NASA awards critical aircraft contract to support Artemis II moon mission

NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) in California has awarded a $430,428.00 sole-source contract to Rolls-Royce for a 24-month “technical variance” extension service.

The contract, awarded on Jan. 30, will enable the continued use of the Rolls-Royce MK511-8 SPEY engine installed on NASA's Gulfstream III aircraft (tail number N808NA). The engine, which is becoming obsolete, requires a technical variance to extend its service life beyond the overhaul due date.

According to contract documents, Rolls-Royce is the only authorized source for the technical variance evaluation, and no other repair station companies or organizations have been authorized to perform such assessments. The contract will cover the analysis required to determine whether an operational extension can be granted, ensuring the engine's airworthiness and allowing the Gulfstream III aircraft to continue operating.

AFRC conducted market research, including research of the NASA Vendor Database and the Small Business Dynamic Search, but did not find any capable businesses other than Rolls-Royce. The contract specialist also searched the Rolls-Royce website and confirmed that the company is the only source of this service.

The award of this contract is critical to support NASA's high-visibility programs, including the Artemis II moon mission scheduled for launch on March 6. The Gulfstream III aircraft will host imaging equipment essential for assessing the Orion capsule's viability during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. Any delay in awarding the contract would jeopardize aircraft availability and mission readiness.

NASA’s contracting officer has determined that the anticipated cost to the government will be fair and reasonable. The contract is expected to be completed within 24 months.

This contract is a significant step forward in ensuring the continued operation of NASA's Gulfstream III aircraft and supporting the agency's critical missions. The partnership with Rolls-Royce will enable the AFRC to maintain the airworthiness of the MK511-8 SPEY engine and ensure the success of future NASA programs.

US Drug Enforcement Administration seeks information for ATR-72-600 aircraft acquisition

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a Sources Sought Notice to gather market information on the availability of new or used ATR-72-600 twin-engine turbine-powered aircraft. The notice, released on Wednesday, aims to assess market capacity for supplying the aircraft, which will be used for domestic and international deployments.

The DEA's Aviation Division is evaluating procurement options for the ATR-72-600, a commercial passenger/cargo aircraft to be operated as a multi-role passenger/cargo/special-mission aircraft. The agency is seeking responses from all qualified vendors, including small businesses, to provide information on the availability of the aircraft.

The Mission

The ATR-72-600 will be used to deploy government personnel and equipment to enforce controlled substances laws and regulations in the United States. The aircraft will operate in various environments, including mountainous terrain, high terrain elevations, and high ambient temperature and humidity conditions.

The DEA has specified that the twin-engine aircraft must have a minimum seating capacity of four crew members and 68 passengers and must be configured with a cargo door. The agency's Office of Acquisition, based in Springfield, Va., will use the collected data to inform future procurement decisions.

No Contract Award Just Yet

The Sources Sought Notice is not a formal solicitation or commitment to award a contract, but rather a request for market information to help the DEA evaluate its options. The agency is seeking to understand the market capacity for supplying the ATR-72-600 aircraft and to identify potential vendors that can meet its requirements.

Air Force launches market survey to purchase a used Boeing 700‑series jet

The United States Department of War (DoW) issued a formal Request for Information (RFI) on Tuesday seeking data from commercial and government sources on the availability, condition, and cost of a single pre-owned Boeing 700-series aircraft. The information gathered will be used solely for planning and market‑research purposes; participation is strictly voluntary.

The DoW’s interest centers on the Boeing C‑40C “Clipper,” a military derivative of the Boeing 737‑700 Next Generation airliner, specifically the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) configuration.

The C‑40C is currently operated by the U.S. Air Force to transport high-priority officials—including Cabinet members, members of Congress, and senior defense leaders—on medium-range missions worldwide. The aircraft features a “777‑type” flight deck, a flexible cabin that can be arranged for 42 to 111 passengers, and a suite of secure communications equipment designed for government use.

According to the RFI, the DoW is evaluating the possibility of acquiring a single pre‑owned C‑40C to augment its existing fleet and address emerging mission requirements that demand rapid, reliable global transport of senior personnel. The agency is not yet committing to a purchase; rather, it aims to assess market conditions, determine the aircraft’s current operational status, and estimate acquisition and lifecycle costs.

Interested parties are instructed to submit electronic responses to the Air Force by March 5.

Porter Airlines launches first Western Canada transborder service

Canada-based Porter Airlines announced Monday the start of a seasonal, nonstop flight between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The new route, the carrier’s first transborder service from Western Canada, will operate daily through April 19, expanding the airline’s North American footprint and providing additional options for leisure and business travelers.

The flights will be operated on Porter’s Embraer E195‑E2 aircraft, configured with 132 seats in a “no‑middle‑seat” layout that the airline markets as a higher‑comfort product. The service joins Porter’s existing year-round Toronto‑to‑Phoenix schedule and a seasonal Ottawa‑to‑Phoenix connection, and it is expected to feed further U.S. destinations via Porter’s codeshare partnership with American Airlines.

“Being able to give travelers more convenient options to travel from Vancouver is a pivotal moment for Porter,” said Andrew Pierce, Vice President of Network Planning and Reporting at Porter Airlines. “This route makes Phoenix’s unique desert and mountain landscape more accessible to our passengers in the west and offers travelers a seamless connection to additional destinations in the U.S., through our codeshare partner, American Airlines.”

Industry officials in both cities welcomed the addition. Chad Makovsky, Aviation Director for the Phoenix Airport Authority, said, “We’re excited for Porter’s growth in the Phoenix market. Their partnership and commitment mean that travelers have more high‑quality, convenient options between Phoenix and Canada. We look forward to welcoming travelers on Porter’s first transborder route from Vancouver.”

At Vancouver International Airport, Russ Atkinson, Director of Air Service Development, highlighted the broader economic implications. “We are pleased to support Porter Airlines’ growth at YVR and celebrate this new service from Vancouver. The new non‑stop route to Phoenix strengthens connectivity for British Columbians, adds capacity for a key leisure and business destination, and supports economic activity while providing travelers with greater choice.”

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American Airlines to resume flights to Venezuela, awaits government clearance

American Airlines has announced plans to become the first U.S. carrier to reinstate nonstop service between the United States and Venezuela, marking a potential milestone in restoring transatlantic connectivity. The airline emphasized that the move is contingent on securing government approvals and completing security assessments, which are underway in collaboration with federal authorities.

The decision follows American’s historical role as a key bridge between the two nations. The airline began operating in Venezuela in 1987 and, before suspending flights in 2019, held the title of the largest U.S. airline in the country.

“American has a more than 30-year history connecting Venezuelans to the U.S., and we are ready to renew that incredible relationship,” stated Nat Pieper, American’s chief commercial officer, in a company press release. He highlighted the potential for the renewed service to facilitate family reunification, business ventures, and tourism, underscoring the airline’s commitment to fostering economic and cultural ties.

American’s extensive network in Latin America and the Caribbean positions it as a strategic choice for the route. The carrier currently operates more nonstop destinations to the U.S. from the region than any other airline.

Details about the timeline, frequencies, and specific cities served remain pending, as the airline works through regulatory processes.

Man arrested in California for suspected unregistered aircraft operation, plane theft

A 38-year-old man from Pomona, Calif., was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of attempting to operate an unregistered aircraft and steal a plane, according to a federal criminal complaint filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.

The suspect, Christian Estoque, faces federal charges following an investigation by the FBI’s Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force. 

Authorities allege that a single-engine aircraft was reported stolen on Jan. 3 from Auburn Municipal Airport in Washington state. The plane was recovered three days later at Corona Municipal Airport in Southern California.

According to the complaint, the aircraft’s transponder—used to identify its location—had been manipulated during the flight, making it difficult to track the plane’s movements. However, surveillance records and eyewitness accounts placed the aircraft at an airport in Kelso, Washington, on Jan. 4. At that time, a couple seen arriving in a rental vehicle were suspected of being aboard the stolen aircraft.

Investigators later linked the couple to a second aircraft at the same Corona airport on Jan. 27. This second plane had not been registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since 2017. FBI agents conducting surveillance observed Estoque enter the unregistered aircraft and start its engine. Agents intervened, arresting him on suspicion of attempting to steal the plane.

Estoque is not a licensed pilot and is not listed on the registration for the aircraft, authorities confirmed. In statements to investigators, Estoque reportedly admitted to operating the aircraft while under the influence of methamphetamine.

Estoque made his initial appearance before a federal magistrate on Jan. 29 and was released on bond. The charges against him remain pending as the investigation continues.