Jet drone flies, new Lockheed deal, Belgian strikes - Dec 15 Aero News
Baykar's new air-to-air combat jet drone takes flight
The Kizilelma (Golden Apple) unmanned aerial combat vehicle (UCAV) took its maiden flight in Turkey on Wednesday. Produced by Turkish defence company Baykar, the UCAV will be faster and carry larger payloads than existing Turkish drones, and has exterior features similar to those of fifth generation fighter jets.
Baykar has advanced into the global spotlight in recent years for the role the manufacturer's propeller-driven Bayraktar TB2 drones played in several major conflicts, including in Libya, northern Iraq, and currently in Ukraine. Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, and United Arab Emirates are all among likely buyers of the new jet-powered drone.
Kizilelma's first flight was documented in a video released by Baykar, showing the UCAV perform a takeoff and return to an airbase in the northwestern Corlu province, 85 km west of Istanbul.
Germany approves $13.85 billion deal with Lockheed Martin
The German government has approved a $13.85 billion deal with Lockheed Martin ($LMT) on Wednesday. Lockheed will produce 35 new F-35 stealth fighter jets, along with missiles and other weapons and equipment. The company plans to deliver the first jet in 2026.
Germany's new F-35s will serve to replace its aging fleet of Tornados, in use since the 1980s, which the country will phase out between 2025 and 2030.
The German deal with Lockheed Martin was met with concern from neighboring France, which fears the deal with a US manufacturer could hamper the development of a joint Franco-German fighter jet, intended for deployment in the 2040s.
Belgian national strike leads to mass flight cancellations Friday
A national Belgian trade union strike planned for Friday has already caused cancelations of more than 50% of flights -- more than 200 flights -- from Brussels Airport. Brussels Airlines is hit especially hard and has canceled more than two-thirds of its scheduled flights tomorrow. Most flights impacted are medium-haul; long-haul flights will still operate as planned.
Etihad announces new Chief Financial Officer
Etihad Airways has named Raffael Quintas as its new Chief Financial Officer; Quintas previously served as an executive with TAP Portugal. The announcement comes weeks following Etihad's appointment of Antonoaldo Neves -- TAP's former CEO -- to lead the airline.
Chinese airline becomes first to join Embraer's Energia Advisory Group
Chinese airline Ruili Airlines has formally joined Embraer's Energia Advisory Group. The advisory group will help guide Embraer's development of next-generation sustainable aircraft. Ruili Airlines is based at Kunming Changshui International Airport and operates domestic and international routes across China and Southeast Asia.
British Airways will not invest in sub-70-seat zero-emission aircraft
British Airways' sustainability chief stated the airline is unlikely to invest in zero-emission aircraft with fewer than 70 seats. Instead, the airline plans to wait until solutions are found for narrowbody aircraft. Several other major airlines have taken steps to invest in zero-emissions projects, such as United Airlines ($UAL), which took an equity stake in ZeroAvia last year, and Air New Zealand, which announced its commitment yesterday to fly a zero-emissions aircraft by 2026.