Contour Airlines reinstates BWI service, adds direct MCN flights to South Florida

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Contour Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its flight offerings at Middle Georgia Regional Airport (MCN), aimed at bolstering connectivity for travelers in the region.

Starting June 9, the carrier will reinstate nonstop service to the Baltimore/Washington area and launch a new route to South Florida.

The return of nonstop service to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) responds to local demand for efficient travel to the Mid-Atlantic region. The route, which Contour previously operated, will serve as a key link for business and leisure travelers alike. Under the new schedule, the airline will provide daily flights to BWI, with additional frequencies scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to offer greater flexibility.

Simultaneously, Contour is set to increase its presence in the Southeast by introducing a new nonstop route to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Florida. This addition is designed to cater to regional travelers seeking convenient access to Florida’s coastal destinations and major cruise ports.

“Contour Airlines is committed to growing alongside the communities we serve,” said Ben Munson, president of Contour Airlines. “We’ve heard from travelers across Middle Georgia who have been asking for the return of Baltimore service, as well as new options to Florida. We’re proud to deliver on both. These additions not only restore a valuable connection to Baltimore but also open the door to one of the country’s most popular leisure destinations. This is a meaningful step forward in our continued investment in Macon.”

Baltimore Morning Service (3x weekly):

• MCN to BWI: 7:15 AM – 9:10 AM

• BWI to MCN: 9:45 AM – 11:45 AM

• Days operated: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Baltimore Afternoon Service (Daily):

• MCN to BWI: 2:35 PM – 4:30 PM

• BWI to MCN: 5:05 PM – 7:15 PM

• Days operated: Daily

The new Fort Lauderdale flights will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering travelers flexible scheduling options.

Fort Lauderdale Morning Service (4x weekly):

• MCN to FLL: 9:40 AM – 11:25 AM

• FLL to MCN: 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM

• Days operated: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

Both routes reflect Contour Airlines’ strategy of providing regional connectivity through mid-sized airports, bypassing the complexities of larger hub-and-spoke systems. According to the airline, these routes are intended to provide the Macon community with streamlined options for both northern travel and southern vacation destinations.

To support these new operations, Contour will utilize its 30-seat regional jet fleet. The carrier emphasizes passenger comfort, noting that the configured aircraft feature leather seating and expanded legroom. In line with the airline’s standard service model, passengers on these flights will receive complimentary snacks and beverages.

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DEA reviews purchase of Beechcraft King Air 350/360 series aircraft

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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is reviewing options for the procurement of one or more Beechcraft King Air 350 or 360 series aircraft. The purchase aims to bolster the agency's logistical capabilities for deploying personnel and equipment across domestic and international jurisdictions.

The Beechcraft King Air series has long been a staple in government and special-mission aviation due to its reliability across a range of environmental conditions and its ability to operate from shorter runways.

The DEA is seeking a versatile twin-engine turboprop platform capable of sustained, long-endurance operations. According to the procurement specifications, the agency is open to both new and used aircraft, provided they meet rigorous operational criteria.

Requirements

For mission flexibility, the aircraft must accommodate at least two crew members and eight passengers. The interior requirements emphasize modularity; the passenger seats must be easily removable to facilitate rapid transitions between personnel transport and cargo operations. Furthermore, the aircraft is expected to feature a pressurized cabin with at least 350 cubic feet of space, alongside a dedicated internal baggage area capable of supporting at least 550 pounds of equipment. The DEA has expressed a preference for aircraft configured with a large cargo door, though standard door configurations will remain under consideration.

The purchase outlines strict standards for the fleet's condition. For new aircraft, the airframe and engines must have no more than 15 hours of total operational time at the point of delivery.

For used procurement, the DEA has set a high threshold for maintenance and longevity: aircraft must have been manufactured in 2016 or later, possess fewer than 5,000 hours of total airframe and engine time, and have fewer than 4,000 total cycles. Additionally, potential sellers must verify that at least 50% of the aircraft’s scheduled component overhaul or life-limited parts replacement intervals remain.

Delivery

The delivery timeline is contingent upon the aircraft's status. Dealers providing new units are expected to complete delivery within 12 months of the order, while those supplying used aircraft must fulfill the contract within six months. The government intends to take possession of the assets at the contractor’s facility or a mutually agreed-upon site.

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Passenger sentenced for theft aboard Los Angeles to Pittsburgh flight

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A 23-year-old resident of Wilkinsburg, Penn., pleaded guilty to a charge of theft on an aircraft and was sentenced in a federal court this week.

Jaymer Ferrell received a sentence of one year of supervised release, including 90 days of home detention, and was ordered to pay a $250 fine. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Mark Hornak on Tuesday, as announced by U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti on Thursday.

The incident occurred on April 9, 2025, during a commercial flight traveling from Los Angeles, Calif., to Pittsburgh. According to court records, the Allegheny County Police Department was alerted to reports of an unruly passenger who had been seen vaping on board the aircraft.

A flight attendant reported observing Ferrell repeatedly accessing overhead storage bins throughout the duration of the flight. The crew member’s observations raised concerns that Ferrell was systematically searching other passengers' luggage.

Upon the aircraft’s arrival at Pittsburgh International Airport, law enforcement officers took Ferrell into custody, initially due to an outstanding warrant. During a subsequent search, officers discovered a backpack in Ferrell’s possession that contained a wallet, a debit card, and several credit cards belonging to another passenger on the flight.

The investigation was handled by the Allegheny County Police Department, which maintains jurisdiction at the airport. Following the discovery of the stolen property and the flight crew's reports, federal authorities pursued charges of theft on an aircraft.

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American Airlines pushes for April 30 restart of suspended Venezuela flights

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American Airlines is moving closer to restoring direct air service between the United States and Venezuela, announcing plans to launch daily nonstop service between Miami (MIA) and Caracas (CCS). Subject to final government approvals and the completion of security assessments, the airline aims to commence operations as early as April 30.

The proposed service, which would be operated by American’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Envoy, would utilize Embraer 175 aircraft. If successful, the move would make American the first U.S. carrier to resume such operations following a prolonged suspension.

The airline suspended all flights to Venezuela in 2019; a decision made at the time due to security concerns in the region. Prior to that, the airline had maintained a strong presence in the country, having first established service to Venezuela in 1987.

In a press release issued Thursday, American Airlines executives expressed optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations with officials in both Washington and Caracas.

“American was the first airline to announce plans to restart service to Venezuela, and we are encouraged by the progress we’ve made with both governments,” said Nate Gatten, American’s executive vice president of American Eagle, Corporate Real Estate and Government Affairs. Gatten specifically credited the support of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in facilitating the diplomatic efforts necessary to reach this stage.

For American, the Miami hub remains central to its Latin American strategy. Nat Pieper, the airline’s chief commercial officer, emphasized the historical significance of the route, noting that the company’s relationship with Venezuela spans more than three decades.

“Our commitment to connecting Venezuela with the U.S. spans more than 30 years, and we look forward to the new opportunities for commerce and strengthened ties with family and friends that our service will provide,” Pieper stated.

While the April 30 target date has been set, the airline underscored that the actual implementation remains contingent on the finalization of security and regulatory requirements.

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NASA's new Boeing 737: A flying laboratory prepares for weightlessness testing

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NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) in California has announced plans to modify a Boeing 737-73W to serve as a new platform for reduced-gravity flight operations. The project aims to convert the commercial-class airframe into a specialized laboratory capable of simulating microgravity environments for scientific research and technology development.

Aircraft Modification Process

The aircraft involved in the project, identified by serial number 40116, will undergo a multi-phase modification process. According to procurement documents, the first phase involves a comprehensive feasibility assessment. This evaluation will determine the aircraft’s structural and mechanical suitability for the rigorous flight profiles required to achieve reduced gravity. During such missions, an aircraft performs parabolic maneuvers—climbing at a steep angle before descending—to create brief periods of weightlessness for the occupants and experiments on board.

The scope of work is extensive, requiring significant alterations to the aircraft’s interior. The cabin will be modified to support reduced-gravity operations, which typically involve removing standard seating, installing safety padding, and adding specialized mounting points for scientific hardware.

NASA Identifiers and Livery

In addition to the technical modifications, the aircraft will undergo a complete exterior paint job, including official NASA identifiers and livery. The project also addresses the airframe's operational readiness by mandating that the contractor perform all overdue scheduled maintenance tasks. Furthermore, the contract requires a full-life disposition for all permanent modifications made during the aircraft’s previous programs, ensuring that the airframe meets current safety and regulatory standards for its new role.

Sole-Source Contract

NASA/AFRC has indicated its intent to award the contract on a sole-source basis to Denmar Technical Services, Inc. This decision is based on the company’s current involvement with the specific aircraft; Denmar is already providing modification services for serial number 40116, which NASA suggests makes them the only provider capable of maintaining the necessary continuity and technical oversight for the project's requirements.

Airborne Laboratory Capabilities

Reduced gravity flights are a critical component of the international aerospace research ecosystem. They allow scientists to test equipment, perform biological experiments, and train astronauts for the conditions of space without the high costs of orbital missions. By adding a Boeing 737-73W to its fleet, NASA aims to enhance its capacity for such research, supporting future missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

The transition of serial number 40116 from a commercial configuration to a NASA research asset marks a significant investment in the agency's airborne laboratory capabilities.

Editor's note: The War Zone has a very interesting article about this Boeing 737-73W when it was registered with the U.S. Air Force.

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VIP movement triggers FAA flight restriction over Charlottesville, VA

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The Federal Aviation Administration has issued an urgent notice to pilots regarding a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) scheduled for April 10 in Charlottesville, Va. The airspace restriction, which is expected to support a high-level VIP movement and Secret Service security protocols, will be in effect from 5:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. EDT.

The TFR establishes two distinct zones of restricted flight, and authorities are urging all pilots to exercise caution and comply fully with the FAA guidelines.

Restricted Area Around CHO

Flight activity is strictly prohibited for “general aviation” within a 10-nautical-mile radius of Charlottesville-Albermarle Airport (CHO) and south of the City of Charlottesville. Access is restricted exclusively to approved law enforcement, military aircraft supporting the Office of the President, authorized air ambulance flights, and regularly scheduled commercial passenger and cargo airlines operating under TSA-approved programs. Emergency and life-saving flights must coordinate directly with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to ensure safe, expedited passage.

In addition, transit flights within a 30-nautical-mile radius of CHO and south of Charlottesville may be permitted at ATC's discretion, but pilots are strictly prohibited from loitering in the area.

Two MV-22 tiltrotor Osprey aircraft were spotted parked on the ramp at CHO on Wednesday. These aircraft, operated by Marine Helicopter Squadron One, serve as critical support for presidential missions, transporting White House staff, Secret Service agents, reporters, and other government officials.

The two MV-22 aircraft were later spotted orbiting over Charlottesville, followed by two low-flying presidential airlift VH-3D helicopters.

Prohibited Activities and Drone Enforcement

Across the entire TFR area, a wide range of general aviation activities is suspended. Prohibitions include, but are not limited to, flight training, aerobatics, glider operations, parachute jumps, sightseeing, crop dusting, and the operation of model aircraft or drones.

Operators of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones) are warned that unauthorized entry into this airspace is a serious offense. Government entities reserve the right to interfere with, seize, or destroy any drone deemed to pose a security threat.

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First military Cessna SkyCourier plane order goes to Belgium

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Textron Aviation Inc. announced on Tuesday that Belgium has selected the Cessna SkyCourier as its newest special mission aircraft, awarding an order for five multirole aircraft to support the nation’s Special Operations Forces. The selection launches the SkyCourier into the global defense market for the first time and strengthens Belgium’s airlift capability through a rugged, flexible platform built for demanding missions.

Belgium’s SkyCourier fleet will enable rapid movement of personnel and equipment while supporting logistics, medical evacuation and crisis response operations. Deliveries to the prime contractor, Sabena Engineering, are expected throughout 2027, followed by in-country military modifications prior to the final aircraft transfer to the Belgian Special Operations Forces.

“This first military selection signals strong armed service interest in the Cessna SkyCourier and underscores its readiness for high‑consequence missions,” said Travis Tyler, president and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense. “The SkyCourier’s combination of rugged performance, low operating cost and the ability to operate from short and unimproved runways makes it a powerful solution for customers who need dependable lift in unpredictable environments.”

Belgium’s decision reflects a growing government demand for affordable, multirole aircraft capable of supporting rapidly evolving mission sets.

Cessna SkyCourier Performance

The freighter variant is sized to handle up to three LD3 shipping containers and has an impressive 6,000-pound payload capacity. The 19-passenger variant includes crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows for natural light and views.

The SkyCourier is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features the McCauley Propeller C779, a heavy-duty, reliable 110-inch aluminum four-blade propeller with full feathering and reversible pitch, designed to enhance the aircraft's performance while hauling tremendous loads. The SkyCourier is equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and has a maximum cruise speed of over 200 knots true air speed and a maximum range of 900 nautical miles.

“Working closely with Textron Aviation, Sabena Engineering will perform all mission‑specific integration and certification in Belgium, ensuring the SkyCourier delivers the flexible, responsive airlift capability our Special Operations Forces require while strengthening national industrial expertise and sovereignty,” added Stephane Burton, CEO, Sabena Engineering.

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Air Force C-40 aircraft fleet expansion contract

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The Department of the Air Force is moving forward with plans to acquire a used Boeing 737-700 aircraft to support presidential and executive airlift operations. The Air Force released a draft contract document on Tuesday detailing the purchase.

The contract would purchase the aircraft and perform the engineering, integration, and modification necessary to missionize the platform to a military C-40C configuration, the Air Force said. “The final delivered product shall be functionally and technically equivalent to the Air Force Reserve Command C-40C aircraft currently stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.,” the contract states. “This effort transforms a commercial aircraft into a Military Commercial Derivative Aircraft capable of meeting the high-priority requirements of the Distinguished Visitor Airlift mission.”

Air Force Reserve Command C-40C Fleet Tail Numbers

• 05-0730
• 05-0932
• 05-4613
• 09-0540

Background and Mission Overview

The C-40 fleet supports the Air Force Concept of Operations for Global Mobility. These aircraft provide safe, secure, and dedicated worldwide transportation for senior government and military officials, including the Secretary of War, Secretary of State, and Congressional Delegations.

Often referred to as an "office in the sky," the C-40C must provide the communications and Command and Control capabilities necessary for senior leaders to fulfill their responsibilities regardless of location, across the full spectrum of operations. The aircraft features a 737-type flight deck, flexible cabin configuration (42–111 passengers), and specialized communications.

Command Communication System

The winning contractor shall install the aircrew communications suite to support unrestricted worldwide military and civil flight operations. This includes HF, VHF, and UHF radios, as well as the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System for datalink capability with Air Traffic Control and airline operations centers.

Delivery Schedule

The aircraft maintenance history and structural integrity must support continued service of at least 15 years. The Air Force requests the aircraft be delivered no later than September 2029.

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Collaborative Combat Aircraft suffers 'mishap' shortly after takeoff

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A YFQ‑42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) test platform suffered a “mishap” shortly after taking off from a General Atomics‑owned airport in the California desert on Monday at approximately 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The unmanned aircraft, being developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) for the U.S. Air Force, sustained damage, but no personnel were injured, the company said in a press statement.

“Safety is our top priority, for our people and the public. In this case, established procedures and safeguards worked as intended, and there were no injuries,” said C. Mark Brinkley, a company spokesman. “We’re going to take a close look at what happened, gather all the data, and allow the investigation to guide us moving forward.”

GA‑ASI officials confirmed that flight‑test operations have been suspended “out of an abundance of caution.” The company is presently assessing the aircraft’s condition and has launched a formal investigation to determine the root cause of the incident. “At this early stage, it would be premature to speculate on the circumstances,” the company said. “As with any program, we follow a disciplined investigation process to understand exactly what occurred, and our focus right now is on gathering data and ensuring we learn from this event.”

The YFQ-42A is part of a fleet of production-representative CCAs that are in the technical maturation and risk-reduction phase of a multi-year program aimed at delivering next-generation combat capabilities to the Air Force. The jets conduct regular operational tests and evaluation flights from GA-ASI’s private facilities, a practice expected to resume once the investigation is complete and the aircraft is cleared for flight.

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Virtual Industry Day meeting announced for aircraft hangar project in El Salvador

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a solicitation for the design and construction of an aircraft‑maintenance hangar at the Cooperative Security Location (CSL) Comalapa in El Salvador. The contract is part of a broader effort to improve regional aviation infrastructure used by U.S. and partner‑nation forces.

Virtual Industry Day

USACE will host a virtual industry day to brief potential offerors on project requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission procedures. The session, which will be streamed live, is intended to give interested contractors a clear understanding of the scope of work, including civil engineering, structural steel, and mechanical systems required to support an aircraft hangar. In addition to the online briefing, USACE has scheduled an on‑site visit to CSL Comalapa for April 16.

Site Visit

The visit is open to all firms that have expressed interest in the solicitation. Participants can meet with USACE representatives, tour existing facilities, and assess logistical considerations, including site access, utilities, and local construction regulations.

Hangar Requirements

The USACE is calling for a single-bay structure covering approximately 2,800 square meters. The hangar is intended to accommodate either a Lockheed C-130 Hercules or a Boeing P-8 Poseidon, providing space for routine upkeep, repairs, and inspections. In addition to the primary aircraft bay, the project includes administrative offices, dedicated storage areas for materials and tools, and an expanded parking apron to accommodate aircraft awaiting service.

Cooperative Security Location

The Comalapa facility is one of two U.S. CSLs in the Latin America and Caribbean region – the other is in Honduras. Formerly known as Forward Operating Locations, CSLs enable U.S. and partner‑nation aircraft to operate from existing airfields without establishing permanent bases.

According to U.S. Southern Command, which oversees the CSLs, the Comalapa site supports multinational efforts to combat transnational organized crime, particularly illicit drug trafficking. U.S. Navy personnel manage day‑to‑day operations at the site, while detection and monitoring aircraft conduct surveillance missions to track suspect aircraft and vessels.

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Six-year sentence handed down for abusive contact on flight to Orlando

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U.S. District Judge Paul Byron sentenced John Daniel Fowler, 65, of Indianapolis, to six years in federal prison for abusive sexual contact committed aboard a commercial airline. The sentence, announced in a Department of Justice press release Monday, also includes a term of 15 years of supervised release after Fowler’s prison term ends.

Fowler was found guilty by a federal jury on Jan. 13. The conviction stemmed from an incident on a flight from Indianapolis to Orlando, where Fowler was seated next to a child passenger.

According to testimony presented at trial, Fowler observed the minor taking a photograph out of the aircraft window with a cellphone and asked the child to send him the image, providing his own phone number. The prosecution detailed a series of escalating assaults: Fowler repeatedly placed his hand over the armrest, touching the minor, who pushed his hand away each time. After the child fell asleep, Fowler allegedly slipped his hand under the blanket and touched the girl’s genitalia. The victim awoke as the plane was landing in Orlando, still being groped. She immediately reported the conduct to the flight crew, who separated her from Fowler and alerted law enforcement.

Fowler, a registered sex offender, had previously been convicted in Indiana for sexual battery and criminal confinement in 2017. In that case, an adult victim testified that Fowler had licked her genitalia while she was asleep. Prosecutors used that testimony to illustrate a pattern of predatory behavior.

The commercial airline case investigation was conducted jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and the Orlando Police Department.

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Key moments during Artemis astronauts' lunar flyby on Monday

Mission control has sent the Artemis II crew the final list of lunar surface features the science team has assigned for observation and photography during the lunar flyby on Monday. Ahead of the flyby, the crew will work through final preparations and hold a conference with mission controllers to finalize lunar targets and techniques.

Orientale basin

The 30 targets include the Orientale basin, a nearly 600-mile-wide crater that straddles the Moon’s near and far sides. Orientale will be fully illuminated and visible as Orion approaches the Moon. This 3.8-billion-year-old crater formed when a large object struck the lunar surface and retains clear evidence of that collision, including dramatic topography in its rings. The crew will study Orientale’s features up close and from multiple angles as they pass by.

Hertzsprung basin

Hertzsprung basin is also on the crew’s list of targets. Northwest of Orientale is a nearly 400-mile crater on the Moon’s far side. An older ringed basin, Hertzsprung, contrasts with Orientale because its features have been degraded by subsequent impacts. The crew will compare the topography of the two craters to gain insight into how features evolve over geologic timescales.

NASA officials said during a press conference on Sunday that the Apollo 12 and 14 landing sites will be visible to the Artemis crew during the flyby, but provided no further details.

Timeline of Events (All times are Eastern and may change based on real-time operations):

April 6, 2026

12:40 a.m. Orion enters the lunar sphere of influence at 41,072 miles from the Moon

1:30 p.m. The science officer in mission control will brief the crew on their science goals for the upcoming flyby. 

1:56 p.m. Crew passes the distance from Earth record set by Apollo 13 in 1970

2:45 p.m. Lunar flyby and observation period begin

4:55 p.m. Cabin and Window Teams Swap for observations

5:10 p.m. Glushko Crater observations

5:18 p.m. Orientsale Basin observations

5:34 p.m. Hertzsprung Basin observations

5:41 p.m. Window Team Position Swap for observations

5:42 p.m. Crew Choice #2 for observations

5:50 p.m. Discussion #4: Terminator

6:05 p.m. Cabin and Window Teams Swap for observations

6:44 p.m. Mission control expects to temporarily lose communication with the crew as the Orion spacecraft passes behind the Moon.

6:45 p.m. During “Earthset,” Earth will glide behind the Moon from Orion’s perspective.

7:02 p.m. Orion closest approach to the Moon (4,070 miles)

7:07 p.m. Orion reaches maximum distance from Earth (252,760 miles)

7:25 p.m. “Earthrise” marks Earth coming back into view on the opposite edge of the Moon.

7:25 p.m. NASA’s Mission Control Center should re-acquire communication with the astronauts.  

8:35-9:32 p.m. During a solar eclipse, the Sun will pass behind the Moon from the crew’s perspective.

9:20 p.m. Lunar observation period concludes

April 7, 2026

1:25 p.m. Orion exits the lunar sphere of influence at 41,072 miles from the Moon.

Japan conglomerate completes acquisition of US aerospace parts supplier

Japanese trading conglomerate Marubeni Corp announced on Friday that it has completed the acquisition of 100% of DASI, LLC, a U.S.–based provider of commercial‑aviation inventory solutions. The deal marks a key step in Marubeni’s long‑term plan to expand its presence in the aircraft‑parts aftermarket and to deepen its digital capabilities in the sector.

“This acquisition represents an important step forward in our aviation aftermarket strategy,” said Toru Okazaki, executive officer of Marubeni Corp and chief operating officer of Marubeni’s Aerospace & Mobility Division. “By bringing DASI fully into the Marubeni group, we are strengthening our ability to deliver comprehensive, high value inventory solutions and provide our customers with a seamless, one stop experience across the aviation supply chain.”

Spare‑parts Inventories for Airlines

Founded in 1993, DASI has built a reputation as an end‑to‑end platform for sourcing, acquiring and selling spare‑parts inventories for airlines, maintenance‑repair‑overhaul firms (MROs) and original‑equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company’s services help customers unlock capital tied up in surplus material, improve inventory efficiency and reduce operating costs. Over the past five years, DASI has also invested heavily in e‑commerce tools and an online marketplace that connects OEMs and distributors with a global buyer base.

“We are extremely proud of what DASI has accomplished and grateful for the support and partnership of Marubeni during a transformative period for the company,” said John Dziuba, Founder and co-CEO of DASI, LLC. “With Marubeni now as our sole shareholder, we are uniquely positioned to scale faster, invest further in our platform, and continue delivering innovative cost-effective inventory solutions to customers around the world.”

DASI’s Digital Infrastructure

Marubeni, whose roots date back to 1858 and operations span commodities, infrastructure and logistics, said the transaction will allow DASI to accelerate growth by leveraging the Japanese group’s capital, extensive distribution network and broader service portfolio.

Marubeni plans to invest further in DASI’s digital infrastructure, including the continued development of its online marketplace, expanded offerings of factory‑new spare parts and growth of surplus‑inventory channels. The integration is expected to generate cross‑selling opportunities and provide DASI’s customers with access to Marubeni’s worldwide network of airlines, OEMs and suppliers.

Trilateral GCAP program secures $905 million contract for next-gen fighter development

The first joint international contract has been awarded for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) - an international collaboration between Italy, Japan and the U.K. to deliver a next-generation combat aircraft.

The GCAP Agency, which manages GCAP on behalf of the three nations, signed a contract with Edgewing - the tri-national industrial joint venture set up to lead the design and development of the program.

The $905 million contract invests in key design and engineering activities, enabling the trilateral partnership to build momentum and accelerate delivery.

Masami Oka, GCAP Agency chief executive, said: “This contract is an important moment for GCAP, as activities previously conducted under three nations’ contracts will now be carried out as part of a fully-fledged international program.”

Marco Zoff, chief executive officer Edgewing, said: “The pace at which Edgewing and the GCAP Agency have ramped up, and are now operating, has been made possible through our shared purpose and strength of collaboration. We are proud to carry this momentum forward.”

GCAP, launched in 2022, will deliver an innovative next-generation stealth fighter equipped with cutting-edge technologies, supporting sovereign industries across partner nations in meeting global threats.