Japan Airlines Innovation Fund, a strategic fund that serves as the venture arm of Japan Airlines (JAL), one of the top airlines in the world, has announced a strategic investment in REGENT, the firm that invented electric seagliders for environmentally friendly marine transportation. This investment in REGENT demonstrates JAL’s dedication to environmentally friendly transportation and acts as the first step in the investigation of adding seagliders into its extensive worldwide network. REGENT has now raised more than $45 million with the help of this investment.

New Study Reveals Most Bathroom Friendly Airlines in the US(Opens in a new browser tab)

Seagliders are a new mode of transportation that combines the high speed of an airplane with the low operating cost of a boat. These all-electric, zero-emission vessels operate over the water and leverage existing dock infrastructure to carry people and goods up to 180 miles between coastal destinations.

REGENT has sold over 400 seagliders to date, to global aviation and ferry customers including Mokulele Airlines, Southern Airways Express, FRS (Germany), and Ocean Flyer (New Zealand). With more than $7.5 billion in orders from commercial operating partners around the world, REGENT aims for its 12-passenger seaglider, Viceroy, to enter service by mid-decade.

In addition to the investment, REGENT and  JAL are working together to explore opportunities for ecosystem development, bringing together relevant stakeholders to deliver the benefits of seagliders to new and underserved markets. REGENT’s investors to date include Thiel Capital, Y Combinator, Founders Fund, and Mark Cuban.

A partnership agreement for the development and production of the UltraAir laser communication terminal for aircraft has been inked by Airbus and VDL Group. The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and Airbus will lead the development, and the two organisations will now be ready for a prototype demonstration and first flying test in 2024.

Embraer Concludes Flight Tests for Firefighting Capability for the C-390 Millennium(Opens in a new browser tab)

UltraAir will enable the exchange of large amounts of data using laser beams in a network of ground stations and satellites in geostationary orbit at 36,000 km above the Earth. With unparalleled technology including a highly stable and precise optical mechatronic system, this laser terminal will pave the way for data transmission rates that could reach several gigabits-per-second while providing anti-jamming and low probability of interception.

UltraAir will allow military aircraft and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to connect within a multi-domain combat cloud thanks to laser-based satellite constellations such as Airbus’ SpaceDataHighway. This is a key milestone in the roadmap of Airbus’ overall strategy to drive laser communications further, which will bring forward the benefits of this technology as a key differentiator for providing multi-domain combat collaboration for government and defence customers. In the longer term, UltraAir could also be implemented on commercial aircraft to allow airline passengers to establish high-speed data connections.

Elon Musk started using a new program that blocks jet tracking after the man who follows his plane wouldn’t take his Twitter account down(Opens in a new browser tab)

Regarded as the solution for data traffic in the quantum age, laser communication technologies are the next revolution in satellite communications (satcom). As satellite bandwidth demand is growing, the traditional satcom radio-frequency bands are experiencing bottlenecks. Laser communication brings 1,000 times more data, 10 times faster than the current network. Laser links also have the benefit of avoiding interference and detection, as compared to already-crowded radio frequencies they are extremely difficult to intercept due to a much narrower beam. Thus, laser terminals can be lighter, consume less power and offer even better security than radio.

The internal news that India would purchase more Rafale Jets for the Indian Navy as part of a fresh batch of upgraded fighter jets for Indian defence is being released by the French media. According to the source, the two nations can sign this agreement when French President Emmanuel Macron travels to India in March.

As part of an ongoing deal for fighter jets for the aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, two fighter jets from different countries are involved: one is the French-built Dassault Rafale and the other is an American F/A18 Super Hornet. A few months ago, the two fighter jets demonstrated their ability to conduct operations over the Indian aircraft carrier. The race to acquire this contract could be a significant development for the Indian Navy’s future aircraft supplies.

A total of 36 fighter planes built by Rafale have already entered service with the Indian Air Force. France is now looking for the fighter jet requirements from the Indian Navy. As stated, it will offer all necessary assistance for Indian defence, and it is also constructing component production in India with local suppliers.

It is French media claimed that India turned down the American Jet F/A 18 super hornet and opted instead for the Rafale agreement. This agreement will mark a significant turning point in Indian-French ties. Additionally, according to the media source, the Indian Navy is ready to agree to a multi-billion dollar purchase agreement with France for 26 Rafale M aircraft.

10 Most Expensive Fighter Jets In The World(Opens in a new browser tab)

The opposite The American company Boeing has previously stated that the F/A Super Hornet was specifically designed for naval carriers, has a wide range of features, connects to Boeing P8 maritime aircraft for surveillance support, and has the newest aircraft, all of which have improved India’s ability to fight off enemies.

Europe’s Future Combat Air System: on the way to the first flight(Opens in a new browser tab)

43 obsolete Russian MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighter planes are now in the Indian Navy’s fleet. The Navy had numerous potential names for the aircraft, but the Rafale M and the F-18 ultimately won the race. 240 Rafale M planes are now in the French Navy. These jets have been produced by Dassault since 1986.

The Indian New Aircraft Carrier is equipped with the newest defence weaponry, as well as—and this is crucial—aircraft accommodation on its deck that is appropriate for the Rafale and Super Hornet.

Here’s Why A Toilet Is Hanging On A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet’s Wing(Opens in a new browser tab)

In addition to France and India, Egypt, Qatar, and Greece all fly state-of-the-art French fighter jets. The UAE and Indonesia also agreed to buy 80 Rafales in December 2021 and 42 Rafales in February 2022, respectively.

According to certain sources, the Rafale jets might be very significant to the Indian armed forces. In technical terms, Rafale will be simple to maintain as it is already in use by the Indian Defense. Another major issue with this purchase is the two-seater Rafale, which Dassault does not supply even though it could be appropriate for the Indian aircraft carrier. but in addition, it will equip this fighter with the MBDA and other armaments.

With the purchase of the Boeing military, Chinook, P8, and Apache aircraft, India and the US have already established defence connections. Even if they lose their contract, Boeing won’t be significantly impacted. But according to French media, there is no proof to far that India is indeed interested in purchasing Rafale fighters for its Indian Navy.

Source: First Post

The Airbus A321 XLR is the longest-flying narrow-body aircraft, and it recently showed that it is capable of flying above Toulouse. Additionally, it performs a flying display and draws an XLR over the sky, both of which are readily visible from flight radar 24.

[adinserter block="3"]

The flight test that "says" it all!
Check out the cool flight path of the #A321XLR’s 13-hr and 15-min flight test earlier today! pic.twitter.com/5w2DSaJy1s

— Airbus (@Airbus) December 13, 2022

The engine and aerodynamic upgrades made to the A321neo are where the A321XLR gets its Xtra Long Range capability. The A321XLR has the unusual potential to fly up to 4,700nm thanks to a larger Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) and increased fuel capacity.

[adinserter block="1"]

American airlines Insight view of A321XLR(Opens in a new browser tab)

The A321XLR offers airlines significant financial benefits. The A321XLR consumes up to 30% less fuel per seat than older models of aircraft.

China’s top 3 airlines will purchase nearly 300 Airbus A320neo aircraft.(Opens in a new browser tab)

All clear for take off!🛫
Follow the #A321XLR if you have more than a few hours to spare😉…
Watch this space!https://t.co/IEJQgH4GRk pic.twitter.com/PmKRt9poWm

— Airbus (@Airbus) December 13, 2022

This is a significant accomplishment for Airbus and the global A320 Family of clients. Airlines will be able to provide long-haul comfort on a single aisle with the introduction of the A321XLR thanks to its distinctive Airspace cabin.

[adinserter block="3"]

Top 5 selling Narrow Body aircraft(Opens in a new browser tab)

The A321XLR is the next development in the single-aisle A320neo family, answering market demands for expanded range and cargo while adding more value for airlines by making it possible to offer commercially viable services on longer routes than any other aircraft model.

Un vol de plus de 13 heures pour l’Airbus A321XLR https://t.co/8KXXxzXfvM pic.twitter.com/Uh77Qtwws8

— Air Journal (@airjournal) December 14, 2022

The A321XLR will have a single-aisle aircraft range of up to 4,700nm (8700 km), which is unprecedented. It will also use 30% less fuel per seat than previous-generation aircraft and produce less noise and NOx emissions.

The A320neo Family has received more than 8,000 orders from more than 130 customers by the end of June 2022. More than 20 customers had placed more than 500 A321XLR orders.

The EU-based avionics company WeSky recently unveiled a breakthrough that will assist the commercial airline industry in upholding its climate commitments. Its first-of-its-kind in-seat power system is the lightest in the world and helps to reduce fuel consumption and aircraft weight, lowering carbon emissions for a typical single aisle commercial aircraft. While world and business leaders recently converged at COP27 in Egypt making promises to uphold climate commitments to their 2050 accord, WeSky launched an innovation.

Climate Activists, Including Scientists, Are Arrested in Protests at Private Airports(Opens in a new browser tab)

The  recharge™️solution from WeSky, a 60W USB power supply, is typically 70% lighter than competing products. In view of the present supply chain challenges that incumbent competitors are experiencing, other differentiations include enhanced flexibility and a shorter lead-time for delivery.

With effective climate friendly solutions available, the aviation industry has an opportunity to put words into action and not only focus on a shift to using alternative and renewable fuels but also  benefit from the implementation of new equipment which promotes efficiency and helps the environment while also benefiting the consumer.

Qantas and Airbus Partnership for the biofuel industry.(Opens in a new browser tab)

“The impact of recharge™️ is extremely significant when you think about how the Aviation Industry can speed up adaptation with such innovation. WeSky hopes to lead in bringing new avionics products to the market that have climate and sustainability at its core. With USB-C common charger regulations taking effect for portable electronics, the airlines will have a reliable solution that reduces the passenger need of traveling with extra battery packs and adaptors which is a further benefit for aircraft efficiency and safety.

The UK’s sovereign industry partners, under Team Tempest, will support the significant endeavour announced today by the Governments of the UK, Japan and Italy, which will see the three nations build a truly international programme, with a shared ambition to develop a next generation fighter aircraft under a new Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

The joint announcement, highlights the close government, military and industrial links between the nations and reinforces the UK’s international commitment to future combat air. The programme will build on the substantial progress already made in the UK by BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce and the UK Ministry of Defence who have been working in partnership since 2018 as Team Tempest to research, evaluate and develop a host of next generation future combat air systems capabilities.

Can Dubai investor-backed Jet Airways finally take-off, meet new relaunch deadline?(Opens in a new browser tab)

The UK’s combat air industry not only supports national defence and security, but the £6bn-a-year sector also delivers substantial economic and social value. The GCAP could secure or create thousands of UK jobs while keeping irreplaceable combat air engineering skills onshore for another generation. A report published last year by analysts at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) concluded that should the UK take a core role in a next generation fighter jet programme, it could expect to support an average of 21,000 jobs a year and contribution an estimated £26.2bn to the economy by 2050.

In the UK, around 2,500 people are already working on the programme as part of Team Tempest and wider industry. Beyond the Team Tempest partners, more than 580 organisations are already on contract across the UK, including 91 SMEs and 26 academic institutions. The Team Tempest partners have recruited more than 1,000 apprentices and graduates since the launch of the project in 2018, with young people nationwide inspired by the opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-generation combat air programme.

Qantas and Airbus Partnership for the biofuel industry.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The UK industry partners have already generated strong working relationships with their counterparts in Italy and Japan, which will progress into the new joint development. These include IHI Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan, and Avio Aero, Elettronica and Leonardo in Italy.

It is expected that GCAP will generate long-term technological, industrial and social benefits for the three partner countries and inspire the next generation of engineering talent.