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Corsica Technics to Convert ATR 72s into Firefighting Waterbombers with Kepplair Kits
Corsica Technics signs letter of intent for 10 firefighting conversion kits to modify ATR 72s for waterbombing, cargo, and medevac roles at Bastia hub.
The gist
Corsica Technics will convert ATR 72 aircraft into versatile firefighting waterbombers using Kepplair Evolution kits.
Corsica Technics, an MRO firm based in Bastia, France, has announced a letter of intent to acquire 10 modification kits from French aircraft developer Kepplair Evolution. The kits are designed to convert ATR 72 passenger or cargo airplanes into dedicated firefighting waterbombers that can drop water or retardants on wildfires. This move forms part of Corsica Technics’ broader strategy to enhance Bastia airport as a regional maintenance and air protection hub in the Mediterranean.
The ATR 72 modification, known as the Kepplair 72, equips the aircraft with a water delivery system called KEDS, while retaining cargo transport and medical evacuation capabilities. This flexibility is meant to enable year-round operations beyond peak wildfire seasons. Corsica Technics’ president Jean-Marc Cristelli highlighted the firm’s commitment to supporting civil protection by leveraging its aviation expertise to deploy rapid firefighting solutions.
Kepplair Evolution, headquartered in Paris, currently holds orders or commitments for 18 aircraft or conversion kits. They are in the process of developing a prototype by converting an ATR 72 cargo aircraft supplied by ACIA Aero Capital at Toulouse Blagnac airport. Aerotec & Concept will carry out the modification work. Flight and drop tests for the prototype are scheduled to begin before the end of the year.
The ATR 72 platform was chosen for these conversions due to its robust design, widespread availability, and operational adaptability. Configuring this turboprop for firefighting missions offers an alternative to existing waterbombers and addresses rising demands for wildfire suppression capabilities in Europe and surrounding regions.
The conversion incorporates a water tank and delivery system integrated into the airframe, allowing for rapid water or retardant drops. By combining firefighting capabilities with cargo and medevac roles, the aircraft can perform multiple mission types, optimizing utility and operational efficiency within a single platform.
Corsica Technics’ investment reflects growing concerns over wildfire risks exacerbated by climate change, especially along Mediterranean coastal areas. By establishing a dedicated hub for these conversions and maintenance at Bastia airport, the company aims to offer quick turnaround and deployment options for firefighting operators.
This initiative marks an important step toward modernizing firefighting aviation assets with cost-effective conversions rather than acquiring new specialized aircraft. The use of a commonly operated type like the ATR 72 helps ensure easier pilot training, maintenance, and parts availability.
As the conversion program advances from prototype to production, the combined efforts of Corsica Technics and Kepplair Evolution could provide operators across southern Europe and beyond with a versatile and scalable firefighting aircraft solution. Early testing outcomes later this year will be key in demonstrating operational capabilities and securing further orders.
Frequently asked questions
- What aircraft is Corsica Technics converting into firefighting waterbombers?
- Corsica Technics plans to convert ATR 72 passenger or cargo aircraft into firefighting waterbombers using modification kits from Kepplair Evolution.
- What additional roles will the converted ATR 72 fulfill besides firefighting?
- Besides firefighting, the converted ATR 72 will be outfitted for cargo transport and medical evacuation missions for year-round versatility.
- Where will the modification work for the prototype ATR 72 take place?
- The prototype conversion is being performed at Toulouse Blagnac airport by Aerotec & Concept on an ATR 72 cargo aircraft provided by ACIA Aero Capital.
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Inside Turkmenistan Airlines' Quiet Business Class Flight on a 777-300ER
Hello from Turkmenistan! Well, okay, hello from India… you thought you were going to get Wi-Fi at Ashgabat Airport? Lol. I am downright giddy, as I just fulfilled an avgeek dream I've had for years , which is to fly with Turkmenistan Airlines! Specifically, I flew the carrier's ex-Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER on the 4hr35min flight from Frankfurt (FRA) to Ashgabat (ASB). My conclusion? I demand my money back (even though I paid "just" $1,000 for my full fare one-way business class ticket from Frankfurt to Delhi)! The flight was way too normal for my liking. I was expecting to be reporting back from a prison in Turkmenistan, awaiting deportation to North Korea, ideally on an Air Koryo codeshare flight (okay, I'm kidding, before anyone yells at me). Instead, I had a rather pleasant, drama-free flight, and it was only mildly strange… I even got tucked in when it was time to sleep, due to my own awkwardness. Heck, I took dozens and dozens of pictures, and no one yelled at me. This isn't what I signed up for!!! Why I've been obsessed with flying Turkmenistan Airlines Most people (at least those who aren't regular OMAAT readers) are probably thinking "WTF, you flew what airline to where?" Everyone needs hobbies in life, and one of my hobbies is flying very strange airlines, at least from a US or Western-centric perspective. Tajikitan's Somon Air, or Uzbekistan Airways? Yes please, I'll take seconds! However, arguably Turkmenistan Airlines is one of the most mysterious airlines in the world, and for years I've been talking about how I want to fly the airline . That largely comes down to the country, Turkmenistan. Side note — it's a very rich country, with the world's fourth largest natural gas reserves (even if you wouldn't know about the wealth based on how individuals live). More interestingly, though, it's also one of the world's most secretive countries. I've heard it described as the North Korea of the "stans," in terms of travel restrictions, censorship, etc. For example, you can only visit the country as a tourist if you have a guide with you at all times. So I've been curious to fly with the airline. The carrier operates a limited network to Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and within Central Asia. I've largely heard that the carrier's flights are mostly empty, and the primary motivation for the network is to move cargo. I've also heard that the onboard experience is just bizarre, that no pictures are allowed, and that Ashgabat Airport is a ghost town, with essentially a 1:1 ratio between passengers and guards. So, how was my Turkmenistan Airlines business class flight? I'm going to keep this section brief, so that there's still a little "meat" to the full flight review, which I'll publish soon. To say that I was excited when I saw the Turkmenistan Airlines Boeing 777-300ER at the gate in Frankfurt would be an understatement. Turkmenistan Airlines 777 Frankfurt Airport This was actually an ex-Cathay Pacific plane, with interiors almost entirely unchanged. There were 40 business class seats… and two other passengers. Turkmenistan Airlines 777 business class cabin Turkmenistan Airlines 777 business class cabin Well, and then there was the dude with the big hat who stood in front of the plane while it was on the ground in Frankfurt, who also flew in business class (but then put on a baseball cap onboard). Turkmenistan Airlines 777 Frankfurt Airport The inflight entertainment was riveting… if you want to read the inflight magazine, where just about every page is about the country's president. Turkmenistan Airlines inflight magazine Turkmenistan Airlines inflight magazine Turkmenistan Airlines inflight magazine When it comes to the seat back entertainment, there were a very limited number of TV shows, yet somehow an interview with Dr. Fauci on "the politicization of public health, the threats he faced during Covid, and his concerns over a divided America" made it into the selection. Yeah, you know, your typical entertainment option alongside "The Big Bang Theory." Turkmenistan Airlines 777 business class inflight entertainment Turkmenistan Airlines gets A+ for its drink presentation! Turkmenistan Airlines business class pre-departure drink The airline also gets an A+ for its schedule padding. I was amazed looking at the flight history for the Frankfurt to Ashgabat route, and seeing how it consistently arrives on-time or ahead of schedule. That's when I realized that it's because they pad their schedules to the point of oblivion, with a 4hr35min flight being blocked at 6hr. Watch out, Delta, Turkmenistan Airlines is the real "on-time machine!" The meal service was surprisingly extensive. There was a dinner after takeoff, and I opted for the short rib with potatoes, which came with a side of cold cuts, a salad, and some cheese. The flight attendant generously let me peer at the menu for 30 seconds before making a selection. Turkmenistan Airlines business class meal service There was then a dessert, consisting of a cheesecake tart, and a mini Mars bar, and I ordered a cup of tea to go along with it. Turkmenistan Airlines business class meal service I managed to get in a little snooze. I almost got caught taking pictures, as I stood over my seat with my phone, trying to take a picture of the bed. As the flight attendant walked up to me, I tried to come up with the best excuse I could — "I can't figure out how to use the blanket" — what the hell was I thinking? Well, it worked out, because the flight attendant then said "I will show you," and then… tucked me in. Talk about a Singapore Airlines first class level of service! About 90 minutes after the first meal service, I was offered a pre-landing snack, with a sandwich and yogurt. By the way, I'm really confused by what the meat is here, and in the above picture, given that Turkmenistan is an overwhelmingly Muslim country? Is this… not pork? I tried to ask, but that got lost in translation. Turkmenistan Airlines business class pre-landing service Also, the forward lavatory sure was a lovely throwback to Cathay Pacific first class! Ah… good times! Remember when you could consistently book it for 67,500 AAdvantage miles, and there were often multiple award seats? Turkmenistan Airlines 777 business class lavatory Also, is that… just a tin of NIVEA? Is everyone just supposed to stick their finger in there and moisturize… or? Turkmenistan Airlines 777 business class lavatory amenities Anything going on in this region I should know about? Turkmenistan Airlines 777 business class map feature Anyway, that's all for now. While the flight was calmer than expected, fortunately the airport lived up to everything I hoped for! Bottom line Sometimes dreams really do come true… and for me that was flying Turkmenistan Airlines business class! I've been fascinated by the airline for years, given… well, everything. Honestly, the entire experience was better and more anticlimactic than I was expecting, and that's probably a good thing. I had an oddly pleasant flight, and being one of three people in a 40-seat business class cabin in the peak of summer is something you won't find on many airlines. It was also sort of a fun trip down memory lane to fly on a former Cathay Pacific jet. I wish I could come up with a Josh Cahill style narrative here about how I was scammed, or about how it was the worst flight ever… but well, I'll leave that to him.
Fraport sees global passenger growth in H1 2026 despite Frankfurt dip
Fraport AG has released its traffic figures for June and the first half of 2026. While Frankfurt Airport saw a modest decline in passenger numbers, the company’s global portfolio delivered overall growth. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); The group handled 77.7 million passengers across its actively managed airports in the first six months, marking a 1.0 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. Frankfurt Airport Faces Headwinds In June 2026, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) welcomed approximately 5.7 million passengers. This represents a 1.7 percent decrease from June 2025. For the first half of the year, the airport recorded 28.9 million passengers, down 0.8 percent year-on-year. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); Several factors contributed to the softer performance. Strikes at Lufthansa affected nearly 700,000 passengers directly. The outbreak of the Iran war caused significant flight restrictions and reduced demand for Middle East routes. Passenger numbers to this region dropped 35 percent in the first half, with only about 880,000 travellers. In June alone, traffic to the Middle East was still 27 percent lower than the previous year. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); Positive trends emerged in other regions. Traffic to southern and northern Europe increased. Long-haul routes to the Far East rose, with Africa and Latin America also showing gains. In the first six months, passengers to Africa grew 8.0 percent to 1.6 million, while Far East traffic climbed 6.4 percent to 3.3 million. Cargo operations at Frankfurt remained resilient. Airfreight and airmail volumes increased by 2.0 percent in June to 177,676 metric tons. For the first half, cargo grew 1.0 percent to 1.0 million metric tons. However, aircraft movements fell 4.9 percent in June to 39,390, and total maximum takeoff weights decreased by 2.3 percent. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Frankfurt Airport Photo Credit: Fraport Strong Performance Across International Airports Fraport’s international airports largely delivered growth, offsetting the Frankfurt decline. In June, the total number of passengers at all actively managed airports reached around 19.7 million, a slight 1.1 percent dip. Yet the half-year total of 77.7 million passengers confirmed positive momentum for the group. Notable performers included: Ljubljana Airport (LJU) in Slovenia: Passenger numbers surged 12.7 percent to 184,211. Brazilian gateways (Fortaleza and Porto Alegre): Combined traffic rose 2.0 percent to 1.2 million passengers. Lima Airport (LIM) in Peru: Up 0.9 percent to around 2.0 million passengers. 14 Greek airports: Handled 5.6 million passengers, an increase of 4.7 percent. Bulgarian coastal airports (Burgas and Varna): Grew 8.0 percent to 593,964 passengers. Antalya Airport (AYT) in Turkey was an exception, with traffic down 9.6 percent to 4.5 million passengers in June. High tourism prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affected bookings. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Ljubljana Airport Photo Credit: Fraport CEO Outlook: Financial Guidance Maintained Fraport CEO Dr. Stefan Schulte acknowledged the challenging first half but expressed confidence in the company’s position. “The first half of the year was impacted by many extraordinary factors,” he said. These included strikes, the Iran war, jet fuel concerns, and rising oil prices that made passengers more reluctant to book. As a result, Fraport now projects full-year passenger volumes at Frankfurt to remain roughly at 2025 levels. The company still expects positive growth at its international airports. Importantly, Schulte confirmed that financial targets remain achievable, and the group is maintaining its 2026 financial outlook. He noted that weaker traffic in Germany may slightly dampen overall financial performance. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); Resilience in a Complex Environment Fraport’s diversified global portfolio has once again proven valuable. While Frankfurt — its largest hub — faces short-term pressures from geopolitical events and operational disruptions, strong results from Greece, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Latin America demonstrate the strength of its international operations. The modest cargo growth at Frankfurt also provides a buffer, as airfreight often moves independently of leisure passenger trends. With summer travel season underway, Fraport will focus on recovering Middle East routes and capitalizing on robust demand in Europe and other long-haul markets. Overall, the first-half results show a group that remains on track. Despite external challenges, Fraport continues to manage volatility effectively while preserving its financial guidance for the full year. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); Travellers and industry observers will watch closely to see how the second half of 2026 unfolds amid ongoing global uncertainties.
SolitAir Launches Direct Cargo Service Between Dubai and Tianjin to Boost China-UAE Trade
SolitAir, the UAE’s dedicated B2B airport-to-airport cargo airline, has launched a new scheduled route connecting its Dubai World Central (DWC) hub to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) in northern China. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); The move strengthens the carrier’s growing footprint in one of the world’s most important trade markets, building on its successful operations to Hong Kong and Urumqi. The inaugural flight carried a VIP cargo shipment, underlining the route’s focus on secure, reliable, and time-critical air freight solutions. Customers needing fast, tailored transport for high-value or sensitive goods now have a direct and efficient link between the UAE and northern China. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); Strategic Gateway in Northern China Tianjin, a bustling port city of 14 million people, ranks among China’s largest industrial and logistics hubs. It serves as the main maritime and air gateway for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic region, which accounted for 8.5% of China’s GDP in 2025. Tianjin Port is one of the world’s busiest, handling more than 23 million TEUs annually. Meanwhile, Tianjin Binhai International Airport supports advanced manufacturing sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and high-value industrial equipment. The city also plays a growing role in the Belt and Road Initiative, making it a vital node for international trade. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); CEO: “Supporting Evolving Customer Needs” Hamdi Osman, Founder and CEO of SolitAir , highlighted the importance of the new route. “China remains one of the most dynamic growth markets for global trade,” he said. “Adding Tianjin reflects our commitment to meeting our customers’ evolving needs.” “This route gives us direct access to northern China’s vibrant manufacturing and logistics hub while further strengthening the US$111 billion non-oil trade relationship between China and the UAE.” ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Rapid Network Expansion The Tianjin launch follows SolitAir’s recent entry into Europe with its inaugural route to Sofia, Bulgaria. Since starting operations in October 2024, the airline has quickly scaled up to 56 routes across 33 countries. This includes a strong 18-city network across Africa. The carrier continues to focus on commercially vital, time-sensitive corridors linking Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. SolitAir operates a modern fleet of seven Boeing 737-800 BCF freighters. Each aircraft offers a 20-tonne cargo capacity and is well-suited for a wide range of shipments, including dangerous goods, pharmaceuticals, perishables, valuable items, and oversized freight. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); The airline’s reliable, versatile aircraft deliver the range and performance needed for demanding routes. Comprehensive Service Offering The airline provides an integrated platform across four key service areas: On-Demand Charters, Tailor-Made Programs, Scheduled Flights, and ACMI Services. This flexible approach allows SolitAir to deliver custom solutions on both high-demand and underserved routes. SolitAir holds several important certifications, including the UAE GCAA Air Operator Certificate (AOC), Dangerous Goods certification, EASA Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation, United Kingdom Third Country Operator Certificate, and ACC3 designation from the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); These approvals ensure secure and compliant cargo operations to and from the European Union. Future Growth Plans Looking ahead, SolitAir aims to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft. The airline operates from a 20,440-square-metre dedicated cargo hub at Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport), positioning it well for continued growth in global B2B air cargo. The new Tianjin route enhances connectivity for businesses moving goods between key economic centres. It reflects SolitAir’s strategy of linking dynamic markets with dependable, customer-focused air freight services. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); });
American Express Business Gold Card Offers Up to 200K Points Welcome Bonus
The American Express® Business Gold Card is one of the most rewarding business cards if you're looking to earn Amex Membership Rewards points . Currently we're seeing an excellent improved welcome offer on this card, making it the ideal time to apply. Or more accurately, we're seeing an offer that could be very good, as it's variable. If you're eligible for this card, it's absolutely worth seeing what's available to you. Link: Learn more about the American Express® Business Gold Card See what Amex Business Gold Card offer you're eligible for The Amex Business Gold Card currently has a massive welcome offer that's as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Find out your offer. Personally, I value Amex points at 1.7 cents each, meaning that to me, the 200,000 points are worth $3,400. There are lots of great uses for Amex points , as they can be transferred to all kinds of useful airline and hotel partners. Of course let me emphasize that not everyone will be eligible for this offer, which is why you'll want to check what's available to you. Book lots of awesome travel with Amex bonus points Who is eligible for the Amex Business Gold Card bonus? In line with Amex's "once in a lifetime" rule , the welcome offer on the Amex Business Gold Card isn't available to those who currently have the card, or those who have had the card (or previous versions of the card) in the past. On top of that, Amex's general card restrictions apply. There are a few additional things to note : You are eligible for the welcome offer on this card if you've had any other Amex card, so you can apply for this card even if you have another Amex business card, or the personal version of this card While Amex typically has a limit of letting someone have at most five Amex credit cards (including personal and business cards), that doesn't include this product, since it's not a traditional credit card If you're worried about the Chase 5/24 limit , getting approved for the Amex Business Gold shouldn't count as a further card toward that limit Amex does sometimes have application pop-ups indicating that you may not be eligible for a bonus even though you meet the published requirements otherwise, and in those cases there's not much you can do Anecdotally, I find this to be a pretty easy card to get approved for, and you can read about my experience applying here . Many will be eligible for the welcome offer on the card Why the Amex Business Gold Card may be worth it The Amex Business Gold Card has a $375 annual fee ( Rates & Fees ). There are many reasons to consider picking up this card . I'd say the single biggest reason to get this card is because of the rewards structure. Each billing cycle, the card earns 4x Amex points in the two categories in which your business spends the most. There are a total of six eligible categories to choose from. Note that you earn 4x points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year, and then 1x points thereafter. Categories eligible for 4x points include the following: Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio) U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery U.S. purchases at gas stations Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S. On top of that, the card offers some credits that can help offset the annual fee: The card offers up to a $240 flexible business credit annually; this comes in the form of a $20 per month statement credit that can be used toward eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx (through 10/01/2026), Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. (Enrollment required) The card offers up to $155 in Walmart+ credits annually; this comes in the form of a $12.95 monthly credit toward a Walmart+ membership, which covers the entire cost of that, and can save you money on shipping and delivery of Walmart purchases, and can also save you money on prescriptions and gas. (Enrollment required) Read a full review of the Amex Business Gold Card here . Potentially earn 4x points on restaurant purchases Amex Business Gold Card welcome offer FAQs What is the highest bonus offer for the Amex Business Gold? The highest welcome offer on the Amex Business Gold is currently for up to 200,000 bonus Membership Rewards points upon completing minimum spending, though different people are eligible for different offers. What are the requirements for the Amex Business Gold bonus? The Amex Business Gold generally follows a "once in a lifetime" rule for the welcome offer, so you're typically only going to be eligible if you haven't earned a welcome offer on the card in the past. That being said, during the application process you should receive a warning if you're not eligible for a welcome offer, before there's a hard pull. What should you do if you get a lower offer for the Amex Business Gold? If you get a lower offer than the maximum for the Amex Business Gold, you can either choose not to follow through with the application (with no impact on your credit score), and maybe try again in the future, in hopes of getting something better. Alternatively, you can apply anyway. Not all people will be eligible for the best offer, and there's still lots of merit to getting the card with a lower offer. Can you earn the bonus if you product change to the Amex Business Gold? The Amex Business Gold welcome offer is only available to those who directly apply for the card under an eligible offer. If you product change from another Amex card, you're generally not eligible for the bonus. Can you earn the bonus on the Amex Business Gold if you're an authorized user? If you're an authorized user on someone else's Amex Business Gold, you're still eligible for the welcome offer on the card if you apply under your own account. Bottom line The Amex Business Gold Card currently has an excellent welcome offer that's as high as 200,000 bonus Membership Rewards points upon completing minimum spending. While the spending requirement is significant, so is the number of points you can earn, so this is worth it if you can swing it… assuming you're eligible! The main reason to consider picking up this card (beyond the great welcome offer) is because it offers 4x points in valuable categories. On top of that, though, the card offers some credits that can help offset the annual fee. Do you plan on picking up the Amex Business Gold Card ? What kind of a welcome offer are you eligible for? The following links will direct you to the rates and fees for mentioned American Express Cards. These include: American Express® Business Gold Card ( Rates & Fees ).
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