From hydrogen-powered breakthroughs to regulatory updates and innovations shaping the skies, this summer’s edition of our Aviation News Brief brings you the latest headlines impacting the aviation and fuel services industry. At Rebel Services, we’re always keeping a pulse on the developments that matter to airport operators, technicians, and aviation professionals across the South—and beyond.
Here’s what’s making news this season.
Hydroplane Hits Rotor Speed Milestone with Hydrogen Power
Hydroplane has successfully demonstrated flight-representative rotor speeds using its hydrogen fuel cell-powered test stand, bringing hydrogen-powered rotorcraft closer to reality.
The achievement is part of its U.S. Army XTech8 Phase 1 SBIR contract, focused on vertical lift and extended-range UAV/UAS applications. CEO Dr. Anita Sengupta said the system was tested with a 23-foot rotor, validating both performance and mission relevance.
Hydroplane’s modular fuel cell system offers quiet operation, a low thermal signature, and scalability—making it a strong candidate for future military aircraft. The company will present further updates at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.
Airbus Defence and Space Finalizes Organizational Restructure
Effective July 1, 2025, Airbus Defence and Space officially implemented its new organizational structure following extensive consultation with European and national partners. The restructuring plan, first announced in October 2024, responds to ongoing financial challenges—particularly within the Space Systems segment—and a complex global defense environment.
The division will reduce up to 2,043 positions, primarily within management overhead, while reinforcing end-to-end accountability across its three business lines: Air Power, Space Systems, and Connected Intelligence. Airbus emphasized that no compulsory redundancies will occur, and the company remains committed to minimizing employee impact.
CEO Mike Schoellhorn noted the changes are essential to building a more resilient and efficient European defense and security sector.
NBAA Urges Action on Air Traffic Control Modernization
At the 2025 Air Traffic Control Modernization Summit, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen called for immediate action to overhaul the nation’s aging ATC system. Citing the tragic January crash at Washington Reagan National Airport and other recent incidents, Bolen said the U.S. is facing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to modernize.
“This is the moment,” Bolen told attendees, emphasizing broad bipartisan support, public awareness, and industry unity. He noted outdated systems and staffing shortages as key obstacles, but pointed to significant progress and collaboration already underway.
With $12.52 billion already allocated by Congress—just a fraction of what’s needed—aviation leaders including Sens. Ted Cruz and Tammy Duckworth emphasized the urgency of continued investment. NBAA’s Heidi Williams also highlighted strong cooperation among operators to advance modernization efforts.
Legendary P-51 Mustang “Old Crow” Returns to the Skies in Atlanta
Recently acquired by the Liberty Foundation, this Mustang—serial number 44-74474—was originally built in October 1945, too late to see combat. However, it went on to serve with the U.S. Air Force and later the Royal Canadian Air Force. After decades in private hands, including ownership by Jack Roush and Old Crow LLC, the aircraft was acquired by the Foundation in February 2024.
Now restored and re-registered as N451MG, Old Crow offers 20-minute rides starting at $1,995. The aircraft is painted in the historic scheme of Col. Anderson’s P-51D-10NA, serial number 44-14450, B6-S, of the 357th Fighter Group, famously known as the “Yoxford Boys.”
Flight bookings and additional information are available at libertyfoundation.org.
Sen. Ted Cruz Unveils Aviation Safety Legislation Following Fatal Crash
On Tuesday, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz introduced sweeping aviation safety legislation just ahead of a high-profile, three-day NTSB hearing into the January 29 collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet that claimed 67 lives.
Joined by NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Cruz laid out the proposed bill, which would require Army helicopters to use ADS-B tracking technology near civilian aircraft, prompt a nationwide review of military helicopter routes, and initiate an Army Inspector General investigation into potential systemic failures leading to the crash.
Family members of victims stood by as the legislation was revealed, underscoring the emotional weight of what has become the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in more than 20 years.
The NTSB hearing, now underway, spans 25 hours over three days and includes testimony from FAA, Army, airline officials, and more. Thousands of pages of investigative records have already been released, with new revelations expected.
In recent months, the FAA has tightened helicopter flight zones and restricted non-essential military operations following additional near-miss incidents, including one on May 1 that forced two commercial aircraft to abort landings at Reagan National due to Army helicopter activity.
That’s a wrap on this summer’s news brief! Keep our website bookmarked so you always stay up to date on the latest news, updates, and developments in the world of aviation.
