Aviation News - 2026-06-30

China Said To Restrict Small Aircraft After Beijing Tower Crash

China’s light-aircraft sector is reportedly facing sudden restrictions after a small plane crashed into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, prompting aviation firms to suspend some operations. For general aviation watchers, this is a striking reminder of how one high-profile incident can rapidly reshape oversight, training, and urban flying rules. Read more.

US DOT denies Jamestown, NY, EAS over 'unrealistic' hopes

The U.S. Department of Transportation has denied Jamestown, New York’s Essential Air Service request, saying the community’s expectations for subsidized airline service were unrealistic. It is another interesting chapter in the ongoing debate over how smaller cities maintain air links, especially as carriers balance pilot availability, aircraft economics, and passenger demand. Read more.

Passenger jet reports hitting drone, then helicopter has near miss

Drone safety near busy airports is back in the spotlight after a JetBlue passenger jet reported striking a drone while approaching JFK, followed by a helicopter pilot reporting a close call with a remote-control aircraft. The FAA is investigating, and the incidents highlight the growing challenge of keeping low-altitude airspace safe. Read more.

Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces Supersonic Flight Is Coming to the U.S.

Supersonic travel may be moving closer to a U.S. comeback, with Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announcing FAA steps toward enabling civil supersonic flight over the continental United States. The plan focuses on new noise-based certification standards, a key hurdle for next-generation aircraft aiming to make faster-than-sound travel practical again. Read more.

Qatar Airways sings lease agreement for A350-1000s

Qatar Airways has completed a sale-and-leaseback deal with BOC Aviation for three Airbus A350-1000s, all already delivered. The transaction underlines the continued appeal of the A350-1000 on long-haul routes and shows how major airlines use leasing structures to keep fleet flexibility while operating some of the most capable widebodies flying today. Read more.

Aquila expands credit facility to US$400 million

Aquila Air Capital has expanded its credit facility to US$400 million, signaling strong investor appetite in the aircraft leasing and aviation finance space. For enthusiasts following the business side of aviation, moves like this help explain how lessors fund fleet growth, support airlines, and keep aircraft assets moving across a busy global market. Read more.

Plane that crashed in Dinwiddie owned by Richmond flight school

A single-engine aircraft that crashed while attempting to land at Dinwiddie County Airport was reportedly owned by a Richmond-based flight school and involved in flight instruction activity. Details remain focused on the circumstances around the landing attempt, making this a sobering story for the training community and a reminder of aviation’s constant safety focus. Read more.

WSA hands over second B737-400SF to Skyway Airlines

World Star Aviation has delivered a second Boeing 737-400SF freighter to Skyway Airlines, supporting the carrier’s cargo expansion. The classic 737 freighter remains a useful workhorse for regional and short-haul freight operations, and this handover shows continued life for converted narrowbodies in a market hungry for reliable lift. Read more.

Willis Lease Finance completes acquisition of A330-300 aircraft

Willis Lease Finance has acquired three Airbus A330-300 aircraft, with the jets set to be leased to China Airlines and EVA Air. The deal reflects sustained demand for widebody aircraft assets, especially proven models like the A330-300, which continue to serve airlines well on medium- and long-haul networks around the world. Read more.