA62 MPP.
Japan orders 17 Boeing CH-47JA Block II Chinooks.
Archer Raises $300M from leading institutional investors to accelerate hybrid aircraft platform development as defence opportunities look stronger than expected.
This week in history - Death of William Thomas Piper Sr., American airplane manufacturer, and first president of Piper Aircraft Corporation.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Dornier 27 Movie Star
KITPLANES FOR AFRICA (KFA) IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE A SIGNIFICANT LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Kitplanes for Africa (KFA) is excited to announce a significant leadership transition, marking a new chapter in our ongoing commitment to crafting world-class bush planes.
After nearly two decades as Accountable Manager (AM) and CEO, Stefan Coetzee has expanded the KFA range and taken the company to a global level. With this growth and the company's increasing scope, Stefan has decided to step down from his role as Accountable Manager to make room for new leadership to oversee day to-day operations, sales, production, and planning. He will, however, continue as CEO, focusing on the macro vision and strategic development of the brand whist still remaining actively involved in R&D, marketing initiatives as well as growing other KFA interest.
Taking on the role of Accountable Manager from 3 February 2025 is Braam Hechter. Braam brings a wealth of expertise and experience in regulatory affairs, management, technical and training. With a military and civilian background, he not only has extensive experience as a pilot and leader, but also embodies a deep respect for the values and culture that define both grassroots and corporate aviation.
His passion for excellence and forward-thinking vision aligns perfectly with KFA's legacy and mission. We are confident that this change will lead KFA to even greater heights.
Through every challenge and triumph, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our loyal supporters, customers, and partners who have been instrumental in KFA's journey. By working together, we overcome every challenge and continue to grow. Your trust, enthusiasm, and unwavering support drive us forward, inspiring our commitment to excellence.
Rest assured, we remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of safety and innovation, whilst continuously improving quality in everything we do. Together, we will continue to build on our shared legacy, achieve new milestones, and help shape the future of aviation.
EMBRAER AND AIRLINK SIGN CONTRACT FOR COLLABORATIVE INVENTORY PLANNING
Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3), a global aerospace industry leader, and Airlink, Southern Africa's premier airline, today inked a spare parts inventory support agreement covering the carrier's all-Embraer fleet of 68 aircraft.
The agreement will see Airlink become the first African customer for the customized Embraer Collaborative Inventory Planning (ECIP) management system, which will optimize its inventory levels and reduce its operational costs for its fleet of ERJ and E-Jets. Airlink has been an Embraer aircraft operator and customer since 2001 with its fleet operating flights throughout Southern and East Africa, to Madagascar as well as to St Helena and Ascension islands in the South Atlantic.
“The longstanding relationship between Embraer and Airlink has matured over time through mutual understanding and close collaboration. Today Airlink is proudly the largest operator of Embraer Regional Jet airliners on the continent, and we have clear objectives of expanding and densifying our footprint, which will require additional capacity and more aircraft. Impeccable product support is an imperative to continuously deliver safe and reliable service excellence, which is an Airlink mantra. We are 'joined at the hip' with Embraer, and this ECIP speaks volumes to mutual commitment to optimizing the operational and economic performance of our fleet,” said Rodger Foster, Airlink Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.
“Embraer has a long-term relationship with Airlink, which is one of our main customers worldwide. This deal shows the airline's trust in our support. We will work even harder to help Airlink gain efficiency and reduce inventory costs in all operations through ECIP, a program that offers the best-in-class performance customized to each inventory, while providing access to Embraer's global logistics network,” says Carlos Naufel, President and CEO, Embraer Services & Support.
ECIP offers several advantages to customers. First, most of the inventory investment is done by Embraer, reducing substantially the investment usually carried out by airlines. Also, fixed yearly pricing for each part allows customers to balance costs more precisely at guaranteed performance levels by Embraer Services & Support. The operation is data-driven, with a weekly ordering recommendation based on customer usage and stock level data that is created utilizing advanced software and Embraer Planning experience shared collaboratively. Finally, all airlines participating in ECIP can count on Embraer's materials management expertise and a global logistics network with best-in-class performance.
PIPER AIRCRAFT REPORTS STRONG YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH IN 2024 HIGHEST UNIT VOLUME SINCE 2001
Piper Aircraft closed 2024 with a strong performance, delivering 291 aircraft, a nearly 20% increase over 2023, with 46 more aircraft delivered year-over-year.
A key contributor to this growth is the M700 FURY, Piper's new 300 knot flagship aircraft, which launched in March 2024. In its first year, 46 M700 FURY aircraft were delivered, further strengthening Piper's position in the high-performance turboprop market.
U.S. domestic deliveries totalled 217 aircraft, up 7.0% when compared to 2023. International deliveries grew by 76%, with 74 aircraft delivered, underscoring Piper's growing global presence.
“Our continued growth, both domestically and internationally, is a testament to the strength of our product lineup and the trust our customers place in Piper. The increase in international deliveries highlights Piper's expanding global footprint and the growing appeal of our aircraft worldwide,” said John Calcagno, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft, Inc. “With the successful introduction of the M700 FURY and tremendous growth in Archer DX trainer sales, 2024 was a milestone year for our company, with the highest delivery count in well over two decades.”
As Piper Aircraft moves into 2025, the company remains committed to delivering innovative, high-performance aircraft while expanding its reach to meet the evolving needs of owner pilots and training fleet operators worldwide.
JOBY SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTS FIRST FAA TESTING UNDER TIA, BEGINS FINAL PHASE OF CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY), a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, today announced it has entered the final phase of certification for its electric air taxi, having conducted its first FAA testing under Type Inspection Authorization (“TIA”). The testing involved pilots from the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) evaluating human factors elements of flight safety using an FAA-conforming flight deck in a Joby simulator.
TIA testing is considered the final phase of the type certification process, which paves the way for an aircraft to begin commercial passenger operations. This phase involves FAA test pilots conducting testing to validate an aircraft's performance and safety in accordance with previously-approved certification test plans.
“This milestone demonstrates Joby's continued industry leadership and is a reflection of the maturity of our test program and the rigorous company testing we've already completed,” said JoeBen Bevirt, CEO and Founder at Joby Aviation.
“As well as continuing the for-credit testing of components, aerostructures and systems that is already underway, we are targeting the start of TIA flight testing in 2025 with our first FAA-conforming aircraft, which is currently being built at our facility in Marina, California.”
The tests were conducted according to a set of criteria outlined in an FAA-approved human factors certification test plan and measured pilot workload under various expected flight conditions, physical ergonomics of the flight deck, as well as other human factors aspects of aircraft safety. Four FAA test pilots completed three days of TIA testing during the engagement.
In another major achievement earlier this month, Joby announced it has successfully completed static load testing on a FAA-conforming tail structure of the aircraft, marking the first time the Company had tested a major aerostructure for FAA credit.
Joby is the first eVTOL manufacturer to complete three of five stages of the FAA type certification program and is more than 40 percent complete with the Company's work for the fourth stage.
Joby's electric air taxi is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions.
WINGCOPTER EXTENDS RANGE OF APPLICATIONS TO LONG-RANGE LIDAR SURVEYING
Wingcopter, a leading German drone manufacturer, seller and service provider, has announced that it will expand its offering beyond cargo drones to include the sale of long-range BVLOS LiDAR surveying solutions. For this, the Wingcopter 198, the company's flagship product, will be equipped with superior laser scanning and camera systems, enabling the efficient and rapid collection of high-quality data.
The aim is to give customers the opportunity to survey up to 37 miles (60 km) of linear infrastructure in one mission, carrying a 10 lbs (4.5 kg) sensor system. Potential use cases include the inspection of power lines, pipelines, railways and roads, as well as the mapping of terrain and vegetation that is difficult to access.
The announcement was made at GEO WEEK in Denver, Colorado, a leading trade show for geospatial technology, where Wingcopter is currently showcasing its new application. The planned system allows to collect up to 570 pts/m2 with a sensor accuracy of 10 mm and a precision of 5 mm, significantly outperforming existing solutions in the market. Using a Wingcopter with a high-end LiDAR, customers can scan up to 2,560 acres (10.3 square kilometres) in a single 42-minute BVLOS mission.
Ansgar Kadura, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Wingcopter, points out: “After years of developing and relentless testing, we have frozen the Wingcopter 198 in the configuration that is currently undergoing FAA type certification in the United States. The drone has unique payload and range characteristics, and with a proven product lifetime of more than 1,000 flight hours, it is one of the most reliable long-range eVTOL UAS on the market. Based on this configuration, we are developing a solution to address the field of high-quality LiDAR surveying and integrating the best commercially available sensor systems. I look forward to discussing with surveyors and learning about their vision for an ideal BVLOS LiDAR surveying drone.”
Augustinho Simoes, Synerjet's Director of Drone Operations and Development, comments: “Together with Wingcopter, we are developing custom applications, adding more functionality to the aircraft and meeting requirements from other industries, such as asset inspections, vegetation monitoring and mapping. The first version will be equipped with a high-end LiDAR sensor that offers a wide 100-degree field of view and an extremely high pulse repetition rate of up to 2.4 MHz. The measuring beam is emitted consecutively in three different directions: it alternates from strictly nadir to +10 degrees forward, and to -10 degrees backward. This allows data acquisition with unparalleled completeness in data capture, especially in challenging environments with vertical surfaces, narrow canyons, transmission lines, railways, highways, forest plantations and many other applications.”
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN MAXIMUM TAKEOFF MASS FOR DA62 MPP
Diamond Aircraft Industries, a leading innovator in the aerospace industry, is proud to announce a significant enhancement to the DA62 MPP. The maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) of the DA62 MPP has been increased, marking a major milestone in the aircraft's operational capabilities.
The new MTOM of 2.360 kg represents a 2,5% increase from the previous limit. This enhancement allows for greater payload capacity, enabling operators to carry more fuel or equipment, thereby improving operational efficiency and profitability.
Key Benefits of the Increased MTOM:
Enhanced Payload Capacity: The increased MTOM allows for additional mission equipment, providing operators with greater flexibility and revenue potential.
Improved Fuel Efficiency: Despite the higher take-off mass, the DA62 MPP maintains its industry-leading fuel efficiency, ensuring cost-effective operations.
Extended Range: The aircraft can now operate on longer missions without compromising on performance. The 60 kg of additional payload are equivalent to one hour of additional endurance.
Compliance with Safety Standards: The increase in MTOM has been rigorously tested and certified by relevant aviation authorities, ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability.
"We are thrilled to offer our customers an aircraft that not only meets but exceeds their operational needs," said Mario Spiegel, Head of Sales Diamond Special Mission Aircraft Division. "The increased MTOM of the DA62 MPP is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in aviation."
The DA62 MPP is a versatile airborne platform that builds on the competitive advantages of Diamond Aircraft's renowned DA62 model. These advantages include simple aircraft handling and Diamond's unmatched safety record; Jet-A fueled diesel engines that ensure the lowest operating costs by class; a low noise and IR signature due to the engines' on-top exhaust system; superb aerodynamics and immunity to corrosion provided by the aircraft's all-composite structure; and much more.
The DA62 MPP with the new MTOM is now available for order, with deliveries to begin January 2025.
JAPAN ORDERS 17 BOEING CH-47JA BLOCK II CHINOOKS
The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) has ordered 17 CH-47 Block II Chinooks Extended Range to modernize its fleet, replacing some of its CH-47 JA aircraft. The aircraft will be co-produced by Boeing and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI).
Boeing and KHI have delivered over 100 Chinooks to the JSDF since the 1980s, making it one of the longest lasting and most successful license manufacturing programs in Japan.
“This award strengthens our decades-long relationship with KHI and provides critical capability improvements that will keep the Japan Self-Defense Forces operating heavy-lift aircraft for decades to come,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager, Boeing Cargo Programs. “The Block II configuration and digital flight controls will modernize and significantly improve Japan's helicopter transport capabilities by improving aircraft stability, safety, and efficiency.”
The Block II Chinook extended range aircraft is the next generation of heavy-lift, and multi-mission helicopter. This aircraft features an advanced digital cockpit, reinforced airframe, enhanced fuel tanks, and other improvements allowing increased performance and commonality with the expanding global fleet of updated Chinooks. The adoption of the modern aircraft design and avionics architecture enables future technology upgrades and the ability to further expand operational capabilities.
Japan joins the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany as the fourth global customer for this advanced configuration, ensuring the JSDF remains at the forefront of heavy-lift aviation for years to come.
ARCHER RAISES $300M FROM LEADING INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS TO ACCELERATE HYBRID AIRCRAFT PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT AS DEFENCE OPPORTUNITIES LOOK STRONGER THAN EXPECTED
Archer announced it has raised $301.75M1, further reinforcing Archer's strong financial position and strategically positioning it to accelerate the development of its hybrid aircraft platform for the defence market and beyond. Leading institutional investors participated in this financing, including funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. This raise brings Archer's total liquidity position to ~$1B. Archer has long maintained one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry, and this additional capital further strengthens its position.
With its further reinforced balance sheet, Archer continues to be well-positioned for its commercialization effort With its further reinforced balance sheet, Archer continues to be well-positioned for its commercialization effort. (Photo: Business Wire)
Archer launched Archer Defence in December to develop next-generation aircraft for defence applications. The first product from this division is planned to be a hybrid-propulsion, vertical-take-off-and landing aircraft.
Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer said, “I believe the opportunity for advanced vertical lift aircraft across defence appears to be substantially larger than I originally expected. As a result, we are raising additional capital to help us invest in critical capabilities like composites and batteries to help enable us to capture this opportunity and more.”
With its further reinforced balance sheet, Archer also continues to be well-positioned for its commercialization effort. Paired with the completion of construction of its ARC manufacturing facility, continued progress towards FAA certification and launch of its cross-industry consortium in the UAE, Archer is tracking well towards its goals in 2025 and beyond.
Today, Archer is also releasing certain of its preliminary estimated financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024, reporting that its GAAP operating expenses will be within the range of $120 million to $140 million and total non-GAAP operating expenses are in line with its guidance range of $95 million to $110 million. Archer is also confirming that it does not expect that its total non-GAAP operating expenses for the first quarter of 2025 will materially increase over this Q4 guided range.
The financing provided for the purchase and sale of 35,500,000 shares of Archer's Class A common stock at a price of $8.50 per share based on a volume-weighted average price of the Class A common stock, in a registered direct offering. The net proceeds from the offering announced today will be used for the development of next generation aircraft manufacturing capabilities related to this effort, including batteries and composites, and the remainder for general corporate purposes. The shares of Class A common stock were offered pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR (File No. 333-284812) filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 11, 2025, which became automatically effective upon filing. Moelis & Company LLC is acting as the exclusive placement agent in connection with this offering.
15 JANUARY 1970
Death of William Thomas Piper Sr., American airplane manufacturer, and first president of Piper Aircraft Corporation.
Born on 8 January 1881 William Thomas Piper Sr. was an American aviation and oil industry businessman. He was the founding president of the Piper Aircraft Corporation and led the company from 1929 until his death in 1970. He graduated from Harvard University in 1903 and later became known as "the Henry Ford of aviation".
In 1929 when he became an investor in the Taylor Brothers Aircraft Corporation. He went on to purchase the soon-renamed Taylor Aircraft Corporation and head it until reorganizing the company into Piper Aircraft in 1937, eventually seeing tremendous success and becoming a well-known aviation figure of the 20th century] Piper Aircraft sold over 80,000 units when he oversaw the company, cementing Piper as a global aerospace manufacturing power.
Piper passed away in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, U.S. on 15 January 1970 at aged 89.
South Africa, Johannesburg International Airport (JNB/FAOR): CemAir flight 5Z100, a DHC-8-311Q, suffered an engine failure on take-off from Johannesburg International Airport (JNB). The aircraft returned and safely landed back at JNB.
Brazil, Rio de Janeiro/Galeão-Antonio Int. Apt. (GIG/SBGL), Rio de Janeiro, RJ: Gol Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes flight G3 1674, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying 103 passengers and 6 crew, collided with a vehicle during take-off from runway 10 at Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport (GIG/SBGL), Brazil. The take-off was aborted at about 149 kt, and the aircraft came to a full stop on the runway. ARFF attended and all passengers deplaned via airstairs on the runway. A Chevrolet pick-up truck belonging to the airport's management was standing on the runway while two airport crew performed maintenance on runway edge lights. The truck's cabin was crushed by the aircraft. The aircraft sustained damage to the underside of the centre fuselage area. No one was injured. Brazil, near Manaus, AM: A Beechcraft 55 Baron from Venezuela transporting drugs illegally entered Brazilian air space and was shot down by the Brazilian Air Force. Both occupants perished and the aircraft was destroyed.
USA, near Laredo International Airport (LRD/KLRD), Laredo, TX: A Douglas A-20G Havoc, N747HS, was substantially damaged when it was involved an accident during the WBCA Air Show at Laredo International Airport (LRD/KLRD), Laredo, Texas. The sole pilot onboard sustained serious injuries. Preliminary information suggests the aircraft suffered a "mechanical issue", possibly an engine fire, and was forced to land outside of the airport. ADS-B data suggests the airplane had conducted a lowpass over runway 36L and was climbing out when it conducted a left turn followed by an orbit and landed in an open field north of the airport. Post-accident photos show that the airplane came to rest upright and intact, but sustained substantial damage.
Canada, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ/CYYZ), Toronto: A Delta Connection Bombardier CL-600-2D24 Regional Jet CRJ-900LR, flight EDV4819 operated by Endeavor Air, was destroyed following a landing accident on runway 23 at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ/CYYZ), Toronto. Ontario. The four crew members and seventy-six passengers survived, but eighteen were injured, three of them seriously. Photos from the scene shows that the right wing had separated and the aircraft came to rest inverted. The main gear and tail control surfaces were impact damaged and separated as well. The left wing and nose gear remained attached to the airframe. At 1400 LT, about 12 minutes before the accident, the YYZ automated surface observing system reported winds from 270 at 28 knots, gusting 35 knots, 6 miles surface visibility, blowing snow, 3,400ft AGL ft above ground level (agl) broken cloudlayer, temperature -9°C, dew point -14°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.93 inches of mercury. At 1432 LT, about 20 minutes after the accident, the YYZ automated surface observing system reported winds from 270 at 20 knots, gusting 32 knots, 6 miles surface visibility, blowing snow, 3,000ft AGL ft above ground level (agl) broken cloud layer, temperature -8°C, dew point -13°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.94 inches of mercury.
