Via Satellite
• Mark Holmes
Eutelsat says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Poland to deepen cooperation in support of Europe’s secure satellite communications infrastructure under the IRIS² programme. The agreement is aimed at enabling Poland’s participation in the IRIS² effort alongside related cooperation commitments.
Europe
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Heathrow reported that it retained its position as Europe’s most punctual hub, showing steady progress in the first half of 2026 despite geopolitical headwinds. The operator said performance and service strength continued through the period, underscoring resilience in demand and operations.
Eutelsat says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Poland to deepen cooperation in support of Europe’s secure satellite communications infrastructure under the IRIS² programme. The agreement is aimed at enabling Poland’s participation in the IRIS² effort alongside related cooperation commitments.
High activity
Saudia Cargo and Riyadh Cargo have signed an interline agreement to give freight forwarders and logistics partners broader network access, enhanced routing options, and improved cargo connectivity through Saudi Arabia. In parallel, Saudia Cargo has launched a scheduled Riyadh–Melbourne freighter route to extend its international cargo network.
Latvia’s airBaltic has opened a new staff unit in Switzerland, according to ch-aviation coverage. The move comes while a government-led inquest remains active, adding to the airline’s administrative footprint and operational support structure as scrutiny continues.
Germany is considering establishing a dedicated launch facility for its armed forces to ensure reliable access to space for future national security missions. The proposal is aimed at reducing dependence on external launch capacity as Germany plans for next-generation defense space requirements.
Belarus has approved scheduled flight services from Iran, clearing a new level of connectivity between the two countries. The decision signals easing constraints on direct air access and sets the conditions for carriers to plan route launches, capacity, and associated operational requirements.
Ryanair says it will invest €50 million (about $57 million) to expand its maintenance facility at Shannon. The move is intended to increase capacity at the Irish site and strengthen the carrier’s in-house maintenance footprint, underlining continued reliance on dedicated MRO capabilities.
France’s military deployed an Airbus A400M to help fight out-of-control wildfires burning west of Bordeaux in late July 2026. As fires threatened the region, aerospace firms—including Dassault, Thales and ArianeGroup—closed nearby sites, while Dassault moved sensitive equipment to Merignac and nearby air-base facilities after the Gironde wildfire idled the Rafale assembly line.
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