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AirInsight • Richard Schuurman

Lufthansa to make binding offer for Portugal’s TAP, positioning stake as ‘right addition’ amid Iran-driven risk

Lufthansa plans to move from prior non-binding interest to a binding offer for TAP Air Portugal, with Group strategy executives calling TAP a geographically complementary, connectivity-critical addition for Portugal. The company says it will proceed despite added risks from the Iran conflict, framing a continued path through Portugal’s privatization process.

2026-05-06T06:07:04.914530-07:00

investors.lockheedmartin.com

Lockheed Martin names O.J. Sanchez to lead Aeronautics after Greg Ulmer’s retirement

2026-05-06T07:18:23.643453-07:00

ch-aviation

Air Congo sets up first intercontinental route: Kinshasa–Brussels nonstops in early 3Q26, with CEO talks and new ATRs

2026-05-06T02:00:16.681086-07:00

Breaking Defense

Quantum Space appoints former NASA chief Jim Bridenstine as CEO to scale maneuverable spacecraft for U.S. defense and commercial

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

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investors.lockheedmartin.com

Lockheed Martin names O.J. Sanchez to lead Aeronautics after Greg Ulmer’s retirement Lockheed Martin will replace Aeronautics division president Greg Ulmer with Skunk Works leader O.J. “OJ” Sanchez, the company said May 6. The transition places the F-35-centric combat aircraft manufacturing portfolio under the executive who currently heads the Skunk Works rapid prototyping and advanced production organization.

2026-05-06T07:18:23.643453-07:00

Lockheed Martin names O.J. Sanchez to lead Aeronautics after Greg Ulmer’s retirement

AirInsight

Lufthansa to make binding offer for Portugal’s TAP, positioning stake as ‘right addition’ amid Iran-driven risk Lufthansa plans to move from prior non-binding interest to a binding offer for TAP Air Portugal, with Group strategy executives calling TAP a geographically complementary, connectivity-critical addition for Portugal. The company says it will proceed despite added risks from the Iran conflict, framing a continued path through Portugal’s privatization process.

2026-05-06T06:07:04.914530-07:00

Lufthansa to make binding offer for Portugal’s TAP, positioning stake as ‘right addition’ amid Iran-driven risk

ch-aviation

Air Congo sets up first intercontinental route: Kinshasa–Brussels nonstops in early 3Q26, with CEO talks and new ATRs Air Congo is preparing to launch nonstop long-haul service between Kinshasa and Brussels, its first intercontinental route. Multiple reports frame the plan around an early 3Q26 start, with Brussels-Europe competition highlighted as ticket sales begin from July. The airline’s CEOs also discussed the service with Ethiopian Airlines and the acquisition of new ATRs.

2026-05-06T02:00:16.681086-07:00

Air Congo sets up first intercontinental route: Kinshasa–Brussels nonstops in early 3Q26, with CEO talks and new ATRs

Breaking Defense

Navy's Cahill nominated for SWO boss, Air Force's Tulley for AMC

2026-05-05T13:49:36.272894-07:00

Navy's Cahill nominated for SW

FlightGlobal

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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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Quantum Space appoints former NASA chief Jim Bridenstine as CEO to scale maneuverable spacecraft for U.S. defense and commercial Quantum Space named former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine as CEO, positioning the company’s next generation of maneuverable spacecraft for both national security and commercial operations. The leadership transition centers on securing long-term capitalization while aligning growth with U.S. security priorities.

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

Quantum Space appoints former NASA chief Jim Bridenstine as CEO to scale maneuverable spacecraft for U.S. defense and commercial

aviator.aero

euroAtlantic Airways appoints former airBaltic COO Pauls Calitis as CEO effective 18 May 2026 Portuguese wet-lease and charter provider euroAtlantic Airways has named former airBaltic COO Pauls Calitis as chief executive, effective 18 May 2026. Calitis succeeds Stewart Higginson, who led the company since 2024 and will shift to chairman of the board as the airline enters its next growth phase.

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

euroAtlantic Airways appoints former airBaltic COO Pauls Calitis as CEO effective 18 May 2026

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

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Leadership News

Lufthansa to make binding offer for Portugal’s TAP, positioning stake as ‘right addition’ amid Iran-driven risk

Lockheed Martin names O.J. Sanchez to lead Aeronautics after Greg Ulmer’s retirement

Air Congo sets up first intercontinental route: Kinshasa–Brussels nonstops in early 3Q26, with CEO talks and new ATRs

Quantum Space appoints former NASA chief Jim Bridenstine as CEO to scale maneuverable spacecraft for U.S. defense and commercial

News Timeline