Aviation News

AI Aviation Safety & Regulation Policy & Regulation

Leeham News • Howard Hardee

Merlin clears AI certification hurdle for autonomous flight in New Zealand

Merlin has cleared a certification hurdle in New Zealand for using artificial intelligence in autonomous flight, addressing one of the most persistent regulatory challenges facing safety-critical aviation systems. The development signals progress toward regulatory acceptance of AI in aircraft operations, though the article provides no further details on scope or timing.

1 Source

2026-08-17T10:50:02.800097-07:00

ATC North America Airports Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management

NEW

AINonline • Kerry Lynch

FAA Installs Surface Radars at Key Airports and Awards $74.3M to AT&T

By AINonline: KDCA and KEWR receive SMR-4 installations, while IDIQ AT&T covers coms.

1 Source

2026-08-17T11:06:10.972274-07:00

Frequent-flyer programs M&A Airline Industry & Market Trends Air Canada Airlines

Reuters • Sebastian Pellejero

Air Canada’s Loyalty Program Valued Above Airline in $1.8 Billion Deal

By Reuters: Air ‌Canada's loyalty program is worth more than the carrier itself, based on its $1.8 bln deal with a Blackstone-led group.

1 Source

2026-08-17T10:20:48.423680-07:00

North America Airports Airport Infrastructure & Air Traffic Management Policy & Regulation

AINonline • Kerry Lynch

FAA Administrator Bedford, U.S. Senators Oppose Burke Lakefront Closure

By AINonline: Neither FAA nor Congress appear open to helping Cleveland expedite airport closure.

1 Source

2026-08-17T09:50:54.640855-07:00

UAV Development & Drone Programs Air Cargo & Freight Logistics

Flying Magazine • Jack Daleo

Uber’s Drone Delivery Bet: 1 Million Daily Trips by 2029

By Flying Magazine: Uber, DoorDash, Walmart, and other delivery platforms are turning to drones to cut trip times.

Also: DroneDJ

2 Sources

2026-08-17T09:37:57.500680-07:00

Policy & Regulation Sustainability & Climate Initiatives Airlines Delta Air Lines

Skift • Tasmin Lockwood

Lawsuit Against Delta Raises a Bigger Question: How Airlines Use Carbon Offsets

By Skift: emissions reductions hold up — along with the language used to disclose them. A judge rejected Delta Air Lines’ bid to dismiss a lawsuit over its prior advertising claims of carbon neutrality, adding fresh scrutiny on how airlines promote efforts to reach net zero.

1 Source

2026-08-17T09:32:56.069170-07:00

Antitrust M&A Aircraft Demand: Airline Distress & Consolidation Airline Industry & Market Trends Airlines

NEW

ch-aviation • Daniel Martinez Garbuno

Perú greenlights Abra’s acquisition of SKY Airline

By ch-aviation: The Peruvian competition watchdog (Instituto Nacional de Defensa de la Competencia y de la Protección de la Propiedad Intelectual - Indecopi) has authorised, with conditions, the acquisition of SKY Airline (Chile) (H2, Santiago de Chile) by Abra Group, according to a press release.

4 Sources

2026-08-17T11:51:28.096923-07:00

BizAv Helicopter Europe Airports

AINonline • Charles Alcock

Flexjet Bases European Helicopter Fleet at Blackbushe Airport in the UK

By AINonline: S-76s and AW139s will carry passengers to and from London-area airports.

1 Source

2026-08-17T10:06:07.497561-07:00

Merlin clears AI certification hurdle for autonomous flight in New Zealand

FAA Installs Surface Radars at Key Airports and Awards $74.3M to AT&T

Air Canada’s Loyalty Program Valued Above Airline in $1.8 Billion Deal

FAA Administrator Bedford, U.S. Senators Oppose Burke Lakefront Closure

Uber’s Drone Delivery Bet: 1 Million Daily Trips by 2029

Lawsuit Against Delta Raises a Bigger Question: How Airlines Use Carbon Offsets

Perú greenlights Abra’s acquisition of SKY Airline

Flexjet Bases European Helicopter Fleet at Blackbushe Airport in the UK

Perú greenlights Abra’s acquisition of SKY Airline

FAA Installs Surface Radars at Key Airports and Awards $74.3M to AT&T

Merlin Clears AI Certification Hurdle in New Zealand

Air Canada’s Loyalty Program Valued Above Airline in $1.8 Billion Deal

Flexjet Bases European Helicopter Fleet at Blackbushe Airport in the UK

FAA Administrator Bedford, U.S. Senators Oppose Burke Lakefront Closure

Russia’s PD-14-Powered MC-21 Completes Longest Flight, but Range Still Trails A320neo

Brussels Airlines expands Arctic network with services to Norway and Finland

ATR targets year-end for ‘baseline’ design of hybrid-electric demonstrator

Malaysia Airlines Pilots Test Negative for Drugs After Colleague’s Indonesia Arrest

Vietnam Airlines 787-9 returns to Munich after reported runway overrun and tail strike

Identical American Airlines Callsigns Contributed to Phoenix Conflict Between Two 737-800s

Vietnam Airlines 787-9 sustains substantial damage after late rotation and runway overrun at Munich

Azul targets a ‘transition year’ after cutting capacity amid surging fuel costs

The day’s aerospace signal, in one email.

More in Aviation

Boeing's Deferred Production Costs Growing Again, Part II

IndiGo refutes speculation over Embraer regional jet deal

Russia tightening criteria on regulatory compliance and financial health for airlines seeking international routes

KNETCO and Skyports Partner to Develop Advanced Air Mobility Infrastructure in Kuwait

Indian Court Chides SpiceJet After Last-Minute Lessor Settlement Delays Bankruptcy Rulings

Air France extends A318 service into mid-4Q26

AirAsia’s $19 Billion A220 Bet Followed by a 25% Capacity Retreat

Vietnam aviation body says passenger plane returned to Munich after tail strike, tyre-pressure warnings