Jon Hemmerdinger
Jonathan Hemmerdinger is Americas managing editor for FlightGlobal, covering all aspects of aviation, with a particular focus on the companies that make commercial aircraft and their suppliers. He formerly covered business for Maine’s largest newspaper. Before that, he worked at Independence Air
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NewsUSA’s latest ADS-B legislation faces new opposition – from the NTSB
The US National Transportation Safety Board has declined to support proposed aviation safety legislation, arguing the ALERT Act fails to fully address recommendations from its investigation into the January 2025 fatal midair collision near Washington Reagan National airport.
NewsDe Havilland plans Sherpa roadshow as it considers production restart
De Havilland Canada will take its Garmin 1000-equipped Short C-23 Sherpa on a transatlantic demonstration tour this year, visiting CANSEC in May before touring Europe to assess market appetite for restarting production of the turboprop military transport.
NewsFAA orders urgent inspections after cracks discovered on 757s with winglets
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued an immediately effective airworthiness directive requiring airlines to inspect 156 US-registered Boeing 757s fitted with scimitar blended winglets within five days, after cracks were discovered in wing panels during maintenance checks.
NewsArcher sues Vertical over alleged air taxi design infringement
Archer Aviation has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Vertical Aerospace, claiming the UK firm’s recently unveiled Valo air taxi design copies patented elements of Archer’s Midnight aircraft, including wing and tail configurations.
NewsPratt & Whitney invests $200m to expand forging capacity in Georgia
Engine manufacturer will install additional isothermal forging press at Columbus site by 2028, increasing critical component output by 30% to support commercial GTF and military F135 programmes amid persistent supply-chain constraints.
NewsFAA takes action to address 737 Max cabin overheating concern
The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued an immediately effective airworthiness directive addressing a ground wire fault in the Boeing 737 Max’s environmental control system that can cause dangerous cabin and flight deck overheating.
NewsEmbraer overhauls Praetor business jet cabins and targets 2029 deliveries
Brazilian manufacturer plans first quarter 2029 deliveries of enhanced Praetor variants featuring industry-first curved touchscreen monitors, redesigned cabin management system, new seats and enlarged galleys.
NewsAerospace products appear exempt from Trump’s new 15% tariffs
Aircraft, engines and components will be excluded from the Trump administration’s revised 15% tariff regime, imposed after the US Supreme Court struck down the president’s earlier duties on 20 February.
In depthWhy the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling creates fresh tariff uncertainty for aerospace
The US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down President Donald Trump’s tariffs under emergency powers, followed by his immediate pledge to impose new duties via alternative legal routes, has cast fresh uncertainty over the aerospace sector’s exemption status.
NewsUS senators introduce bill to aid air taxi certification
Bipartisan legislation introduced in the US Senate aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the Federal Aviation Administration’s certification process for electric air taxis and advanced air mobility aircraft, as developers navigate costly approvals.
NewsAlberta orders five DHC-515 water bombers from De Havilland
The Canadian province of Alberta has committed C$400 million to purchase five DHC-515 water bombers from De Havilland Canada, with deliveries beginning in 2031 as the manufacturer ramps up production of the updated firefighting aircraft at its Calgary facilities.
In depthFAA to study ‘competency-based’ pilot training methods as Boeing pushes for greater adoption
The Federal Aviation Administration intends to further evaluate competency-based training and assessment this year, but remains reluctant to fully endorse the model despite widespread international adoption and advocacy from Boeing and ICAO.
NewsHorizon Air seeks more time to comply with cockpit barrier rule, citing E175 cabin layout
Alaska Air Group’s Horizon Air has requested a 12-month extension to comply with FAA secondary cockpit barrier requirements, citing cabin configuration complications on its Embraer 175 regional jets that prevent installation of the certified security device.
NewsSunrise Airways Dominicana seeks permit for US scheduled services
Santo Domingo-based carrier Sunrise Airways has applied to the US Department of Transportation for a foreign air carrier permit, seeking to launch scheduled passenger and cargo flights between the Dominican Republic and the USA.
NewsFAA proposes 767-300F cargo fitting inspections amid material concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed mandatory inspections of cargo track fittings on Boeing 767-300 Freighters after discovering some components were manufactured using unapproved materials, potentially compromising aircraft structural integrity and controllability.
NewsBoeing begins 2026 on high note as 107-order total marks strongest January sales since 2012
Boeing secured 107 aircraft orders in January – its strongest start to the year since 2012 – including a landmark 787-10 deal from Delta Air Lines, while delivering 46 jets.
NewsBoeing sees aerospace aftermarket recovering from supply chain pressures
The aerospace aftermarket is recovering from supply chain disruptions exacerbated by rising aircraft production rates, according to Boeing Global Services senior vice-president William Ampofo, though challenges including workforce shortages and component supply constraints persist.
NewsEve Air Mobility plots 2026 flight-test campaign and secures AirX as customer
Eve Air Mobility has secured fresh orders for its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft at the Singapore air show, as the Brazilian manufacturer reports steady progress with its flight-test programme following the maiden sortie of an engineering prototype in December.
NewsMehair orders up to 10 Tidal hybrid-electric seaplanes
Indian seaplane operator Mehair has signed a deal to acquire up to 10 Polaris hybrid-electric seaplanes from US start-up Tidal Flight, with firm orders for five aircraft and options for five more.
NewsPratt & Whitney targets end of decade for full GTF recovery
Pratt & Whitney expects its recovery from the PW1000G geared turbofan recall to continue through the end of this decade, though the engine manufacturer says Embraer E-Jet E2 operators should see their aircraft-on-ground issues resolved by year-end 2026.