Regional, Business & General Aviation

LONDON - Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines powered the first flight of the Gulfstream G800 using 100% sustainable aviation fuel. The flight was part of Gulfstream Aerospace’s high-altitude flight test campaign, demonstrating the potential for 100% neat SAF to reduce contrail-forming particle emissions at altitudes up to 50,000 feet.

The aircraft flew while trailed by a Gulfstream G700 modified to track emissions. Operating in close formation, the tests captured precise, real-world measurements of particulate matter and contrail-forming atmospheric characteristics at higher altitudes than those flown by most commercial airliners, yet typical for business aviation.

Led by Gulfstream Aerospace and conducted in close collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, the German Aerospace Center, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolls-Royce, Aerodyne Research, Montana Renewables and World Fuel Services, the campaign was designed to isolate how different fuel compositions influence non-CO2 emissions.

To accomplish this, the team compared conventional Jet-A aviation fuel, low-sulfur Jet-A and neat HEFA (hydro-processed esters and fatty acids) SAF, which contains no sulfur or aromatics. Preliminary results suggest that engines operating on neat SAF significantly reduce the particulate emissions that contribute to contrail formation.

Source: Rolls-Royce
Associated URL: https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2026/08-07-2026-gulfstream-and-rolls-royce-take-sustainable-aviation-to-new-heights.aspx

TOULOUSE - Airbus experienced a notable boost in manufacturing momentum, handing over 351 commercial aircraft during the opening six months of the year.

This represents an approximate fifteen percent surge compared to the 306 jets delivered during the equivalent timeframe a year prior, heavily supported by a strong final push of 89 shipments in June. Industry experts indicate that this acceleration positions the aerospace giant comfortably on target to reach its formal delivery target of 870 units in 2026.

Behind the scenes, the company is reportedly even eyeing an internal stretch milestone of 900 delvieries, keeping its formal guidance conservative to cushion against ongoing supply chain issues. While parts shortages and logistical hold-ups on models destined for Chinese buyers slowed initial quarterly progress, giving an early edge to its American competitor Boeing, component pipelines are gradually stabilizing. Airbus also closed out its mid-year reporting by logging a gross total of 887 commercial aircraft orders, adjusting down to 822 net orders after accounting for client cancellations.

Source: Reuters
Associated URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/airbus-deliveries-rise-15-351-first-half-2026-07-08/

MOSCOW - Russian aircraft maker UZGA has begun endurance testing of its VK-800 turboprop engine, with the powerplant set to run for 150 hours on a ground rig under what the company describes as "maximum operating conditions" to assess stability and reliability.

UZGA plans for the VK-800 to power at least three aircraft: the LMS-901 Baikal utility aircraft, the twin-engined LMS-192 Osvey regional transport, and the UTS-800 light trainer. UZGA says flight tests of the UTS-800, which features a composite structure, glass cockpit and lightweight ejection seats, will begin soon.

The Baikal is expected to gain Russian certification next year, with the Osvey following at the end of 2029. The manufacturer reports that domestic operators have expressed interest in acquiring up to 127 such aircraft by 2035. The Baikal is meant to replace the Soviet-era Antonov An-2, though large numbers of An-2s will continue to operate in Russia even after the Baikal enters service. These aircraft are now set to be supported by the Siberian aviation research institute, SibNIA.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/archive/2026/07/endurance-testing-starts-for-vk-800-intended-to-power-new-russian-utility-aircraft/