As Boeing manufactured newer, faster jet bombers for the Air Force, mid-air refueling aircraft lagged behind. The standard refueling aircraft at the time, the propeller-powered KC-97, flew much slower than the jet-powered bombers it was meant to refuel. To Boeing president William Allen, it seemed like only a matter of time before a jet tanker became necessary.
Today is Wednesday, Jan. 21, the 21st day of 2026. There are 344 days left in the year. Today in history: On Jan. 21, 1976, British Airways and Air France inaugurated scheduled passenger service on the supersonic Concorde jet. Also on this date: In 1793, during the French Revolution, King Louis XVI, condemned for treason, was executed by guillotine. In 1861,
David versus Goliath stories captivate us, especially when David brings a slingshot that looks like alien technology. Enter Stavatti Aerospace, a 25-person firm from Niagara Falls taking on Boeing and Northrop Grumman for one of the most lucrative defense contracts in naval aviation. Their weapon of choice? The SM-39 Razor, a fighter design so visually striking it demands a double-take. The triple-fuselage "Batwing" configuration breaks from a century of conventional aircraft architecture, presenting a form that's more science fiction than traditional aerospace engineering.
Singapore Airlines Singapore Airlines continues to set the benchmark for in-flight gastronomy. Its'Book the Cook ' program allows passengers to pre-select from a wide range of dishes created by its International Culinary Panel, including globally recognized chefs. Highlights include lobster thermidor, wagyu beef with truffle jus, and refined regional specialties. Paired with champagnes and wines that often retail for several hundred dollars per bottle, each course is presented on fine tableware, elevating the experience.
Airbus SE (formerly EADS) is one of the world's largest aerospace companies by multiple metrics (market cap, revenue and profit) and is the product of decades of mergers between European aerospace firms. The company's success is underpinned by state benevolence, since the governments of France, Germany, and Spain together have a share ownership of over 25%. The Group is divided into three distinct branches:
Some of the world's wealthiest and most powerful people traveled to Switzerland this week, to attend the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos. That meant some of the world's fanciest aircraft descended on nearby airports, too. Business Insider has been tracking the private jets and government aircraft that arrived there this week. On Monday alone, there were around 160 private jet arrivals from over 40 countries spread across five continents.
Lufthansa is doubling down on a jet that many thought was history. The German flag carrier announced Friday that it will install a new business-class cabin on all eight of its Airbus A380 superjumbos as part of its broader multibillion-dollar fleet renewal. Airlines are racing to meet growing demand for high-dollar premium experiences on long-haul flights. The new A380 business class will deliver an upgrade over the current layout, with more space, modern technology, and aisle access for all passengers.