AVIONEWS - World Aeronautical Press Agency
101,705 news found

AerospaceThales Alenia Space to develop SOLiS
Laser communications demonstrator
Thales Alenia Space (Tas), the joint-venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has been selected by the French space agency CNES, as part of the space component of the France 2030 program launched... more

AirportsLinate radar failure: all the critical issues of the air traffic control system highlighted
In previous years, similar episodes also occurred in France, Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom
Events such as the air traffic block that occurred on June 28 at Milan-Linate due to a failure of the radar data transmission system at the Area Control Center (ACC) in Milan (see AVIONEWS) highlight some... more

AirlinesStrike at Helsinki Airport (3): Finnair cancels around 100 flights on July 2nd
But the strike is also planned for July 4, 7, 16, 18, 21, and 23
"The Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) has announced a union strike at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport for Wednesday, July 2. If the planned actions are carried out, they will impact all essential ground services related... more

Civil aviationAirplanes. IATA (2): passenger growth hits 5% in May
Regional breakdown; international and domestic markets
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for May 2025 global passenger demand with the following highlights: • Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was... more

AirlinesHelsinki Airport strike (2). Finnish Aviation Union: industrial action in July 2025
Different days of protest, involved also various services
The Finnish Aviation Union's industrial action in July 2025. Confirmed today the flights cancelled scheduled for Wednesday 2 July 2025.The Finnish Aviation Union (Iau) has announced industrial actions... more

AirlinesWinds of peace in the Middle East? Qatar Airways resumes air links to Iraq and Syria
... and returns to the full flight schedule to Lebanon and Jordan
The resumption began today, June 30, 2025, in "compliance with international aeronautical regulations for the safety of air routes" more

CargoAircraft and transport. IATA: cargo demand up in May despite trade disruptions
Trade Lane Growth; several factors should be noted
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for May 2025 global air cargo markets showing:• Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 2.2% compared to May... more

AirlinesAircraft and transport: Oman Air joins Oneworld
Customers of the alliance will have access to its network towards the Middle East, Far East, Africa, and Europe
Oman Air is today the 15th carrier member of Oneworld. As the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, it strengthens the alliance’s presence in the Middle East and opens new opportunities for global t... more

AirlinesHelsinki Airport warns: strike will impact air transport in July
It called by Iau from Wednesday the 2nd. Finnair cancels flights
Repercussions on certain ground handling operations are causing flight cancellations and possible delays. The strike is also scheduled for July 4, 7, 16, 18, 21, and 23 more

AirlinesQantas takes delivery of its first A-321XLR airplane
Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines
Australia's Qantas Airways is set to become the Asia-Pacific launch operator of the latest generation single aisle A-321XLR following the delivery of its first aircraft from the Airbus assembly line in... more

Civil aviationAircraft and traffic. EASA and Eurocontrol sign amendment to the MoC
Strengthened partnership in the field of sustainability and civil-military cooperation
The Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Florian Guillermet, and the Director General of Eurocontrol, Raúl Medina, signed last Thursday an amendment to the Memorandum... more

AirportsItalian Enac: commission of inquiry into radar failure on Saturday 28 June launched
Tim considers itself a stranger to the facts
The work of an investigation commission charged with clarifying the origin of the radar system failure that blocked air traffic at Milan-Linate for about two hours on Saturday 28 June begins today; a report... more

AirportsRadar failure in Linate (2). Tim no involvement in the events, support to ENAV always operational
All reliability levels guaranteed
Having noted ENAV's (Italian Flight Assistance Company) press release (see for details AVIONEWS), TIM points out that "data transmission is guaranteed by redundant systems whereby, should one channel fail,... more

AirportsRadar failure in Linate. Italian Enav: operational activities at the Milan control center restored within a few hours
The statements by its CEO Pasqualino Monti
Last night, a malfunction occurred in the radar data transmission system at the Area Control Center (ACC) of Milan, responsible for managing air traffic over north-western Italy. The issue affected the... more

Civil aviationItalian ENAC: its Director General D'Orsogna at the 63rd Eurocontrol Provisional Council meeting
Numerous topics were discussed among the representatives of the 42 Member States
The Director General of ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority), Alexander D'Orsogna, took part today in Brussels in the 63rd meeting of the Provisional Council of Eurocontrol, the intergovernmental organization... more

AerospaceTAS: Sirius mission study for monitoring urban heat islands from space
By the European Space Agency ESA
The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a contract to Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), to perform the mission consolidation study of the SIRIUS mission... more

AerospaceNew generation optical constellation CO3D satellites en route for launch pad
They will be launched in July on a Vega-C rocket
The four latest generation optical satellites, developed and built by Airbus in partnership with the French Space Agency CNES are on their way to their launch pad in French Guiana. They left Toulouse,... more

ConferencesEuropean Council, 26-27 June 2025 in Brussels
To discuss geoeconomic challenges and developments in Ukraine and the Middle East
EU leaders are meeting in Brussels (June 26 and 27) to discuss geoeconomic challenges and the ongoing developments in Ukraine and the Middle East.European defence and security, migration, preparedness and... more

Civil aviationA-400M airplane firefighting kit completes test campaign in France
At the Nimes-Garons Airport
Airbus Defence and Space announced today the successful completion of a series of test drops and demonstrations of its A-400M firefighting demonstrator kit in Nîmes-Garons, France. The objective of this... more

DefenseNew contract Fincantieri: Italian Navy orders two new multipurpose combat ships
The vessels will replace those earmarked for Indonesia; value of the contract about EUR 700 m
Fincantieri strengthens its strategic role in the Italian Navy's fleet renewal program with a new contract for the construction of two PPA- Multipurpose Combat Ships, set to replace the vessels previously... more

AirlinesAir Europa and Etihad Airways: inauguration of the Madrid-Abu Dhabi route
Operated under a wet-lease arrangement
Air Europa and Etihad Airways have celebrated a historic milestone with the inaugural flight operated by the European carrier on a wet-lease basis from Abu Dhabi to Madrid, the first ever performed by... more

AirlinesEasyJet inaugurates the new direct flight Naples-Fuerteventura
Second air connection to the Canary Islands takes off
EasyJet inaugurates today the new direct connection between Naples and Fuerteventura, further enriching its range of destinations from the international airport of Naples.The new route represents an ideal... more

AirlinesDelta Air Lines announces new Rome-Seattle air connection
For Summer 2026, four times a week, operated by A-330/900neo airplane
From Rome to the West Coast: Delta Air Lines will launch a new non-stop connection from the Italian capital to Seattle starting May 7, 2026. The flight will be operated four times a week with an A-330/900neo... more

AirportsSwissport expands cargo handling services at Malpensa
And strengthens its presence in Italy
Swissport, a global provider of ground and cargo handling services, is expanding its presence in Italy by launching cargo handling operations at Milan-Malpensa. This strategic step marks a new milestone... more

ConferencesITA Airways alongside the Libyan–Italian Forum for Development and Reconstruction
Charter flight to Benghazi to accompany the Italian delegation for the two-day event
ITA Airways is accompanying the Italian delegation participating in the Libyan-Italian Forum for Development and Reconstruction, taking place on June 25 and 26 in the city of Benghazi, with a charter flight... more

AirlinesITA Airways enhances benefits harmonization with Lufthansa Group airlines
Effective starting July 1st, 2025
ITA Airways expands services offered to passengers towards harmonization with Lufthansa Group Airlines, and launches mutual Premium Services, effective starting July 1st, 2025. Since the launch in March... more

AirlinesRevolution at Play Airlines headquarters
The carrier towards the closure of the hub and the transfer to Malta: the topic resurfaces
An acquisition plan led by the company’s top management foresees the cessation of transatlantic flights, the transfer of the entire fleet under Maltese registration, and a new focus on leisure and leasing markets more

IndustryNATO orders two additional A-330 MRTT aircraft
And it welcomes Sweden and Denmark to its fleet
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has ordered two additional A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, increasing the Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF) to 12 airplanes. The two additional... more

AirlinesTurkish Airlines is considering entry into Air Europa: rumors officialized
Confirmed "non-binding discussions" to explore investment opportunities and synergies
Turkish Airlines, the Turkish flag carrier, officially confirmed today that it is in "non-binding discussions" for a potential investment in the Spanish airline Air Europa. The news, which had already... more

ConferencesNATO releases updated Defence Production Action Plan, Commercial Space Strategy
And Rapid adoption action plan
At their meeting in February 2025, NATO Defence Ministers approved NATO’s Updated Defence Production Action Plan. They approved NATO’s first Commercial Space Strategy and Rapid Adoption Action Plan at... more

Civil aviationRemotely piloted aircraft. Surge in costs for drones in the USA
Chinese restrictions cause key component prices to triple. And after the tariff war?
A drastic decline has been recorded in Chinese exports of sensors, engines, and essential parts for UAVs following Beijing’s regulations of September 2024, with significant repercussions on the American market more

AirportsAircraft and transport and multimodal (2): the proposals of changes approved by the European Parliament
From passengers' right to protection, to assistance for vulnerable travellers, here the official statement
Small hand luggage on board aircraft should be free of charge more

Curiosities80th since the end of World War II: China announces an unprecedented parade
It will take place on September 3rd, and will demonstrate its strength by showcasing its most advanced military technologies
Beijing will on this occasion receive a visit from Putin, in a geopolitical climate that today sees the Dragon maintaining a position of active "neutrality" but with growing global assertiveness more

AirlinesAircraft and transport. European Parliament revolutionizes passenger rights regulations
Stop extra fees for carry-on luggage, rapid refunds with increased protections, also for integrated travel solutions
A significant breakthrough for millions of air travellers in Europe: the Transport Committee of the European Parliament has today adopted, by a large majority, a series of proposals aimed at strengthening... more

ConferencesTajani at the NATO summit today and tomorrow in The Hague
Together with President Meloni and Minister Crosetto
The Italian Vice-President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), Antonio Tajani, will be in The Hague today and tomorrow to participate in the NATO Heads... more

AirlinesAirspace restrictions in the Middle East: Air India updates its network
Flights suspended in the region, as well as to/from the East Coast of North America and Europe
In a statement released today, Air India announced that, in light of the evolving situation in the Middle East, it has ceased all flight operations in the region, as well as to and from the East Coast... more

AirlinesITA Airways participates at "Business Travel Show 2025"
A two-day event (June 25 and 26) in London
ITA Airways returns to "Business Travel Show", taking place from June 25 to 26 at the ExCeL exhibition center in London, United Kingdom. Visitors can find ITA Airways at the Airline Pavilion, Stand AP9,... more

AirlinesNarrow-body aircraft: Air India cuts 118 weekly flights and suspends three routes
Objective, improve operational stability and safety
Air India has announced a temporary revision of its flight schedule operated with narrow-body aircraft, a decision that will see thecarrier reduce 118 weekly frequencies across 19 routes and completely... more

AirlinesThe new connection Palermo-Palma de Mallorca by easyJet takes off
Launch of two new routes starting from June
EasyJet inaugurates today the new direct connection between Palermo and Palma de Mallorca, further strengthening its international network from Sicily.The new route, operating twice a week –on Mondays a... more

AirportsMacquarie strengthens its grip on British airports
The Australian Group acquires stakes in Bristol, Birmingham, and London City airports
Macquarie Asset Management (Macquarie), through its Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 7, has recently announced an agreement to acquire ownership stakes in the airports of Bristol, Birmingham, and... more

AirlinesIsrael partially reopens Tel Aviv's "Ben Gurion" airport
Priority to repatriations, with strict security restrictions. Today Arkia has scheduled 3 flights to Athens, Rome, and Larnaca
After more than a week of near-total closure due to the escalation of conflict in the region, Tel Aviv's "Ben Gurion" International Airport has resumed operations on a limited basis. The decision, announced... more

DefenseToday a summit between Putin and the Iranian Foreign Minister in Russia
Officially, to request Moscow's diplomatic support, but unofficially...
Russian President Vladimir Putin received today at the Kremlin the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The meeting, which assumes crucial importance in light of recent Israeli airstrikes against... more

AirlinesAir Transat inaugurates direct route from Toronto to Berlin, in joint-venture with Porter Airlines
Seasonal strategic destination active until October on A-321LR narrowbody aircraft
Air Transat inaugurated last Thursday evening its new non-stop air connection between Toronto and Berlin. The inaugural flight, identified as TS418, departed from Toronto Pearson International Airport... more

Aerospace"San Marino Aerospace": event at the beginning of November
Focus on collaborations with Europe, the USA, and North Africa
“San Marino Aerospace” returns, the important international event on the sector hosted by the world’s oldest republic. The second edition will take place on November 4 and 5 at the Kursaal Congress Cente... more

AirportsIsrael launches air raids on six Iranian military airports
Idf claims attack on key Iranian Air Force infrastructures; aircraft and helicopters destroyed
Among others, attack helicopters AH-1, fighters F-14 and F-5, an aerial refuelling aircraft, landing runways, refuelling systems, and underground bunkers used by the Iranian armed forces were targeted more

AirlinesSaudia Cargo strengthens its presence in Asia with a new jv and a hub in Hong Kong
Launched "Saudia Cargo Global" in collaboration with the Tam Group
Objective: significantly expand commercial reach in the Greater China and Asia-Pacific markets, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 more

Discussions"Special Le Bourget" (June 16-22): list of the news in the fourth day
Esa-Tas, Embraer, Thales, Airbus Helicopters and Airbus
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thales Alenia Space (TAS), a joint-venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), and Blue Origin to foster and facilitate... more

Discussions"Special Le Bourget" (June 16-22): list of the news in the third day
Thales, Airbus Helicopters, Eve, Embraer, Airbus, Leonardo
Thales Alenia Space (TAS), the joint-venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a €263 million contract with prime contractor OHB System AG for the development of key elements for ESA's L... more

Discussions"Special Le Bourget" (June 16-22): list of the news in the second day
Elt, Eve, Mimit-Esa-Asi, Embraer, Airbus and Leonardo
Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Italy’s ELT Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance collaboration in the co-development of defence technologies for... more

Discussions"Special Le Bourget" (June 16-22): list of the the news in the first day of the event
Elt Group, Embraer, Leonardo-Baykar, Boeing, first orders by Airbus
ELT Group participates in the 55th edition of the International "Paris Air Show", which takes place in Le Bourget, Paris, between 16 and 22 June (Hall 1 - E296). With seventy years of experience in the... more