By Garth Calitz The United States Air Force has officially commenced the operational preparation phase at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to serve as the aircraft's first permanent operating base for the next-generation B-21 Raider stealth bomber. The development marks a significant step in one of the U.S. Air Force's largest modernisation programmes, as the service prepares to transition from the long-serving B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit to the sixth-generation B-21 R

By Garth Calitz Long before ultra-realistic cockpits, virtual air traffic controllers and flight simulators that required computers with the processing power of a small nation, there was Google Earth Flight Simulator. Hidden away like an aviation Easter egg in the original desktop version of Google Earth, it allowed anyone with a keyboard and a sense of adventure to leap into the cockpit and explore the world. It wasn't particularly realistic, the aircraft seemed to have an i

When millions of Americans looked skyward during the recent America 250 celebrations, they witnessed a breathtaking spectacle unlike anything seen during previous Independence Day commemorations. Instead of relying solely on traditional fireworks, thousands of illuminated drones painted giant images across the night sky, telling the story of 250 years of American history through light, movement and precision choreography. The display, created by Texas-based Sky Elements, feat

Air Europa has launched a new scheduled direct service between Madrid and Johannesburg, marking the airline's first route into sub-Saharan Africa and adding another long-haul connection to South Africa's largest international gateway. The inaugural flight arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport on 25 June 2026 aboard one of the airline's Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, where it was welcomed by representatives from Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), South African Touris

When the first Airbus A220 entered commercial service in July 2016, few could have predicted the remarkable impact the aircraft would have on the global airline industry. A decade later, the aircraft has established itself as one of the most successful modern commercial airliners, combining advanced technology, exceptional passenger comfort and impressive operating economics. Originally conceived as Bombardier's C Series, the aircraft's journey has been one of persistence, in

Cape Town-based drone pilot and videographer Luke Bell has pushed the boundaries of unmanned aviation after setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest flight by a multirotor drone. His specially developed "Endurance Drone" remained airborne for an impressive 4 hours, 21 minutes and 39 seconds, establishing a new benchmark for electric multirotor endurance. The achievement represents the culmination of months of engineering, testing and refinement. Rather than relying

Swedish aerospace and defence company Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the acquisition of 16 Gripen E multirole fighter aircraft that will be provided to Ukraine as part of Sweden's long-term military assistance programme. The contract is valued at approximately $2.55 billion and will be recorded in Saab's order book during the third quarter of 2026. Deliveries to FMV are scheduled for 2029 and 2030. In addition to the airc

India's regional aviation sector has received a significant boost following the certification of several members of the Embraer E-Jets family by the country's aviation regulator, opening the door for wider deployment of the Brazilian manufacturer's latest regional aircraft. The certification, granted by India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), covers the Embraer E190, E195 and the next-generation E195-E2. The E175 had already received Indian certification and is

By Garth Calitz 30 June 2026 marks 58 years since one of the most ambitious aircraft ever built first took to the skies. On 30 June 1968, the Lockheed C-5A Galaxy made its maiden flight from Lockheed's production facility in Marietta, Georgia, introducing a military transport aircraft unlike anything the world had seen before. At the controls was Lockheed chief engineering test pilot Leo Sullivan, who guided the massive prototype through a successful 84-minute first flight. F

Airlink has added another eye-catching aircraft to its growing fleet of special liveries, unveiling a vibrant green Embraer E190 that celebrates the airline's Skybucks customer loyalty programme while highlighting its role as the Official Domestic Airline for the upcoming Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 tournament. The newly painted aircraft, registered ZS-YAE, entered commercial service on 30 June, making its debut on a flight from Polokwane to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo Intern