BETA's Federal Test Program and Vermont Flights

Surf Air plans to launch commercial passenger electric aircraft with BETA Technologies, a KC-135 accident kills all 6 aboard, Dassault unveiled the Falcon 10X, another search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, changes at Southwest Airlines, and the USAF says Boeing has to fix KC-46 problems. Also, the United Airlines’ Contract of Carriage and the NTSB preliminary report on the fatal Challenger 600 crash in Maine.

Aviation News

BETA to launch first commercial passenger electric aircraft with Surf Air Mobility

Vermont-based electric aerospace company BETA Technologies announced an Aircraft Purchase Agreement and strategic partnership with Surf Air Mobility Inc. for 25 electric aircraft, starting with the ALIA CTOL aircraft, and options for up to 75 more. Surf Air Mobility plans to launch commercial electric aircraft passenger service in Hawaii. Surf Air also intends to operate a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) service center for BETA electric aircraft in Hawaii.

Video: BETA x SURF AIR

BETA offers two aircraft: the ALIA VTOL, a vertical takeoff and landing all-electric aircraft, and the ALIA CTOL, a conventional takeoff & landing all-electric aircraft. Both offer 5-passenger capacity and 200 cubic feet of cargo. BETA Technologies has not yet received full FAA type certification for its aircraft as of mid‑March 2026, although components and test approvals are in place.

See also: Mokulele parent company plans to use all-electric aircraft interisland and Beta will fly in Vermont as part of federal push for electric aircraft.

KC-135 Crash in Iraq Kills All Six Aboard

U.S. Central Command reported that a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq, killing all six crew members. The KC-135 was supporting operations against Iran. Another KC-135 was involved in the incident and landed safely, reportedly in Israel. U.S. officials said the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire. Early indications suggest a possible midair collision.

Dassault Unveils Falcon 10X

Dassault Aviation has rolled out the first of four Falcon 10X prototypes at its Bordeaux-Mérignac facility, formally debuting its new flagship ultra-long-range business jet aimed at the top of the market. The Falcon 10X is a clean-sheet design with a 7,500‑nm range and top speed around Mach 0.925–0.95, intended to connect major long-haul city pairs nonstop while flying close to the speed of sound

Video: Dassault’s New Falcon 10X Business Jet Takes Its Debut Bow in Bordeaux – AIN

Southwest Airlines drops 2 big airports from its route map

Southwest wants to boost its profitability and is making some changes. The airline will end service to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington on June 4, 2026. Service to ORD began in 2021 when Southwest expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. But Southwest exited four of the eighteen new markets in 2024.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH370: New update on search – 12 years after it disappeared

Ocean Infinity has recently been searching the Indian Ocean for MH370. After 28 days searching 2,900 square miles, the “no find, no fee” mission was unsuccessful. Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, a Boeing 8777, departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport for Beijing on March 8, 2014, and disappeared shortly thereafter. Under the agreement, Ocean Infinity would be paid $70m (£52m) if the wreckage was located.

USAF general says Boeing has to fix tanker problems before US orders more

In a March 4 hearing, the U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff ​told lawmakers there would be no more orders for the KC-46 until Boeing fixed problems with the aerial refueling tanker. Past problems included the refueling boom, the visual system, and cracks. Reportedly, Boeing took a $565 million charge in its fourth quarter earnings and has lost more than $7 billion on ⁠the ​fixed-cost program.

United Airlines Quietly Cracks Down On Buying Multiple Tickets To Save Money, Bans Video Calls And Viewing ‘Offensive’ Content

Additional changes made to United’s Contract of Carriage: video calls are now banned, the ban on back-to-back ticketing is no longer limited to round-trip fares, and you can get kicked off for viewing offensive content.

NTSB Preliminary Report – Bombardier 600 Accident January 25, 2026 Bangor, Maine [PDF]

Holdover time (HOT) likely contributed to the fatal crash. HOT is determined by fluid type and brand, mix ratio, outside air temperature (usually in bands), precipitation type and intensity, and aircraft wing surface material.

Mentioned

Headhunters – Sticks and Creations

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.