The US and Finland are deepening military ties, as evidenced by Gen. Dave Goldfein going up in a Finnish F/A-18 Hornet. "When I fly with another country, there's actually a message there of mutual trust and confidence and really an opportunity to highlight the professionalism of their air force," he said.

Turkey's exit from the global F-35 supply chain could mean an opportunity for countries interested in the Lockheed Martin fighter jet such as Spain, Canada, Finland and Switzerland. Parts contracts currently held by Turkey could go to a new participant.

Lockheed Martin will provide Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems M142 launchers under a $492 million contract.

Ascent Aerospace has purchased a Large Scale Additive Manufacturing machine made by Thermwood Corporation. "Our investment in the LSAM represents the next milestone in Ascent's multi-year technology roadmap and realization of expansive efforts studying the benefits of additive manufacturing within the aerospace tooling market," CEO Michael Mahfet said.

Airbus, Ampaire and others are exploring the potential of retrofitting aircraft with electric propulsion systems. Airbus could fly an electric powered passenger jet demonstrator in 2021.

Boeing predicts a long-term shortfall of 769,000 aviation maintenance technicians due to global fleet growth, attrition and the retirement of aging technicians. The 2019 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook recommends training and the use of technology to help address the gap.

The House Armed Services Committee has said no to a $15 million budget increase to the Space Development Agency. "The committee is concerned about the turmoil surrounding the Space Development Agency and uncertainty about program plans and leadership, shortly after its establishment in March 2019," states a letter signed by Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash. and Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas.

The Federal Communications Commission is proposing a massive reduction in licensing costs for small satellites, potentially bringing the cost to $30,000, down from $472,000. "I see no reason why a satellite the size of a shoe box, with the life expectancy of a guinea pig, should be regulated the same way as a spacecraft the size of a school bus that will stay in orbit for centuries," FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said.

Mark Esper, President Donald Trump's nominee as the next defense secretary, will go before the Senate Tuesday. Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer is serving as acting defense secretary during Esper's confirmation process.

While the accessibility of air travel has increased, a doubling of the Passenger Facility Charge would "represent a heavy hit to middle-class families" and reverse positive trends, writes Pete Sepp, President of the National Taxpayers Union. "Travelers shouldn't have to bear an even heavier load for infrastructure upgrades, especially when the opportunity for more effective reform is at hand," Sepp writes.