April and May will be big for Contour Airlines in Utah

Contour Airlines announced Monday that it will expand its flight schedule at Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) for April and May, adding 19 weekly flights to and from the popular mountain town hub.

The airline will now operate seven weekly departures to Phoenix, Arizona, and twelve weekly departures to Denver, Colo., bringing the combined Moab‑Phoenix‑Denver service to a maximum of 19 flights per week.

The added capacity is aimed at meeting the heightened demand that typically accompanies the spring tourism season in the American West. Moab, a gateway to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, sees a surge in visitors eager to explore its red‑rock canyons, world-class climbing routes and mountain‑bike trails.

“We’re excited to expand our service in Moab and offer additional flights during the busy spring travel season,” said Ben Munson, president of Contour Airlines. “Moab continues to be a popular destination for travelers, and these additional flights will make it even easier for visitors from around the world to explore the region’s world-class outdoor recreation, including nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.”

Passengers on the 30-seat regional jets will receive extra legroom, complimentary snacks and beverages, one free checked bag and one free carry-on bag with every fare.

Massachusetts Governor orders Signature Aviation to end services for ICE deportation flights at Hanscom Field

Governor Maura Healey is demanding that Signature Aviation end its role in facilitating deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from Hanscom Field Airport in Massachusetts.

Signature Aviation provides ground services for pilots, passengers, and crews through a network of 220 locations around the globe. Hanscom Field is one of them. The company arranges hotel rooms, ground transportation, and fuel services for flights.

In a letter to Signature Aviation CEO Tony Lefebvre, Governor Healey urged Signature Aviation to immediately sever ties with ICE and stop providing services that support deportation flights out of Hanscom, including charter operators, fueling aircraft, and facilitating access to the airfield and tarmac.

“You have a choice to either continue profiting from ICE’s unlawful tactics that are depriving people of due process and separating parents from their children, or you can stand with the people and communities you say that you serve,” wrote Healey. “I urge Signature and its owners to stand with our people and communities and cease supporting ICE’s damaging deportation efforts immediately. Enough is enough.”

Signature Aviation is the sole fixed base operator (FBO) facilitating ICE charter flights at Hanscom Field and plays an indispensable role in enabling these deportation operations. Signature Aviation provides the access and logistical support that make these flights possible, including coordinating aircraft services, fueling, and securing access to the airfield. ICE’s reliance on private charter flights allows the agency to rapidly remove individuals from their families, communities, and legal counsel, undermining due process protections. Without Signature’s participation, ICE would be unable to operate private deportation flights from Hanscom Field.

“ICE’s enforcement tactics in Massachusetts and across the country have created widespread fear in communities and raised serious concerns about due process and constitutional protections,” according to a press release issued by Healey’s office.

She has called on ICE to cease deportation flights out of Hanscom and urged private airlines and aviation companies to stop providing charter flights that facilitate these removals.

First-ever long-haul route for GOL Linhas Aéreas

In a landmark move for Brazilian aviation, GOL Linhas Aéreas has officially announced the launch of its first-ever long-haul route, signaling a robust new phase in the airline's international expansion strategy.

Starting on July 8, the carrier will begin operating direct, non-stop flights connecting Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG) in Rio de Janeiro to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City. This highly anticipated service will feature three weekly frequencies and was developed through a strategic partnership with the Rio de Janeiro City Hall.

This major operational milestone follows the company's recent strategic decision to incorporate wide-body aircraft into its growing fleet, enabling the airline to cover longer distances and offer enhanced comfort for intercontinental travel.

GOL's commitment to the city of Rio de Janeiro is substantial. The airline has made extensive investments totaling approximately $ 1.2 billion in local assets.

Currently, GOL operates more than 30 domestic and international routes originating from Rio de Janeiro. These operations play a crucial role in the local economy, significantly contributing to the generation of highly qualified jobs and driving broad economic benefits.

By establishing a direct link between two of the most vital tourism and business hubs in South and North America, GOL is successfully solidifying its strategy for overseas growth. This connection opens a wide array of new options and opportunities for customers throughout the entire continent.

The exciting news was formally revealed during a high-profile press event held on Friday at RIOgaleão. The ceremony featured the presence of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes, Vice Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere, ABRA's CEO Adrian Neuhauser, GOL's CEO Celso Ferrer, alongside various other authorities.

Air Mobility Command Museum calls for contractor to restore iconic static‑display aircraft

The Air Mobility Command (AMC) Museum at Dover Air Force Base, Del., is seeking a qualified contractor for comprehensive corrosion control and repainting of five of its most iconic static‑display aircraft. The work, which includes the KC‑10A Extender, the C‑133B Cargomaster, the C‑124A Globemaster II, and the C‑45G Expeditor, is scheduled to begin later this spring and is expected to be completed within a 12-month window.

“Due to the historical nature and rare assigned aircraft, the contractor must have a minimum of eight years experience painting large USAF artifact aircraft,” the museum said in contract documents.

KC-10A Extender

The KC-10A Extender (serial number79-0433) was received by the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Museum in 2022. The aircraft currently has the AMC Gray paint scheme applied. The aircraft will be repainted in its original 1981 Strategic Air Command colors of white, blue, and gray.

C-133B Cargomaster

C-133B (serial number 59-0536) was received by the Air Mobility Command Museum in 2006. The aircraft currently has a Dover AFB Military Air Transport Service paint scheme featuring a white "cap" on the fuselage. The aircraft will be repainted in its original 1501st Air Transport Wing all-silver paint job.

C-124A Globemaster II

The C-124A Globemaster II (serial number 49-0258) was received by the Air Mobility Command Museum in 2004. The aircraft currently has a standard Military Air Transport Service paint scheme applied. The aircraft will be repainted in its current all-silver paint job.

C-45G Expeditor

C-45G Expeditor (serial number 51-11795) was received by the Air Mobility Command Museum in 1989. The aircraft currently has a standard Military Air Transport Service paint scheme applied. The aircraft will be repainted in its current silver paint job.

Northrop Grumman supplies first‑ever CIRCM systems to Germany, expanding European footprint

For the first time, defense contractor Northrop Grumman is providing its Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system to Germany, reinforcing the company’s position as a leading developer of advanced aircraft survivability systems, with a broadening presence in Europe.

CIRCM, a U.S. Army program, acts as a high-tech shield when installed on the outside of military helicopters. Using advanced electro-optical infrared technology, the system quickly defeats incoming threats, such as shoulder-fired missiles, and shoots a high-performance laser at the threat to jam its targeting signal – disrupting its tracking ability, which causes it to fall away.

Key Highlights:

Germany will receive 47 CIRCM systems as part of a U.S. Army production award.

The CIRCM systems for Germany will be installed on their newly ordered CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

These CIRCM units will modernize capabilities for Germany’s new rotary aircraft, fulfilling NATO combat readiness mission requirements. 

Nearly 700 Northrop Grumman CIRCM systems have been installed on rotary wing aircraft worldwide, making it the most widely used system of its kind. CIRCM is achieving more than 70,000 operational flight hours on Army AH-64, CH-47 and UH-60 rotary aircraft, with an exceptional performance record and no aircraft losses.

“More international partners are recognizing CIRCM’s pioneering protection capabilities to maximize successful missions,” said Leah Hooten, vice president, Aircraft Survivability, Northrop Grumman. “With open architecture, the lightweight CIRCM system stays ready for any mission with the agility for rapid technology upgrades. It’s not only ideal for small aircraft – it’s a crucial system that brings key advantages to our international warfighters.”

A-29 equipped with Gunslinger offers low-cost solution to counter attack drones

Militaries worldwide have invested enormous resources against disruptive and persistent unmanned threats by tasking high-end platforms, such as mainstream fighter jets, to counter drones at a high cost per mission. A partnership between aircraft manufacturer Embraer and Valkyrie Aero may have a solution to the UAS threat.

Embraer and Valkyrie Aero are partnering to bring cutting-edge, Artificial Intelligence (AI)‑enabled Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities to the A-29 Super Tucano through Valkyrie’s Gunslinger.

Valkyrie’s proprietary Gunslinger AI suite enables real-time, enhanced C-UAS tactical decision making on the battlefield, supporting the Find, Fix, Finish of unmanned threats. The Gunslinger is built for the evolving UAS threat landscape, ensuring an enduring and scalable solution. The system further enhances the A-29 C-UAS capabilities that currently rely on existing, integrated sensors.

The A-29 equipped with Gunslinger offers extremely effective and low-cost counter-drone capabilities, leveraging the Super Tucano’s advanced tandem cockpit, extended loiter time, and agility. Its ability to safely match the speed of one-way attack drones creates a stable, precise engagement platform for guns, guided rockets, and other effectors.

“We are proud to partner with Valkyrie to further enhance the A-29 C-UAS mission capabilities,” said Marcio Monteiro, Market Intelligence vice-president of Embraer Defense & Security. “With over 60,000 combat flight hours, the A-29 Super Tucano is the gold standard for light attack globally, and the ideal platform for manned C-UAS operations.”

“Valkyrie is excited to partner with Embraer to deliver Gunslinger on the A-29 platform for customers worldwide,” said Chris Turner, senior vice president, Corporate Strategy of Valkyrie Aero. “Gunslinger is born from the immediate needs of the frontline warfighter, whom Valkyrie trains and engages with every day,”

First BK117 D-3 helicopter delivery to the Oceania region

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced Thursday that it has signed a contract with Salus Aviation (AW) Ltd., based in New Zealand, for the supply of two H145//BK117 D-3 helicopters, the latest model in the BK117 helicopter series.

The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in August 2026 and January 2027.

This order represents the first BK117 D-3 delivery to the Oceania region and brings Kawasaki’s cumulative order total for the model to 43 units (the second and third units for the international market).

Before this order, Kawasaki and Salus signed a Framework Agreement (FA) for sales and maintenance cooperation of the BK117 series on Nov. 19.

Salus has been a long-standing partner of Kawasaki and possesses extensive expertise in BK117 series operations and maintenance, as well as a broad network across Oceania and other regions. The company provides maintenance and aircraft leasing services for the BK117 aircraft operating in these areas.

Under the FA, the two companies aim to strengthen the sales structure for the BK117 series in Oceania and other regions, and expand the after-sales support network, including Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul and training services.

By providing an integrated solution - from aircraft sales to operational support and maintenance - Kawasaki and Salus aim to enhance customer satisfaction in the Oceania region and contribute to safe, efficient, and high-quality air transportation.