SyberJet's new SJ36 is redefining what a small jet can do

Hold onto your hats, aviation aficionados. SyberJet Aircraft, headquartered in the sunny skies of Phoenix, Arizona, has just dropped a bombshell that’s set to redefine the very concept of a ‘light jet’.

Meet the all-new SJ36 light jet, a machine so advanced, so ambitious, it practically laughs in the face of conventional categories. This isn't just an upgrade; it's a leap into a future where your 'light jet' thinks it's a mid-size marvel, and frankly, we’re here for it.

Forget everything you thought you knew about light jet limitations. The SyberJet SJ36 isn't just dipping its toes into the future; it's doing a full cannonball. With a projected maximum operating speed of Mach 0.88, this jet is seriously zippy. Couple that with an astounding 3,000-nautical-mile range, and suddenly, those 'impossible' light jet routes like Los Angeles to Hawaii or Washington, D.C. to the Golden State aren't just possible – they're on the menu. Who needs a layover when you've got this kind of reach?

Entire Executive Team Onboard

But speed and range are just appetizers. SyberJet clearly believes that if you're going to fly long distances, you should do so in style and comfort. The single-pilot, nine-seat configuration means you can bring your favorite people (or your entire executive team) along for the ride. And speaking of ride, they’ve managed a 4-foot cabin extension compared to its predecessor, the SJ30-2, ensuring everyone has room to stretch out. Oh, and did we mention sea-level cabin pressure up to 41,000 feet? Say goodbye to ear pop and hello to blissful comfort.

Clever Bits

Now, for the clever bits: the SJ36 comes loaded with tech that makes your smartphone look quaint. Imagine this: remote cabin temperature pre-conditioning via your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Step onto a perfectly chilled or warmed jet, no waiting. Over-the-air updates for avionics, databases, and cabin systems? That's right, your jet just got as smart as your Tesla. Remote flight plan and diagnostics? It’s practically telepathy between you and your aircraft. And for the eco-conscious among us, there's a 14-kilowatt zero-emission auxiliary power unit. Because being groundbreaking shouldn't mean being ground-polluting.

Slash Charter Costs

This isn't just about cool features; it's about smart economics. SyberJet has engineered the SJ36 to bridge the gap between light and midsize jets. The punchline? This could slash charter costs by up to 50% on select nonstop routes. More luxury, more capability, less dent in your wallet. It's almost too good to be true, but SyberJet is making it happen.

At the heart of this technological marvel is SyberJet's all-new, proprietary SyberVision avionics suite and electrical system. This isn't just a fancy screen; it’s an advanced glass-cockpit platform with six high-definition touchscreens, fly-by-wire controls, and an autopilot/autothrottle combo that practically flies itself. Trevor Milton, CEO of SyberJet, has been hands-on, ensuring this isn't just powerful, but intuitive.

"As both a fixed-wing and helicopter-rated pilot, I've been deeply involved in the design of the SJ36 and its avionics," Milton said in a company press release. "Our engineers and company pilots have been instrumental in ensuring our avionics package is more capable and easier to use than any other avionics platform on the market. It has been a long time since a company has introduced an all-new avionics platform designed and built from the ground up."

Flight Testing

So, when can you get your hands on this aerial wizardry? Flight testing for the new avionics is slated for 2027, with certification and first deliveries of the SJ36 light jet targeted for 2032. The projected price tag? A cool $14 million – a bargain for a jet that performs like something twice its size.

US air dominance under threat, requires rapid innovation, says Air Force Secretary Menik

U.S. air dominance, a cornerstone of its national security for decades, is facing renewed threats, demanding accelerated innovation, according to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Menik. Speaking at the Air Force Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference, Menik outlined his strategic priorities for the coming years, focusing on modernization, readiness, and empowering personnel.

Menik acknowledged the historical context, noting that U.S. air superiority has been challenged before, citing instances during the Korean and Vietnam Wars where "air dominance was not what we would like to see." He emphasized, "But we went after it, we focused, we took after it, and now today, the U.S. has air dominance. But there are no question, coming under threat.”

The Secretary underscored the urgency, stating, “The only way we're going to maintain our own advantage is we have to innovate, and we have to innovate faster than our adversaries. And it's not just against China.” This focus on outpacing competitors will be his primary drive for the next three and a half years, Menik said.

To counter these emerging challenges, Menik highlighted three critical areas for improvement: modernization, readiness, and people.

Modernization

On modernization, he pointed to programs like the new F-47 fighter as examples of ongoing efforts, stressing that advancements extend beyond just airframes. However, he expressed significant concern regarding readiness.

Readiness

"I knew there was a readiness challenge. I didn't appreciate how significant that readiness challenge was," Menik admitted. He cited observing "aircraft non-operational sitting around the ramp that aren't even being worked on, because we simply don't have the parts to do that, that's a problem. We have to fix that.” He further criticized the quality of some contractor-supplied components, noting, “We need to work with the contractors where we're getting a part that's supposed to last 400 hours and it last 100 hours, that's unacceptable.” Menik warned that without intervention, the U.S. risks "maintaining aircraft properly that are 100 years old on the path we’re on.”

Zero Concern

Despite these challenges, Menik expressed strong confidence in the Air Force and Space Force personnel. He proudly stated, “The Air Force doesn't have a recruiting problem. We met our recruiting goals three months earlier this year.” He added, “I have zero concern about the ability of the department to employ combat power. We have the best training, most talented workforce Air Force and Space Force has ever had.” The remaining challenge, he clarified, is "how do we make sure they have the tools at the mass and scale that we need to be successful in maintaining our advantage and turning all aggressive.”

NAVAIR taps Textron for up to 17 UC-12W transport aircraft in sole-source deal

The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has announced its intention to negotiate and award a sole-source contract to Textron Aviation to produce up to 17 UC-12W aircraft. The Navy announced the order in contract documents released Friday.

The multi-year agreement, with an anticipated start date in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2027, will have a five-year ordering period and will primarily be performed at Textron's facilities in Wichita, Kan.

This significant contract, managed by NAVAIR's Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207), encompasses not only the production of the aircraft but also non-recurring engineering, engineering change proposals, and initial spares necessary for sustaining the UC-12W fleet. The UC-12W is a commercial cargo/passenger transport aircraft, serving as a specialized variant of the widely recognized Beechcraft King Air 350.

The decision to award the contract on a sole-source basis stems from Textron Aviation's unique position as the original designer, developer, and manufacturer of the UC-12W aircraft. According to NAVAIR, Textron is the only entity possessing the requisite knowledge, experience, and technical data to fulfill the government's requirements.

Beechcraft King Air

The Beechcraft King Air series aircraft boasts a long and distinguished history in both civilian and military aviation worldwide. Since its introduction in the mid-1960s, the King Air has become one of the most successful turboprop aircraft ever produced, renowned for its versatility, reliability, and operational efficiency across a diverse range of missions, including transport, reconnaissance, and training.

Subcontracting Opportunities

While NAVAIR's announcement emphasizes the sole-source nature of this procurement, the agency has noted that interested parties are welcome to identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. However, the government does not currently intend to fund the development or qualification of other sources.

“Questions concerning subcontracting opportunities should be directed to Textron,” the Navy said in the announcement.

T'way Air unveils 'Weekend Getaway Deals' for Hong Kong-Seoul route

T'way Air, one of Korea's prominent low-cost carriers, is inviting travelers to take advantage of special savings on its Hong Kong–Incheon (Seoul) route through its "Weekend Getaway Deals." The promotional offer is available for booking until Sept 30 for travel periods extending through March 28, 2026.

The daily flight from Hong Kong (TW602) departs at 12:40 a.m. and arrives in Seoul at 5:30 a.m. local time. The return service (TW601) departs Incheon at 8:05 p.m., landing in Hong Kong at 11:15 p.m., offering a full day in Seoul before departure.

T'way Air utilizes its modern Airbus A330-200 and A330-300 aircraft on this route, designed to provide comfortable travel experience. Notably, the A330-300 aircraft are equipped with 12 Business Saver seats, featuring flat-bed recline, adjustable headrests, enhanced legroom, personal power outlets, and individual reading lights. The A330-200 also offers 18 Business Saver seats, designed with increased space and comfort for a more relaxed journey.

Headquartered in Daegu, South Korea, T'way Air has grown significantly since its inception in 2010, establishing itself as a key player in the affordable air travel sector. The carrier currently serves an expansive network of 60 destinations across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, and Europe. Its diverse fleet includes Boeing 737-800s, 737 MAX 8s, Airbus A330s, and Boeing 777-300ERs.

Travelers interested in these special savings are encouraged to book their flights before the September 30 deadline to secure fares for their future trips to Seoul.

Name Change

Daemyung Sono Group, which owns T’way Air, said on Sept. 8 that they have decided to rename the airline Trinity Airways. The new name, along with a redesign of aircraft exteriors and a brand overhaul, will be rolled out in the first half of 2026.

Spirit Airlines files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, again

Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., the parent company of budget carrier Spirit Airlines, LLC, announced Friday that it has filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The move marks a significant step in the company's plan to execute a “comprehensive restructuring aimed at positioning the airline for long-term success and a sustainable future,” the company said in a press release.

The filing provides Spirit with the legal framework, time, and flexibility to implement broad changes across its operations and financial structure. Over the past few months, the company has been in active discussions with its largest lessors, secured noteholders, and key stakeholders to refine its path forward. The Chapter 11 process is expected to facilitate ongoing negotiations with all its financial creditors and other parties. Spirit also indicated productive engagement with its secured noteholders regarding potential financing for later stages of the proceedings.

Despite the bankruptcy filing, Spirit Airlines assured customers, employees, and vendors that business operations would continue as normal.

Guests can proceed with booking new flights, traveling on existing tickets, and utilizing any accumulated credits or loyalty points without disruption. Furthermore, the company committed to honoring all wages and benefits for its employees and contractors. Vendors and suppliers providing goods and services on or after the filing date are also expected to be paid in the ordinary course of business.

Dave Davis, president and chief executive officer of Spirit, addressed the decision, stating, "Since emerging from our previous restructuring, which was targeted exclusively on reducing Spirit's funded debt and raising equity capital, it has become clear that there is much more work to be done and many more tools are available to best position Spirit for the future." He added, "After thoroughly evaluating our options and considering recent events and the market pressures facing our industry, our Board of Directors decided that a court-supervised process is the best path forward to making the changes needed to ensure our long-term success."

Davis emphasized a "comprehensive approach" to the restructuring, focusing on being more strategic about the airline's fleet, markets, and opportunities to better serve its guests, team members, and other stakeholders.

Through the restructuring process, Spirit expects to double down on several key strategic initiatives:

• Redesigning its Network: The airline plans to concentrate its flying on key markets, aiming to provide more destinations, frequencies, and enhanced connectivity in its focus cities, while concurrently reducing its presence in certain less profitable markets.
• Optimizing its Fleet Size: Spirit will “right-size” its fleet to align capacity with profitable demand, matching its redesigned network. This move is projected to significantly lower the airline's debt and lease obligations, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual operating savings.
• Addressing its Cost Structure: Building on its existing industry-leading cost model, Spirit will pursue further efficiencies across all facets of its business.
• Meeting Evolving Consumer Preferences: The company intends to effectively compete by leveraging its lower costs to offer enhanced value across its three travel options: Spirit First, Premium Economy, and Value. This strategy aims to expand premium choices while staying true to its core mission of making travel accessible to a broader audience.

Stock Shares 'Hold No Value'

As a direct consequence of the Chapter 11 filing, Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc. stock shares are expected to be delisted from the NYSE American Stock Exchange in the near term. While the common stock is anticipated to continue trading in the over-the-counter marketplace during the Chapter 11 process, the company warned that these shares are expected to be cancelled and hold no value as part of the eventual restructuring plan.

US military wants rapid development of low-cost interceptor missile

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is inviting defense contractors to propose innovative approaches for developing a “low-cost interceptor (LCI)” missile capable of defending against ballistic and hypersonic threats. MDA announced the request for an LCI in a contract solicitation document released on Wednesday.

The goal is to demonstrate very low-cost interceptors, priced under $750,000 each, utilizing readily available components and technologies within a compressed timeline.

The contract outline focuses on the “rapid” development and testing of low-cost interceptors.

“To effectively defend against large-scale attacks from low-cost Supersonic Cruise Missiles and Hypersonic Glide Vehicles, MDA is examining interceptor options for considerably decreased unit costs in exchange for a slightly reduced performance rate,” the agency said in the solicitation. “Offerors should focus on reduced cost and schedule. The LCI must be capable of receiving in-flight targeting updates and possess sufficient maneuverability to intercept airborne hypersonic targets.”

Contract Schedule

Phase I (6 months) - Detailed Design and Analysis: This phase involves detailed design and engagement analysis of a candidate LCI concept, encompassing all major subsystems, including boosters, controls, flight computers, communications, fire control interface, terminal seeker, and warhead. The design must be compatible with legacy missile defense systems.

Phase II (12 months) - Prototyping and Testing: This phase includes prototyping, ground testing, and flight tests of the complete interceptor. Vendors must deliver four to 10 LCI missiles for intercept tests by MDA at the end of this phase.

The work will primarily be performed at the Missile Defense Agency's Redstone Arsenal facility in Alabama.

LCI white paper responses from industry must be received by MDA no later than Sept 29.

Korean Air orders record 103 Boeing jets

Korean Air announced on Monday a landmark commitment to purchase 103 Boeing aircraft, marking its largest-ever fleet order and a significant step toward modernizing its operations and bolstering its integration with Asiana Airlines. This historic agreement also represents Boeing's largest widebody order from an Asian carrier, underscoring the growing demand for fuel-efficient aircraft in the region.

The purchase includes a comprehensive mix of Boeing's next-generation aircraft:

• 20 777-9s
• 25 787-10 Dreamliners
• 50 737-10s
• 8 777-8 Freighters

This deal, once finalized, will notably mark Korean Air's first order for the advanced 777-8F cargo jet.

Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition.

"Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernization strategy,” Cho said in a Boeing press release. “This investment is also a critical enabler for our future as a merged airline with Asiana."

This latest order dramatically expands Korean Air's future fleet plans. With an incremental order in March for 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s, Korean Air's total orders and commitments for Boeing airplanes in 2025 now surpass 150 units.

The new aircraft are designed to offer substantial operational and environmental benefits:

• 777-9: Capable of seating 426 passengers with a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles), this model is expected to reduce fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the aircraft it replaces.
• 787-10: This variant of the Dreamliner can carry up to 336 passengers across a range of 11,730 km (6,330 nautical miles), known for its efficiency and passenger comfort.
• 737-10: As the largest model in the 737 MAX family, it can accommodate up to 230 passengers with a range of 5,740 km (3,100 nautical miles). It boasts a 20% reduction in fuel use and emissions over older models and offers the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane, providing flexibility for Korean Air's regional and shorter international routes.
• 777-8 Freighter: Poised to be the world's largest and most capable twin-engine freighter, it promises the highest payload, lowest operating cost per ton, and 30% better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to its predecessors.

Korean Air currently operates 108 Boeing airplanes, including 737s, 747s, 777s, and 787s. With 72 Boeing jets already on order before this announcement, the carrier's total order book will swell to 175 aircraft once this new deal is finalized.