Top 4 Aviation news of July
- Marketing Central Aerospace
- 15 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Textron Aviation is celebrating 40 years of the Cessna Grand Caravan EX with a more elegant interior redesign, USB-C chargers, and a commemorative version, while the Cessna Skyhawk, now 70 years old, is being updated with a dual electronic ignition system that improves its efficiency and maintenance. Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney is transforming aircraft engine manufacturing with the innovative GTF Advantage, produced using electroerosion and designed for greater performance and sustainability. In Colombia, the Civil Aviation Authority announced that the modernization of Golfo de Morrosquillo Airport in Tolú will be completed in December 2025, boosting tourism and air connectivity in the Caribbean.
1. Cessna Grand Caravan Ex celebrates its 40th anniversary with a more elegant and connected cabin
Textron Aviation has decided to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Cessna Grand Caravan Ex, one of the most iconic aircraft in regional aviation, in style. To commemorate this milestone, the company announced an interior redesign that combines design, comfort, and technology, reaffirming the model's legacy as a benchmark for reliability and versatility.
The update includes three new executive interior styles: Lunar, Obsidian, and Saddle Sport, which join the standard Canyon Savanna versions. Each of these designs is available in a premium option, with luxury finishes such as quilted seats and plush carpeting, elevating the onboard experience for both executive passengers and demanding operators.
In addition to the new look, the Grand Caravan Ex incorporates 16 USB-C ports distributed throughout the cabin, a direct response to today's connectivity and in-flight charging needs. This improvement ensures that all passengers can keep their devices powered and functional throughout the journey.
“We listened to our customers and understood that they were looking for more comfort and a more refined experience. These improvements are a direct result of that dialogue,” said Lannie O'Bannion , senior vice president of Sales and Marketing at Textron Aviation.
As part of the celebration, the commemorative version with special paintwork and Lunar Premium interior will be officially unveiled at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh event, July 21-27, in Wisconsin.
With this revamp, the Grand Caravan EX not only looks back to celebrate its history, but also looks forward to the future, establishing itself as a modern, elegant option adapted to the new demands of the market.
2. The Cessna Skyhawk enters a new era with a dual electronic ignition system
Seventy years after its first flight, the legendary Cessna Skyhawk is getting a makeover. Textron Aviation announced that this classic training aircraft will feature a modern dual electronic ignition system (EIS) as standard equipment, marking an important step toward greater efficiency and performance.
This technological advancement replaces the traditional magneto system with a solid-state solution, reducing moving parts, improving fuel consumption, and extending maintenance intervals. All of this represents a key advantage for flight schools and operators around the world.
“The addition of EIS reinforces our commitment to piston aircraft, such as the Skyhawk, which remains a cornerstone of pilot training,” said Chris Crow, vice president of Piston and Utility Sales.
With more than seven decades in the skies, the Skyhawk continues to prove why it is the world's best-selling training aircraft: reliable, easy to fly, and now more modern than ever.
3. Silence, science, and sparks: how Pratt & Whitney is building the engine of the future
In a quiet corner of its plant in Asheville, North Carolina, Pratt & Whitney is forever changing the way aircraft engines are manufactured. Instead of the roar of drills, what you hear is the murmur of water jets and electrical discharges that, with pinpoint precision, shape the new GTF Advantage engine.
This engineering marvel not only withstands temperatures capable of melting rocks, but is also more efficient and sustainable. The key lies in its manufacturing process, where thousands of micro-holes are created using an electroerosion technique designed to extend the engine's lifespan and improve its performance.
With an investment of $1 billion and more than a decade of development, this engine has already been certified to fly in state-of-the-art aircraft such as the Airbus A321XLR. Best of all, the GTF Advantage improvements can be applied to older models during scheduled maintenance.
Pratt & Whitney, part of the RTX group, demonstrates that the future of aviation is built on quiet innovation, high technology, and a firm commitment to excellence.
4. Tolú prepares for takeoff: airport to be modernized and delivered in December 2025
The municipality of Tolú is steadily moving toward a new era of air connectivity. The Civil Aviation Authority announced that the modernization of Golfo de Morrosquillo Airport will be completed by December 31, 2025, consolidating this project as a key element for the tourism and economic development of the Colombian Caribbean.
During a technical visit to the airport terminal, the director of the entity, Brigadier General (R.A.) José Henry Pinto Rodríguez, confirmed that work on the runway, apron, and taxiways is already showing significant progress. The intervention will allow the airport to operate with higher standards of safety and efficiency, in line with the sustained growth in passenger traffic.
“This project represents a real commitment by the national government to promote tourism in the regions. We overcame several technical challenges and today we can say with certainty that Tolú will have a renovated airport ready to receive more visitors,” said Pinto Rodríguez.
In addition to the improvements on the airside, consulting is already underway to intervene on the landside of the airport, which will include a new passenger terminal. This phase will be carried out in parallel and aims to deliver a modern, functional infrastructure adapted to the needs of a region in constant growth.
The project is part of the strategy of the Government of Change, led by President Gustavo Petro, which seeks to boost regional economies through strategic works that connect Colombia in a comprehensive manner. The modernization of Golfo de Morrosquillo Airport will not only boost tourism in Sucre, but will also open up new opportunities for trade, culture, and investment.
With this boost, Tolú is positioning itself as a leading destination on the national tourist map, ready to welcome more travelers and connect the country with the natural beauty of the Caribbean.
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