News Briefs: CASC 9, AVIC, et al.
Plus, Yesheng Aviation, Aerofugia, Xunfei Aviation, and Zero Gravity.
Before we get into today’s news briefs, I am happy to share some published work in both Aviation Week and Aviation International News.
For Aviation Week — I recently had a great chat with Chinese tiltrotor developer, United Aircraft about their latest milestones, including the R6000’s maiden flight, the new T1400 tandem rotor, and their role in the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft recovery.
Check out my report here.
Watch out for a follow-up article here at China eVTOL News; I will be doing a United Aircraft “dump” of UAV videos.
Also in Aviation Week — I spoke with the innovative team at Albatross.Ai, which is developing an Autonomous Flight Assistance System (AFAS) aimed at supporting the safe, high-density integration of crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
The system’s core concepts trace back to the founder’s early research into autonomous flight, drawing on principles explored in NASA’s Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) program.
Headquartered in Tianjin with additional offices in Shanghai and Hangzhou, the company is focused on building software that allows multiple aircraft to operate in coordination, exchange operational data, and make real-time decisions during flight operations.
They have a great tie-up with Vertaxi.
The full article is here sans paywall.
Ahead of the Singapore Airshow, I spoke with the very dynamic team at TCab Tech.
Since the company’s founding in 2021, founder and CEO Yon Wui Ng has clocked several milestones, capped by last December’s full-scale E20 transition tests, which pushed the program into engineering development. The team is now refining systems and generating compliance evidence through structured testing.
They are definitely a company to stalk watch.
Read more at Aviation Week here (now under paywall).
For Aviation International News, I wrote a general overview of China’s low-altitude economy, featuring WeFly, TransFuture Aviation, and business jet management company SinoJet, who has a confirmed order for 50 AE200 eVTOL aircraft from Aerofugia.
I also dive into some legs, regs, and policies spurring liberalization of the sector.
In another article for AIN, I feature the fabulous Jenny Lau from SinoJet (again), who discusses talent shortages, infrastructure challenges, and strategic initiatives in business aviation.
Adam Cowburn of Alton Aviation Consultancy provides insights on regional business jet growth and the uneven commercial recovery in Southeast Asia.
Subhas Menon of AAPA comments on aircraft delivery shortfalls and supply-chain constraints.
Hui Ling Teo of Beyond Horizons highlights Singapore’s emergence as a hub for aviation finance, investment trends, and risk management across the region.
Coming soon — my next article will examine illegal charters in Asia-Pacific.
A big thank you to Aviation Week and Aviation International News for featuring my work!
Now, let’s get into today’s news.