Top 4 aviation news stories in November
- Marketing Central Aerospace
- 21 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6A engines exceed one million flight hours in agricultural and firefighting missions; the Cessna Citation Ascend obtains FAA certification and prepares to enter service with performance and cabin enhancements; Raisbeck and CiES develop a new fuel measurement system for King Airs, available from 2026; and at COP 30, global leaders promote the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to drastically reduce emissions from the sector.
1. PT6A engines exceed one million flight hours in 2025, reinforcing their key role in agricultural and firefighting aviation
Pratt & Whitney global fleet of PT6A turboprop engines surpassed one million flight hours this year, cementing its essential role in agricultural operations and firefighting missions around the world. These engines, designed specifically for high-impact social tasks, power aircraft on more than five continents and continue to be a mainstay for food security and environmental protection.
Since the first PT6A model for aerial applications was certified in 1977, the company has developed eight variants and produced nearly 5,000 units, used primarily in single-engine aircraft from Air Tractor and Thrush Aircraft. These aircraft operate in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe and Australia, performing crop dusting, pest control, forest management and firefighting.
Cedric Gauthier, vice president of general aviation sales and marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada, highlighted the company's longstanding support for these critical operations. ‘Exceeding one million flight hours this year demonstrates the unique characteristics of the PT6A engine, including its performance, innovation and reliability,’ he said. He also noted that the company has worked closely with manufacturers, operators and pilots for nearly 50 years on missions that ‘help feed the world and protect property’ from advancing wildfires.
The PT6 family continues to be a benchmark in general aviation, with more than 155 types of aircraft powered and more than 500 million flight hours accumulated since 1963. Current models are up to four times more powerful than the original version, with 50% improvements in power-to-weight ratio and reductions of up to 20% in specific fuel consumption.
In addition to the PT6 line, Pratt & Whitney Canada powers De Havilland Canada's renowned DHC-415 and DHC-515 tanker aircraft with its PW100 engine family, which are essential in firefighting missions such as those in California earlier this year. Helicopters equipped with the company's engines also participate in firefighting operations in various regions around the world.
Pratt & Whitney Canada supports these operations through a global service network that includes more than 55 facilities in 25 countries. Its comprehensive maintenance (MRO) portfolio, combined with flexible programmes and extensive technical expertise, enables the company to provide comprehensive support to its customers.Pratt & Whitney PT6APratt & Whitney PT6A
2. Cessna Citation Ascend obtains FAA type certification and prepares to enter service before the end of the year
The Cessna Citation Ascend, developed by Textron Aviation , reached a key milestone on Wednesday, 5 November, after receiving type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing it to be scheduled for entry into service by the end of this year. The new business jet features a completely redesigned cabin, significant performance enhancements and a luxurious flat floor, aimed at offering greater operational versatility to corporate customers and private operators.
The aircraft underwent a rigorous programme and validation process: two test units completed more than 1,000 flight hours and multiple certification tests before obtaining approval from the US regulator. ‘The successful test programme reflects the expertise of our teams and their commitment to delivering the best aviation experience,’ said Chris Hearne, senior vice president of Engineering and Programmes. He added that the Ascend's design incorporated direct customer feedback to integrate innovations in performance, efficiency and productivity.
The Citation Ascend joins the renowned Cessna Citation 560XL family, of which more than 1,000 units have been delivered since 2000. Operators value this series for its balance of comfort, ease of operation and favourable operating costs.
In terms of technology, the new model incorporates Garmin G5000 avionics, which includes automatic throttle, three 14-inch ultra-high-resolution displays, dual flight management systems, synthetic vision, satellite transceiver for voice and data, and advanced weather detection systems. Options include a second Iridium data radio and CPDLC, designed to optimise routing between North America and Europe.
Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545D engines, the Ascend offers a maximum speed of 441 knots (817 km/h), a range of 1,940 nautical miles (3,593 km) and a fuel payload of 900 lb (408 kg). In addition, it is equipped with a Honeywell RE100 XL APU that allows the cabin to be prepared efficiently and quietly from the ground.
Inside, the aircraft elevates the passenger experience with a flat floor, capacity for up to 12 occupants, advanced acoustic treatment and 15% larger windows that increase natural light. Connectivity and comfort also take centre stage, with 19 USB ports, three universal power outlets, wireless phone charging, and remote control of lighting, blinds, temperature, and entertainment. The Bongiovi immersive sound system is available as an option.
To stay connected in flight, the Ascend features GoGo Us Advance L3 Max Wi-Fi, with options such as Us Advance L5 and Gogo Galileo HDX for international connectivity.
With this certification, Textron Aviation is preparing to introduce an aircraft that combines advanced technology, operational efficiency and a high-level flight experience.
3. Raisbeck Engineering and CiEs to launch new fuel measurement system for Beechcraft King Air in 2026
Raisbeck Engineering and CiES announced an agreement to develop and deliver a modern and highly reliable fuel quantity indication system (FQJS) for Beechcraft King Air aircraft operators. The project, which is already generating great excitement among operators of this model, will receive Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the first deliveries expected in the second quarter of 2026.
The new solution follows the successful collaboration between the two companies on the Cessna Caravan. The FQIS for King Air will integrate CiES's magnetoresistive sensing technology, known for its accuracy and stability, with Raisbeck's customer support network and market expertise. The result will be a system capable of providing more accurate fuel readings, reducing recurring failures and lowering long-term maintenance costs.
Gregory Davis, president of Raisbeck Engineering, emphasised that King Air operators need ‘mission-ready reliability,’ something this programme seeks to ensure. He further noted that the partnership with CiES is based on trust and the combination of both teams' technical and operational strengths.
For his part, Scotte Philiben, president of CiES, highlighted Raisbeck's in-depth knowledge of its product development and specific integration for King Air. He assured that the combination of its magnetoresistive detection system and Raisbeck's support approach will deliver a first-class solution.
From the commercial side, Nick Lyle, vice president of sales at Raisbeck, said that this upgrade ‘is what customers have been asking for’ and confirmed that there is significant pent-up demand within the King Air community. He added that the company hopes to introduce the solution to the market and begin shipments as soon as the certification process is complete.
The launch of the new FQIS represents a key advance for King Air operators seeking more modern, accurate and reliable systems to optimise operations and reduce maintenance costs.
4. World leaders to discuss sustainable fuels at COP 30 in Brazil
Global leaders and scientists gathered in Belém to participate in the United Nations COP 30, where one of the main topics was reducing emissions through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In its original form, this type of fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated during the life cycle of turbine aircraft by up to 80%.
The Commercial Aviation for Sustainable Fuels Coalition, which brings together more than 20 companies and industry associations, highlighted that the aviation industry is at the forefront of SAF adoption. Ahead of the conference, the organisation seeks to raise awareness of global progress in the production, distribution and use of this fuel as part of efforts to combat climate change.
Retail access to SAF is now available at more than 100 locations around the world through direct purchase. In addition, through the reserve and claim model, customers can purchase the environmental benefits of SAF at thousands of additional locations, expanding its global reach and encouraging investment to increase production in the coming years.
COP 30 took place a decade after the historic Paris Agreement, where nations committed to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 °C. In this context, the coalition urged aircraft operators to contact fuel suppliers, FBOs, and sustainability advisors to identify options for using SAF, both for flights to Brazil and for future operations.
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