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Since its launch in July 2022, Wealth Daily has become a trusted resource for High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), Family Offices, Venture Capitalists (VCs), and Asset Managers navigating the complex landscapes of business, finance, technology, and AI.
With a highly engaged subscriber base spanning the U.S. and Canada, concentrated in financial and tech hubs like New York, Silicon Valley, and Toronto, advertisers gain direct access to affluent decision-makers who prioritize innovation, investment opportunities, and industry insights. Leverage this exclusive platform to connect with a discerning audience that values impactful messaging, exclusive events, and cutting-edge trends. | | | | | Leonardo Faces Tough Decisions on AW159 Wildcat’s Future | | | | Dwindling Orders Put AW159 Wildcat at Risk Leonardo Helicopters is reassessing the future of its AW159 Wildcat program as orders decline and the sales landscape remains challenging. The company is currently fulfilling its only outstanding contract—three units for Algeria—but beyond that, the backlog is nearly empty.
Limited Prospects for Future Orders While some potential deals are under consideration, only New Zealand’s requirement for a naval helicopter replacement appears viable. The country plans to phase out its aging Kaman SH-2G Seasprite fleet, but the numbers in discussion remain small. Without significant new contracts, the viability of continued Wildcat production is uncertain.
Production Challenges and Rising Costs Restarting Wildcat production for Algeria required reactivating supply chains, driving up costs and making the helicopter less competitive in the global market. The financial strain of low-volume production further complicates Leonardo’s ability to attract new buyers.
Obligations to the UK’s Wildcat Fleet The United Kingdom operates 62 Wildcats across its Army and Royal Navy, and Leonardo remains responsible for long-term support. The company is working with the UK Ministry of Defence to ensure sustainable maintenance, but how this will impact future production remains unclear.
Yeovil’s Future Hinges on New Programs Leonardo’s Yeovil facility also manufactures the AW101 Merlin, which has benefited from recent orders and modernization programs. However, as major upgrade projects shift to other nations, the company is looking to new initiatives, including the UK’s New Medium Helicopter program and the potential production of the Proteus uncrewed helicopter.
Without new contracts, Yeovil faces an uncertain future. While no immediate downsizing is planned, company leadership acknowledges that extraordinary measures may be required in the coming years if production gaps persist. | | | | FAA Orders Urgent Inspections for Boeing 787 Bulkheads | | | | New FAA Mandate Targets Critical 787 Component The Federal Aviation Administration is set to enforce inspections on Boeing 787 forward-pressure bulkheads due to manufacturing defects that could lead to structural weaknesses. Airlines operating the aircraft must now check for excessive gaps and other non-conformities that could compromise long-term airframe integrity.
Manufacturing Flaws Raise Safety Concerns The issue, known within the industry for years, stems from assembly process lapses that created excessive gaps between key structural components. These imperfections can trap debris and lead to undetected fatigue cracks over time.
FAA’s Crackdown on 787 Fleet The mandate affects 135 U.S.-registered 787s, covering the entire domestic fleet. Airlines will be required to conduct detailed visual inspections, pulling back insulation blankets to examine the bulkhead’s circumference.
Boeing’s Manufacturing Woes Continue This latest development adds to Boeing’s growing list of quality-control challenges. The company insists that these defects do not compromise immediate safety, but regulatory scrutiny continues to mount.
Next Steps for Airlines and Boeing Airlines will have 45 days to comment on the FAA’s proposed rule before it is finalized. Boeing has already taken steps to address the issue in new aircraft, but the directive will require existing jets in service to undergo additional inspections. | | | | | | | | | | Baku Unveils Cutting-Edge Boeing 777 Flight Simulator | | | | Azerbaijan Strengthens Aviation Training Capabilities Azerbaijan’s National Aviation Academy has introduced a state-of-the-art Boeing 777 full-flight simulator, developed in collaboration with Silk Way West Airlines. The advanced simulator, manufactured by L3Harris Commercial Aviation Solutions, is set to elevate pilot training standards in the region.
Realistic Training for Multiple 777 Variants The new simulator supports training on the Boeing 777-200LR, 777-300ER, and the 777F cargo model, providing an ultra-realistic environment for pilots. Azerbaijan Airlines, Silk Way West, and other international carriers operating 777 aircraft will have access to this facility.
EASA Certification Expands Global Recognition Following rigorous evaluation, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has certified the simulator, further cementing Azerbaijan’s reputation as a leading hub for aviation training.
Cost-Effective and Convenient for Pilots With this cutting-edge simulator now available in Baku, pilots no longer need to travel abroad for mandatory training. This not only reduces costs but also enhances accessibility for both local and international airlines.
Azerbaijan’s Vision for Global Aviation Excellence Located near Baku’s international airport, the facility is a significant step in Azerbaijan’s ambition to become a global leader in aviation training. This development aligns with Silk Way West’s ongoing fleet modernization, which includes the addition of 777Fs, 777-8Fs, and Airbus A350-1000Fs. | | | | Horizon Clears Final Hurdle for Full-Scale Cavorite X7 eVTOL | | | | Breakthrough for Revolutionary Hybrid eVTOL Horizon Aircraft has nearly completed flight testing on a half-scale prototype of its Cavorite X7, an innovative hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed for regional transport.
Final Test Marks Critical Milestone The last major flight test involves closing the aircraft’s sliding fan covers, a key step before transitioning to a full-scale version. Previous tests demonstrated successful wingborne flight and transition speeds.
Hybrid Design Delivers Unmatched Performance Unlike traditional eVTOLs, the Cavorite X7 features a hybrid-electric system, allowing it to fly farther, carry heavier payloads, and achieve greater speeds. The aircraft’s 14 hidden electric fans provide vertical lift, while a thermal engine and pusher propeller take over during forward flight.
Full-Scale Prototype Set for 2027 Takeoff With parts for the first full-size prototype already undergoing ground tests, Horizon is targeting a maiden flight in 2027. Initial customer deliveries are expected before the end of the decade.
Military and Civilian Markets in Sight Beyond commercial applications, Horizon sees strong potential for military use. A proposed folding-wing design would allow two Cavorite X7s to fit inside a Boeing C-17, making them highly deployable for defense operations. | | | | Saudi Helicopter Giant Expands Beyond Borders | | | | International Operations Set to Launch The Helicopter Company (THC), owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is preparing to announce its first international venture. This move marks a significant step in its aggressive expansion beyond domestic markets.
Urban Air Mobility Takes Off As part of its growth strategy, THC is set to launch an urban air mobility (UAM) service, initially operating between Riyadh’s airport and the King Abdullah Financial District. The service, using Airbus H125 helicopters, will later expand to additional routes, eventually integrating electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Next-Generation Air Travel Solutions To accelerate the adoption of eVTOL technology, THC will issue a request for proposals from aircraft developers, positioning itself at the forefront of the industry’s evolution. The company aims to provide a seamless connection between airlines and last-mile urban transport.
Expansion into Search and Rescue Operations Plans are underway for THC to introduce search and rescue (SAR) services. Flight tests featuring the Leonardo AW189 and Airbus H175 helicopters are scheduled, assessing their performance in Saudi Arabia’s challenging environmental conditions.
Fleet Growth and Future Vision Since its launch in 2019, THC has rapidly expanded, now operating over 60 helicopters, with expectations to surpass 70 by year-end. Within the next few years, the fleet is projected to reach 100, solidifying its status as a leading aviation powerhouse in the region. |
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