FlightGlobal
• Dominic Perry
Saab has displayed a full-scale mock-up of its A3 unmanned combat-aircraft concept, designed for high-end combat, deep-strike and electronic-warfare missions alongside the Gripen E. The autonomous platform could also inform Saab’s future crewed combat-aircraft development, while a related Swedish turbojet project has reached its startup milestone.
Europe
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GKN Aerospace has presented a full-scale mock-up of a new Swedish uncrewed air vehicle, while a clean-sheet turbojet engine intended to power its technology demonstrator has already begun running. The disclosure marks progress on both the vehicle concept and its propulsion system.
Saab has displayed a full-scale mock-up of its A3 unmanned combat-aircraft concept, designed for high-end combat, deep-strike and electronic-warfare missions alongside the Gripen E. The autonomous platform could also inform Saab’s future crewed combat-aircraft development, while a related Swedish turbojet project has reached its startup milestone.
Lufthansa is beginning Starlink installations on its A320neo fleet, while American Airlines plans upgraded narrowbody cabins with more premium seating, seatback entertainment, Bluetooth and USB-C. Eurowings is extending its Premium BIZ 2×2 offering across its A320neo fleet for the 2026/27 winter schedule.
Portugal has designated the planned final assembly line for Embraer’s A-29N Super Tucano as a project of national public interest, advancing its ambitions to become the aircraft’s European production base and support a broader regional market for the military turboprop.
The UK’s rotary-wing military inventory stood at 249 platforms on April 1, 2026, 27 fewer than a year earlier, according to annual Ministry of Defense statistics published August 20. The figures indicate a continued reduction in the size of Britain’s military helicopter fleet.
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Norwegian air traffic controllers began striking on Aug. 21 after wage negotiations failed, disrupting operations at several of the country’s largest airports. Airlines and passengers face delays and potential cancellations through the weekend and into early next week as the industrial action continues.
Finland’s foreign affairs ministry summoned Russia’s ambassador after a Russian IL-20 reconnaissance aircraft was suspected of entering Finnish airspace on Thursday. Helsinki requested an explanation, adding a diplomatic response to a reported encounter involving a Russian military intelligence aircraft and a NATO-bordering state.
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easyJet will withdraw entirely from Leeds Bradford Airport after Jan. 5, 2027, following a review of its route network. The airline has already ended its Leeds–Geneva service and says it is concentrating capacity on more strongly demanded connections elsewhere, as Jet2 and Ryanair respond with competing offers.
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