- 23. Juli 2025
- 3 Min. Lesezeit
EASA steps up regulatory framework for Innovative Air Mobility
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has made a crucial step in establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for Innovative Air Mobility (IAM), by introducing specific acceptable means of compliance (AMC) and guidance material (GM) to the requirements for the operation of manned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)-capable aircraft (VCA). This new regulatory material aims to enable the safe implementation of manned VCA operations and foster the acceptance and adoption of these innovative technologies by European citizens. The new AMC and GM address key operational aspects across various aviation regulatory domains including: Air Operations (including preflight preparation, availability of landing sites, vertiports, diversion locations, and fuel/energy management), Flight Crew Licensing (guidance on VCA type rating training courses, adaptations for innovative aircraft designs and a broader approach to theoretical knowledge by referring to various aircraft categories) and Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA) with the introduction of the term “fuel/energy” to accommodate various energy sources used for aircraft propulsion. Additionally, few GM have been adapted to ensure safe accommodation of VCA operations in ATM environment.
TAP Air Portugal privatisation re-launched
Portugal has officially re-launched the long-delayed privatisation of TAP Air Portugal aiming to sell a 44.9% stake to an airline that could bring global scale and competitiveness, with additional 5% to be offered to TAP employees. The process was paused following the collapse of the center-right minority government in March. Three major European airlines, Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and British Airways / Iberia owner IAG have already held meetings with the government about TAP over the past year. However, the Portuguese government has said that it expects bids from "numerous interested parties," including non-EU airlines. It has also structured the flag carrier’s sale model to allow an airline to partner with other airlines, investment funds, and private investors to submit a joint bid. TAP has had private ownership before, when the Atlantic Gateway consortium took a 45% stake in the airline in 2016. During the pandemic, the government re-nationalized the carrier and provided it with a €4.4 billion loan and rescue plan.
Pula Aviation Services acquires JMI
Pula Aviation Services Limited (PASL) has further strengthened its portfolio of aviation businesses with the acquisition of UK-based aircraft maintenance provider, JMI-Jet Maintenance International Limited (JMI). This strategic acquisition enhances PASL's aircraft maintenance capabilities, adding JMI's well-established base at London Oxford Airport and its line station at London Biggin Hill to the group's existing footprint. Founded in 2018, JMI is a fully independent MRO provider, offering base maintenance, line support, and AOG services to aircraft owners and operators across the UK and Europe. Operating out of an 18,000 sq. ft. hangar at Oxford, JMI specialises in engine and airframe maintenance, structural repairs, avionics upgrades, interior modifications and aircraft painting support.
Guernsey-based Pula Aviation Services group was formed in January 2019 with the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of both ASG Ltd and Centreline. ASG was founded in 1990 and has developed into a business and general aviation services company with aircraft maintenance, FBO services and aircraft sales & acquisition capabilities. Centreline began operating at Bristol Airport in 1989 and has grown into a business providing services within executive aviation.
People: Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus’ commercial aircraft business
Lars Wagner, currently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTU Aero Engines AG, based in Munich, will join the Airbus Executive Committee and succeed Christian Scherer as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business, effective 1 January 2026. Lars Wagner will join Airbus from the beginning of November 2025 to ensure a smooth transition with Christian Scherer. Christian remains CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business until 31 December 2025, topping a career spanning over 40 years in several executive roles with Airbus.
Lars Wagner, 50, has held the position of CEO at MTU Aero Engines AG since January 2023. Prior to his appointment as CEO and since joining MTU in 2015, Lars notably assumed the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President in charge of OEM operations. He previously held a number of management positions at Airbus including in Bremen, Hamburg and Toulouse. Lars holds a degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering as well as an MBA.
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