With front pages dominated by photos of passenger queues snaking around airport terminals and social media abuzz with complaints about cancelled flights, it's easy to forget that people are still flying - and in increasing numbers. This month we analyse the key European carriers (page 56) and take an in-depth look at the lengths that manufacturers are taking to ensure their aircraft fly safely when faced with climatic extremes, whether it be ice, flooding or volcanic ash (page 44).With rotary-loving readers in mind, AIR International recently visited the Netherlands' Police Air Support Unit - on page 80 we look at its history, fleet and growing importance to this heavily populated nation.It is now more than 100 days since Moscow mounted its invasion of Ukraine, the grim milestone being marked each step of the way by a level of destruction and suffering not seen in Europe for decades. However, one notable development brought about by the war is the emerging role that private satellite service operators can provide, with Kyiv reliant on the sector for a significant proportion of its communications and imagery needs (page 64). Elsewhere, we look at Europe's competing sixth-generation fighter programmes ahead of the airshow season (page 36), as well as exploring the role that uncrewed combat autonomous vehicles, also known as UCAVs, will play in the air forces of tomorrow (page 86).As ever, we hope you enjoy the issue.
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