Execujet South Africa complete extensive mods to Falcon 900EX.
Official unveiling of INTEGRAL R to the US market.
Sonex Highwing Update: Time to Get in Line.
Elixir Aircraft starts deliveries for Leading Edge Aviation.
US Air Force selects Boeing for next-generation air dominance fighter platform.
Electra Secures 2,200 pre-orders for its groundbreaking ultra short aircraft.
Full charge ahead for electric flying boats to take off in the UK.
ATR announces new order of ATR 72-600F.
TAAG Angola Airlines Takes delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Malaysia Aviation Group announces order for up to 60 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes.
This week in history - 10 March 1918 – Günther Rall, German ace fighter pilot, was born.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents.
Bonus video - KFA Safari Tedderfield to Brits.
Execujet South Africa Complete Extensive Mods To Falcon 900EX
ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa has successfully completed a 2C heavy maintenance check on a Dassault Falcon 900EX, incorporating significant modifications and additional work. As part of the project, the team removed and reinstalled the aircraft’s outer wing surface and modified the wing’s dry bay.
This major structural upgrade enhances safety by adding a sealed boundary within the fuel tank, providing an extra layer of protection in the event of damage.
The modification required extensive labour, including the removal and reinstallation of approximately 2,000 screws.
Additionally, the aircraft underwent a full landing gear overhaul and a cabin interior refurbishment, all timed to align with the scheduled 2C check to optimise efficiency and minimise downtime.
The aircraft’s owner, a longstanding customer of ExecuJet’s Lanseria International Airport facility, entrusted the centre once again for this comprehensive maintenance work.
Vince Goncalves, Regional VP Africa for ExecuJet MRO Services, said: “Falcon operators prefer to send their aircraft to us because we are a factory-owned Falcon service centre that has an experienced local workforce trained by Dassault.
“We support all in-production Falcon models at our facility. With the growing number of Falcons in the region, we look forward to more line and base maintenance work coming to the facility.”
Dassault’s three-engine Falcons are popular with African operators due to their range and airport runway performance, particularly in ‘hot and high’ flying conditions.
Separately, ExecuJet MRO Services South Africa has also concluded 1C inspection on a South African-registered Falcon 50B.
Official Unveiling Of Integral R To The Us Market
AURA AERO will be exhibiting at Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, the second largest aviation expo in the US, in Lakeland, Florida. For the first time, the manufacturer will present to the American public its two-seater training aircraft with aerobatic capabilities, INTEGRAL R.
The US is a major market for INTEGRAL, being the largest training market, with nearly 600 FAA approved flight schools, over 75,000 pilots and a growing demand for modern, cost-effective training aircraft with aerobatic capabilities. With FAA certification underway, the INTEGRAL family of aircraft offer an advanced, efficient solution for both traditional and electric flight training, making it a strong contender in the US market.
At the show, Jérémy Caussade,President & co-founder, the commercial team, led by Drew McEwen, Chief Commercial Officer, and Antoine Blin, Chief of Staff, will be delighted to present, on stand MD-029B, their recently certified side-by-side two-seater latest generation aircraft, designed for training, leisure and aerobatics. INTEGRAL R was certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency last December, and deliveries to the first European customers are starting in March, while FAA certification is expected this year. Mike Goulian, American aerobatics champion, is the official ambassador for INTEGRAL in North
The INTEGRAL range offers 3 models, for the most complete flight experience: INTEGRAL R, designed for aerobatics: tailwheel and thermal SEP engine / EASA certified / FAA certification expected by the end of 2025 / European deliveries starting in March this year; INTEGRAL S, designed for training and leisure: nosewheel and thermal SEP engine / EASA certification and first deliveries expected in S2 this year; INTEGRAL E, the full-electric version of R and S: currently performing its flight test campaign / certification expected in 2026.
Powered by Lycoming (thermal version) or Safran (electric version), adapted for UPRT and VFR training, INTEGRAL is the most reliable, high-performing and safe aircraft in its category, suited for both civil and military use. INTEGRAL boasts on-board avionics that is outstanding for this type of aircraft, enabling pilots to access all the data to analyze their flights and benefit from predictive maintenance to anticipate breakdowns. INTEGRAL is also the first aircraft in its category to feature a whole aircraft rescue parachute.
Sonex Highwing Update: Time To Get In Line
Sonex has been hard at-work with construction of the new Sonex Highwing prototype, and a summary of our progress was presented during a live webinar during EAA Homebuilders Week by Sonex Owner & President and Sonex Highwing designer Mark Schaible. A video archive of the presentation can be viewed below.
Elixir Aircraft Starts Deliveries For Leading Edge Aviation
Elixir Aircraft has delivered the first of five aircraft ordered by UK school Leading Edge Aviation for its Spanish base. The contract, a three-way deal with aircraft rental company Green Aerolease, was signed in October 2024.
Following an in-depth market study, Leading Edge Aviation, one of Europe’s leading flight schools, has chosen Elixir Aircraft to renew its fleet of 21 aircraft.
This first delivery follows the contract signed in October 2024. The aircraft will join the Alhama base in Murcia (Spain).
This order, which brings the number of aircraft in Elixir Aircraft’s order book to over 300, has also led to the launch of a rental offer in partnership with Green Aerolease.
This offer, which facilitated the transaction with Leading Edge Aviation, allows professional schools interested in the Elixir to acquire their aircraft through an “all included” rental service (aircraft itself, insurance and maintenance).
US. Air Force Selects Boeing For Next-Generation Air Dominance Fighter Platform
The U.S. Air Force announced Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a contract to design, build and deliver its next-generation fighter aircraft.
Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Platform will usher in a new generation of United States fighter jets that brings leap-ahead capability in range, survivability, lethality and adaptability. The NGAD Platform is the central node in the NGAD Family of Systems.
"We recognize the importance of designing, building and delivering a 6th-generation fighter capability for the United States Air Force. In preparation for this mission, we made the most significant investment in the history of our defense business, and we are ready to provide the most advanced and innovative NGAD aircraft needed to support the mission," said Steve Parker, interim president and chief executive officer, Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
For nearly a century, Boeing has produced many of the most advanced combat aircraft for military customers around the globe including the P-51 Mustang, F-4 Phantom, F-15 Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet and EA-18G Growler, among others. The NGAD selection builds on Boeing's fighter legacy and establishes a new global standard for 6th generation capability.
Further information on the NGAD Platform's technical and programmatic details remain classified under United States national security and export laws.
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Electra Secures 2,200 Pre-Orders For Its Groundbreaking Ultra Short Aircraft
Electra has secured 2,200 pre-orders for its groundbreaking EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. Valued at nearly $9 billion, Electra's order pipeline is one of the largest in the Advanced Air Mobility industry.
Electra’s Ultra Short – which integrates blown lift and hybrid-electric propulsion to take off and land in just 150 feet -- enables air operators to connect communities that lack aviation infrastructure, fly into airports with strict noise restrictions, create new opportunities and business models for cargo services, and save travelers significant time and hassle. It also introduces entirely new logistics capabilities for war fighters including the ability to land on unimproved surfaces, improve safety and reduce cost, power ground operations, and carry out critical logistics transport.
“Electra’s Ultra Short is the unlock for a new era of air travel – what we call Direct Aviation – that is as transformative as it’s practical,” said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “Hybrid-electric propulsion enables us to achieve what jet fuel alone can’t do; we’ve created a fixed-wing airplane that delivers the access of a helicopter with 100 times less noise, 70 percent lower cost, improved safety, and dramatically reduced emissions. The response from the global aviation industry has been tremendous. Our customers see the EL9 aircraft as a true game-changer, and they’re using its ultra-short takeoff capabilities to open the door to new routes in areas with space and noise constraints. Together, we’re enabling a fundamental leap forward in advanced air mobility.”
Electra’s Ultra Short technology suite integrates blown lift aerodynamics with hybrid-electric propulsion to create an aviation platform that would have been impossible a decade ago. It provides increased access, low noise, affordability, and sustainability in one solution that operates with existing infrastructure.
The nine-passenger EL9 delivers up to 3,000 pounds of payload capacity and a range up to 1,100 nautical miles, with in-flight battery recharging that eliminates the need for ground charging infrastructure. The ability to operate from compact spaces and unimproved surfaces including grass fields, parking lots, and repurposed heliports opens new routes and economic opportunities, making regional air mobility for passengers and cargo more affordable and accessible than ever before.
Electra’s most recent customers include operators seeking the EL9’s advantages in noise reduction, cost efficiency, lower emissions, and improved safety. New customers include: Akansel (Turkey) and Dieng & Co Engineering (Senegal) in partnership with Flow Aero (US/Turkey), Caverton Helicopters (Nigeria), Copenhagen Helicopter and Copenhagen Air Taxi (Denmark), 5 Star Helicopter Tours (US), Global Vectra Helicorp (India), and Helicidade Heilporto (Brazil).
They join Electra’s existing customers, which are incorporating the EL9 into their fleets to lower operational costs and open service to new destinations. This includes: Bristow Group, the world's leading global provider of vertical flight solutions to government and civil organizations, and Electra’s operational launch partner; leading on-demand private aviation platforms including Indian operators JetSetGo and Blade India, Brazil-based Flapper in Latin America, Germany-based flyv in Europe, Finland-based LYGG in Scandinavia, and U.S. regional airlines JSX and Surf Air.
Full Charge Ahead For Electric Flying Boats To Take Off In The Uk
Loch Lomond Seaplanes has signed a MoU with Elfly Group for two nine-seat NOEMI seaplanes, with an option to acquire three more. The commitment represents a major milestone in forging a new era of efficient, sustainable air travel which will revitalise routes across Scotland and the rest of the British Isles, showcasing the potential of electric aviation in linking regional communities, efficiently and sustainably.
Collaboration between the two companies will not only introduce electric aviation to Scotland, but also focus on advancing operational excellence, regulatory advocacy, and the development of a supportive infrastructure for seaplane operations.
NOEMI seaplane, with its 200km (125 miles) range, amphibious design and a 200km/h (125mph) cruising speed, will be able to connect major population hubs separated by five or six hour-long train rides with a 45-minute flight and help unlock the latent economic potential in coastal communities.
Since 2004 Loch Lomond Seaplanes has flown almost 200,000 passengers, more than 1.9 million miles around Scotland. Based next to the five-star Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond, in the heart of Scotland’s first national park, the company is regarded as one of the world’s foremost seaplane operators. Over the years. LLS has operated Cessna 208 Caravan floatplane flights to numerous destinations in the UK and across Scotland without the need for runway scarred landscape or giant concrete terminal buildings.
Loch Lomond Seaplanes is led and owned by Managing Director and founder David West, who has accrued more than 50 years’ aviation experience (as a pilot and in management in legacy and regional aviation with roles at Cathay Pacific, British Midland and EUROAIR). David is a world-renowned seaplane expert with accomplishments including assisting the UK Civil Aviation Authority on the introduction of new regulations to enable the introduction of large seaplanes on scheduled routes. He supported the Croatian Government with new seaplane regulations to enable the start of scheduled seaplane flights in 2014 and advised the Indian Government on commencing seaplane operations in India. He has also accrued 24,000 commercial flying hours.
ATR Announces New Order Of ATR 72-600F
ATR, the leading manufacturer of regional aircraft worldwide, today announced a major contract with FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), the world’s largest express transportation provider, for the acquisition of 10 ATR 72-600F. This order adds to a previous commitment of 30 aircraft, and deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.
The only in-production regional freighter on the market, the ATR 72-600F incorporates the latest technology featured in the ATR –600 series while being specifically designed for cargo operations. A bulk configuration helps in optimising the available volume – up to 75 m3 – thanks to the nine vertical nets, attachment points on the floor and lateral tracks. In addition, with a large cargo door, cargo loading system and wide cross section, the ATR 72-600F can accommodate industry-standard Unit Load Devices (ULDs) and interline with larger freighters.
This purpose-built design, with its 9.2t payload, makes the ATR 72-600F a key asset in FedEx’s fleet, replacing its legacy ATRs, and helping optimise its network capabilities worldwide. Its high versatility allows for seamless operations across multiple countries, logistical frameworks and environments, from the warm climates of Miami, Florida, to the cold temperatures of Anchorage, Alaska. FedEx’s fleet of ATR 72-600F handles critical feeder operations, playing a vital role in the company’s coverage of smaller markets.
“FedEx’s decision to order additional ATR 72-600F underscores their trust in our aircraft’s performance and versatility. Our freighter variant is an essential component of the ATR family, offering significant advantages over traditional passenger-to-freighter conversions, including enhanced reliability and availability, and longer-term planning” added Alexis Vidal, Senior Vice-President Commercial of ATR.
These 10 aircraft are part of the 2024 undisclosed orders ATR released last month.
TAAG Angola Airlines Takes Delivery of Its First Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the first of four 787 Dreamliner airplanes to TAAG Angola Airlines, debuting the airline’s new livery. The 787-9 and subsequent deliveries of the fuel-efficient widebody jet will advance the airline's fleet modernization plans and long-haul capabilities, bringing more travelers and trade to Angola with the industry’s most advanced commercial airplane.
The airline’s first 787 Dreamliner, which is on lease from AerCap, arrived in Luanda just ahead of Angola’s Liberation Day on February 4, marking nearly 50 years since the delivery of TAAG Angola’s first airplane, a Boeing 737-200.
“The delivery of the 787-9 is a pivotal step in our strategy to modernize TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet,” said Nelson Pedro Rodrigues de Oliveira, CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines. “This airplane brings the efficiency and versatility we need to meet growing market demands, replace our aging widebody fleet, and deliver a world-class experience to our passengers.”
TAAG Angola Airlines currently operates five 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes, three 777-200ERs, and seven Next-Generation 737s, connecting Angola to 12 destinations across Africa, Europe, South America and China. The introduction of the 787 Dreamliner will enable the carrier to expand its long-haul network, with plans to launch new routes to Europe and explore opportunities in Asia and North America.
“The 787 Dreamliner will complement TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet of Boeing 737 and 777 jets, as we continue to support the airline in its mission to connect people and places across the globe,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, vice president of Boeing Commercial Sales for Africa. “Our 50-year relationship with TAAG Angola Airlines has been built on trust and shared goals, and we look forward to many more years of successful collaboration and innovation together.”
Malaysia Aviation Group Announces Order for up to 60 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Malaysia Aviation Group today announced an order for 18 737-8 and 12 737-10 single-aisle jets to renew Malaysia Airlines' fleet with more fuel-efficient airplanes. The order, which booked in January 2025 and was posted as unidentified on Boeing's orders and deliveries website, will enable Malaysia's flag carrier to introduce new lie-flat seats and meet growing travel demand in Southeast Asia – one of the fastest-growing commercial aviation markets.
The region's airplane fleet is projected to grow nearly 250% over the next 20 years, underscoring the importance of Malaysia Aviation Group's investment in the 737-8's versatility and the 737-10's capacity as the largest member of the 737 MAX family.
"This is a significant investment for Malaysia Aviation Group, enabling us to deliver cutting-edge premium cabin offerings and state-of-the-art technology to our customers," said Izham Ismail, group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group. "The addition of these new airplanes will not only enhance our fleet's efficiency and increase seating capacity, but allow us to elevate the overall in-flight experience, with our passengers' needs at the forefront."
The Boeing 737 has served as the backbone of Malaysia Airlines' single-aisle fleet for nearly 60 years following the introduction of its first 737-100 in 1969. Malaysia Airlines has since operated nearly every variant of the 737 family and will continue that legacy with this latest order for the 737 MAX.
"Today's announcement represents another milestone in Boeing's long-standing partnership with Malaysia and reflects our enduring commitment to the country's aerospace sector," said Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global. "The opportunity to introduce more Boeing airplanes in Malaysia is a point of pride for our many Malaysian employees who contribute to every airplane Boeing builds and delivers to customers around the world."
With more than 50 737 jets in Malaysia Airlines' fleet, the introduction of additional 737-8s and the 737-10 offers operational commonality and the best per-seat economics in their class, reducing fuel use and emissions by 20%.
"We are honored to build upon our valued partnership with Malaysia Aviation Group and support them in modernizing their fleet," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "Adding the 737-8 and 737-10 will equip Malaysia Airlines with the operational flexibility, environmental performance and additional capacity they need to better serve a growing number of passengers."
Passenger air traffic across Southeast Asia will more than triple over the next 20 years, as projected in Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook, the company's long-term demand forecast for commercial airplanes and services. Of the more than 4,700 new airplanes expected to be delivered to the region's operators through 2043, nearly 80% will be single-aisle jets, such as the 737 MAX family.
Boeing's presence in Malaysia includes Boeing Composites Malaysia, the company's first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia with an all-Malaysian workforce. The facility provides composite products and sub-assemblies for all Boeing commercial airplanes, including the 737 MAX. Boeing supports the development of aerospace capabilities in Malaysia through safety training, sustainability workshops, supply chain development, university collaborations and community support initiatives.
10 March 1918 – Günther Rall, German ace fighter pilot, was born.
Rall is the third most successful fighter ace in history and the most successful ace still living. He achieved a total of 275 victories: 272 on the Eastern Front, of which 241 were against Soviet fighters. He flew a total of 621 combat missions, was shot down 8 times and was wounded 3 times. He scored his victories in the Messerschmitt Bf 109 ‘Black 13'
During World War II Rall was credited with the destruction of 275 enemy aircraft in 621 combat missions. He was shot down five times and wounded on three occasions.
Rall claimed all of his victories in a Messerschmitt Bf 109, though he also flew the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 operationally. All but three of his claims were against Soviet opposition.
After the war he joined the West German Air Force in 1956, served as Inspector of the Air Force from 1971 to 1974, and as the German representative to the NATO Military Committee until 1975. After his retirement Rall became a consultant.
Among his post-war achievements was the presentation of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. It was awarded to him for his post-1945 service.
He passed away on 4 October 2009 aged 91 at Bad Reichenhall, Germany.
South Africa, Vuwani airstrip, Limpopo: A Jabiru J430 made a failed landing at Vuwani airstrip, Limpopo. All three occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft received substantial damage.
Somalia, 24 km southwest of Mogadishu: A Trident Aviation DHC-5 Buffalo cargo plane, 5Y-RBA, crashed southwest of Mogadishu along the Jazeera coastline in Somalia. The aircraft was destroyed and all five occupants were killed.
South Africa, Saldanha Vredenburg Municipal Airport (FASD), Saldanha Bay, WC: An Atlas Impala Mk I (MB.326M), ZU-IMP, was destroyed when it crashed and burst into flames during the Saldanha Airshow at Saldanha Vredenburg Municipal Airport,(FASD), Saldanha Bay, Western Cape. The pilot perished in the accident. Videographic evidence shows the aircraft at low altitude with the landing gear down when it conducted an inverted left roll. The airplane exited the roll, but the recovery was sluggish and it then impacted terrain.
South Africa, Klein Karoo near Van Wyksdorp: A Beechcraft G36 Bonanza sustained substantial damage in an apparent forced landing. No injuries were reported.
Sudan, Wadi Seidna Air Base (HSWS): On 21 March 2025, a Sudan Air Force Sukhoi Su-24M tactical bomber was bombed by forces of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) using a Chinese Feihong FH-95 drone. The aircraft was destroyed as a result.
Algeria, E of Timokten, N Aoulef, Adrar: An Algerian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKA crashed a few kilometers east of Timokten, north Aoulef, Adrar, shortly after taking off from Reganne Air Base. One pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Bakkouch Nasr, perished and the other pilot ejected safely.
Japan, near Yushima island, Kamiamakusa city, Kumamoto prefecture: An ATR 42-600 owned by Japan Air Commuter, JA01JC, and was operated by Amakusa Airlines as flight AHX/MZ201 from Amakusa to Kumamoto, was hit by a lightning near Yushima island. The aircraft turned back to Amakusa where a safe landing was carried out. There were no injuries among unknown number of crew and 14 passengers. There were scorched damage at nose landing gear housing and a tail fin. JA01JC was grounded for further inspection and repair. On 24th March, it was revealed that the fuel quantity measurement system has also been damaged. Amakusa Airlines cancelled all flights until 30th March, at earliest.
USA, Reno/Tahoe International Airport, NV (RNO/KRNO):A Southwest Airlines fligt Boeing 737-800, had arrived at Reno/Tahoe International Airport, NV (RNO) when a lithium-ion battery of a laptop suffered a thermal runaway. An evacuation was carried out. It is said that the owner of the laptop suffered some burn injuries.
China, South of Hangzhou: A Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A320-232, diverted to Fuzhou, China, after a fire developed in an overhead luggage compartment. The flight departed HGH at 04:58 UTC on a flight to HKG. While en route a fire occurred in an overhead bin. The fire was contained by the cabin crew. At 05:26 UTC the aircraft began the descent towards Fuzhou, where it landed safely at 05:55 UTC. No injuries were reported. It's believed that the lithium battery of a portable charging device had suffered a thermal runaway.
USA, Orlando International Airport, FL (MCO/KMCO): A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800, began the takeoff roll on taxiway H instead of runway 17R at Orlando International Airport, FL (MCO). The controller cancelled the takeoff clearance and the flight crew aborted the takeoff. ADS-B data show that the aircraft attained a speed of at least 66 knots. The aircraft was then taxied to the terminal, where the passengers deplaned for transfer to another aircraft.
