FAA seeks Flight‑Testing Aircraft to support new unleaded fuel research

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a formal market survey on Tuesday aimed at identifying qualified vendors capable of providing a light‑aircraft platform for a year-long experimental fuel‑testing program.

The survey, issued by the FAA’s Fuels and Energy Section, focuses on a single-engine, high-wing aircraft to evaluate the performance and safety of newly formulated unleaded aviation fuels. The fuels in question are not yet certified for operational use; they will be tested only after the aircraft receives a special experimental airworthiness certificate.

The FAA is considering using a high-wing Cessna 172 or 182 (models E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, P, or Q) for flight testing.

The FAA notes that either the aircraft’s existing powerplant may be retained or a new engine may be installed specifically for the research effort. Because the testing will involve fuels that have not yet earned certification, the agency anticipates that the aircraft’s fuel system, engine, and related components could require modifications that might affect later return to standard certification status.

Companies interested in supporting the survey should contact the FAA no later than March 4. Questions about the survey must be forwarded by Feb. 23.

The FAA stresses that participation in the survey does not guarantee a future contract.

Kroger names former Walmart executive Greg Foran as new CEO

The United States’ second-largest grocery retailer, The Kroger Co., announced Monday that its board of directors has appointed Greg Foran as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Foran will also join Kroger’s board, succeeding Ron Sargent, who has been serving as interim CEO since March.

The board said the appointment concludes an “extensive search process” aimed at finding an “innovative retail leader with a strong track record of execution.” In a statement, interim CEO Sargent praised Foran’s experience: “Greg is a highly respected operator who knows how to run large-scale retail businesses, strengthen store execution, and lead high-performing teams. His leadership style, focus on the customer, commitment to associates, and disciplined approach to execution are the perfect fit for Kroger.”

Foran has more than four decades of experience in complex consumer businesses. He spent six years leading Walmart U.S., overseeing the turnaround of the retailer’s largest division and driving digital initiatives such as online ordering. Under his tenure, Walmart U.S. posted comparable‑sales growth for 20 consecutive quarters and managed a network of over 4,600 stores and roughly one million employees.

Foran also served as chief executive officer of Air New Zealand for five years, where he led a full‑scale digital transformation, navigated intricate union negotiations, and steered the airline through multiple supply‑chain disruptions while investing in fleet upgrades.

Kroger, which operates more than 2,800 supermarkets and multi-department stores under names such as Kroger, Fred Meyer, and Harris Teeter.

Air Canada suspends service to Cuba due to aviation fuel shortage

Effective Monday, Air Canada announced the suspension of its services to Cuba due to an ongoing aviation fuel shortage on the island. The airline will operate empty flights to pick up approximately 3,000 customers already in Cuba and return them to Canada over the coming days. The shortage of fuel is a consequence of an oil blockade led by the United States on the Caribbean country.

The decision was made following advisories issued by governments regarding the unreliability of the aviation fuel supply at Cuban airports. It is projected that as of Tuesday, aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the island's airports. To ensure the safe return of its customers, Air Canada will tanker in extra fuel and make stops as necessary to refuel on the return journey.

Air Canada's immediate priority is to return customers already in Cuba to Canada, the company said in a press release. The airline will operate empty ferry flights to the island to maintain its regular schedule from Cuba to Canada in the near-term. Most of the affected customers are travelling on Air Canada Vacations packages.

To support its customers, Air Canada Vacations has introduced a refund policy, allowing customers who had scheduled departures to Cuba and experienced flight cancellations to automatically receive a full refund in their original form of payment. Customers currently in Cuba who booked an Air Canada Vacations package can also receive direct support from local representatives.

Schedule Changes

Air Canada operates an average of 16 weekly flights to four destinations in Cuba from Toronto and Montreal. However, due to the suspension, seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are cancelled for the rest of the season. Flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco are scheduled to operate year-round but are currently suspended with a tentative restart on May 1.

The airline will continue to monitor the situation and determine an appropriate restart of normal service to Cuba at a future date. In the meantime, Air Canada will redeploy its aircraft to other destinations. The suspension of services to Cuba is a result of circumstances beyond the airline's control, and Air Canada is working to minimize the impact on its customers.

Air Transat begins non-stop service to iconic Brazilian city

Air Transat has introduced non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro, linking Toronto and Montreal directly to the iconic Brazilian city. The inaugural flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport (TS272) departed on Wednesday, followed by a flight from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (TS274) on Thursday. The routes solidify the airline’s presence in South America and position it as the sole carrier connecting Montreal directly to Rio.

The Toronto–Rio de Janeiro route operates twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, until June 10. Meanwhile, the Montreal–Rio de Janeiro service, exclusive to Air Transat, runs weekly on Thursdays until June 4. Both routes are served by Airbus A330 aircraft, offering passengers spacious seating and comfort over long-haul journeys.

“We’re proud to create a direct bridge between Canada and Brazil,” said Sebastian Ponce, Air Transat’s chief revenue officer. He emphasized the flights’ role in simplifying access to Rio’s “vibrant culture” and facilitating transcontinental travel and family reunions. The Montreal route provides a unique connection, as no other airline currently offers non-stop service between the two cities.

The expansion aligns with growing demand between the two regions, according to Kurush Minocher, chief commercial officer at Toronto Pearson. “Travel between Canada and Rio is a key market, with 44,000 passengers annualizing these routes, nearly half originating from Pearson,” he noted. The new service, he added, enhances connectivity for both leisure and business travelers, responding to market momentum.

Air Transat, founded in Montreal in 1987, has historically focused on European and tropical destinations. This move into Brazil reflects its strategy to diversify its network.

WestJet takes delivery of three Boeing 737-8 aircraft

In a significant move to strengthen its narrowbody fleet, Calgary-based carrier WestJet has taken delivery of three Boeing 737-8 aircraft from CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited. The latest-generation aircraft are expected to provide WestJet's guests with affordable, flexible air travel options, including satellite-supported WiFi.

This delivery marks a significant milestone in the partnership between CDB Aviation and WestJet, which was first established in 2020. To date, CDB Aviation has financed and leased a total of 13 Boeing 737-8 aircraft to the Canadian airline, supporting its growth strategy. "We've built a strong partnership with the WestJet team," said Luís da Silva, CDB Aviation's head of Commercial, the Americas. "We are pleased to be able to support their fleet expansion in an environmentally friendly manner."

The Boeing 737-8 aircraft will play a key role in WestJet's ongoing fleet expansion process, which is driven by its affordable cost structure and growth strategy. As Canada's coast-to-coast leisure champion and western home carrier, WestJet is committed to providing its guests with affordable and convenient air travel options. "CDB Aviation is a valued partner of WestJet," said Jennifer Bue, WestJet's senior vice president, Treasurer. "The relationship enables WestJet to continue our momentum, driving our growth strategy.”

Over 30 new aircraft coming to ATP Flight School in 2026

Florida-based ATP Flight School, the United States’ largest producer of commercial multi-engine pilots, has begun receiving its 2026 aircraft orders from Piper Aircraft and Textron Aviation. Over 30 new planes are set to join its training fleet this year, with the first delivery—a Garmin G1000 NXi-equipped Piper Seminole—made in January. This expansion underscores ATP’s commitment to meeting rising demand for professionally trained pilots in the aviation sector.

The Piper Seminole, a multi-engine aircraft, has long been a cornerstone of ATP’s training program. With more than 100 Seminole aircraft already in service, the type is celebrated for its reliability and role in building student confidence in multi-engine operations. The Seminole delivery was followed by the first of 27 new Cessna 172 Skyhawks scheduled for 2026, joining existing fleets. Over the past two years, ATP has added 144 factory-new Skyhawks, with orders extending into 2027. These aircraft, known for their durability and advanced avionics, further strengthen ATP’s reputation for offering one of the youngest and most technologically equipped training fleets globally.

Supporting its massive training operations, ATP’s fleet of 658 aircraft flies 600,000 hours annually. This scale is matched by a robust maintenance infrastructure: 26 Tech Ops bases employ predictive and proactive maintenance strategies that exceed regulatory standards, minimizing downtime and ensuring safety. This system is critical to sustaining ATP’s ability to graduate over 2,500 students yearly.

“With ATP training 25% of all regional airline new hire pilots, our investment in fleet growth is crucial in keeping pace with demand for ATP-trained pilots,” said Michael Arnold, ATP’s vice president of Marketing. The expansion ensures students gain experience on industry-relevant aircraft, streamlining their transition to airline careers.

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.