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Drones

Norway’s Elfly Group signs contract with EASA for development of Noemi conceptual prototype aircraft

Paris Airshow, Le Bourget: Norway’s Elfly Group signed a contract at the Paris Airshow with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the development of the conceptual prototype model of its Noemi (No Emissions) clean sheet, all-electric commercial seaplane.  The contract signed by Elfly’s Founding CEO Eric Lithun and EASA’s David Solar reinforces the company’s commitment to work closely with EASA towards eventual certification (2030) of the Noemi (No Emissions) in Europe. This development follows the recent conclusion of the Concept-Freeze-Review (CFR) of the aircraft prototype. The next step towards first flight of the full-scale aircraft includes interactions and technical discussions with the Agency. The EASA Pre-Application Contract (PAC) agreement allows Elfly Group to take the initial step with the agency towards achieving the first flight of the full-scale Noemi conceptual prototype aircraft. The PAC between Elfly and EASA covers the entire process of prototype development covering the agreement on the flight conditions necessary for the aircraft’s Permit-to-Fly. The PAC is structured to reflect a type certification process. This helps both Elfly and EASA to familiarize the development and test activities towards the target for certification. Elfly and EASA are signing a Pre-Application Contract agreement. This PAC involves agency review from the very beginning of the core development activities involving Technical Familiarization, Design, Manufacturing, Test activities and eventually agreement on the flight conditions for the prototype aircraft. David Solar, Head of Sustainability, Research and Innovation, EASA, said: “We’re pleased to take this important first step with Elfly through the Pre-Application Contract process. The Noemi project represents an exciting and ambitious vision for the future of sustainable aviation, and we look forward to supporting Elfly as they progress towards a safe and flightworthy prototype. Collaborative early engagement is key to enabling innovative new aircraft like Noemi to reach the market in a safe and timely way.” Noemi will serve as a valued platform for the future of aviation, highlighted Eric. “We have a fuselage and wing which outperforms the venerable de Havilland Twin Otter (floatplane) by a great margin,” he said. Noemi is a platform designed to be propulsion agnostic, he added, noting Elfly is still making a battery electric seaplane, but the Noemi platform also supports hybrid, Pratt & Whitney PT6 conventional engines and fuel, even, potentially hydrogen too – ‘if someone can present a valid business case.’ The Noemi platform is designed for the next 100 years of aviation and to go anywhere on the planet.   “We call it the ‘go anywhere plane,” concluded Eric Lithun. Elfly has amassed soft orders for 47 Noemis, worth an estimated $500 million with further interest for 300 more from operators from all over the world. The company is working toward the first flight of the conceptual prototype in 2027. Entry into service has a target year 2030.

People

IFS appoints Mark Buongiorno as President of A&D

London, June 23, 2025 : IFS has appointed Mark Buongiorno as President, Aerospace & Defense. Based in North America, Buongiorno joins the IFS executive leadership team, bringing with him over three decades of Aerospace & Defense leadership, operations, and engineering experience. Buongiorno was most recently CEO of Tsunami Tsolutions, a privately held engineering and IT services company focused on the Aerospace & Defense industry. He succeeds current president Scott Helmer, who transitions into the role of Chairman of IFS Aerospace & Defense. As Chairman, Helmer will focus on strategic customer pursuits and relationships, mentoring, M&A activity, and special projects. With a proven track record in leading complex global operations and delivering sustained business growth, Buongiorno will guide the strategic direction of the IFS Aerospace & Defense business. Prior to his tenure at Tsunami, Buongiorno held senior leadership roles at StandardAero and Pratt & Whitney, where he led high-performing teams across engineering, MRO, fleet management, and lifecycle sustainment for both commercial and military platforms. Buongiorno will play a key role in driving customer value for defense manufacturers, MROs, and leading global airlines. His focus will be on elevating IFS’s reputation for deep industry expertise and leveraging its portfolio of AI-powered solutions. These include IFS Cloud for Aviation Maintenance, MRO, and ERP, all of which are trusted by customers to improve Turnaround Time (TAT), reduce Aircraft on Ground (AOG), and enhance operational excellence and productivity. Mark Buongiorno, President, Aerospace & Defense, at IFS, said: “I’m honored to join IFS at such a critical juncture for the Aerospace & Defense industry. IFS is already trusted by some of the world’s leading Aerospace & Defense organizations, and I look forward to building on that momentum. With its advanced Industrial AI capabilities, deep industry expertise, and unwavering focus on customer outcomes, IFS is uniquely positioned to help Aerospace & Defense companies modernize and accelerate their operational performance. I’m excited to lead our global efforts and drive even greater value for our customers.” Mark Moffat, CEO of IFS, said: “Mark brings an exceptional depth of experience to IFS at a pivotal moment for the Aerospace & Defense industry. His leadership, combined with our deep-rooted industry expertise, will be instrumental in helping customers navigate complexity and accelerate transformation. As more organizations look to modernize with confidence, our differentiated strength lies in understanding the nuances of their world, and delivering measurable outcomes through IFS Cloud and Industrial AI.” IFS continues to expand its market footprint in Aerospace & Defense, supporting some of the world’s most complex and mission-critical operations. With Industrial AI, advanced service capabilities, and a composable platform in IFS Cloud, IFS enables customers to navigate challenges and deliver their Moment of Service™ with confidence.

Drones

VÆRIDION and AURA AERO announces strategic partnership to advance electric flight

Paris Airshow, Le Bourget: At the Paris Air Show, VÆRIDION and AURA AERO, Europe’s two leading developers of electric Conventional Take-Off & Landing aircraft (eCTOL), have signed the strategic collaboration to jointly advance green aviation technologies and accelerate the transition to zero-emission regional flight. The partnership, unveiled at the Paris Air Show, brings together two complementary approaches to sustainable aviation. It leverages AURA AERO and VAERIDION’s expertise in development of electric aircraft with their respective programs INTEGRAL E, ERA and MICROLINER. Key highlights of the collaboration: ● Setting standards for charging infrastructure at regional airports; ● Jointly advocating policy frameworks that support the early adoption of electric aviation; ● Exploring technical commonalities; ● Exploring Joint Lab and Flight Testing. Ivor van Dartel, CEO and Co-founder at VÆRIDION, said, “With our shared vision on design for certification and development backgrounds, we embrace this cooperation together with AURA AERO, building on complementary strengths and capabilities in line with our European heritage in international cooperation in Aeronautics.” Jérémy Caussade, CEO and Co-founder at AURA AERO, said,“ Together with VÆRIDION, we are bringing Europe at the forefront of electrical aircraft, with a joint approach towards certification and entry to service before 2030. We are happy to jointly reinforce European leadership on sustainable regional air connectivity.“ The announcement comes at a pivotal time, as both regulators and airlines intensify their focus on sustainable aviation solutions to decarbonize short-haul regional routes. This shift is especially prominent in Europe, where ambitious climate targets and growing public demand for greener alternatives are accelerating innovation and shaping the future of regional air travel. The electrification of aviation holds the potential to boost the European economy by strengthening regional connectivity, creating high-tech jobs, and positioning Europe as a global leader in clean aviation technologies.

Business Aviation

Fargo Jet Center purchase two Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft for special missions at Paris Airshow

Paris Airshow, Le Bourget: Fargo Jet Center has announced the acquisition of two Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft from Textron Aviation. The purchase was finalized at the Paris Air Show, with the agreement taking place at the Textron Aviation Special Missions booth. This milestone marks Fargo Jet Center’s first time exhibiting at the Paris Air Show, underscoring the company’s expanding global presence in the special missions aviation sector. The acquisition was a result of a collaborative agreement between key representatives from both organizations. “We are thrilled to secure these two King Air 360 aircraft, which are renowned for their reliability, versatility, and advanced avionics,” said Darren Hall, Vice President of Business Development, Fargo Jet Center. “These aircraft will enable us to provide mission-ready platforms to meet the needs of our global special missions customers.” The King Air 360 is celebrated for its enhanced cabin comfort, next-generation Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics, and proven performance in demanding missions. Fargo Jet Center’s investment in these aircraft demonstrates its commitment to delivering industry-leading solutions and unparalleled customer support.

Cargo

BGS announces strategic partnership with AEGEAN at Vilnius International Airport

London, 20th June 2025: Baltic Ground Services (BGS), an international ground handling, aircraft fuel supply and logistics service provider, has entered into a new strategic partnership with AEGEAN, the Greek flag carrier. The company, part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, will supply AEGEAN with comprehensive ground handling services at Vilnius International Airport (VNO). The partnership commenced with AEGEAN first flight to Vilnius this year on June 3, 2025, followed by the first departure from Vilnius on June 4, 2025. AEGEAN operates scheduled direct flights between Vilnius and Athens twice a week, every Wednesday and Sundays, using Airbus A320 aircraft, with services available through the end of October. Launched last June, the Vilnius-Athens route offers Lithuanian passengers seamless access to the Greek capital, while also serving as a gate-away to the Greek islands and other destinations across Europe and the Middle East via Athens International Airport. It is particularly relevant for travelers planning leisure or business trips to southern Europe. “We are excited to support AEGEAN with our ground handling services in Vilnius,” says Vitalis Dudys, BGS Group Head of Commerce. “This partnership allows us to strengthen our presence at VNO, which has shown remarkable growth in recent years – passenger numbers increased by 9% to 4.8 million in 2024 compared to 2023.” AEGEAN, Greece’s leading carrier and member of STAR ALLIANCE founded in 1999 and, over its 25-year history, has grown into the most successful and fastest-growing regional airline. The 2025 AEGEAN network includes 250 direct routes, both scheduled and charter flights (55 domestic and 195 international), connecting 162 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. These routes are operated from AEGEAN’s seven bases in Greece and abroad, with a fleet of 83 aircraft, including the latest Airbus 320 and 321 neo. “We are pleased to establish a partnership with BGS as we commence our second year of operations on the Vilnius-Athens route”, comments Panos Nicolaidis, AEGEAN’s Chief Ground Operations Officer. “Their professional ground handling services and deep local expertise are essential to ensuring the efficiency and reliability of our operations. This partnership enables us to remain focus on our core mission – connecting Lithuania with Greece and the wider Mediterranean region, while consistently delivering high-quality service to our passengers”.

Recent News

Elixir Aircraft signs with Airways Aviation for 16 aircraft at PAS

Paris Airshow, Le Bourget: At Paris Air Show, Elixir Aircraft has announced the LOI for imminent acquisition of sixteen 4th generation Elixir training aircraft. Romy Hawatt, Founder and Chairman of Airways Aviation Group said, “We are proud to once again lead the way in aviation training innovation by expanding our commitment to Elixir Aircraft with the signing of this Letter of Intent for 16 additional aircraft at the 2025 Paris Airshow. Having been the first global flight training organisation to sign an LOI with Elixir back in 2018, we recognised early on the potential of their forward-thinking design, safety features, and operational efficiency. This new agreement not only reaffirms our confidence in Elixir’s next-generationaircraft, but also reinforces our ongoing commitment to equipping our students with the best training tools available anywhere in the world.” Arthur Léopold-Léger, CEO and co-founder of Elixir Aircraft noted, “We are grateful to Airways Aviation for placing their trust in Elixir Aircraft. The addition of the 4th generation trainer will enable the school to deliver high-quality training while significantly optimising operational costs. We see this as the beginning of a strong and lasting partnership between our two organisations.” Airways Aviation training team have chosen Elixir Aircraft to enhance safety and bring more versatility to the fleet. Its efficiency from low operating costs, lightweight structure and lower fuel consumption gives unique competitiveness to the organisation. The aircraft will be deployed across Airways Aviation’s international training network that today spans across 11 countries in 4 continents.

Training

Airways Aviation signs LOI for 5 All-Electric eDA40 Aircraft at PAS 2025

Paris Airshow, Le Bourget: Airways Aviation has signed an agreement with Diamond Aircraft to acquire five all-electric eDA40 training aircraft, marking another key milestone in the group’s commitment to sustainable aviation and innovation in pilot training.The agreement was signed during the 2025 edition of the Paris Airshow. “This agreement reinforces our vision to drive sustainability and innovation across all facets of aviation training,” said Romy Hawatt, Founder and Chairman of Airways Aviation. “The eDA40 represents a significant step forward in reducing carbon emissions and operational costs without compromising the high training standards we are known for. We are proud to partner with Diamond Aircraft once again as we pioneer the transition to a greener future in aviation.” The eDA40 will be the first EASA/FAA Part 23 certified all-electric aircraft tailored specifically for the flight training market. With its electric propulsion system, reduced noise footprint, and significantly lower direct operating costs, the eDA40 aligns perfectly with Airways Aviation’s strategic sustainability goals. “The addition of the eDA40 to our fleet reflects a deliberate and forward-looking strategy,” added Alexandre Alves, Group Chief Commercial Officer of Airways Aviation. “As global demand for pilots continues to rise, our clients and airline partners expect training organisations to lead on efficiency, technology, and sustainability. This investment sends a clear message: Airways Aviation is ready to meet those expectations and set new industry benchmarks.” “We are excited that our long-term customer Airways Aviation has chosen to acquire the eDA40 once again at the Paris Airshow 2025,” said Jane Wang, Sales Director, Diamond Aircraft Austria. “This investment highlights our shared commitment to cutting-edge technology, sustainability in flight training, and further strengthens our strategic partnership.”

Recent News

Alton Aviation Consultancy advises LOT Polish Airlines on purchase order for up to 84 A220s

New York, June, 2025: Alton Aviation Consultancy (“Alton”) advised LOT Polish Airlines (LOT) on its firm purchase order with Airbus, comprising 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s aircraft, with options and purchase rights for an additional 44 A220 aircraft. The Alton team supported LOT in evaluating and negotiating with airframe and engine suppliers for its aircraft purchase, spare engine purchase and engine maintenance support agreements.Brad Dailey commented, “We are pleased to have further expanded our long-term partnership with LOT by providing advisory support on this transformative transaction, which will position LOT efficiently and competitively to satisfy its long-term fleet modernization and network expansion objectives.”

Recent News

Raksha Rajya Mantri to visit Kenya and Madagascar

New Delhi,23rd June 2025: An Indian delegation led by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth will be on a visit to Kenya and Madagascar from June 23 to 26, 2025. In the first leg, Raksha Rajya Mantri will visit Kenya for the joint unveiling of Commemorative Pillar (War memorial honouring the fallen soldiers of India and Kenya) at Taita-Taveta County on June 23. The second leg would witness the Minister visiting Madagascar for the celebrations of the 65th Anniversary of the Independence of Madagascar and the creation of the Malagasy Armed Forces, at Antananarivo on June 26. India and Kenya are maritime neighbours. The contemporary ties between the two countries are marked by high-level exchanges, robust trade and investment, medical value travel from Kenya, as well as extensive people-to-people contacts. The two nations share a common legacy of struggle against colonialism. Many Indians participated and supported the freedom struggle of Kenya. ​India and Madagascar enjoy a multifaceted relationship rooted in historical ties, shared values and a commitment to regional stability and development. The partnership spans across political, military, economic, and diplomatic domains underscoring a shared vision for mutual growth & collaboration. The visit to the two African nations comes following invites by Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Kenya (Minister of Defence, Kenya) and Minister of Armed Forces of Madagascar.

Recent News

Manitoba Confirms Intent to Purchase De Havilland Canadair 515 Waterbombers

Paris, June 16, 2025: – De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) is pleased to announce the province of Manitoba has confirmed their intent to purchase three De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC 515) – the next generation of the world-renowned aerial firefighting aircraft. This provincial commitment marks another milestone in the DHC 515 program, signaling additional domestic support for Canadian aerospace innovation and the urgent need for modern, reliable tools in the fight against increasingly severe wildfires across North America. “We are proud to be working with the Province of Manitoba, a long-term operator of CL-215 and CL-415 aerial firefighting aircraft, for the renewal of its fleet,” said Jean-Philippe Côté, Vice President, Programs and Business Improvement at De Havilland Canada. “The De Havilland Canadair 515 represents the future of wildfire suppression, and we are proud of the trust Manitoba has placed in us to support their hard-working firefighting teams.” The DHC 515 builds upon the proven legacy of the CL-215 and CL-415 aircraft, featuring modern avionics, enhanced performance, and increased efficiency. With climate change contributing to longer and more intense wildfire seasons, the De Havilland Canadair 515 is specifically designed to meet the operational challenges faced by today’s aerial firefighters. “Prior to this record breaking wildfire season in our province, Manitoba has been very proactive in ordering the three DHC-515 waterbombers,” said Earl W. Simmons, Executive Director of the Manitoba Wildfire Service. “Given the annual increase in the length of the wildfire season along with the number of and the intensity of these wildfires we are pleased to work with De Havilland Canada to put another tool in our firefighting toolbox to respond to these events.” This new commitment also represent a major investment in the Canadian economy. De Havilland Canada is designing, building, and assembling the DHC 515 entirely in Canada, reinforcing the country’s aerospace leadership while creating high-quality Canadian jobs across engineering, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades. The program supports a broad national supply chain, drawing on the strengths of Canadian suppliers and service providers coast to coast. “By building the DHC 515 in Canada, we are not only delivering a world-class firefighting aircraft — we’re investing in Canadian workers, growing Canadian expertise, and strengthening our national industrial base,” said Côté. Manitoba is expected to finalize procurement details in the coming months, contributing to a growing international interest in the aircraft. These commitments support the continuation of De Havilland Canada’s domestic production line at its Calgary-based facility and help secure highly skilled Canadian aerospace jobs. DHC is also in discussion with many other undisclosed operators for further orders of DHC-515 aircraft and are confident it will be in position to announce more orders in the upcoming months. The new orders will bolster Canada’s aerial firefighting fleet and reaffirm the aircraft’s status as the gold standard in amphibious firefighting worldwide.

FOREWORD

Dear Reader’s,

 

The current edition of Aviation World has covered many areas of Aerospace & Defence based on the latest development in the sector. The front cover highlights three different images, first for the Union Civil Aviation Minister ….. who is leading from the front to steer Indian Civil Aviation sector to witness one of the most interesting phases. He is also facing most tumultuous timing due to the ongoing financial stress in the Aviation sector due to ATF rising cost and long airspace restrictions resulting in mounting losses for Indian carriers. Despite of all the ground level challenges,the minister is addressing new things on regular basis which keeps the sector motivated. We have featured many such developmental works in this edition done under his guidance which will be interesting to read.

Our lead story on “ The West War” is another important feature which covers the ground level reality of the challenges faced by the Aviation sector. Its though time ahead and we believe it will pass soon .

There are features on Regional connectivity and MoCA revised rules on the UDAN 2.0 and how its going to transform the flying experience within India.

In this edition, we have covered topics on MRO,Various Policy changes,Sea Plane Operations by SkyHop Aviation, TATA-Airbus joint project on C295 military aircraft under Make In India which is expected to roll out soon and many other interesting contents which will be good to read.

We are covering Farnborough International Airshow 2026 from 20-24July 2026 in London and our next edition will be based on the same event.For features, you may contact our team on priority basis.

 

Happy Reading!

NEWSLETTER

Aviation World Magazine is India’s premier aviation magazine and has been actively supporting the development of the Indian and global civil aviation sector. We started our journey in year 2015 and its been 12 years now and the response and acceptance is really encouraging. Thanks to all our associates and writers who remained with us in our progressive journey.

We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

Disclaimer

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