Dassault brought action against the commission on February 14, 2024, over the Delegated Act on EU Taxonomy which the EBBA describes as “unprecedented and discriminatory”.??

According to the EU, the EU Taxonomy is a classification system that “helps direct investments to activities most needed for the transition to net zero and environmental sustainability”. 

However, the EBAA claims that the “current Delegated Act explicitly excludes Business Aviation while including commercial aviation”, a decision the association views as “unprecedented and discriminatory”. 

According to the EBAA, the exclusion hampers the “competitiveness” of European business aircraft manufacturers, operators, and the entire value chain in the sector.  

The EBBA has expressed concerns that the EU Taxonomy framework will make more efficient and sustainable aircraft in the business aviation world less attractive for financing. 

“The exclusion of Business Aviation from the EU Taxonomy framework is a significant oversight that fails to recognise the sector’s substantial contributions to sustainability and technological advancement,” Holger Krahmer, Secretary General of EBAA, said. “Furthermore, with reference to the EU Treaties, the EU Commission does not have the right to subject individual sectors to discrimination in a legal act without further justification. The Commission has carried out an arbitrary political act that must be urgently corrected.” 

It is not the first time that the EBAA has fought against the exclusion of business aviation from the Taxonomy Delegated Act. 

“Despite extensive efforts, including consultations and public participation, the Act was adopted with this exclusion,” the EBBA said in a statement on July 8, 2024.  

In response, Dassault Aviation initiated an action for annulment, arguing, among other pleas, that the exclusion breaches the principle of equality. 

On July 4, 2024, EBAA’s legal team lodged an intervention to support Dassault Aviation’s appeal.   

“This legal step demonstrates EBAA’s commitment to safeguarding the competitiveness and future of European business aircraft manufacturers, operators, and the entire value chain within this vital industry,” the added.?

EU opens investigation into $6.5 billion COVID-19 state aid granted to Lufthansa

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2024-07-08

According to the US DoD’s new plans presented on July 3, 2024, the US Air Force (USAF) will deploy 36 F-15EX fighters at Kadena Air Base to replace the fleet of 48 older F-15C/D aircraft currently based there. Rotations of fourth and fifth-generation fighter jets will continue while the F-15EX fleet is progressively deployed. 

The F-15, initially anticipated to be retired in the 2020s, was instead further developed into a new version called the F-15EX Eagle II, leading to an essential technological advancement for the aging aircraft. The Eagle II features an increased payload capacity, fly-by-wire controls, a digital cockpit, modernized sensors and radars, and electronic warfare capabilities 

The presence at Misawa Air Base in northern Honshu will also undergo a significant transformation: 36 F-16 fighters will be replaced by 48 F-35A aircraft, increasing both the base capacity and capability. 

Finally, the US Marine Corps will “modify the number of F-35B aircraft” at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, south of Honshu. 

“The modernization plan, which will be implemented over the next several years, reflects over $10 billion of capability investments to enhance the U.S.-Japan Alliance, bolster regional deterrence, and strengthen peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” the Pentagon explained in a .?

Reassuring Japan in response to China’s surging military activity 

On October 28, 2022, the 18th Wing of the USAF, housed in Kadena Air Base on Okinawa Island, announced that the two squadrons of aging F-15 fighters based in Japan since 1979 would be progressively phased out over two years, starting on November 1, 2022. The capacity was replaced by a stopgap rotation of a dozen F-22 Raptor fifth-generation fighters.???

The decision was met with interrogations among Republican lawmakers, who sent an open letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to voice their concerns.   

“While we agree with the need to modernize the Air Force’s fleet in order to counter the rising threat of [China’s] People’s Liberation Army, […] plans to replace permanently-based fighters with rotational forces will lead to a tangible reduction in American forward combat power in the Indo-Pacific, lowering the bar for aggression,” the letter read.  

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force reported having scrambled its fighter jets 669 times from April 1, 2023, through March 30, 2024, to identify unknown targets, with Chinese aircraft accounting for 479 of these interceptions. 

US lawmakers concerned about F-15 withdrawal from Japan

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2022-11-03

On June 6, 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the transfer of Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2024.

French President Macron announces transfer of Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets to Ukraine

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2024-06-06

This came as a surprise since a week prior, Sweden suspended its plan to sell Gripen C/Ds to Ukraine in order to prioritize the introduction of the F16.?

“Our partners emphasize that the simultaneous introduction of two air combat systems is very complex and that it is now necessary to focus on the entry into service of the F-16 within the Ukrainian Air Force,” P?l Jonson, the Swedish Minister of Defense, explained at the time.  

Yet, when asked about France’s decision to supply Ukraine with an additional fighter model alongside the F-16, the US Secretary of Defense expressed his approval. 

“We’re working hard to get Ukraine an F-16 capability this summer, and […] I’m optimistic that that will happen,” Austin stated. “And I also welcome France’s contribution because every bit helps.” 

Austin underscored the importance of ensuring multiple complex systems are sustainable and interoperable for effective use in Ukraine.  

“I’m sure that, you know, once the training is complete, and once all of the coordination has been done, we’ll see some good results, but every little bit helps,” the US defense secretary concluded. 

The Mirage 2000-5 is a fighter jet developed by Dassault Aviation in the 1970s. The 2000-5 is an air superiority variant of the aircraft. The French Air and Space Force fighters, which are to be transferred to Ukraine, are well-known within NATO operations. 

The ones operated by the 1/2 Cigognes squadron are regularly deployed as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission to ensure the protection of the airspace of the three Baltic states, which have no airborne capability of their own. A few more airframes are flown by the 3/11 Corse squadron, responsible for airspace surveillance at Air Base 188 Djibouti. 

The number of Mirage jets being transferred has not been specified. However, some have questioned the relevance of France sending fighter jets to Ukraine. Indeed, France only has 26 Mirage 2000-5s at its disposal.  

Other countries, such as Greece and Qatar, operate the same variant of the fighter jet. But Greece has refused to part with its aerial combat capabilities, while Qatar appears more inclined to sell its fighters second-hand, with India recently voicing its interest. 

Indonesia cancels Qatari Mirage 2000 order amid corruption allegations

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-02-12

The Airbus A350, registered 10+03, will officially fall under the guardianship of the German Air Force and be used to fly German government officials and dignitaries from place to place.

The new A350 officially entered service (again) on June 5, 2024, at a service attended by the German Secretary of State for Defense Nils Hilmer.

Named ‘Kurt Schumacher’, this is in fact the second time the A350 has been delivered to the German Air Force.

The initial handover of 10+03 took place just a few months after the political decision was made to replace the German Air Force’s two long-serving Airbus A340s with three brand-new A350s.

Due to the A340s becoming unreliable a new A350 was needed very quickly, so initially only equipped 10+03 with an interim cabin before delivering the aircraft in August 2020.

The first A350 deliveries with a fully modified governmental cabin followed in November 2022 and in March 2023 with 10+01 ‘Konrad Adenauer’ and 10+02 ‘Theodor Heuss’.

Once those aircraft were up and running, 10+03 was able to return to Lufthansa Technik’s Hamburg VIP Completion Center for the full upgrade treatment.

The jet was updated in the latest livery with new lettering in the ‘Bundes Sans’ font and wingtips that are now extensively painted in the colors of the German flag.

“The largest modernization programme in the history of the Special Air Mission Wing can justifiably be called a Herculean task,” Soeren Stark, Chief Executive Officer of Lufthansa Technik AG, said. “Four cabin refurbishments for a total of three wide-body jets over a period of just four years, and some of them were still heavily influenced by the pandemic.”

Stark added: “I am all the more proud of our team, which mastered this task with flying colors, and completely within the estimated cost and time frame. I take my hat off to this achievement and thank everyone who was involved.”

German government places firm order for three ACJ350 XWB

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2019-05-20

To mark the celebration, the Canadian flag carrier unveiled a Boeing 777 with a special livery to transport Team Canada Olympians and Paralympians, coaches and support staff to and from the Games.

“We’re honored to extend our partnership with the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees as Team Canada’s Official Airline through 2030, including for Paris 2024,” Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to proudly sharing the very best of Canada with the world as we cheer the nation’s top athletes on to Olympic and Paralympic success.”

“We are delighted to extend our long-standing relationship with Air Canada,” said David Shoemaker, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “For more than 30 years, Air Canada’s passion for Team Canada has been remarkable. We’re grateful for the exceptional travel experience they consistently offer our athletes, helping them compete at their best on the world’s biggest stage.”

Under the contract, the airline will provide special service and transport for all Team Canada athletes traveling to the Games, as well as: 

• Extending complimentary 35K Aeroplan Elite status through its Podium Program;
• Providing individual Care & Share packages to athletes for added comfort in-flight, including Amenity Kit items and memorabilia to share at the Games;
• Celebrating with significant on the ground presence at both Canada Olympic House and Canada Paralympic House in Paris, showcasing the best of Canada and aviation hospitality and cheering on Team Canada with attendees;
• Holding airport celebrations as athletes depart and return from the Games.

Air Canada has been the official airline of the Canadian Olympic Team since 1988 and Canadian Paralympic Team since 2007. It also recently concluded agreements to become the Official Airline of Swimming Canada and Athletics Canada ahead of Paris 2024.

Air Canada A320 family fleet to undergo significant Airbus flight deck upgrade??

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2024-04-11

The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, the US’s next-generation stealth bomber, was officially unveiled on December 2, 2022, but photos of the aircraft in flying during testing have not been made public before by the USAF.  

The B-21 Raider is expected to gradually replace the aging B-2 Spirit and the B-1 Lancer strategic bombers, which have been crucial assets in the USAF’s long-range strike capabilities for decades.   

During testimony at the Senate Armed Services Committee on May 8, 2024, Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, confirmed that flight testing is currently on track. 

“We are in the flight test program, the flight test program is proceeding well,” Hunter said. “It is doing what flight test programs are designed to do, which is helping us learn about the unique characteristics of this platform, but in a very, very effective way.”   

The B-21 Raider has been conducting ground testing, taxiing and flight operations and is expected to enter active service by 2026.   

The B-21 weapon system is manufactured under the Air Force’s contract with Northrop Grumman and is designed to be updated with mature technologies as threats evolve over time.   

The Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office manages the acquisition program, focusing on making test aircraft as production representative as possible.  

Test aircraft are built on the same manufacturing line and use the same manning and tooling that will be used in the eventual production.   

Rather than a traditional flight prototype approach, B-21 test aircraft are built including mission systems using the same manufacturing processes and tooling for production aircraft. 

It is understood that the newly released photos were taken in January and April this year. 

When the B-21 enters the service, , South Dakota, will be the first main operating base and location of the formal training unit.  

Whiteman AFB, Missouri, and Dyess AFB, Texas, are the preferred locations for the remaining bases and will receive aircraft as they become available. 

US Air Force’s B-21 Raider bomber completes first flight: video

• Defense

byEmilia Stankeviciute

2023-11-13

The X-62A, also known as VISTA (Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft), is a highly modified version of the General Dynamics F-16D, which the USAF has utilized since the early 1990s to test advanced technology. 

The X-62A has been integrated into DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program and was equipped with machine learning and specialized software to explore the possibilities of autonomous flying.

During the test flight, Kendall, sitting in the front seat and accompanied by a safety pilot in the backseat, completed a set of test points without touching the controls of the X-62A. The test involved a series of tactical maneuvers with live agents responding to a simulated threat.

“The potential for autonomous air-to-air combat has been imaginable for decades, but the reality has remained a distant dream up until now,” Kendall said in a statement. “This is a transformational moment, all made possible by breakthrough accomplishments of the ACE team.”

In April 2024, the US Air Force Test Pilot School and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced they had completed the first AI versus human dogfights. The flight tests pitted the X-62A VISTA against manned F-16 aircraft above Edwards Air Force Base.??

US Air Force and DARPA test first dogfight with AI-piloted X-62A VISTA aircraft

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-04-18

Plumb expressed concerns about the implications of such a weapon at a of the US House Armed Services Committee on May 1, 2024. 

“The concept that we are concerned about is Russia developing – if we are unable to convince them otherwise – to ultimately fly a nuclear weapon in space, which would be an indiscriminate weapon,” Plumb stated. He emphasized that such a weapon would not distinguish between military, civilian, or commercial satellites and could have far-reaching consequences, rendering areas in low-orbit unusable by spacecraft for over a year. 

“It is not imminent in the way that we should have to worry about it right now, but we are concerned about it,” Plumb added. 

These concerns come in the wake of Russia’s veto on April 24, 2024, of a United Nations Security Council resolution drafted by the United States. The resolution aimed to prevent an arms race in space and uphold the obligations outlined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. 

The UN resolution sought to reaffirm the commitment to the peaceful use of outer space and prevent the placement of weapons of mass destruction in orbit around the Earth. 

The 1967 Outer Space Treaty?

During the race to land on the moon, the Soviet Union, the US and the UK signed the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which governs the exploration and use of outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies.  

This treaty, which has been ratified by 110 nations, prohibits the installation of nuclear weapons or any other form of weapon of mass destruction in Earth’s orbit, stockpiling them on the Moon, on any other celestial body, or in outer space. 

The treaty has played a crucial role in maintaining peace in Earth’s orbit for over 50 years. It ensures that space is accessible to all countries without any national claim and limits the military’s use of space to observation and communication applications.  

But in recent years, the delicate balance of peace in Earth’s orbit, safeguarded by the Outer Space Treaty, has faced mounting challenges.  

Towards a remilitarization of space?

As geopolitical tensions escalate and diplomatic endeavors stagnate, reports of satellite interference are on the rise. Incidents involving ground lasers targeting satellites or the deployment of space drones to disrupt orbital operations have become increasingly frequent.  

In September 2018, France’s Defense Minister Florence Parly claimed that, during the previous year, the Russian Luch satellite, also known as Olymp-K, had attempted to spy on the Franco-Italian satellite Athena-Fidus. The latter provides high-speed and secure telecommunications services by satellite to the military forces and emergency services of both nations.  

In April 2021, the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued a report warning of China’s development of weapons capable of targeting US and allied satellites.  

Moreover, there are signs that old Cold War-era concepts are resurfacing amidst these tensions. One such concept is the Fractional Orbital Bombardment System or FOBS, which involves placing nuclear warheads in orbit to strike targets from unexpected trajectories. Reportedly, China has explored this by testing a hypersonic orbital glider with nuclear capacity in August 2021. 

Reviving such strategies threatens to escalate conflicts beyond Earth’s atmosphere and erode the longstanding norms established by international space treaties. 

Will space be the next battlefield?

• Space

byClement Charpentreau

2021-12-23

Citing eyewitnesses and the Okinawa Defense Bureau, Okinawa Television reported that at around 10:30 a.m. local time, an F-22 Raptor that landed at Kadena Air Base was being towed from runway 23L/5R with its engines stopped when it experienced a landing gear issue. Emergency response vehicles arrived at the scene, but no fire was present. 

The F-22 fighter belonged to the 19th Fighter Squadron, 15th Wing, stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii. Several Raptors had been temporarily deployed to Okinawa on April 5, 2024, to ensure readiness in the region. 

精东影业 sent a request for comment to the 18th Wing, the host unit at Kadena AB, but no response was received before publication. 

In October 2022, the United States Department of Defense announced that the permanent presence of USAF F-15 fighters in Japan would be phased out and replaced by other fighters on a rotational basis. 

Republican lawmakers questioned this decision, sending an open letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to voice their concerns. They argued that “plans to replace permanently-based fighters with rotational forces will lead to a tangible reduction in American forward combat power in the Indo-Pacific, lowering the bar for aggression.” 

First batch of USAF F-15 Eagles bids farewell to Japan

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2022-12-01

Last year, the Group continued to invest in its fleet, expanding it by 27 aircraft to a total of 200, including 159 passenger and 41 cargo aircraft by the end of the year.

In 2023, the Group’s revenues from passenger aircraft ACMI services increased by 53%, reaching EUR 950 million. According to Jonas Janukenas, CEO of Avia Solutions Group, the significant increase in volumes indicates that many of the world’s leading airlines view ACMI services as an integral part of their operations, helping to manage their fleets more efficiently. The situation in the passenger aircraft market ensures that the Group will maintain high growth rates in the future.

Last year, Avia Solutions Group continued its expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, starting operations with BBN Airlines Indonesia and acquiring the Australian airline Skytrans at the beginning of 2024. By the end of 2024, the company plans to establish four more ACMI airlines in Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.

The company is preparing to further expand its aircraft fleet and maintain leading positions in the ACMI segment, where it sees a significant market need. The company’s infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific region, as well as in the Americas, will allow it to effectively manage the challenges of seasonality in aviation by shifting aircraft from one region to another.

“The Group will utilise aircraft in Europe during the summer peak season, and during the winter, the planes will be relocated to regions with opposite seasonality. This will allow us to maximise the capabilities of our aircraft fleet, and our clients, the world’s leading airlines, will receive aircraft during the peak seasonal periods,” states J. Janukenas.

The American market is also a priority for the company. Recently, the company signed a cooperation agreement with Impact Investments LLC, whose executive chairman is the former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The company will provide strategic development consulting to the Group.

Avia Solutions Group, based in Ireland, has offices in Ireland, the USA, the UAE, Lithuania, Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, and South Africa. The Group owns globally operating airline companies such as SmartLynx Airlines, Avion Express, AirExplore, KlasJet, and Magma Aviation. It also manages the aircraft maintenance and repair services (MRO) company FL Technics, which has aircraft technical maintenance and repair hangars in Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania, along with 100 operational maintenance stations in various countries. Among the Group’s companies is the largest independent pilot training center, BAA Training, with pilot schools in Spain, France, Lithuania, and Vietnam.

The Avia Solutions Group team comprises over 11,700 highly qualified aviation professionals worldwide.