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Aviation Source • Len Varley

Heathrow turns 80 as record May Day signals resilient UK hub demand ahead of the summer peak

Heathrow marked its 80th birthday in May amid signs of robust passenger demand as the UK’s busiest airport prepares for the summer travel rush. A record May Day performance points to continued momentum in traffic volumes, even as recent monthly data has shown pattern shifts.

2026-06-15T15:23:01.587465-07:00

FlightGlobal

airBaltic and EL AL codeshare to launch July 1, 2026 via Riga; partnership ties Israel–Europe connectivity to airBaltic’s Tel Av

2026-06-15T07:17:28.609651-07:00

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

EasyJet A320 takeoff investigation: aircraft departed using too short a runway distance, overshot runway end and flew 20m above

2026-06-15T08:22:47.355169-07:00

Airbus

Avincis signs deal for up to 15 more Airbus H145 helicopters, with deliveries from 2028-2031

2026-06-15T01:31:17.250133-07:00

News Timeline

Aviation Source

Heathrow turns 80 as record May Day signals resilient UK hub demand ahead of the summer peak Heathrow marked its 80th birthday in May amid signs of robust passenger demand as the UK’s busiest airport prepares for the summer travel rush. A record May Day performance points to continued momentum in traffic volumes, even as recent monthly data has shown pattern shifts.

2026-06-15T15:23:01.587465-07:00

Heathrow turns 80 as record May Day signals resilient UK hub demand ahead of the summer peak

Air Data News

UK and Japan reaffirm GCAP commitment, pledging to accelerate next-generation fighter cooperation The UK and Japan have issued a joint declaration to accelerate the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), calling the next-generation fighter a core pillar of defense industrial cooperation. The pledge comes days after reports of setbacks involving Europe’s rival program, underscoring pressure to maintain momentum.

2026-06-15T08:32:46.925712-07:00

UK and Japan reaffirm GCAP commitment, pledging to accelerate next-generation fighter cooperation

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

EasyJet A320 takeoff investigation: aircraft departed using too short a runway distance, overshot runway end and flew 20m above A new investigation into a London Luton takeoff involving an EasyJet Airbus A320 says the crew used a takeoff distance that left insufficient runway margin. The aircraft became airborne over the very end of the runway and reached only about 20 meters height before the pilots recognized the situation.

2026-06-15T08:22:47.355169-07:00

EasyJet A320 takeoff investigation: aircraft departed using too short a runway distance, overshot runway end and flew 20m above

FlightGlobal

❗️

airBaltic and EL AL codeshare to launch July 1, 2026 via Riga; partnership ties Israel–Europe connectivity to airBaltic’s Tel Av Latvian carrier airBaltic and EL AL Israel Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement effective July 1, 2026. The deal is designed to expand single-journey connectivity between Israel and Europe via Riga, aligning with airBaltic’s plan to restore Riga–Tel Aviv flights on the same date.

2026-06-15T07:17:28.609651-07:00

airBaltic and EL AL codeshare to launch July 1, 2026 via Riga; partnership ties Israel–Europe connectivity to airBaltic’s Tel Av

FlightGlobal

Ukraine plans IRIS-T integration on Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters Ukraine is set to begin arming its Lockheed Martin F-16 fleet with the German-produced IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile, according to the weapon’s manufacturer. The move underscores how donor-provided fighters are being rapidly adapted with European air-combat effects.

2026-06-15T06:02:33.285688-07:00

Ukraine plans IRIS-T integration on Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters

Breaking Defense

France selects MBDA–Safran Thundart for long-range rocket artillery under FLP‑T, with deliveries starting in 2029 The French defense ministry says a consortium of MBDA and Safran has won the contract for the next long-range rocket artillery capability, replacing France’s current LRU system. If timelines hold, the first Thundart units are slated for delivery from 2029, with France entering “exclusive” negotiations.

2026-06-15T05:46:44.348989-07:00

France selects MBDA–Safran Thundart for long-range rocket artillery under FLP‑T, with deliveries starting in 2029

Space Intel Report

Iris2 adds 66 early-delivery LEO satellites to start launches in 2029 Europe’s Iris2 multi-orbit secure connectivity network is adding 66 smaller satellites to its low-Earth-orbit component to preserve launch start timing in 2029 despite schedule-delays pressure from European governments. The expanded approach targets a full 264-satellite system launch around 2032.

2026-06-15T04:53:14.338275-07:00

Iris2 adds 66 early-delivery LEO satellites to start launches in 2029

AeroTime

Etihad adds Krakow and Palma de Mallorca to its 2026 European network Etihad Airways will inaugurate nonstop European services to Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) on June 11, 2026, and Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) on June 12, 2026. The launches extend the carrier’s broader effort to build out its regional schedule around the summer period.

2026-06-15T03:32:45.992367-07:00

Etihad adds Krakow and Palma de Mallorca to its 2026 European network

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Europe News

Heathrow turns 80 as record May Day signals resilient UK hub demand ahead of the summer peak

airBaltic and EL AL codeshare to launch July 1, 2026 via Riga; partnership ties Israel–Europe connectivity to airBaltic’s Tel Av

EasyJet A320 takeoff investigation: aircraft departed using too short a runway distance, overshot runway end and flew 20m above

Avincis signs deal for up to 15 more Airbus H145 helicopters, with deliveries from 2028-2031

News Timeline