This week in Midweek Updates
Airventure 2026 - is NTCA the Way to Go?
Save the date: Red Bull Flugtag returns to Cape Town after 13 years.
Global debut: EHang introduces VT35, a next-generation long-range pilotless passenger eVTOL.
Airlink and Air Austral Expand Networks with Bilateral SPA.
Flexjet's opaque aircraft order.
AASA's 2025-26 chairperson and deputy chairperson elected.
Egypt receives another batch of Rafale fighter jets.
Lockheed Martin and Belgium celebrate arrival of first Belgian F-35 aircraft.
This Week in History - Two cartoon comedies shown on a Transcontinental Air Transport Ford Trimotor were the first movies shown in an aircraft
World Wide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus Video - Ford Tri Motor Flight 2016
Airventure 2026 - is NTCA the Way to Go? For many involved in General Aviation, Non-Type Certified Aircraft (NTCA) is the way to go. Choices are huge, a wide range of ready built factory aircraft, aircraft kits and aircraft plans exists.
Fast, slow, STOL - the options are there! Generally, maintenance is cheaper, performance is better, and a wide range of non-certified avionics, radios, transponders and accessories are available, cheaper and often superior to certified products.
EAA is home to NTCA, and the annual EAA Oshkosh AirVenture show is the portal to this exciting sector of aviation - over 1 000 exhibitors, many marketing and manufacturing NTCA products, forums and workshops on building, maintaining and operating NTCA and a chance to see "in-person" many of the Non-Type Certified Aircraft out there!
Whether your choice is NTCA or Certified, join us for Oshkosh 2026 and join the future of aviation!
Tour Dates & Pricing for 2026
Alpha Tour - Emirates ex Johannesburg
Departs JNB Friday 17 July 2026, arrives back in JNB Tuesday 28 July 2026
Sharing R41 655
Single R43 755
Bravo & Charlie Tours Emirates ex Durban and ex Cape Town
Departs DBN/CT Friday 17 July 2026, arrives back Tuesday 28 July 2026
Sharing R43 855
Single R45 955
Delta Tour ex Chicago
Departs O'Hare Chicago Saturday 18 July, arrives back at O'Hare Sunday 26 July
Sharing R14 760
Single R16 860
Please contact Neil at info@airadventure.co.za or cell +27 84 674 5674
Save the Date: Red Bull Flugtag Returns to Cape Town After 13 Years
Thirteen years after 220,000 spectators gathered at the V&A Waterfront, the dream of human flight is soaring back to South African shores.
On 2 November 2025, 50 teams will launch their wildly creative flying machines from a six-meter platform, transforming the iconic waterfront into a theatre of imagination, engineering, and pure South African spirit.
Red Bull Flugtag first took flight in 1992 in Vienna, Austria, when fearless pioneers launched homemade flying machines powered by nothing more than cardboard, creativity, and courage.
Now, the spectacle is returning to South Africa with 50 teams ready to showcase a uniquely local blend of imagination and humour.
Global Debut: Ehang Introduces VT35, a Next-Generation Long-Range Pilotless Passenger Evtol
EHang Holdings Limited a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM) technology, today announced the launch of its new-generation long-range pilotless electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the "VT35”.
Building on the foundation of the earlier VT30 prototype, VT35 is an upgraded lift-and-cruise model designed for medium- to long-range applications including intercity, cross-sea, and cross-mountain transportation. With its autonomous flight capability, point-to-point efficiency, and eco-friendly electric propulsion, VT35 is set to play a pivotal role in advancing the low-altitude aerial mobility ecosystem from urban to intercity corridors. This launch not only marks a significant expansion of EHang's product portfolio, but also represents a new milestone for China's intelligent manufacturing on the global eVTOL stage.
During the event, EHang's new-generation long-range eVTOL aircraft-VT35-was officially revealed, drawing significant attention for its cutting-edge design and advanced technological features. EHang also announced the official price of the VT35 standard version in the China domestic market, set at RMB6.5 million. Following the comprehensive preliminary design validation and rigorous R&D debugging, VT35 has successfully completed its transition flight test, achieving a critical step in its technical breakthrough. The flight video was unveiled at the launch event.
VT35 features a tandem-wing layout with a two-seat configuration. It employs eight distributed lift propellers for vertical take-off and landing, transitioning to a pusher propeller and fixed wings for efficient cruise flight. With a fully loaded design range of approximately 200 kilometers, VT35 delivers both long-range capability and compact versatility. Compared to its predecessor VT-30, VT35 maintains superior aerodynamic efficiency and flight stability while achieving a more compact footprint - measuring approximately 8 meters in length and wingspan, and 3 meters in height, with a maximum takeoff weight of 950 kg. This compact design reduces ground operational risks and enhances cost-effectiveness. Notably, VT35 is compatible with existing EH216-S vertiports and can utilize a wide range of urban takeoff and landing sites, including parks, rooftops, parking lots, etc. This interoperability greatly enhances infrastructure utilization and supports seamless intercity air mobility directly between city centres.
Building upon EHang's technological strengths in autonomous flight system, fleet management, and full-redundancy design, and supported by its command-and-control system, standardized vertiports, and charging platforms, VT35 can operate automatically and enable coordinated fleet operations based on pre-set flight routes. It is also equipped with obstacle detection and avoidance, ensuring a high standard of operational safety. It is engineered to transform intercity aerial travel into a safe, routine, and efficient transportation experience-redefining spatial connectivity and unlocking the full potential of the low-altitude economy.
VT35 is designed to provide a safer, more efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution for both intra-city and intercity transportation needs. It is envisioned to create "one-hour air mobility living circles” across major metropolitan clusters such as the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, as well as within bay areas and archipelagos. The operational experience accumulated by EH216-S operators - particularly in obtaining Air Operator
Furthermore, EHang plans to leverage the VT35 platform for continued innovation, such as developing a tilt-rotor model to expand into more diverse applications.
Airlink and Air Austral Expand Networks with Bilateral SPA
Air Austral and Airlink are pleased to announce the signing of a bilateral Special Prorate Agreement (SPA), effective 15 October 2025.Under this partnership agreement, Air Austral passengers will have access to Airlink's network of 45 destinations across South Africa and the Southern Africa region. These destinations will be offered through connections via Johannesburg on Air Austral's Réunion-Johannesburg flights.
The agreement allows Air Austral customers greater connectivity with the convenience of a single ticket, through check-in, and baggage checked through to their final destination. Travellers are able to connect seamlessly from Réunion to key destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, Windhoek, Gaborone, Lusaka, Victoria Falls, and more.
In return, Airlink can now offer its customers flights beyond Réunion on Air Austral's network, including flights to Mauritius, Madagascar, Mayotte, the Comoros Islands, the Seychelles, and others with a single, seamless ticket.
“This partnership represents a major milestone in the development of our network. By joining forces with Airlink, we are offering our customers more choice and flexibility to access Southern Africa,” said Hugues Marchessaux, CEO of Air Austral
“This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in strengthening connectivity between the Indian Ocean islands and the African continent - unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Together, we are building bridges that bring our regions closer and create lasting value for our customers,” said de Villiers Engelbrecht, Airlink CEO.
This agreement strengthens regional connectivity and supports the development of tourism and economic exchanges between Réunion Island and Southern Africa.
Air Austral, a French airline created and based in Reunion Island, is a major player in Indian Ocean transport services between mainland France and its regional connections. Under normal operations, the Airline operates to Reunion Island, Mauritius, Mayotte, the Comoros Islands, Madagascar, the Seychelles, South Africa and Thailand (Bangkok). The Paris - Reunion Island and Paris - Mayotte routes continued to operate, and the regional network is gradually resuming. In Paris-CDG the Airline has kept its code-share agreement with Air France to offer connections in Europe, and its partnership with TGV'Air for transfers between 19 French cities and Brussels.
Air Austral operates the most modern fleet in the Indian Ocean. It is currently made up of two 787-8 dual-class aircraft, three 777-300 triple-class aircraft for long-haul flights, and three new Airbus 220 for regional flights. The fleet, the comfort of the cabins, the in-flight services and the hospitality of its staff are Air Austral's main assets, an airline known and recognized for its quality of service. Air Austral has been awarded the cluster Green "Efficience" CSR label with the support of AFNOR/RUNCERT, reinforcing the importance of CSR in its strategy.
Flexjet's Opaque Aircraft Order
Cars looked better in the good old days. You had ridiculous tail fins, more chrome than in a professional kitchen and huge sticking-out ornaments on the bonnet. But road safety campaigners did not feel that exciting styling made up for the risk of jaywalkers being kebabbed. So they ended up looking the same. Exceptions, like Tesla's Cybertruck, prove the rule.
The same process happened with commercial aircraft. As understanding of aerodynamics improved you lost the third wing, the second cabin and canards. You do still get occasional standouts like the HondaJet with engines on the wing and the Pilatus PC-24 which can land on an iceberg. But it is harder for non-expert buyers to distinguish between aircraft.
Otto Aerospace does not have this problem. Its Phantom 3500 has a genuinely unique feature that stands out from the others. There are no windows in the cabin. Instead, passengers are provided with what Otto calls “supernatural vision” using camera feeds and 72-inch HD screens where windows are traditionally found.
This week Flexjet placed an order for 300 Phantom 3500s. Mike Silvestro, CEO of Flexjet, tells CJI that the Phantom 3500 represents a “bold step into the future”.
To be fair, there is more to the Phantom 3500 than the windowless tube. Otto says that the super-midsize jet's big advantage is its use of laminar flow. This streamlines airflow over wings and other surfaces, where air molecules move in parallel layers with minimal mixing, greatly reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.
“When you look at the aircraft's efficiency, combining speed, range, sustainability and fuel consumption - it is a potential game changer,” says Silvestro.
Whether it is driverless cars or windowless aircraft, Silvestro accepts that there will always be sceptics. “This idea falls into that category. We will see some baby steps in the industry before this aircraft enters service in 2030,” he says. “For example, some manufacturers may introduce smart windows or visual displays that could replace one or two windows as a half-step toward this concept. We will have to see how consumers react.”
Flexjet plans to maintain its fleet of Phantom 3500s itself. “A beautiful airplane does not do any good if you can't keep it flying,” he says. “OEMs have the inherent challenge of throughput, whereas our facilities serve one master: us. Being able to do our own work on our own fleet of Phantoms is critical and Otto was very agreeable to that.”
Flexjet likes ordering innovative aircraft. It is a launch customer for Eve Air Mobility's eVTOL and also played an important role in spinning out the company from Embraer. At NBAA-BACE in 2015 Flexjet placed an order for 20 Aerion AS2 supersonic jets (which also had innovative laminar flow technology). Aerion stopped operating in 2021.
Paul Touw, the CEO of Otto, has previously negotiated aircraft contracts as a buyer after founding XOJET (now part of Vista) in 2006. He also created Stellar Labs the charter platform.
Although the details of the agreement are confidential, Silvestro says a deposit has been paid to Otto. Flexjet also has options allowing it to order more aircraft.
“The payment structure follows a fairly standard model of pre-delivery payments tied to milestones,” he explains. “With a clean-sheet design, everything has to be tied to progress and milestones because the calendar not mean anything.”
Silvestro and Touw both know that hitting milestones is not easy. Otto is aiming for 2027 for its maiden flight and then 2030 for entry into service. Who knows, by then all aircraft fuselages might look the same from the outside.
AASA's 2025-26 Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson Elected
The incoming Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa's (AASA) were elected at the body's 55th Annual General Meeting and will serve for the next 12 months.
Mr Daniel Rosenzweig has been re-elected as AASA's Chairperson. He is the Senior Executive of Lift, with Eswatini Air CEO, Capt. President Dlamini, as the Deputy Chair.
“Daniel and President will provide guidance and support to AASA in our ongoing engagements with governments, aviation regulators, airport operators, air navigation service providers and other relevant role players in our advocacy work. Our goal is that policy, regulations, services and aviation infrastructure support and promote competitive, financially viable and environmentally sustainable, secure and safe air transport with comprehensive intra-African connectivity,” said AASA CEO, Aaron Munetsi.
AASA's annual general assembly was hosted by Proflight Zambia and held in Lusaka. It was attended by over 200 delegates representing airlines, airports, air navigation services, civil aviation authorities, aircraft and engine manufacturers, industry suppliers and other stakeholders.
About AASA
The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) represents most of the airlines in the SA Development Community bloc, advocating on their behalf on matters of common interest relating to government policies, legislation, regulations, planning, operational efficiency, safety, security, taxes, charges and other matters affecting its members' sustainability and the provision of affordable and accessible air transport throughout the region.
AASA was established in 1970 and currently has 16 airline members and 42 associate members, including infrastructure service providers, aircraft and engine manufacturers and other industry suppliers, ground handling companies and allied industry bodies.
AASA works with and supports the International Air Transport Association (IATA) initiatives in the region where they impact on AASA's members. AASA also represents the region's airline industry at relevant International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forums.
Egypt Receives Another Batch of Rafale Fighter Jets
Guy Martin www.defenceweb.co.za
The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) has taken delivery of another three Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault Aviation, which were ordered under a nearly €4 billion contract signed in 2021.
The three jets were seen on their delivery flights earlier this month and comprise two single-seaters (EM10 and EM11) and a two-seater (DM21). They were ferried to Gebel El Basur Air Base after test flights in France, joining the 203rd Tactical Fighter Wing and its 34th and 36th Tactical Fighter Squadrons.
In November 2021 Egypt ordered 30 new Rafale F3Rs in a roughly €3.75 billion deal. Deliveries began in late 2024 starting with EM09 (first seen in October last year), and are set to conclude by next year, at which time Egypt will have 54 Rafales in service (an additional aircraft was added to replace an airframe that was lost in a crash). To date, 38 Rafales have been delivered from France, including 24 from the first contract signed in 2015 (for eight single-seaters and 16 two-seaters, which had been delivered by 2017).
It is believed the 2021 contract was negotiated after Egypt cancelled a 2018 order for Sukhoi Su-35SEs from Russia.
The Rafale F3R model is equipped as standard with the Thales RBE2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar; SPECTRA electronic self-protection system; infrared search and track sensor (IRST); helmet visor compatibility; and advanced mission management software. The aircraft can use target acquisition and designation pods such as the Thales Talios.
It is likely the Egyptian Rafales will be fitted with AASM-1000 Hammer guided bombs and NARANG in-flight refuelling pods - the F3R can also carry MBDA Meteor and MICAR air-to-air missiles, SCALP/Storm Shadow cruise missiles, GBU-series of guided bombs, and Exocet anti-ship missiles. A 30 mm cannon is also fitted internally.
The F3R has been supplanted by the Rafale F4.2, which boasts a range of improvements. Egyptian Rafales may be upgraded in the future to this or similar standard.
Since entering Egyptian service, Rafales have been used operationally in Libya, and had reached 10 000 flying hours by March 2023.
Egypt's main fighter is the F-16, of which the service has 215 aircraft in service, including A/B and C/D variants. The Air Force also flies 19 Mirage 2000 and 39 MiG-29 combat jets.
In the first week of October, Dassault announced that it had built the 300th Rafale, but did not say for which customer. To date, 533 Rafale aircraft have been ordered from France and eight export customer countries. Thus, 233 examples are yet to be delivered, with production rates planned to increase to four aircraft per month.
The first Rafale units became operational in the French Navy in 2004 and in the French Air Force in 2006. Egypt was the first export customer, followed by seven more customers, with the latest being Serbia. It chose the Rafale after deciding against the MiG-29. Notable orders include from the United Arab Emirates (80), Qatar (36), and Indonesia (42). India has ordered 36 for its Air Force and 26 for its Navy while Greece has ordered 24, and Croata 12 (second hand).
Lockheed Martin and Belgium Celebrate Arrival of First Belgian F-35 Aircraft
Belgium's first F-35A Lightning II aircraft to be stationed in country arrived at Florennes Air Base. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) joined the arrival ceremony hosted by the Belgian Air Force at the base to celebrate the F-35's official incorporation into Belgian Air Force operations.
"Together with our NATO and European allies, we're building a wall of F-35s - a shield of over 700 aircraft securing our European skies, said General Frederik Vansina," Chief of Defence of the Belgian Armed Forces. "That wall is not a symbol of aggression, but of determination. It says loud and clear: the skies over Europe belong to those who defend freedom, not to those who seek to destroy it."
"With the F-35, Belgium is reclaiming its place among the world's leading air forces, equipped with the most advanced technology, integrated within a multinational and interconnected environment," said Major General Geert De Decker, Commander of the Belgian Air Force.
"The F-35 is a testament to the power of allied air power, providing a critical advantage to all who operate it. As we've seen in recent operations on Europe's eastern flank, this aircraft is making a difference for the deterrence and defense of NATO," said Greg Ulmer, president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "For more than 70 years, we have proudly partnered with Belgium to strengthen its national security and defense industrial base, and this milestone is a major step toward ensuring the Belgian Air Force will continue staying ahead of adversarial threats for decades to come."
The combat-proven F-35 is the fighter of choice for 20 allied nations - including 13 in Europe - with active operations across 16 services and more than 1,900 global suppliers. By providing stability, interoperability and unmatched value, the program serves as a strong network of integrated deterrence, reinforces partnerships and fuels the allied defense industrial base.
Including the aircraft delivered in country, Belgium has received 11 of its 34 F-35A aircraft. Eight aircraft are stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where Belgian pilots and maintainers conduct training. In July, Belgium announced its intent to procure 11 additional F-35As, which would bring the total program of record to 45 aircraft.
8 October 1929
“Two cartoon comedies shown on a Transcontinental Air Transport Ford Trimotor were the first movies shown in an aircraft.”
The statement that two cartoon comedies were the first movies shown in a Transcontinental Air Transport Ford Trimotor is false. The earliest confirmed instances of in-flight movies occurred earlier, with different airlines.
The actual first in-flight movies include: Aeromarine Airways, 1921: The first documented in-flight entertainment was a short promotional film called "Howdy Chicago!", shown to passengers on a sightseeing flight over Chicago.
Imperial Airways, 1925: This British airline showed the first feature film, an adaptation of the silent movie The Lost World, on a flight from London to Paris.
It was Trans World Airlines (TWA), the successor to Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT), that showed the first regularly scheduled in-flight movie, By Love Possessed, on a flight in 1961.
South Africa, West of Howick, Kwazulu-Natal: Two Airplane Factory Sling 2's, ZU PBC and ZU-PBD crashed near Howick, Kwazulu-Natal. Challenging weather conditions, particularly thick mist and persistent drizzle, hampered search efforts. Search operations were conducted and the wreckage of one was found west of and the other near Howick. The pilots of both airplanes died in the crashes. Both aircraft allegedly departed from Secunda Mpumalanga for a flight to Margate Kwazulu-Natal.
USA, Location, near Bath, MI: A Mexican registered Hawker 800XP, XA-JMR, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Bath, Michigan. The three occupants perished. XA-JMR had arrived at BTL on 25 March 2025. The accident was the first flight since then. Preliminary information suggests the aircraft was engaged in a stall test following maintenance.
ADS-B data and a LiveATC.net recording to Cleveland Center ATC indicated that the airplane departed Battle Creek Regional Airport, MI (BTL) at 21:08 UTC. It climbed to the FMS selected altitude of 15,000 feet. The flight crew requested a block altitude from 14,000 to 16,000 feet for testing. At 21:27 UTC, after passing Lansing, Michigan, the aircraft began to turn left an descended about 600 feet. It climbed back up to 15,000 feet until entering a high rate of descent seconds later. The aircraft impacted terrain about one minute later. A radio could can be heard on the Cleveland Centre frequency indicating they were in a stall.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG/VHHH), Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong: Emirates flight EK9788, a Boeing 747-481 (BDSF) operated by ACT Airlines (TC-ACF), was destroyed when it veered off the left side of runway 07L during landing at Hong Kong International Airport (HGK/VHHH), Chek Lap Kok. The aircraft struck a ground service vehicle before coming to rest in the sea. Two persons on the ground died. The four flight crew members were rescued.
