AeroTime
• Ian Molyneaux
British Airways owner International Airlines Group questioned the price tag attached to Heathrow Airport’s planned expansion and third runway in evidence submitted to a parliamentary committee, underscoring concern from a major airport user over the project’s financial burden.
Europe
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British Airways owner International Airlines Group questioned the price tag attached to Heathrow Airport’s planned expansion and third runway in evidence submitted to a parliamentary committee, underscoring concern from a major airport user over the project’s financial burden.
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The emerging orbital data-center sector is converging on sun-synchronous orbits, intensifying questions over congestion, coordination and operational rules. The development also raises a strategic policy issue for Europe: whether it will help shape the traffic-management framework governing a potentially important new class of space infrastructure.
NATO fighter jets shot down a drone after it entered Latvia’s eastern airspace, according to the Latvian Ministry of Defense. The action marks the second time in two months that the military alliance has responded by destroying an aerial threat over or near Latvian territory.
Rocket Lab is moving into Europe’s competitive launch market, positioning the company against established and emerging regional providers. The expansion could reshape the competitive landscape for European launch services as the company extends its presence into territory traditionally served by local operators.
Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines has entered Europe with nonstop Taipei–Prague flights, operated three times weekly by Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The route launched on Aug. 1 with First Class and a new livery, and is scheduled to increase to four weekly flights from October.
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NATO fighter jets intercepted and destroyed a foreign unmanned aerial vehicle over Latvia’s eastern Balvi region after it entered Latvian airspace, which the Latvian military attributed to Russian electromagnetic warfare. Finland also temporarily restricted parts of its airspace and sea areas amid heightened concern over drone activity along the Baltic region.
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Delta will begin Austin’s first nonstop service to Paris Charles de Gaulle in March 2027, extending its expansion at Austin-Bergstrom to 30 destinations for summer 2027. The carrier will also add Airbus A319 service on its Austin–San Diego route, alongside expanded flying to Cancun and San Jose.
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The NTSB’s preliminary report says bird remains and feathers were found on components of a damaged engine after a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 suffered an engine failure over Greece on July 10. Engine debris pierced the fuselage, dislodging a window and partially pulling a passenger outside.
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