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Breaking Defense • Theresa Hitchens

Jim Bridenstine becomes CEO of Quantum Space as company targets maneuverable spacecraft for U.S. military and commercial mission

Former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine has taken over as CEO of Quantum Space, which is developing maneuverable spacecraft aimed at serving both U.S. national-security needs and commercial operators. Bridenstine said the role brings him back to defense and opens a path toward future Space Force operations in cislunar space.

2026-05-05T06:55:48.756540-07:00

aviator.aero

euroAtlantic Airways appoints Pauls Calitis as CEO effective 18 May 2026, replacing Stewart Higginson

2026-05-05T01:37:48.283716-07:00

Vertical Mag

Wisk Aero’s second Generation 6 autonomous aircraft enters flight testing with a May 4 Hollister, Calif., sortie

2026-05-04T09:36:35.049503-07:00

APEX

Ethiopian Airlines earns APEX Best Airline in Africa Award for 2026, citing passenger feedback

2026-05-04T10:58:23.004210-07:00

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FlightGlobal

Air Astana faces wider Q1 losses as new CEO eyeing China growth amid Middle East-driven “new normal” demand Air Astana’s first-quarter results show losses widening as engine capacity constraints weigh on profits, even as evolving demand tied to the Middle East conflict creates growth opportunities. Incoming Air Astana Group CEO Ibrahim Canliel highlighted a plan to expand further, particularly in China, alongside cost and revenue pressures.

2026-05-05T08:16:11.778367-07:00

Air Astana faces wider Q1 losses as new CEO eyeing China growth amid Middle East-driven “new normal” demand

Breaking Defense

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Jim Bridenstine becomes CEO of Quantum Space as company targets maneuverable spacecraft for U.S. military and commercial mission Former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine has taken over as CEO of Quantum Space, which is developing maneuverable spacecraft aimed at serving both U.S. national-security needs and commercial operators. Bridenstine said the role brings him back to defense and opens a path toward future Space Force operations in cislunar space.

2026-05-05T06:55:48.756540-07:00

Jim Bridenstine becomes CEO of Quantum Space as company targets maneuverable spacecraft for U.S. military and commercial mission

aviator.aero

euroAtlantic Airways appoints Pauls Calitis as CEO effective 18 May 2026, replacing Stewart Higginson Portuguese wet-lease and charter specialist euroAtlantic Airways (EAA) named Pauls Calitis—formerly airBaltic COO—as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 18 May 2026. He succeeds Stewart Higginson, who led since 2024 and will move to chairman of the board as EAA enters a new phase of growth.

2026-05-05T01:37:48.283716-07:00

euroAtlantic Airways appoints Pauls Calitis as CEO effective 18 May 2026, replacing Stewart Higginson

AINonline

Mente Group posts record $1B aircraft transactions for 2025; COO and revenue leadership promotions announced Mente Group says it generated record aircraft-transaction volume of $1 billion in 2025, alongside internal leadership promotions that elevate key executives in revenue and company management. The update signals continued activity and capital movement in aircraft secondary markets heading into 2026.

2026-05-04T11:35:27.969235-07:00

Mente Group posts record $1B aircraft transactions for 2025; COO and revenue leadership promotions announced

APEX

Ethiopian Airlines earns APEX Best Airline in Africa Award for 2026, citing passenger feedback Ethiopian Airlines has been named 2026 “Best Airline in Africa” by APEX Passenger Choice Awards, with the honor attributed to passenger feedback. The award was presented at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, reinforcing Ethiopian’s ongoing market positioning across the continent.

2026-05-04T10:58:23.004210-07:00

Ethiopian Airlines earns APEX Best Airline in Africa Award for 2026, citing passenger feedback

Vertical Mag

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Wisk Aero’s second Generation 6 autonomous aircraft enters flight testing with a May 4 Hollister, Calif., sortie Wisk Aero has completed the first flight of its second Generation 6 autonomous air taxi aircraft, flying the test platform from Hollister, California on May 4. The company says it put two Boeing-backed certification aircraft into simultaneous flight testing, doubling the pace of its Gen 6 certification flight program.

2026-05-04T09:36:35.049503-07:00

Wisk Aero’s second Generation 6 autonomous aircraft enters flight testing with a May 4 Hollister, Calif., sortie

AINonline

Otto Aerospace names Drennan as new leader amid leadership change for its Phantom 3500 business jet Otto Aerospace, the developer of the Phantom 3500 business jet, has announced that Drennan will take the helm as Touw exits the start-up’s leadership. The move signals a change in management as the company continues positioning the Phantom 3500 for market.

2026-05-04T07:40:25.960309-07:00

Otto Aerospace names Drennan as new leader amid leadership change for its Phantom 3500 business jet

FlightGlobal

HAL names Tejas veteran Kota Ravi (Ravi K) as CMD, setting agenda for innovation and extended Dhruv helicopter production throug Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has appointed Kota Ravi—an experienced Tejas Light Combat Aircraft programme veteran—as its 22nd Chairman and Managing Director, succeeding D.K. Sunil. The new chief’s mandate includes boosting innovation at the state airframer and sustaining Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter production into the mid-2030s via an extended line horizon.

2026-05-04T03:22:00.549777-07:00

HAL names Tejas veteran Kota Ravi (Ravi K) as CMD, setting agenda for innovation and extended Dhruv helicopter production throug

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Leadership News

Jim Bridenstine becomes CEO of Quantum Space as company targets maneuverable spacecraft for U.S. military and commercial mission

euroAtlantic Airways appoints Pauls Calitis as CEO effective 18 May 2026, replacing Stewart Higginson

Wisk Aero’s second Generation 6 autonomous aircraft enters flight testing with a May 4 Hollister, Calif., sortie

Ethiopian Airlines earns APEX Best Airline in Africa Award for 2026, citing passenger feedback

News Timeline