Avalon Australian International Airshow sets 2027 dates: Australia’s largest international airshow will return to Avalon Airport from 23–28 February 2027, following its most recent edition generating $240.9 million for the Victorian economy. Held over six days, the Avalon Australian International Airshow (Avalon) will once again combine a world-class industry showcase with a spectacular public airshow. The week starts with three dedicated trade days, before the skies come alive with colour and sound for the public program from Friday 26 February, featuring thrilling aerobatics, high-speed jet displays and unforgettable experiences for all ages. Avalon is a major driver of economic activity, tourism and global industry engagement. The last event attracted more than 200,000 visitors and delivered an estimated $31.85 million in direct economic benefit to the Geelong region, reinforcing its position as one of Victoria’s significant major events. In 2027, Avalon will feature: Trade and Industry Exposition – a dedicated business event attracting more than 900 exhibiting companies and over 60,000 industry visitors, showcasing Australian capability and technology on a global stage; Careers Program – welcoming more than 7000 students in 2025, this program aims to inspire the next generation and open doors to aviation and aerospace work pathways; Friday Night Alight – the crowd-favourite twilight spectacular returns, with dramatic aerial performances and exciting new elements set to light the evening sky as live entertainment continues across the precinct; Saturday & Sunday Airshow – two full days of high-energy flying displays, powerful military jets, precision aerobatics, historic aircraft, interactive ground exhibits and family-friendly attractions.
Airbus acquires Ultra Cyber in the UK: Airbus has entered into a definitive agreement with the Cobham Ultra group, a portfolio company of Advent, for the acquisition of Ultra Cyber Ltd. This strategic move reinforces Airbus’ position as a trusted, sovereign partner for the UK and a key supplier to its allies, while strengthening its presence in the European cybersecurity landscape. The acquisition allows Airbus to enhance its end-to-end cyber portfolio, complementing the existing UK sovereign capabilities of its cyber business based in Newport, Wales. With more than 200 employees in Ultra Cyber Ltd, primarily based in its state-of-the-art cyber centre of excellence in Maidenhead, Airbus is reinforcing its commitment to the UK as a core home nation of Airbus and its active role in maintaining the UK’s digital security. This acquisition will join the growing Cyber activities within Airbus Defence and Space’s Connected Intelligence business unit and creates a scale UK sovereign cyber champion. This investment is a cornerstone of Airbus’ strategy to become a leading European multi-sovereign cyber player and a key pillar of a European digital shield. This approach helps ensure that nations across the continent, as well as Five-Eyes and NATO partners, can rely on access to best-in-class technologies that are trusted and endorsed by the governments of the group’s home nations. This move follows the successful acquisition of infodas in 2024, which strengthened Airbus’ cybersecurity leadership in Germany and the EU for cross-domain solutions. Today, Airbus operates a truly pan-European cyber activity with employees across the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Finland. The acquisition also includes a specialised airborne datalinks capability that complements Airbus’ military aircraft portfolio. This addition helps strengthen Airbus’ ability to protect sensitive data seamlessly across both ground and airborne environments.
GKN Aerospace delivers first upgraded RM12 engine to Sweden: GKN Aerospace has successfully delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to its customer, the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing RM12EP (Enhanced Performance) programme. The delivery follows an earlier order from the Swedish Armed Forces valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million) for performance upgrades across the Gripen C/D engine fleet. The RM12EP upgrade includes the installation of improved turbine hardware and updated engine control software designed to increase engine thrust, extend operating time and reduce life‑cycle costs. All work is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden, where the company is responsible for the development, manufacturing, system support and maintenance of both the RM12 engine powering the Gripen C/D and the RM16 powering the new Gripen E/F. The first delivery is the result of strong cross-functional collaboration within GKN Aerospace, across engineering, production, quality, procurement and logistics, together with key partners GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines will be delivered continuously to the customer as planned. The RM12EP programme, launched in 2019 and led by GKN Aerospace, forms part of long-term efforts to ensure the Gripen C/D remains a highly capable and cost‑efficient fighter aircraft. The upgraded engine will form the foundation for continued operation and maintenance support, for which GKN Aerospace remains responsible.
AAR awarded $450 million in pallet contracts for U.S. Air Force: AAR announced the U.S. Air Force recently awarded the company two major pallet contracts with a combined value of up to approximately $450 million. Under a sole-source $160 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contract, AAR will provide repair services for the 463L Legacy Cargo Pallet. The work is expected to be completed by March 2031. Under a separate $290 million sole-source requirements contract, AAR will manufacture and produce 463 legacy air cargo pallets. The work is expected to be completed by March 2032. The 463L Pallet is the standard pallet used by the U.S. Air Force to transport concentrated cargo and is designed to be used with the dual-rail cargo systems on military transport aircraft. AAR has been the primary supplier of 463L Pallets to the U.S. Air Force since 1963. “Government contracts are core to AAR’s diversified business model. For decades, AAR has proudly met the pallet needs of the U.S. government, and these additional awards extend our services into 2032, bringing support and stability wherever they are needed worldwide,” said Tom Hoferer, AAR’s Senior Vice President of Repair & Engineering.
Austability named ‘Supporting Partner for Team Australia: Austability announced a new sponsorship with Invictus Australia as a Supporting Partner of Team Australia for the Invictus Germany Sports Festival 2026 (IGSF-26). Austability will serve as a Supporting Partner of Team Australia for the IGSF-26, with the company’s logo adorning team uniforms. IGSF-26 is a multinational adaptive-sports festival hosted in Dusseldorf, Germany from 12-14 June 2026 and brings together wounded, injured, and ill service personnel and veterans from around the world. Competitors will engage in a range of adaptive sports that showcase resilience, recovery, and camaraderie, including sitting volleyball, indoor rowing, spinning and table tennis that highlight individual and team strengths. Ben Khandan, Governor General of Austability Australia said the partnership with Invictus is a natural fit for Austability. “With a workforce predominantly comprised of former service men and women, we share Invictus Australia’s deep commitment to resilience, recovery, and community. Supporting Team Australia at the IGSF-26 brings to life the core values of our business and reinforces our dedication to create pathways for those who have served.” Khandan said. The partnership aligns Austability’s workforce of veterans with Invictus Australia’s mission to support the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families through sport and recreation, carrying forward the legacy of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 in Australia. Training camps for IGSF began in March 2026, with more scheduled before Team Australia heads to Germany to compete in June 2026.
Chapman Freeborn delivers second ATR 72-600MPA to Philippine Air Force: Chapman Freeborn has successfully completed the delivery of an ATR 72 600MPA aircraft to the Philippine Air Force. The company notes that the smooth execution of this complex operation highlights its continued ability to manage challenging logistics, tight schedules, and operational disruptions with precision and expertise. The ATR 72 600MPA, configured for maritime patrol missions, was manufactured by Leonardo S.p.A. in Turin, Italy. It is the second aircraft of this type acquired by the Philippine Air Force as part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme. Chapman Freeborn also managed the delivery of the first aircraft in May last year. “Experience and understanding of the global ecosystem in complex ferry operations are critical. Coordinating a transfer of this magnitude showcases Chapman Freeborn’s logistical expertise and is a significant source of pride for our team,” Vivienne Sinclair said. The delivery of the second ATR 72 600MPA marks another milestone in a broader defence agreement with Elbit Systems, aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ long range maritime surveillance capabilities.
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