Types
Delta Air Lines Launches Major Delta One Cabin Refresh
Delta Air Lines will debut its most comprehensive Delta One overhaul in nearly 30 years this fall, starting on transoceanic flights from Los Angeles.
Latest Aircraft news
Safety
Lawmakers Urge FAA to Pause AI Traffic Tool at Washington Airports
More than two dozen US lawmakers have asked the FAA to suspend use of the SMART AI system at Reagan National, Dulles, and BWI airports due to safety and transparency concerns.
Types
Japan Airlines orders Embraer E190-E2 for J-AIR fleet renewal
Japan Airlines has selected up to 26 Embraer E190-E2 jets to replace J-AIR's existing regional fleet, with deliveries starting in fiscal 2029.
Types
Estonia Considers Light Jets to Counter Russian Drones
Estonia's defense minister advocates for acquiring light jet aircraft to intercept fast Russian jet-powered drones, citing a gap in current defenses.
Programmes
Delta delays Atlanta-Riyadh launch to March 2027 after attacks
Delta Air Lines has postponed its inaugural Atlanta-Riyadh service to March 2027, citing regional security concerns following deadly Houthi attacks on Riyadh's airport and warnings from U.S. and European aviation authorities.
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The stream
Mesa revises Falcon Field landing fees after legal challenge
Mesa has proposed a revised weight-based landing fee schedule for Falcon Field Airport, charging $4.14 per 1,000 pounds, following a lawsuit and FAA review. The City Council will vote on the changes December 8, 2026.
Canada and EU Plan Joint Purchase of 50 De Havilland Water Bombers
Canada and the European Union will jointly procure 50 De Havilland amphibious water bombers for wildfire response, aiming for deployment by 2030. The initiative, part of a broader summit agenda, seeks to boost transatlantic aerial firefighting capacity.
Romania Orders 12 Airbus H225M Helicopters Under EU SAFE Programme
Romania has signed a contract for 12 Airbus H225M multirole military helicopters under the EU's SAFE initiative.
Brazil's First Domestically Assembled Gripen E Completes Maiden Flight
The first Gripen E fighter assembled in Brazil made its inaugural flight on October 7, 2026, marking a key milestone in the country's domestic fighter production program.
NTSB Details Rapid Descent in Fatal NBC4 Helicopter Crash
The NTSB's preliminary report states an Airbus AS350 B2 news helicopter was in a rapid descent before striking a storage container in the September 15 crash in Chatsworth that killed three.
US Military Aircraft Losses in Iran Operations Rise to 81
A new Congressional Research Service tally lists 81 US military aircraft lost or damaged since operations against Iran began in February 2026.
Joby Aviation Liable for Willful Trade Secret Theft
A federal jury awarded Aerosonic $116.9 million after finding Joby Aviation breached an NDA and willfully misappropriated trade secrets related to air data probes.
Aero and Thales Advance L-39 Skyfox Drone Hunter Counter-UAS
Aero Vodochody and Thales Belgium have formalized a partnership to develop the L-39 Skyfox Drone Hunter, a low-cost counter-drone interceptor using guided rockets.
British Airways reveals A380 refurbishment
British Airways has unveiled the completed interior design for its refurbished Airbus A380.
TRU Simulation Debuts Cessna Skyhawk Veris VR Trainer
TRU Simulation + Training is unveiling its Cessna 172 Skyhawk-configured Veris VR flight training device at NBAA-BACE 2026.
Riyadh Air Reveals HZ-RXAK, Its First Production Boeing 787-9
Riyadh Air revealed its first production Boeing 787-9, registered HZ-RXAK, in its signature Nile Blue livery on October 4, 2026.
Finland Welcomes First F-35A Fighters in Rovaniemi Ceremony
Finland formally received its first two F-35A Lightning II fighters at an arrival ceremony in Rovaniemi on October 1, 2026.
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Common questions
What are the sections for?
The aircraft type. Types is the registry of airframes, Manufacturers groups them by who builds them, Systems covers engines and avionics, and Programmes follows certification and delivery status. Safety carries investigation reporting about the type rather than about any single flight.
Does Span and Spar explain aviation basics?
Not really. It assumes you already read designations and know what a type certificate is, and spends its words on programme status instead. Readers new to the subject may find the linked source articles more useful than the summaries.
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