Combat Aircraft Journal

1 day ago | key.aero | Martin Needham

RAF Honington’s long-term gate guard, Blackburn Buccaneer S.2 XK526, was relocated to the RAF Binbrook Heritage Centre in Lincolnshire over the weekend of May 10-11.The aircraft has joined an English Electric Lightning F.6, XR724, at the former fighter station in North Lincolnshire.

2 days ago | key.aero | Martin Needham

Manchester Airport has announced a new multi-million-pound project to revamp its smallest terminal, Terminal 3 (T3). The move is part of a larger transformation project begun in 2015 which involves Terminal 2 doubling in size and the closure of Terminal 1. The project includes the remodelling of the terminal’s entrance, security hall and departure lounge, which will create more space for passengers and new retailers alike.

2 days ago | key.aero | Martin Needham

Airbus Helicopters has handed over the first of six H145 helicopters to the UK Ministry of Defence. The aircraft, to be known as the Jupiter HC2 in UK service, will be operated by 84 Squadron and 667 Squadron in Cyprus and Brunei, respectively. The first Jupiter HC2, ZZ145 (c/n 21317), was handed over at a ceremony on May 12 at Airbus Helicopters’ UK facility at London Oxford Airport.

3 days ago | key.aero | Martin Needham

Mammoth Freighters has conducted the first flight of its maiden Boeing 777-200LRMF converted freighter. The prototype, a former Delta Air Lines jet, N705DN (c/n 29742), made its first post-conversion flight on May 1 from Fort Worth Alliance Airport, Texas. Confirmation of the successful 1hr 48min test flight came coupled with an announcement that Qatar Airways is set to be the launch customer for the 777-200LRMF, signing an agreement with lessor Jetran for five examples.

4 days ago | key.aero | Martin Needham

International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) disclosed a major order set to shape the future of its long-haul offering in its first quarter results. The order, comprising 71 jets from Airbus and Boeing, came on May 9, just a day after the UK and US announced a new trade deal. The consortium confirmed it had exercised options for six A350-900s, six A350-1000s and six Boeing 777-9s in March, while also announcing it had ordered 32 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and 21 A330-900s.