846 Seattle Aerospace Bash

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 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. 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 Engineer...