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Magazine Issue

Aviation Week & Space Technology, May 20, 2024

VOL. 186 NO. 20 May 20, 2024
Electra.aero’s EL-2 Goldfinch

Electra.aero’s hybrid-electric EL-2 Goldfinch is conducting blown-lift short-takeoff-and-landing flight testing in rural Virginia as the startup unveils its concept for a turboelectric airliner. 

Credit: Aircraft image by Electra.aero; background by samxmeg/Getty Images.

ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

Electra.aero’s EL-2 Goldfinch and Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
article

Electra Sees eSTOL Technologies Enabling A Future Sustainable Airliner

May 16, 2024
The company’s turboelectric airliner concept would reduce fuel usage, operating costs and contrails.
Test pilot in EL-2 aircraft
article

What It's Like To Fly A Blown-Lift, Distributed Electric Prop Aircraft

May 16, 2024
The startup’s EL-2 Goldfinch test pilot outlines his flight experience with the demonstrator.

FIRST TAKE

Heart Aerospace aircraft
article

First Take, May 20, 2024

May 17, 2024
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

COMMERCIAL AVIATION

Boeing production floor
article

New Issues Add Pressure To Boeing 787 Production

May 16, 2024
The 787 faces new quality assurance woes, but the need to add a freighter to the family has eased.
Dubai World Central–Al Maktoum International Airport concept
article

Some Worrying Trends Emerge In Airline Industry Outlook

May 13, 2024
Airlines have enjoyed strong demand for the past two years. But with more capacity entering the market, yields are coming under pressure.
Boeing 777-9
article

Doubts On Boeing 777-9 Debut Timing Grow

May 17, 2024
Launch customer Lufthansa Airlines has added uncertainty to Boeing’s public claims that the 777-9, already five years late, will be certified in 2025.

DEFENSE

Lockheed Martin stealthy tanker concept
article

Funding Crunch Creates Uncertainty For USAF’s Next-Gen Tanker Plans

May 13, 2024
Air Mobility Command’s goal of fielding a stealthy, penetration tanker aircraft in the mid-2030s faces pressure from tight budgets on its current timeline.
KC-135 airman in cockpit refueling B-2
article

New Threats Prompt Changes To Stalwart USAF Boeing KC-135 Fleet

May 14, 2024
Without any alternatives, the Air Force would have to depend on the KC-135 if a war occurs before 2028. Is it ready?
Helicopter with four soldiers flies over water
article

U.S. Army Devises A New Plan For Night Stalkers Aviation Regiment

May 15, 2024
With FARA canceled and FLRAA’s design changed, U.S. Special Operations Command is adjusting its own modernization goals.
F-16s in flight
article

Polish Air Force Expansion Plans Prioritize Combat Fleets

May 15, 2024
The conflict in Ukraine is reshaping Poland’s air force, but the service is facing challenges as it grows.

FAST FIVE

Elbit Systems of America CEO Luke Savoie
article

Fast Five With Elbit Systems of America CEO Luke Savoie

May 14, 2024
Savoie discusses the company’s evolving business strategy amid a tense geopolitical environment.

TECHNOLOGY

aircraft in flight
article

The Week In Technology, May 13-17, 2024

May 13, 2024
DLR’s climate-friendly designs; High-power aviation fuel cell; and eVTOL hover test facility.

COLUMNS AND OPINION

United Airlines engine displaying text "the future is SAF"
article

Opinion: Is It Time For A U.S. SAF Mandate?

May 15, 2024
A mandate would provide stability and a more even playing field, enabling the aviation industry to cut emissions more quickly.
Embraer aircraft
article

Many Questions Surround The Possibility of Embraer's Next Aircraft

May 17, 2024
The OEM would be capable of building a larger narrowbody, but it is not clear that the company will go for it.
Boeing 737 MAX 9
article

Daily Memo: Why Halloween Is The Scariest Deadline For Boeing

May 14, 2024
Another week, another new probe reported at Boeing—and another name supposedly struck from the list of those who could be a future CEO.
Piasecki aircraft concept
article

Fuel Cells Are Gaining Traction In Vertical Flight

May 14, 2024
A hydrogen fuel-cell-powered helicopter is being eyed for zero-emission delivery of manufactured organs for human transplants.
Mars Ascent Vehicle
article

Boeing Proposes Mars Sample Return Mission For The Space Launch System

May 17, 2024
The company suggests leveraging NASA’s deep investment in the SLS may be just the ticket to bring back samples from Mars.
military tank
article

Opinion: Strengthen The Defense Sector’s ‘Middle Ground’

May 13, 2024
In a healthy defense industrial ecosystem, companies occupying the middle ground—between the many small companies and a few large ones—perform important systemic roles.

DEPARTMENTS

personnel in aircraft
article

Letters From Our Readers, May 20, 2024

May 17, 2024
Readers write about Boeing and GE leadership, addressing pilot shortages in the U.S. military and the Comac C919’s competitive prospects.
article

New Positions, Promotions, Honors And Elections, May 20, 2024

May 17, 2024
Recent appointments, promotions and honors in the aviation and aerospace industry.
article

Aviation Week Events, May 20, 2024

May 17, 2024
A roundup of upcoming conferences and exhibitions.