Mcity, a public-private partnership at the University of Michigan, has outlined a model approach for independently assessing the safety of highly automated vehicles. Mcity Director Huei Peng said the test could "help rebuild public trust and accelerate the development of these potentially life-changing vehicles."

Aerospace Industries Association, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman were represented at the first meeting of the Maryland Defense and Aerospace Consortium. One of the group's missions is to spread best practices in data security from larger to smaller companies.

Lockheed Martin says its proposed India assembly facility for the F-16 could generate $20 billion in annual exports. India is considering the F-16, Boeing F/A-18, Saab Gripen and others for a 114-aircraft order.

The F-35 fighter jet could be equipped with a new interceptor enabling it to destroy ballistic missiles and to become a key part of US missile defense, according to the latest Missile Defense Review. Currently, the F-35 tracks cruise missiles.

China says it has successfully tracked US F-22 Raptors, in spite of the aircraft's stealth technology. Chinese media has reported the tracking of Air Force F-22s over the East China Sea.

Boeing and Airbus have reported record deliveries for 2018 following a late-year surge for each company. Boeing delivered a total of 173 737 jetliners to close out 2018.

Freighter conversions grew in 2018, according to Flight Fleets Analyzer. A total of 110 commercial aircraft were converted last year compared with 99 in the previous year.

KlasJet is adding a trio of VIP Boeing 737-500 aircraft to its fleet. The charter company could order up to four more Boeing jets.

The Missile Defense Agency is reviewing nine proposals for the development of a Space Sensor Layer capable of tracking hypersonic missiles. MDA will select three proposals for continued development.

Russia's Soyuz rocket is now being used for commercial launches.