Aircraft 72 news

Delta flight forced to land in Portugal after smoke fills cabin

A Delta flight from Barcelona to Boston was diverted to Porto after smoke appeared in the cabin. Eight passengers received medical attention on the runway, and three were taken to hospital. The incident shows the challenges airlines face when technical problems arise in flight.

Boeing 737 Overflies Addis Ababa After Cockpit Goes Silent

A Boeing 737-800 operated by Ethiopian Airlines missed its descent into Addis Ababa after losing contact with air traffic control. The airline acknowledged a communication lapse but has not confirmed reports that both pilots were asleep. The incident has renewed concerns about pilot fatigue and flight safety.

Airbus A350-1000ULR Sets Record With 24-Hour Test Flight

The Airbus A350-1000ULR has completed a 24-hour, 24-minute test flight from Melbourne to Toulouse, covering 12,460 nautical miles. Qantas aims to launch direct Sydney-London flights in October 2027, opening a new chapter for ultra-long-haul travel.

How Spain’s Canadair Pilots Drop 6,000 Liters of Water With Precision

Captain Francisco Javier Gimeno Benito-Sendín explains how Spain’s Canadair crews fight wildfires without automated targeting. Crews calculate every drop from experience, with wind and terrain shaping decisions alongside close coordination with ground teams. The account follows intense operations in Madrid and Ávila.

Airbus Unveils Ultra-Long-Range Jet to Link Continents Nonstop

Airbus is finalizing certification for the A350-1000ULR, designed for nonstop flights between Australia and Europe or the US. Qantas will launch the world’s longest commercial route, Sydney to London, in October 2027, cutting travel time by up to four hours.

Two Abandoned Historic Planes Up for Auction at Bilbao Airport

Aena is auctioning two long-abandoned light aircraft at Bilbao Airport, both with decades of history and a starting bid of zero euros. The sale aims to free up space and could attract collectors, aviation enthusiasts or businesses seeking a distinctive piece of aviation heritage.

DGT Helicopter Crash: Drug Test Results Now Under Scrutiny

A high-profile DGT helicopter crash in Madrid is back in the spotlight as forensic experts challenge the assumption that the pilot’s positive drug test proves impairment during the flight. The investigation remains open, with questions about what caused the incident still unresolved.

First successful hydrogen-powered flight simulation conducted in the US

Rolls-Royce tests hydrogen engine: aviation braces for change. Rolls-Royce and easyJet have tested a commercial aircraft engine running exclusively on hydrogen. The test, conducted in the United States, demonstrated that the technology can operate reliably. However, large-scale hydrogen flights remain a distant prospect—major engineering and infrastructure challenges lie ahead.

The first test flight of the unique aircraft is scheduled for June 2026

NASA Prepares Supersonic X-59: Transatlantic Flight in 3 Hours Becomes More Realistic. NASA and Lockheed Martin are finalizing preparations for testing the X-59 QueSST—an aircraft capable of crossing the Atlantic in three hours without a loud sonic boom. The project could reshape regulations for supersonic passenger flights and open up new routes.