European Spaceflight
• Andrew Parsonson
ArianeGroup has completed a wet dress rehearsal of its Themis reusable booster demonstrator at Esrange Space Centre in Sweden. The milestone advances ground verification for the program’s reusable propulsion and launch-system integration, paving the way for subsequent test activity.
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Thomas Sleightholm FlyNow, developer of pilotless electric aircraft aimed at air taxi, logistics and emergency-response use, has officially relocated its global headquarters to Riyadh. The move signals a tighter operational footprint in Saudi Arabia for an eVTOL strategy that targets commercialization-ready applications.
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ArianeGroup has completed a wet dress rehearsal of its Themis reusable booster demonstrator at Esrange Space Centre in Sweden. The milestone advances ground verification for the program’s reusable propulsion and launch-system integration, paving the way for subsequent test activity.
Farnborough International Airshow 2026 drew 141,580 visitors from 136 countries and logged 353 aircraft and 904 engine orders, generating $84.7bn in deals. The event also highlighted accelerating UK and sovereign participation across unmanned and autonomous programs, including CCA, autonomous wingmen, and surveillance drones.
The Royal Australian Air Force is using its Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in the anti-submarine and anti-surface roles during current RIMPAC naval exercises. The activity gives the RAAF P-8A community its first experience with a newly introduced anti-ship capability.
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Allegiant Air says it will roll out a new premium product, including first-class seating for the first time on select aircraft starting spring 2027, along with priority check-in/boarding and covered baggage. The airline will also add complimentary inflight beverages in advance of the seat rollout, beginning Aug. 1, 2026.
A coalition of global aviation industry groups has launched a joint runway incursion initiative aimed at improving runway safety. The program focuses on sharing tools—including risk assessment resources—across participating organizations to strengthen detection, prevention, and mitigation of runway incursions.
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Airbus reported 351 commercial aircraft delivered in the first half of 2026, up from 306 in H1 2025, alongside a 15% increase in half-year revenues to €23.9 billion. The company reaffirmed its full-year target of 870 aircraft deliveries and guided to €7.5 billion adjusted EBIT and ~€4.5 billion free cash flow, citing stronger commercial output and defense gains.
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