December 31, 2025 - No. 52 In This Issue : PROS will launch a comprehensive Safety Culture Survey designed specifically for airlines : Garmin Emergency Autoland deployed for the first time : DFW Selects ProSafeT : GE Aerospace Reaches Turboshaft Engine Milestone : FCAS drama: ‘Difficulties’ between Airbus and Dassault again hit sixth-gen fighter effort : Airbus Charts a Course Through Supply Chain Turbulence : Boeing Gets $2 Billion Deal from Largest Air Force in the World to Re-Engine B-52 Bomber : Russia Approves New Production of 20 Jets Annually that Rivals Boeing 757s : Flightradar24 to Provide Flight Data Services to Boeing : U.S. Army eyes UH-60M upgrades for service beyond 2050 : SkyWest to Open New Aircraft Maintenance Facility : AviationStart Scholarship Resource Leverages AI Garmin Emergency Autoland deployed for the first time Ian Petchenik Updated: December 24, 2025 This post has been significantly revised with new information from Buffalo River Aviation Note: See photos and videos in the original article. On Saturday, 20 December 2025, the Garmin’s Emergency Autoland was used for the first time in a real world emergency situation. The Emergency Autoland system is designed to take control of an aircraft in the event of pilot incapacitation and safely land at a nearby airfield. A Beech B200 Super King Air N479BR operated by Buffalo River Aviation was en route from Aspen to Denver on a repositioning flight with no passengers onboard when the aircraft experienced a “rapid, uncommanded loss of pressurization,” according to Buffalo River Aviation. The Garmin Emergency Autoland system activated as designed. At the onset of the depressurization event, the two pilots immediately donned their oxygen masks per standard procedures. The moment N479BR began squawking 7700, the international code for general emergency. The Emergency Autoland system will set the aircraft’s transponder to 7700 upon activation. In this case, however, the pilots were not actually incapacitated. The Emergency Autoland system activated automatically due to the rapid compression, but the pilots remained alert and able to operate the aircraft. Buffalo River Aviation explains in more detail: Due to the complexity of the specific situation, including instrument meteorological conditions, mountainous terrain, active icing conditions, unknown reasons for loss of pressure, and the binary (all-or-nothing) function of the Garmin emergency systems; the pilots, exercising conservative judgement under their emergency command authority (FAR 91.3) made the decision to leave the system engaged while monitoring its performance and attempting communications as able within the constraints of the system. While the system performed exactly as expected, the pilots were prepared to resume manual control of the aircraft should the system have malfunctioned in any way. Buffalo River Aviation statement What does Emergency Autoland do? When activated, Garmin’s Emergency Autoland will choose the nearest suitable airfield, configure the aircraft for landing, and contact air traffic control. Upon landing, Emergency Autoland will stop the plane on the runway and shut down the engine(s). The system computes the optimal landing airport based on distance from current position, runway length and conditions, remaining fuel, and other factors. Once the system designates a landing airport, it begins communicating with air traffic control via automated voice messages. November Four Sever Niner Bravo Romeo, Pilot incapacitation, two miles south of Kilo Bravo Juliet Charlie Emergency Autoland in nineteen minutes on Runway Three Zero Right at Kilo Bravo Juliet Charlie. Garmin Emergency Autoland automated ATC message For a deeper look at the technology behind Garmin Emergency Autoland and the years-long effort to certify the system, read this piece from The Air Current. GE Aerospace Reaches Turboshaft Engine Milestone Member of its CT7 family has passed half a million flight hours GE Aerospace's 2,000 shp-class turboshaft engine has logged more than 500,000 in-service flight hours since its debut 12 years ago. By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor December 18, 2025 GE Aerospace’s CT7-2E1 turboshaft engine has reached a utilization milestone, logging more than 500,000 in-service flight hours since it entered the market in 2013. Designed to meet requirements for long-range, high-speed performance, the engine powers Leonardo’s midsize-twin AW149 and super-mid AW189. It incorporates the architecture of the CT7/T700 engine family, which now has tallied more than 100 million flight hours across all variants. Like its siblings, the CT7-2E1 features Fadec, use of advanced materials, lower weight and fuel consumption, and lower-cost maintenance advantages versus other powerplants in its class. The engine also has been used to demonstrate sustainable aviation fuel blend use in the AW149 at global airshows, illustrating GE’s efforts to support reduced carbon emissions. “Crossing half a million flight hours is a testament to the CT7-2E1 engine’s performance, and we’re proud of the close partnerships we’ve built with customers around the globe that rely on this engine to power their helicopters to execute critical missions every day,” said Elissa Lee, the OEM’s executive director for commercial turboshaft engines. “The CT7-2E1 engine continues to deliver the dependability our customers need.” FCAS drama: ‘Difficulties’ between Airbus and Dassault again hit sixth-gen fighter effort The troubles of France, Germany and Spain’s next-generation fighter program, known as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), were on full display this year as a power struggle between French firm Dassault and Airbus took center stage. At the heart of the dispute is a demand from Dassault CEO Eric Trappier for the company to have greater control of designing the New Generation Fighter (NGF), the sixth-generation jet intended to replace Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale fighter jets. At the Paris Air Show in June, the disagreement between the two industrial heavyweights over how to amicably move forward with technology development played out publicly. “Clearly, we have observed with this [1B] phase, difficulties in the execution,” Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus Defense and Space, told reporters in Le Bourget. Airbus Charts a Course Through Supply Chain Turbulence Airbus is actively working to address supply chain bottlenecks that have delayed aircraft deliveries and increased costs. The company is evaluating its suppliers' issues, particularly post-COVID disruptions, and is committed to boosting production levels. Watchtowers are being used to assess and aid suppliers in need. Devdiscourse News Desk | New Delhi | Updated: 21-12-2025 17:55 IST | Created: 21-12-2025 17:55 IST Airbus finds itself navigating through significant supply chain challenges, exacerbated by geopolitics and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These issues have caused delays in aircraft deliveries and maintenance schedules, and have resulted in part shortages, just as airlines aim to expand in response to rising air traffic demand. Anand Stanley, Airbus Asia Pacific President, acknowledged these difficulties. He stated that supply disruptions caused by the pandemic remain a concern. However, Stanley expressed optimism, noting that improvements are visible at all supply chain levels, and Airbus is committed to ramping up aircraft production by 2025. In a proactive approach, Airbus has deployed 'watchtowers' to assess supplier performance and provide support where necessary. This initiative follows a study by IATA and Oliver Wyman, predicting over $11 billion in losses to the airline industry this year alone due to supply chain hiccups, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions. Boeing Gets $2 Billion Deal from Largest Air Force in the World to Re-Engine B-52 Bomber Each B-52H is currently powered by eight TF33 turbofan engines supplied by Pratt & Whitney, mounted in a distinctive dual-pod underwing configuration. By Kevin Derby December 27, 20254 Mins Read Note: See photos in the original article. ARLINGTON- Boeing has secured a contract valued at more than $2 billion to continue modernization work on the US Air Force’s B-52H strategic bomber fleet. The funding supports engine integration activities under a long-running propulsion upgrade program. The Washington D.C. Area remains central to program oversight as the US Air Force advances propulsion, radar, and mission system upgrades designed to keep the B-52 operational for decades beyond its original service life. Photo: By Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 61-1004 2nd Bomb Wing, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58159013 Boeing $2 Billion Deal for B-52 Bomber According to Flight Global, Boeing received US Air Force approval on December 23, 2025, for more than $2 billion in funding under the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program. The initiative has been underway since 2018 and represents a major step toward replacing the bomber’s legacy propulsion system. The latest contract specifically funds the integration of new engines on two B-52H aircraft, marking a defined milestone within the broader re-engining effort rather than a fleet-wide installation phase. Each B-52H is currently powered by eight TF33 turbofan engines supplied by Pratt & Whitney, mounted in a distinctive dual-pod underwing configuration. These engines have supported operations for decades, but no longer meet long-term efficiency and sustainment objectives. The new propulsion system is intended to improve reliability, reduce maintenance demands, and align the bomber with modern performance standards required for extended service. Photo: By Carlos Menendez San Juan – B-52 Stratofortress, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37272829 Critical Design Review and Technical Validation Funding approval followed the successful completion of a critical design review in December 2024 by propulsion supplier Rolls-Royce. The review assessed the engine system’s ability to meet performance requirements while remaining within defined cost and schedule parameters. Rolls-Royce secured the CERP contract in 2021, defeating rival bids from GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney. The selected engine is the F130, a military derivative of the BR725 commercial turbofan. Photo: Rolls Royce Engine Testing and Program Timeline Stand testing of the F130 began in 2023, using the B-52’s unique dual-pod engine arrangement to replicate operational conditions accurately. This testing approach is critical to validating integration with the aircraft’s existing structure. Rolls-Royce is expected to assemble more than 600 F130 engines for the program at its Indianapolis, Indiana, facility, underscoring the industrial scale of the effort. While the contract value exceeds $2 billion, the Pentagon will distribute the funds incrementally over the program’s duration, which is expected to run through 2033. Just under $36 million has been released immediately to support near-term test and integration work. The re-engining program forms part of a comprehensive service life extension that will redesignate the B-52H fleet as the B-52J. In addition to new propulsion, all 76 aircraft will receive an active electronically scanned array radar supplied by Raytheon, upgraded communications for conventional and nuclear missions, improved avionics, and redesigned crew compartments. Weapon system integration is also progressing, with emphasis on long-range air-to-ground strike missiles tailored for modern conflict environments. Photo: By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo – US Air Force, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68131933 Radar Testing and Operational Outlook Boeing recently delivered a B-52H equipped with the new AESA radar to the US Air Force for ground and flight testing. These tests are scheduled to continue through 2026, with a production decision for a fleet-wide radar upgrade expected later that year. Current projections place initial operating capability for the B-52J, including both the F130 engines and new radar, in 2033. This timeline remains 3 years later than the original target but aligns with updated planning estimates. Photo: By U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert J. Horstman – U.S. Air Force photo 060202-F-6809H-100, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=611530 Strategic Role The modernization program is central to plans to keep the B-52 in frontline service for at least another 3 decades. While the B-1B and B-2 bombers will be retired as next-generation systems enter service from Northrop Grumman, the B-52J is expected to retain an active operational role. The US Air Force operates 76 B-52H bombers with an average age of 64 years, based on data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. Despite the fleet’s age, senior leaders have publicly discussed the possibility of the aircraft reaching 100 years of active service. Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates. Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News Russia Approves New Production of 20 Jets Annually that Rivals Boeing 757s Certification of the upgraded Tu-214 supports Russia’s plan to expand home-built commercial aircraft production. By Anurag Sharma December 29, 20254 Mins Read Note: See photos in the original article. Photo: By Oleg Belyakov - http://www.airliners.net/photo/Russia---Air/Tupolev-Tu-214ON/2007280/L/, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17241781 MOSCOW- Russia’s United Aircraft has received approval to begin serial production of the modified Tupolev Tu-214, with future deliveries expected to support domestic airlines such as Aeroflot (SU). The Tupolev twinjet, built at Kazan International Airport (KZN) facilities, will transition from limited output to planned full-scale annual production by 2027. Photo:By Artem Katranzhi from Bakashikha, Russia – IMG_1067, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31916112 Tu-214 Gains Certification For Changes Rosaviatsia, Russia’s federal air transport regulator, has certified major design changes on the Tu-214. These include the replacement of foreign-supplied systems with domestic components as part of a wider import-substitution program. Test flights began in November last year, using a dedicated prototype aircraft to validate the new systems in operational conditions. The aircraft uses Aviadvigatel PS-90A engines and now carries Russian-built avionics, collision-avoidance systems, and ground-proximity warning equipment. Regulators have approved a Russian-made equivalent to the ACAS system after evaluations with foreign hardware. These technologies will also equip other programs such as the Yakovlev MC-21-310, SJ-100, and Ilyushin Il-114-300. Russian industry leaders describe the approval as a key milestone toward technological independence in civil aviation, FlightGlobal reported. Photo: By Sijokun – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=148943385 Russia Approves Tu-214 Production United Aircraft plans to increase Tu-214 production, which once rivaled Boeing 757, to as many as 20 aircraft per year by the end of 2027. The Kazan aircraft plant is undergoing modernization to support this expansion. Officials state that serial manufacturing will help create skilled jobs, strengthen regional economies, and raise overall aerospace capability within Russia. The Tu-214 is a medium-haul airliner with capacity for up to 210 passengers. It has been in limited production since 1996. Russia moved to restart large-scale assembly after sanctions reduced access to Western-built aircraft. According to national aviation plans, production numbers will rise progressively through the decade as carriers prepare to integrate the type into domestic fleets. United Aircraft reports continued progress on parallel certification programs. The MC-21 and SJ-100 remain in testing, while the Il-114-300 has completed nearly all required certification flights. Authorities expect formal approvals to follow, supporting a broader renewal of Russian civil aircraft manufacturing. Photo: By Gleb Osokin – Russian AviaPhoto Team – Gallery page http://www.airliners.net/photo/Dalavia—Far/Tupolev-Tu-214/1060264/LPhoto http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/4/6/2/1060264.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28646821 Tu-214: Upgraded Version of Tu-2024 The Tu-214 is a variant of the Tu-204, which first flew on 21 March 1996. It is technically the Tu-204-200, but it is built at a different factory. Tu-204 aircraft are produced in Ulyanovsk by Aviastar-SP, while the Tu-214 is produced in Kazan by the Kazan Aircraft Production Association (KAPO). Both factories operate separately from the Tupolev design bureau and have some influence over the design of the aircraft they manufacture. One key external difference is the main passenger door layout. The Tu-204 has two main doors and two emergency exits. The Tu-214 has three main doors and one emergency exit, including a full-size door on the left side of the fuselage ahead of the wing. The Tu-214 is designed as a higher gross-weight version of the Tu-204. It carries extra fuel tanks and includes structural reinforcements to support the additional weight. Because of this, the Russian government often uses the Tu-214 as the base platform for Special Mission aircraft. Some of these variants are reported to have a non-stop flight range of up to 10,000 kilometres. As of July 2018, three Tu-214 aircraft were in airline service with Rossiya. In March 2022, Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov stated that large-scale Tu-214 production could be restarted due to international sanctions arising from the Russo-Ukrainian War. On 6 April 2022, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) announced that production of 20 Tu-214 aircraft had already begun to help replace Russia’s Boeing and Airbus fleets. On 16 August 2022, UAC confirmed plans to increase Tu-214 production to at least 10 to 12 aircraft per year, with a target of 70 aircraft built by 2030. The first Tu-214 for commercial service was originally expected in 2024, then delayed to 2025. Later in November 2025, a fully Russian-built prototype completed its first flight as a test aircraft. Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates. Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News Flightradar24 to Provide Flight Data Services to Boeing Lorne Philpot Dec 23, 2025 10:24 AM EST DALLAS — Flightradar24 has entered an agreement to supply flight data services to Boeing. Under the agreement, Boeing will gain access to Flightradar24’s comprehensive live and historic flight data, based on its global network of more than 55,000 ADS-B receivers. “This data service is one element of Boeing’s continued innovation and build-out of a robust digital services platform centered around improving fleet performance and maintenance outcomes for our customers,” said Crystal Remfert, Senior Director Digital Services, Boeing Global Services. Extensive Flight Data Flightradar24, founded in 2006, is a trusted data provider for the aviation industry, serving airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers, and aviation stakeholders worldwide. Hence, Boeing's decision to utilize data supplied by the provider. The Stockholm-based (STO) company provides real-time and historical flight data on its website, covering up to 250,000 flights per day. “Flightradar24 data complements our existing advanced analytics capabilities and will help us deliver deeper insights and more value to customers,” Remfert said. “We are proud to collaborate with Boeing, one of the world’s most respected aerospace companies,” said Lasse Schmidt Westrén, Vice President of Sales & Business Development at Flightradar24. U.S. Army eyes UH-60M upgrades for service beyond 2050 By Dylan Malyasov Dec 21, 2025 UH-60M Blackhawk on June 1st, 2025, at Al Asad Airbase, Iraq. (Photo by Brad Stepien) Key Points • The U.S. Army issued a Request for Information to industry on modernizing and sustaining the UH-60M Black Hawk, which it plans to operate beyond 2050. • The effort seeks to integrate autonomy, artificial intelligence, and launched effects while expanding industrial capacity for repairs and overhauls. The United States Army is taking early steps to modernize and sustain its UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter fleet, signaling plans to keep the platform in service well beyond mid-century as operational demands and technology continue to evolve. According to the Army, the Capability Program Executive Aviation, working through its Utility Helicopters Project Office, has issued a Request for Information to industry focused on long-term modernization and sustainment of the UH-60M. The move is intended to assess industrial capacity and explore options for integrating new capabilities into the existing fleet. The Army plans to operate the UH-60M beyond 2050, more than 44 years after the first M-model Black Hawks entered service in 2006. The service said the helicopter’s long operational record and wide mission set make it a central element of Army Aviation for decades to come. Across all variants, the Black Hawk fleet has accumulated more than 15 million flight hours, supporting combat, logistics, medical evacuation, and domestic response missions. The UH-60M Black Hawk, manufactured by Sikorsky and operated by the U.S. Army, remains one of the most widely used military utility helicopters in the world. Army officials say sustaining the aircraft at scale will require a stable and affordable industrial base as airframes age and operational tempos remain high. As outlined in the RFI, the Utility Helicopters Project Office is exploring potential partnerships with industry to introduce emerging technologies into the Black Hawk fleet. These include autonomy, artificial intelligence, and launched effects, which are intended to support what the Army described as continuous transformation of Army Aviation formations at scale. The program is also expected to strengthen the Army’s sustainment enterprise. Officials said the effort would add capacity for airframe repairs and component overhauls, helping maintain readiness as the fleet continues to log flight hours. The Army noted that sustainment demand is expected to grow as the aircraft remains in service for several more decades. The RFI will take a broad look at the industrial base’s manufacturing capability and capacity to deliver modernization and sustainment for the UH-60M. The Army is also seeking feedback from industry on how best to structure such a program to manage both technical and financial risks over time. Army planners said the effort could eventually expand beyond the service itself. The program may include other U.S. military services, government agencies, and foreign partners that operate variants of the UH-60 Black Hawk, reflecting the helicopter’s widespread use among U.S. allies and partners. In a statement included with the RFI, COL Ryan Nesrsta, the UHPO project manager, said, “The Black Hawk has proven itself across decades of service, and the modernization and sustainment efforts in this initiative ensure our soldiers can continue to rely on the Black Hawk as the workhorse of Army Aviation for decades to come.” The RFI does not commit the Army to a specific acquisition strategy or timeline, but it sets the groundwork for a future program that could shape the Black Hawk’s role well into the second half of the century. Officials emphasized that the request is designed to gather information and ideas from industry before moving forward with any formal contracting actions. The initiative comes as the Army balances investment in future vertical lift programs with the need to keep existing fleets viable. SkyWest to Open New Aircraft Maintenance Facility The center is expected to be operational by early spring 2026. Zach Vasile Monday, December 22, 2025 at 01:15 PM ET Verified Edited By: Zach Vasile A SkyWest Embraer 175 aircraft in Vail, Colorado. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson) Key Takeaways: Regional airline SkyWest is set to open a new aircraft maintenance facility at Salina Regional Airport in Kansas. Airport officials said Monday that the center will service a portion of SkyWest’s fleet, including the aircraft currently operating United Express flights in and out of Salina. The facility is expected to be operational by the early spring of 2026. The airline is now hiring technicians for the Salina base but did not say how many positions it is looking to fill. Support for the new facility came from the Kansas Department of Commerce, the City of Salina, Saline County, the Salina Airport Authority, and the Salina Community Economic Development Organization. “SkyWest’s decision to establish a maintenance base in Salina reflects Kansas’ ability to compete and deliver for world-class aviation partners,” Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson said in a news release. “We’ve made deliberate investments in workforce, infrastructure, and airport readiness, and this announcement shows that those efforts are paying off. Salina is positioned to support SkyWest’s growth today and well into the future.” SkyWest operates multiple daily flights as United Express between Salina and Denver, Chicago O’Hare, and Houston AviationStart Scholarship Resource Leverages AI Scholarship resource program AviationStart marked its first major collaboration in October with the unveiling of an AI-powered Aviation Career Resource. Jamail Larkins, who has served as the FAA ambassador for aviation and space education since 2004, created AviationStart this year, in partnership with industry, academia, and the agency, to offer a free national resource to help aspiring aviation professionals find scholarships, mentorship programs, and a career roadmap. “With the support of some industry stakeholders, our goal is to make a central resource for the entire industry, compiling more than $20 million in available scholarships and grants,” Larkins said, noting that the resource can serve as a venue to access national organizations, state/regional associations, and airshows that offer scholarships and grants. Students or aspiring professionals can enter basic information such as career goals, location, age, and gender into the Aviation Career Resource and instantly get matched to scholarships and professional organizations. AviationStart builds off the FAA DreamLaunch Tour Partnership, which has served as a student outreach program. “The tour isn’t just a motivational speech, but an actual aviation workforce development platform,” Larkins said, pointing to research from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University that showed a 60% increase in applications to aviation programs after the DreamLaunch Tour visits. Curt Lewis