Read on to know the latest in the aviation!

Singapore Airlines flight faces turbulence, that led to emergency landing

Passengers on a Singapore Airlines flight breathed a sigh of relief as they finally arrived in Singapore following a terrifying experience with severe turbulence. The flight that took off from London, encountered unexpected turbulence south of Myanmar, leading to an emergency landing in Bangkok.

Tragically, amidst the chaos, a 73-year-old British passenger passed away, suspected to have suffered a heart attack. More than 30 others sustained injuries as the plane experienced a sudden drop of 6,000 feet in just three minutes.

Over 140 passengers and crew from countries like Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, landed safely in Singapore aboard a relief flight early Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, those injured, along with their families, are receiving care in Bangkok.

Officials from the British and Malaysian embassies in Bangkok have been visiting hospitals to check on the injured, offering support during this difficult time. Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that nine Malaysians, including a crew member, are undergoing treatment, with one in critical but stable condition.

SAFE to expand aviation security with integration plans

Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is gearing up for significant advancements in safety and security as the SAFE embarks on an ambitious expansion plan, according to its CEO, Turki Matooq Al-Thonayan.

Al-Thonayan revealed that SAFE, already operating across multiple countries with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, is strategically integrating its expansion plans with the aviation sector. This alignment aims to support broader transportation goals, emphasizing the critical role of SAFE in bolstering aviation safety.

Speaking at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, which brought together over 5,000 industry experts and leaders from more than 120 countries, Al-Thonayan highlighted SAFE’s focus on supporting Saudi Arabia’s major projects like NEOM, the Red Sea, and Qiddiya. The company aims to provide security solutions for VIP protection, industrial facilities, and support the government's initiative to privatize security services.

Since its launch in 2021, SAFE, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, has expanded its services beyond security to include firefighting, safety, and critical facility management. Al-Thonayan emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing customer experience, recognizing its impact on passengers, customers, and airports alike.

The CEO outlined SAFE’s objectives centered on enhancing service efficiency and revenue generation. He emphasized the company’s goal of becoming a reliable enabler in the aviation ecosystem, streamlining services through comprehensive solutions.

Integration lies at the heart of SAFE’s approach, with Al-Thonayan highlighting the importance of seamless logistics and operation excellence across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE. By facilitating smooth and efficient operations, SAFE aims to contribute to the quality of lifestyle and enhance the travel experience for passengers worldwide.

Recent partnerships, including agreements with Dammam Airport Co. and Cluster 2, underscore SAFE’s commitment to enhancing the aviation network within the Kingdom. These collaborations are expected to transform the business model from scattered services to a total solution approach, enhancing efficiency and reliability.

Al-Thonayan emphasized the role of accredited training and technology integration in enhancing services and generating value. By prioritizing customer experience and setting high standards in the aviation sector, SAFE aims to ensure an exceptional travel experience for passengers globally.

Textron Aviation's SkyCourier gets FAA approval for combi cabin

Textron Aviation has received FAA certification for a new Combi interior conversion option for the Cessna SkyCourier passenger variant, allowing for simultaneous transport of nine passengers and cargo. Deliveries of these units are set to start later this year.

The Combi option enhances the aircraft's versatility, catering to various missions globally. With single-pilot operation and ample payload capacity, the Cessna SkyCourier serves air freight, passenger transport, and special missions effectively.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines, the SkyCourier is equipped with Garmin avionics and offers a maximum speed of over 200 knots with a range of 900 nautical miles. It's available in Freighter and Passenger variants, featuring options like a Combi configuration or gravel kit for flexibility.

The introduction of the Combi option expands its market appeal, catering to government agencies, law enforcement, corporations, and humanitarian organizations worldwide.

Aurora flight sciences unveils refined concept for DARPA's VTOL X-Plane

Aurora Flight Sciences has unveiled an updated concept for a high-speed vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft, receiving funding to proceed with a preliminary design review under a DARPA project. The project aims to develop an X-plane demonstrator capable of combining VTOL capability with a 450-kt. cruise speed.

As the first performer awarded a contract for Phase 1B of DARPA’s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (Sprint) project, Aurora received nearly $25 million for the work, expected to be completed by June 2025. The goal is to achieve a first flight within 36 months.

The refined concept showcases an uncrewed aircraft with three lift fans, a blended wing body airframe, and a composite exterior. The design features large angled inlets under the nose, conventional jet exhaust between the V tails, and semi-circular upper doors covering the wing fans.

The fuselage fan is concealed by a sliding aft door and longitudinal louvers for thrust control during vertical flight. While the XV-5 Vertifan experimental aircraft from 1964 influences this design, Aurora’s approach aims to simplify the demonstrator and facilitate its path to flight testing.

Aurora’s decision to focus on an uncrewed aircraft with three lift fans aligns with DARPA’s efforts to develop more affordable X-planes with potential for transition to military services. The redesign reflects a strategy to enhance testing and risk reduction while ensuring the transferability of fan-in-wing technology to traditional crewed aircraft.

Archer Aviation, Etihad training partner for UAE air taxi pilots

Archer Aviation, known for its eVTOLs, has teamed up with Etihad Training to recruit and train pilots for their upcoming air taxi services. These pilots will have the opportunity to fly Archer’s Midnight aircraft on routes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Nikhil Goel, Archer’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the importance of pilot training in establishing a robust urban air mobility network in the UAE. The partnership with Etihad Training, a premier organization, aims to ensure the readiness of pilots for this innovative venture.

As part of the collaboration, Archer will provide a Midnight aircraft simulator to Etihad Training’s center in Abu Dhabi. This will facilitate pilot training and assist in obtaining necessary regulatory certifications.

The Midnight aircraft, designed for rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charge time, promises efficient and sustainable transportation. Etihad Training will work closely with the UAE aviation regulator and local authorities to establish appropriate pilot training requirements.

Archer’s vision aligns with the UAE’s goal of introducing air taxi services to enhance urban mobility. By offering electric air taxi flights, Archer aims to significantly reduce commute times, making transportation safer, quieter, and more cost-effective.

Luxaviation acquires Paragon Aviation Group, strengthens industry presence

Luxaviation continues to solidify its global presence with strategic acquisitions, following its recent purchase of Sky Valet. This week, the company completed the acquisition of Paragon Aviation Group, enhancing its position in the aviation services sector.

Established in 2011, Paragon Aviation Group manages a network of vetted FBOs and international handling agents, offering premium services to general aviation travelers worldwide. Each FBO undergoes rigorous auditing to ensure quality standards before joining the network.

Megan Barnes, co-founder and president of Paragon, expressed pride in the company's achievements and looks forward to its growth under Luxaviation's ownership. She will continue to contribute as a board member.

Luxaviation's acquisition adds to its portfolio of ExecuJet and Sky Valet FBOs, along with affiliates, expanding the Paragon Network to over 140 locations globally. CEO Patrick Hansen views this move as an alternative for operators, offering a comprehensive service through a single network.

Jet Aviation, SAF available at EBACE again

Jet Aviation and Signature Aviation are once again leading the way in sustainable aviation at EBACE, offering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to departing business aircraft. For the third consecutive year, Jet Aviation will provide a 35% SAF blend to its customers, continuing its commitment to a more sustainable future for the industry.

Jo?o Martins, Jet Aviation's vice president of FBO operations in Europe and general manager of its Zurich location, highlighted the significance of SAF in their sustainability efforts and expressed pride in being pioneers in bringing SAF to Switzerland in 2020.

This year, Signature Aviation, in partnership with TotalEnergies, will join Jet Aviation in offering SAF at EBACE. They will provide a 30% blended SAF, enabling customers to achieve a 24% life cycle carbon emissions savings compared to conventional jet-A.

While some aircraft are compatible with 100% SAF, current regulations limit SAF retail use to blends of up to 50%. Nevertheless, both companies are dedicated to promoting sustainability in aviation and see EBACE as an opportunity to shape the industry's future.

Sophie Lesnoff, Signature's area director for mainland Europe, emphasized the importance of sustainability in aviation and expressed excitement about providing more guests with the opportunity to contribute to the industry's journey towards net-zero emissions.

Gulfstream G700 secures EASA approval, European deliveries set

Gulfstream's G700 has received EASA approval, following FAA certification by about a month and a half. This means the $81 million twinjet can now be delivered to customers in the 31 EASA member states.

Mark Burns, Gulfstream's president, expressed pride in the achievement, noting the positive response to the G700's cabin size, flexibility, and performance during the flight-test program. EASA certification expands the G700's reach to more international customers, growing Gulfstream's next-generation fleet worldwide.

Phebe Novakovic, chairman and CEO of Gulfstream's parent company General Dynamics, stated plans to deliver 50 to 52 G700s by year-end. The company has already delivered two jets, with Qatar Executive scheduled to unveil its first G700 next Wednesday.

While the first 20 G700s needed post-certification modifications, they are now ready for delivery, with more expected to be ready next month. Gulfstream anticipates a steady pace of G700 shipments throughout the year, averaging around 13 per quarter.