FlightGlobal
• Dominic Perry
Lufthansa Technik has entered the final certification phase for AeroSHARK on Airbus A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft, with a Discover Airlines A330-300 set to become the first Airbus aircraft fitted with the shark-skin-inspired surface film. The technology has already been used on Boeing 777 aircraft.
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United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says government backing modeled on U.S. solar subsidies could help unlock sustainable aviation fuel production, including from corn and soy now used for biodiesel. He criticized Europe’s approach while arguing that stronger policy support is needed to overcome persistent supply constraints.
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Lufthansa Technik has entered the final certification phase for AeroSHARK on Airbus A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft, with a Discover Airlines A330-300 set to become the first Airbus aircraft fitted with the shark-skin-inspired surface film. The technology has already been used on Boeing 777 aircraft.
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Kepplair Evolution raised €6 million to advance an ATR 72-based firefighting aircraft, while Viraj Aero secured €4.5 million for steam-injection technology and 15 Toulouse-area jobs. Separately, The Exploration Company raised $450 million, bringing its total funding to about $680 million, for reusable spacecraft.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has selected three projects for the third round of its Hydrogen Challenge, targeting aircraft turnaround operations, hydrogen storage and airside supply infrastructure. The program focuses on practical airport and ground-operation requirements for integrating hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Hydrosat and Kazakhstan’s JSC “NC “KGS” have established a framework to assess a dedicated thermal-infrared satellite constellation. The proposed capability would focus on supporting water-security needs across Central Asia, though the announcement does not specify a development timeline, funding structure or constellation size.
Pipistrel’s Velis Electro, an electric aircraft designed for flight training, has secured EASA certification and recently received an FAA exemption. The regulatory milestones position the aircraft as an early example of electric propulsion moving from demonstration toward practical general-aviation operations.
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Cathay Pacific and Google are expanding trials of AI-powered technology that identifies opportunities to avoid climate-warming aircraft contrails. Cathay, Google’s first commercial airline partner in Asia-Pacific, will test the system across its global network, including Asia-Pacific and transpacific ultra-long-haul flights.
Beyond is working with airport partners in France and the UK to assess the fueling infrastructure and operational requirements for a fuel-cell-powered business jet. The research will examine the airport-side conditions needed to support hydrogen aircraft operations and inform the company’s development plans.
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