Industry Day meetings focus on new home for Doomsday Planes

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division – Omaha District, convened an in-person Industry Day meeting on Thursday to brief defense contractors and suppliers on upcoming projects critical to modernizing U.S. Air Force capabilities. The event focused on the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) Program and the construction of a 2-Bay Maintenance Hangar and taxiway at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Modernizing Airborne Command and Control

The SAOC Program aims to replace the Air Force’s aging E-4B “Nightwatch” aircraft with a next-generation E-4C model. These aircraft serve as airborne command centers, ensuring uninterrupted command, control, and communication for U.S. national security leaders, including the President, during emergencies.

The Industry Day meeting this week provided prime contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers with insights into the SAOC Program’s technical requirements and timelines. Participants also discussed opportunities to contribute to the program, which will involve designing and manufacturing advanced systems for the new aircraft.

2-Bay Hangar Construction at Offutt

A key supporting project is the construction of a 280,200-square-foot hangar at Offutt Air Force Base to service the E-4B and future E-4C aircraft. The facility will house two fully enclosed Boeing 747-8i aircraft, along with an Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 8,000 square feet of tool storage, and 8,000 square feet of logistics support space.

Construction will include a reinforced concrete foundation, steel high-bay structure, standing-seam metal roof, dual bridge crane systems, motorized hangar doors, and fire suppression systems. Ancillary facilities will feature administrative offices, locker rooms with showers, break areas, and emergency safety stations. The project also involves taxiway improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

Recent Contract Extension for E-4B Fleet

In related news, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Tinker Air Force Base extended Boeing’s Contractor Logistics Support contract for the E-4B fleet through 2033. Valued at $2.7 billion, the agreement spans ten one-year ordering periods with a potential six-month extension. It ensures maintenance and operational readiness of the existing E-4B aircraft while the SAOC Program advances.

First Latin American nation to operate Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules

The Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) has officially acquired its first Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, marking a significant milestone in regional defense modernization. With this delivery, Mexico becomes the first country in Latin America to operate the advanced C-130J variant, joining a global fleet deployed across 24 nations.

The acquisition is part of a broader effort to enhance Mexico’s airlift capabilities for both military and humanitarian missions. The C-130J-30, the extended-fuselage version of the C-130J, offers 15 additional feet of cargo space, enabling greater payload capacity and operational flexibility.

This purchase represents one of two international C-130J contracts finalized in 2025, according to Lockheed Martin. The second customer remains undisclosed. The announcement underscores continued global demand for the Super Hercules platform, with more than 560 C-130Js currently in service worldwide.

For over five decades, the C-130 Hercules has played a crucial role in Mexico’s national operations, supporting disaster relief, medical evacuations, troop transport, and logistics in remote regions. The introduction of the C-130J-30 is expected to significantly enhance these capabilities, particularly in response to hurricanes, earthquakes, and other emergencies where rapid deployment is crucial.

As the FAM begins training and integration efforts, the C-130J-30 is set to enter operational service later this year. The addition of a second aircraft is anticipated under the current agreement, further expanding Mexico’s strategic airlift capacity.

Titan Aviation Leasing acquires Boeing 777-300ER jet for China Airlines

Titan Aviation Leasing, the joint venture between Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc. and Bain Capital, has finalized the acquisition of a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on a long-term lease to China Airlines. The transaction, which closed on Dec. 24, marks Titan’s growing foothold in the Asia-Pacific aviation market and underscores its strategy of offering modern, fuel-efficient widebody aircraft to carriers worldwide.

The aircraft, with manufacturer’s serial number (MSN) 41823, will be managed by Titan Aviation Leasing, further diversifying its fleet of long-haul assets. The deal supports China Airlines’ efforts to expand its route network, particularly on high-demand intercontinental routes, while leveraging the operational efficiency of the Boeing 777-300ER.

Facilitated by Aviation Capital Group, the transaction reflects Titan’s ability to source and deploy aircraft in a competitive leasing environment. The Boeing 777-300ER, known for its range of up to 7,370 nautical miles and twin-engine efficiency, is a popular choice among airlines seeking to optimize costs on dense, long-haul corridors. Its reliability and compatibility with the broader 777 family also enhance maintenance and crew training efficiencies for operators like China Airlines.

WestJet announces inaugural non-stop service from Calgary to São Paulo

Canadian airline WestJet announced on Monday a new non-stop route connecting Calgary with São Paulo, Brazil, marking the airline's 100th destination launched from its Calgary International Airport (YYC) hub. The seasonal service, set to begin this fall, will be the only direct flight between Western Canada and South America.

The new route will operate three times weekly aboard WestJet's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Flights for travel commencing in the fall are now available for booking on the airline's website. This strategic move establishes a vital link between the two continents, facilitating both travel and commerce.

The launch is expected to unlock significant business opportunities. As the largest city in the Americas, São Paulo serves as a major financial and corporate hub. The new flight will also provide valuable belly-cargo capacity, offering businesses on both continents more flexible and efficient access to expanding markets.

From a travel perspective, the Calgary-São Paulo flight provides Western Canadians with a direct gateway to a diverse range of South American destinations. The route offers convenient access not only to the cultural heart of São Paulo but also to popular locations, including the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, coastal Lima, and the vineyard valleys of Santiago.

By introducing its first South American destination, WestJet is significantly expanding its international network from Calgary. The new continental connection underscores the airline's commitment to growing its long-haul operations and connecting Western Canada to key global markets.

UK achieves milestone with first autonomous full-size helicopter flight

In a landmark moment for British aviation, the U.K. has completed its first flight of a fully autonomous, full-size helicopter, marking a significant step forward in uncrewed aerial technology.

Developed by Leonardo, the helicopter—dubbed Proteus—took off from Predannack airfield in Cornwall, serving as a technology demonstrator for the Royal Navy’s future “hybrid air wing” and its Atlantic Bastion strategy to secure the North Atlantic.

Designed and built at Leonardo’s facilities, Proteus underwent rigorous ground trials in Yeovil, where its systems, sensors, and engines were tested. The successful maiden flight, witnessed by engineers, Royal Navy representatives, and defense officials, underscores the U.K.’s commitment to advancing autonomous capabilities in military aviation.

A New Era for Naval Operations

The Proteus distinguishes itself from existing Royal Navy drones, such as the Malloy octocopter and the smaller Peregrine helicopter, through its scale, complexity, and level of autonomy. Replacing a traditional cockpit with advanced sensor arrays and decision-making software, the aircraft can independently navigate, process environmental data, and execute missions—while remaining under ground-based monitoring for safety.

With a payload capacity exceeding one ton, Proteus is engineered to operate in harsh maritime conditions, including high winds and rough seas. This capability positions it for roles such as anti-submarine warfare, where it could collaborate with crewed aircraft and a network of allied naval assets to detect and track submerged vessels.

Strategic and Technological Implications

The flight aligns with the U.K.’s Strategic Defence Review, which outlines plans for a “New Hybrid Navy” integrating crewed and uncrewed systems. The Royal Navy envisions Proteus-like platforms forming the backbone of hybrid air wings, freeing crewed helicopters for high-priority missions. Its development also ties into the Atlantic Bastion initiative, aimed at reinforcing the U.K.’s presence in the North Atlantic against emerging security challenges.

During its inaugural flight, Proteus executed a predefined test routine, autonomously managing flight controls while test pilots on the ground oversaw operations. The demonstrator’s success paves the way for further trials to refine its capabilities, including extended missions and integration with existing naval infrastructure.

Maiden flight of Ariane 64 rocket, carrying Amazon Project Kuiper satellites

European launch service Arianespace is poised to make history on Feb. 12 with the maiden flight of its Ariane 64, the most powerful variant of Europe’s next-generation Ariane 6 rocket. From Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, the VA267 mission will carry 32 satellites for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, the company’s ambitious low Earth orbit (LEO) broadband constellation.

Designated LE-01 (Leo Europe 01) by Amazon, this mission marks the first of 18 Ariane 6 launches contracted by the tech giant to deploy its satellite network. It also represents the first time a European launcher has been used for the Project Kuiper constellation.

The Ariane 64, equipped with four solid rocket boosters, is designed for heavy-lift capability, capable of delivering more than 20 metric tons to low Earth orbit.

Longest Fairing

For mission VA267, the rocket will carry the 32 satellites housed within a newly introduced 20-meter-long payload fairing—the longest ever used on an Ariane vehicle. The mission will last approximately one hour and 54 minutes, culminating in the sequential deployment of all satellites into their target orbit.

Amazon’s Project Kuiper

Project Kuiper aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to underserved and remote regions worldwide, complementing terrestrial networks and expanding digital access. The initiative is part of a broader global trend toward LEO satellite constellations aimed at bridging the digital divide.

This launch is a milestone for Arianespace and European launch capabilities. As the 359th mission for the company and the first in 2026, VA267 marks the debut of Ariane 6 in its full-power configuration. It is also Arianespace’s first commercial contract for the Ariane 6 program and the first time the launcher will be used by a major U.S. tech company.

Daher unveils TBM 980 turboprop aircraft

On Thursday, Daher Aircraft Division showcased its latest advancement in general aviation with the introduction of the TBM 980 at its headquarters and production facility in Tarbes, France. The event, attended by customers, partners, officials, and employees, was also broadcast globally via a live-streamed presentation, underscoring the international significance of the aircraft’s launch.

This milestone marks the sixth aircraft in Daher’s TBM 900-series since the company acquired the product line in 2014, a testament to its commitment to continuous innovation, as highlighted by Didier Kayat, Daher Chairman and CEO.

Positioned as a transformative offering, the TBM 980 embodies Daher’s “Fly Differently” ethos.

Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of the Daher Aircraft Division, emphasized that the aircraft reimagines both pilot and passenger experiences. Central to this is its modernized flight deck, featuring Garmin’s 3000 PRIME avionics system. This setup includes three 14-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen displays, streamlining cockpit operations with customizable presets and an intuitive interface to reduce pilot workload.

Passenger amenities have also been elevated, with options for satellite-based internet via a Starlink Mini terminal, 100-watt USB-C ports for device charging, and an enhanced Passenger Comfort Display offering real-time flight data.

Safety remains a priority through Daher’s e-copilot suite, which integrates advanced automation such as emergency autoland (HomeSafe), weather detection, icing protection, and flight envelope monitoring.

The TBM 980 builds on the success of its predecessors, incorporating proven technologies like the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6E-66XT intelligent turboprop engine and a five-blade Hartzell composite propeller. These components, managed by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control system, ensure precision and operational efficiency inherited from the best-selling TBM 960 model.

Certifications from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration have paved the way for deliveries to commence this month.

Connectivity is further enhanced through subscription-based services such as Garmin PlaneSync, Jeppesen databases, and SiriusXM weather and audio, while the Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight apps provide seamless digital integration.

As of Dec. 31, Daher had delivered 1,294 TBMs worldwide, reflecting the series’ enduring appeal.