Share this
.png)
US gives Federal Aviation Administration approval to raise Boeing 737 MAX production rate
Oct. 18, 2025 - The FAA has permitted Boeing to increase output of its 737 MAX aircraft following intensive reviews of production lines. The new approval comes after a plug-door incident on a 737 MAX 9 in January 2024 that had triggered a 38-jets-per-month cap, although the article doesn’t specify the new monthly production ceiling. The decision reflects regulatory confidence in Boeing’s improved safety and manufacturing oversight, signaling a step toward normalizing deliveries of the best-selling single-aisle jet. (The Standard)
Netherlands signs on as first European partner in US “robot wingman” drone programme
Oct. 17, 2025 - The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) and its government have signed a letter of intent to join the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme of the United States Air Force, giving the Netherlands “total access” to the manned-unmanned teaming initiative. (Defense One)
Archer acquires 300 patents from Lilium for €18 million
Oct. 16, 2025 - Archer Aviation has won the competitive bid to acquire approximately 300 advanced air mobility (AAM) patent assets from Lilium GmbH for €18 million (≈ US$21 million). The patent portfolio covers key eVTOL technologies including ducted fans, propeller systems, high-voltage systems, battery management, flight controls and electric engines, with Lilium having invested over US $1.5 billion developing them. With this acquisition, Archer’s worldwide patent holdings now exceed 1,000 assets, reinforcing its leadership position in next-generation electric aviation. (Aerospace Manufacturing & Design)
Britain’s Smiths Group to sell Interconnect unit to Molex in £1.3 bn ($1.75 bn) deal
Oct. 16, 2025 - Smiths has agreed to sell its interconnect business, Smiths Interconnect, which makes antenna systems, defence and satellite-communication components, to Molex (a unit of Koch Industries) for £1.3 billion, following pressure from activist investor Engine Capital to simplify its conglomerate structure. (Reuters)
Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI partner to co-develop runway-independent UAS
Oct. 16, 2025 - Hanwha Aerospace has signed a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to jointly develop the “Gray Eagle STOL” unmanned aircraft system, with a demonstrator expected to fly in 2027 and customer deliveries planned in 2028. The agreement will see co-production in South Korea and the U.S., with Hanwha supplying engines, landing gear, fuel systems, avionics and mission equipment while GA-ASI handles final system integration, leveraging prior flight-testing of the platform. The GE-STOL is described as the only medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS capable of true runway independence—operating from semi-improved surfaces—and the deal is part of Hanwha’s strategy to strengthen its UAV ecosystem and reduce development risk globally. (Hanwha Aerospace)
Electric aircraft maker BETA Technologies sets terms for US IPO
Oct. 15, 2025 - The Vermont-based company plans to offer 25 million shares at a price between $27 and $33 each, aiming to raise up to $825 million and value the company at about $7.22 billion. (Reuters)
KKR-backed BOND private aviation named as customer for Bombardier Inc. $1.7 billion order
Oct. 14, 2025 - BOND Aviation Holdings, the new fractional private-aviation company backed by KKR & Co., has been disclosed as the buyer behind a June order worth US $1.7 billion for 50 Bombardier jets and related aftermarket services. (Reuters)
