India Char Dham Helicopter Operators Suspend Flights
Aviation manufacturers and operators are advancing projects across general, commercial and emerging aircraft markets. ScaleBirds has begun shipping beta assemblies for its 63%-scale P-40 homebuilt, with a standard kit expected in 2027 and an anticipated price of about $50,000 for a highly complete airframe. Electra has selected Springfield, Ohio, for its first EL9 production facility; the nine-passenger aircraft is designed to take off and land in as little as 150 feet. Icelease has ordered one Boeing 767-300 for freighter conversion, with options for two more and the first delivery expected in 2027, while IndiGo expects to receive its first Airbus A350 in 2028 as it develops long-haul service. Separately, EHang and Malaysia’s aviation regulator are examining safety and regulatory pathways for advanced air mobility, and a Florida university police department is seeking FAA approval to use a single-seat eVTOL for patrols.
Claim check
What each side asserts, disputes — or leaves out entirely.
Where do you land?
Whose framing of this story rings truest to you?
