Avio’s Vega C successfully deployed the Copernicus Sentinel-3C and Earth Explorer FLEX Earth-observation satellites from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Thales Alenia Space, the prime contractor for both spacecraft, said the mission strengthens Europe’s space-based capabilities for monitoring and protecting the planet.
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Iberia has received authorization to perform comprehensive, end-to-end maintenance on its Airbus A350 fleet. The approval is notable because it was granted without limitations, expanding the Spanish flag carrier’s ability to manage the aircraft’s maintenance requirements in-house.
French all-business carrier La Compagnie plans to add a third A321LR in 2027 and its first A321XLR in 2028, potentially doubling its fleet. The airline is also launching nonstop Düsseldorf–New York Newark service next spring, expanding its transatlantic network beyond its existing operations.
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Avio’s Vega C successfully deployed the Copernicus Sentinel-3C and Earth Explorer FLEX Earth-observation satellites from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. Thales Alenia Space, the prime contractor for both spacecraft, said the mission strengthens Europe’s space-based capabilities for monitoring and protecting the planet.
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Airbus expects Asia-Pacific to account for nearly half of the 42,000 new aircraft it forecasts worldwide through 2045, with demand centered on narrowbodies serving an expanding middle class and new city routes. The manufacturer sees deliveries supporting fleet growth more than replacement and reports no significant regional demand softening.
ESA’s FLEX and Sentinel-3C Earth-observation satellites are ready for launch on Vega-C from French Guiana, while Airbus and Unseenlabs won a contract for France’s next SIGINT satellites. Cailabs is advancing shared optical ground infrastructure, and Satellogic plans three additional Earth-observation satellites.
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Etihad Airways has revealed a four-seat First Class cabin for its incoming Airbus A330-900s, with the suites more closely resembling the carrier’s latest Business Class product than its A380 First Apartments. The Abu Dhabi-based airline expects to receive its first A330neo in September 2027.
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Ten U.S. allies committed $302 million to complete funding for the Space Force’s next Wideband Global SATCOM satellite, while commercial operators advanced financing, manufacturing and procurement plans. Elveo Mobile selected Apex Space to produce 320 direct-to-device satellites, Eutelsat ordered 229 additional OneWeb satellites, and Sophia Space secured $300 million.
France has begun Rafale F5 development with contracts for Dassault Aviation, Thales, MBDA France and Safran, targeting qualification around 2033. In parallel, Pegase 2026 is deploying Rafale fighters alongside A330 MRTT Phénix tankers and A400M transports to Alaska via the Arctic.
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