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FlightGlobal • David Kaminski-Morrow

NTSB: UPS MD-11F pylon bearing fatigue cracks were reported repeatedly—10 times—before fatal engine separation

NTSB testimony on the UPS MD-11F crash indicates the left engine’s pylon failure stemmed from fatigue cracking in the pylon bearing area. Investigators found the same part had fractured 10 times previously and that multiple alerts were not acted on. The hearing also scrutinized FAA, Boeing, UPS and maintenance inspection/reporting processes dating back to 2002.

2026-05-19T13:54:07.237004-07:00

FlightGlobal

Canada to replace Snowbirds’ CT-114 Tutor jets with PC-21-based CT-157 Siskin II, pausing displays after the 2026 season

2026-05-19T12:10:05.021670-07:00

Aviation Source

JetBlue reintroduces “Blueprint II” livery on a new Airbus A220

2026-05-19T11:04:46.242515-07:00

Business Wire

Vertical Aerospace begins hybrid-electric integration testing and scales Valo battery production

2026-05-19T10:33:08.879108-07:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

Boeing MQ-25A Stingray secures Milestone C approval, setting stage for low-rate initial production Boeing’s MQ-25A Stingray uncrewed carrier refuelling aircraft has received Milestone C approval for the US Navy. The decision clears the way for low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the MQ-25A to support the Navy’s unmanned tanker concept integrated with carrier air operations.

2026-05-19T21:55:46.814816-07:00

Boeing MQ-25A Stingray secures Milestone C approval, setting stage for low-rate initial production

FlightGlobal

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NTSB: UPS MD-11F pylon bearing fatigue cracks were reported repeatedly—10 times—before fatal engine separation NTSB testimony on the UPS MD-11F crash indicates the left engine’s pylon failure stemmed from fatigue cracking in the pylon bearing area. Investigators found the same part had fractured 10 times previously and that multiple alerts were not acted on. The hearing also scrutinized FAA, Boeing, UPS and maintenance inspection/reporting processes dating back to 2002.

2026-05-19T13:54:07.237004-07:00

NTSB: UPS MD-11F pylon bearing fatigue cracks were reported repeatedly—10 times—before fatal engine separation

FlightGlobal

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Canada to replace Snowbirds’ CT-114 Tutor jets with PC-21-based CT-157 Siskin II, pausing displays after the 2026 season Canada has selected the Pilatus PC-21-derived CT-157 Siskin II to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds’ CT-114 Tutor jets. The team will stand down after the 2026 airshow season, with the new turboprops expected to enter service in the early 2030s—meaning a multi-year gap in flying displays.

2026-05-19T12:10:05.021670-07:00

Canada to replace Snowbirds’ CT-114 Tutor jets with PC-21-based CT-157 Siskin II, pausing displays after the 2026 season

defence-blog.com

Russia begins flight testing of rebuilt two-seat Su-57D stealth fighter prototype United Aircraft Corporation has commenced flight testing of a two-seat Su-57 variant, tentatively designated Su-57D, with a first flight reported on May 19 following earlier ground taxi trials. The twin-seat configuration is reported to support pilot training and may enable drone-coordination missions, with footage released via Russian MoD media.

2026-05-19T11:25:23.543577-07:00

Russia begins flight testing of rebuilt two-seat Su-57D stealth fighter prototype

Aviation Source

JetBlue reintroduces “Blueprint II” livery on a new Airbus A220 JetBlue has unveiled “Blueprint II,” a refreshed version of its iconic see-through Blueprint branding, applied to a brand-new Airbus A220. The move signals a renewed focus on aircraft and brand visibility as the carrier continues to lean on its A220 fleet identity.

2026-05-19T11:04:46.242515-07:00

JetBlue reintroduces “Blueprint II” livery on a new Airbus A220

Air Data News

Embraer KC-390 Millennium: Czech Air Force’s first aircraft completes maiden flight in Brazil Embraer says the first of two KC-390 Millennium aircraft ordered by the Czech Republic has completed its inaugural flight at Gavião Peixoto, where Embraer performs key industrial and test work. Prague bought two C-390-configured transports with refuelling capability in 2024, positioning the aircraft for Czech Air Force transport and support missions.

2026-05-19T10:40:19.832520-07:00

Embraer KC-390 Millennium: Czech Air Force’s first aircraft completes maiden flight in Brazil

Business Wire

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Vertical Aerospace begins hybrid-electric integration testing and scales Valo battery production Vertical Aerospace says it has started integration testing for its next-generation hybrid-electric propulsion system and produced the first all-electric Valo battery from its upgraded pilot assembly line. The milestones point to moving from component buildout to integrated system validation ahead of upcoming flight-testing.

2026-05-19T10:33:08.879108-07:00

Vertical Aerospace begins hybrid-electric integration testing and scales Valo battery production

Breaking Defense

Italy signs for six Airbus A330 MRTT tankers to replace aging KC-767 fleet Italy has signed for six Airbus A330 MRTT tankers in a deal valued at €1,390 million, replacing the Italian Air Force’s aging KC-767 fleet of four aircraft. Tender documents indicate Rome was also considering the Boeing KC-46 in earlier plans before selecting the A330 MRTT.

2026-05-19T09:10:26.446797-07:00

Italy signs for six Airbus A330 MRTT tankers to replace aging KC-767 fleet

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Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) News

NTSB: UPS MD-11F pylon bearing fatigue cracks were reported repeatedly—10 times—before fatal engine separation

Canada to replace Snowbirds’ CT-114 Tutor jets with PC-21-based CT-157 Siskin II, pausing displays after the 2026 season

JetBlue reintroduces “Blueprint II” livery on a new Airbus A220

Vertical Aerospace begins hybrid-electric integration testing and scales Valo battery production

News Timeline