S.A.F.E. Structure Designs, a provider in the design and manufacturing of creative and customizable solutions for the Department of Defense, is awarded a $3.5 million contract to supply a custom, full wrap-around maintenance platform for the UH-60 Black Hawk Sikorsky helicopter for the U.S. Army National Guard. The contract will cover 10 different locations across the United States and was procured through the Yulista Integrated Solutions Prime Vendor contract.

Concorde Battery Corporation celebrates Chris Holder, who has been announced as a member of the 2025 South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame inductee class. Holder is being honored and recognized for his unwavering dedication to advancing the industry’s safety and quality through education. He will be named during a special ceremony on Feb. 13, 2025, at the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame in Greenville, SC.

Ongoing headlines reporting tragic airline safety issues, dangerous aircraft manufacturing practices, and aviation whistleblower retaliation require that Congress reevaluate the anti-retaliation framework protecting aviation whistleblowers. Supporters are urged to join the National Whistleblower Center's campaign.

Coulson Aviation, the world's largest aerial firefighting company, announces the addition of Brent Misura as its new vice president of Design, further enhancing Coulson's ongoing commitment to lead the industry in the design, manufacture and operation of firefighting aircraft.

CHC Helicopter signs a new agreement with ITP Aero to implement DigitAI Aero™ across its fleet of helicopter engines. The landmark partnership establishes CHC as the leading helicopter operator to embrace AI-powered solutions for engine diagnosis and health monitoring, significantly enhancing its existing maintenance support partnership with ITP Aero.

Vita Inclinata, a provider of intelligent lifting technology and solutions for aerospace and industrial construction industries, announces that it has deployed 16 Vita Rescue System (VRS) units to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for its Firehawk fleet to enhance the safety and efficiency of CAL FIRE’s aerial firefighting and rescue missions.

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) offers the following statement on the recent confirmation of Sean Duffy, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

Airbus Helicopters logs 455 gross orders (net: 450) in 2024, highlighting a steady market growth with a strong performance this year for its light, light twin-engined, and heavy helicopters. The orders came from 182 customers in 42 countries. The company delivered 361 helicopters in 2024, resulting in a preliminary 57% share of the civil and parapublic market.

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) announces the winners of this year’s prestigious Salute to Excellence Awards. This annual program is dedicated to recognizing the extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment of professionals within the vertical aviation industry. Celebrating the best of the best in vertical flight, Salute to Excellence highlights outstanding contributions from pilots, maintenance technicians, operators and safety professionals who set the highest standards of professionalism and safety in the field.

Vertical Aviation International (VAI) recognizes the recipients of this year’s Salute to Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award. As part of a strategic rebranding initiative and in response to the exceptional caliber of nominees, VAI has chosen to honor multiple professionals from the vertical-flight industry who have demonstrated significant impact, sustained commitment, and leadership throughout their careers.