Aerospace

SkyDrive receives new order for 100 eVTOL aircraft from CT UAV JSC

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SkyDrive Inc., a major Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer with headquarters in Toyota City, Japan, and CT UAV JSC in Vietnam was announced. CT UAV has agreed to pre-order up to 100 SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft “SKYDRIVE.”

A division of the Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam-based multi-business CT Group, CT UAV is developing a range of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies.

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A three-seater electric aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing is currently being developed by SkyDrive under the name “SKYDRIVE.” Its eVTOL is in the process of receiving certification from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).

The organization CT Group, which has nine business divisions, supports CT UAV. To help Vietnamese intelligence catch up with the furious pace of the 4.0 technology revolution, CT Group is concentrating on 6 high-tech industries in addition to its three sustainable business lines, including CT UAV. CT UAV is building a brighter, more technologically advanced future and enhancing quality of life with the goal of being a leader in the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and UAV technology.

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In order to introduce new mobility solutions in Vietnam, SkyDrive and CT UAV will assess commercial eVTOL factors with interested parties, including vertiports, routes and network design, infrastructure requirements, and ecosystems.

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.