A report from the Seattle Aerospace Bash, Boeing’s strategic divestments, Avelo Airlines’ controversial charter flights, Electra’s innovative aircraft technology, Lockheed Martin’s future fighter jet developments, and Boeing’s reacquisition of Spirit AeroSystems.

Seattle Aerospace Bash

The Seattle Aerospace Bash (Formerly BBQ) was held April 5th, 2025, at the Museum of Flight View Room, in Seattle, Washington. Aerospace enthusiasts and geeks gathered to celebrate the year ahead in aviation and space. In addition to food, activities included an aerospace swap meet, a sticker/freebie table, Isaac Alexander’s aerospace trivia contest, and an aerospace raffle with various prizes.

Isaac Alexander standing among seated participants at the Seattle Aerospace Bash. — Isaac Alexander and participants at the Seattle Aerospace Bash.

Brian Coleman spoke with organizer Isaac Alexander about the Seattle Aerospace Bash. Isaac is known as Jet City Star on many social media platforms, and he’s the Chief Content Officer at the Hype Aerospace Insights service.

Brian also had a conversation with Brian Wiklem about aerospace memorabilia and the aviation documentaries he produces as a hobby. Find avgeektv on YouTube and at avgeektv.com.

Stickers and other items for participants on a table. — Freebies at the Seattle Aerospace Bash.

Aviation News

Boeing to Sell Portions of Digital Aviation Solutions to Thoma Bravo for $10.55 Billion

Boeing has entered into a definitive agreement with software investment firm Thoma Bravo to sell portions of its Digital Aviation Solutions business. The all-cash transaction is valued at $10.55 billion. Thoma Bravo would acquire the assets of Jeppesen, ForeFlight, AerData, and OzRunways.

Jeppesen provides flight planning tools, and navigation charts. It was acquired by Boeing in 2000.
ForeFlight offers an electronic flight bag and was acquired in 2019.
AerData specializes in lease management, engine fleet planning, and records management. It was acquired 2014.
OzRunways produces an electronic flight bag and maps for drone operators in Australia. That company was acquired 2024.

Boeing will retain Digital Aviation Solutions’ fleet maintenance, diagnostics, and repair service elements. That organization currently employs approximately 3,900 people worldwide. Subject to regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025. Thoma Bravo has over US$179 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024.

North Bay activists call for boycott of Avelo Airlines as it plans for ICE deportation flights

Avelo Airlines previously announced it would operate deportation charter flights for the Department of Homeland Security. This sparked protests against the airline at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in California, at Daytona Beach International Airport in Florida, and near Wilmington Airport in Delaware.

Avelo Airlines generates profit by leveraging its ultra-low-cost carrier model. Key strategies include low operating costs, ancillary revenue, efficient fleet utilization, use of secondary airports, and lean staffing.

Avelo’s Cost per Available Seat Mile (CASM), excluding fuel, is only 6.6 cents.

CASM = Total Operating Costs / Available Seat Miles (ASM)

ASM is the number of available seats times the distance flown.

Typical CASM for different airline business models:

6-8 cents for ULCC
8-10 cents for LCC
13-17 cents for legacy carriers

Electra raises $115m for ultra-short take-off and landing aircraft

Electra.aero is developing the eight-engine hybrid-electric EL9 Ultra Short, a 9-passenger, high-wing aircraft. The company claims a 150-foot ground roll, 75 dBA at 300 feet, and 40% lower fuel burn. The target market is regional aircraft. The Ultra Short technology demonstrator is undergoing flight testing. The first eSTOL flight was May 16, 2024.

Video: Electra First eSTOL Flight May 2024

https://youtu.be/esTykmreHuQ?si=1dRhyc5CSsWihtL2

John Langford is the founder and CEO of Electra.aero. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the immediate past President of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). He founded Aurora Flight Sciences in 1989, Athena Technologies in 1998, and Electra.aero in 2020.

6th-Generation F-47 Fighter Has A Message For Lockheed’s ‘Super’ F-35

After losing the F-47 NGAD contract to Boeing, Lockheed Martin has returned by promoting a Super F-35. Lockheed Martin Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Taiclet says the company plans to incorporate technologies from Lockheed’s NGAD bid to create an upgraded F-35. Taiclet calls it a “fifth-generation-plus” fighter. The claim is that this F-35 variant could provide almost 80% of sixth-gen capabilities, but cost about half the projected F-47 cost.

Airbus to acquire Spirit AeroSystems industrial facilities

Spirit AeroSystems was originally spun off from Boeing in 2005, but Boeing is now re-acquiring the company. That deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025. Boeing has reached a definitive agreement with Airbus SE to divest some Airbus-related assets, including:

Kinston, North Carolina (A350 fuselage sections)
St. Nazaire, France (A350 fuselage sections)
Casablanca, Morocco (A321 and A220 components)
Wichita, Kansas (A220 pylon production)
Belfast, Northern Ireland: (Production of A220 wings and the A220 mid-fuselage)
Prestwick, Scotland: (A320 and A350 wing component production)

Airbus will receive US$439 million in compensation from Spirit AeroSystems to ensure Airbus takes ownership of Spirit’s facilities and operations tied to Airbus programs. The closing of the transaction is planned in the third quarter of 2025. The Airbus asset divestiture and the Boeing merger are subject to regulatory approvals.

Also, Airbus has an agreement with Spirit AeroSystems to provide Spirit AeroSystems with US$200 million in non-interest-bearing lines of credit to support Airbus programs.

Finlets

A Closer Look at Finlets – Aircraft ‘Fins’ for Sustainable Aviation

Finlets are patented by Vortex Control Technologies (VCT). The company focuses on aerodynamically controlling vortices emanating from the aft fuselage of aircraft.

Why No Winglet On Horizontal Stabilizer?

Why don’t horizontal stabilizers have winglets?

Photo of finlets on the tail of a C-17. — Finlets on a C-17. Photo courtesy Vortex Control Technologies.

Mentioned

Mayor Left Speechless After Theft of Amelia Earhart Statue in Harbour Grace

Boeing begins flying back planes refused by Chinese airlines

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

846 Seattle Aerospace Bash 01:12:56 Share

Airplane Geeks Podcast

Shownotes Transcript

846 Seattle Aerospace Bash