Aerospace

ETIHAD AIRWAYS MARKS THE FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX WITH SPECTACULAR FLYOVER

Etihad Airways is set to start flying to Guangzhou next month

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE and official sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has performed a spectacular flypast of Yas Marina Circuit. Moments before the start of the 17^th and final race of the 2020 Formula 1 calendar, Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner was accompanied by the Al Forsan Aerobatic team in the skies above Yas Island.

Terry Daly, Executive Director Guest Experience, Brand & Marketing, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Since its inception in 2009, Etihad has been a proud title partner of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. One of the highlights of the race is the flypast by the Etihad Airways Dreamliner and the Al Forsan aerobatic team which is watched by millions of viewers around the world.”

Flying above the iconic Yas Marina Circuit’s start line at 600ft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, decorated in a Formula 1 themed livery, was operated by a team of four experience pilots. Captain Mohammed Al Tamimi was in command of the aircraft, supported by Captain Spiridon Nakos. Seated at the rear of the cockpit was Captain Abdullah Salah and Captain Fouad Al Marzooqi who have the challenging of task of maintaining split second accuracy on the timing of the flyover.

Watch the flypast from the cockpit of the Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Etihad’s YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/hBfqHrRidj8

This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race weekend was closed to spectators, however, Yas Marina Circuit issued limited complimentary tickets to Frontline Heroes to thank them for their efforts in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Etihad’s Wellness Ambassadors were on hand at the Frontline Heroes Hill to welcome all guests and provide health and safety guidance and the Etihad Airways Wellness Kit. Additionally, Etihad offers all Frontline Heroes recognised by the Frontline Heroes office, an exclusive programme of benefits including Etihad flight discounts and preferential rates when booking with Etihad Holidays among other benefits.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.