Robinson Unmanned’s R44 Airtruck flew a series of offshore cargo demonstrations at Acadiana Regional Airport in New Iberia, Louisiana, on September 2 and 3, making repeated approaches to a platform rigged to simulate an offshore deck. Aviation Academy of Louisiana, the state’s only authorized Robinson dealer and service center, conducted the flights, with offshore helicopter operator PHI Aviation and invited industry and government observers attending.

Cutting down on traveled work at Spirit AeroSystems’ former facility in Wichita is critical for Boeing’s efforts to reintegrate its newly acquired subsidiary and boost 737 Max production rates. The airframer maintains that it has made progress since closing the deal for Spirit in December 2025, and some Wichita workers have told Leeham News and Analysis that the amount of traveled work occurring on the 737 line is effectively being reduced.

Beyond Aero is expanding its work to develop a market for its hydrogen-electric business jet through a partnership with airports in southern France. The Toulouse-based start-up and Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur on September 3 reported joint development of gaseous hydrogen refueling facilities at airports they see as likely early adopters of the technology in popular private aviation locations on France’s Mediterranean coast.

Horizon Aircraft has begun wind tunnel testing of ice-protection materials for its Cavorite X7, the first step in a bid to clear the hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft for flight into known icing conditions. The Canadian company reported on September 1 that the tests, which began in July, used coupons—small material samples that stand in for sections of the airframe—carrying anti-icing technology from the University of Toronto.

Archer Aviation plans to fly its four-passenger Midnight eVTOL prototype on city-to-city routes in the Los Angeles area, Texas, and Florida in the coming months. The San Jose, California-based start-up says the demonstration flights will prepare it for commercial air taxi operations under the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program and for the 2028 Olympic Games. The “No Roads” tour opens with a series of Northern California flights, starting with a trip to Hollister and continuing to Monterey, San Martin, San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco.

Heavy-lift cargo drone developer Elroy Air has completed the first uncrewed, autonomous flights conducted under the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, flying its hybrid-electric Chaparral freighter for a week of demonstrations at Houma-Terrebonne Airport (KHUM) in Louisiana. The California-based start-up flew the aircraft in collaboration with offshore helicopter operator Bristow Group under Liftoff Louisiana, a state initiative led by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to test electric and autonomous VTOL aircraft.

Regent Craft has flown its full-scale Viceroy prototype with people on board for the first time, a milestone the North Kingstown, Rhode Island-based company said makes the vessel the largest all-electric wing-in-ground-effect craft ever to fly with a crew. Two captains took the Viceroy 1,956 feet across Narragansett Bay at a height of 33 feet above the water on Wednesday, holding the flight for 30 seconds, according to Regent.