ALL THINGS AIRBUS

ON THE BOEING FRONT

Boeing Begins 2026 on High Note as 107 Order Total Marks Strongest January Sales Since 2012

Boeing, in January, kept up a brisk pace of aircraft deliveries and continued padding its backlog, including by landing major orders from lessors and a landmark 787 deal from Delta Air Lines. The Atlanta-based carrier in January agreed to acquire 30 787-10s, marking a major win for Boeing that reflects a shift by Delta away from the recent trend of only acquiring Airbus Widebodies. Delta will use the jets, powered by GE Aerospace GEnx engines, to replace its 767s; deliveries are set to begin in 2031.

Boeing has enjoyed resurgent demand for the 787 over the last year, having secured orders for more than 400 of the jets since the start of 2025. Including the 30-strong Delta deal, Boeing last month took orders for 107 aircraft, the most in any January since 2012, the airframer said on 10 February. Among those, lessor Aviation Capital Group signed for 50 737 Max, Air India ordered 20 737 Max and Taiwan’s EVA Air ordered four 787s.

Meanwhile,Boeing kept deliveries humming last month, handing over 46 jets, including 37 737s. The company says it has not delivered that many aircraft in any January since 2019, prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Boeing ended the month with 6,196 aircraft in its backlog, up from 6,130 at the end of December.

Source: Boeing

Boeing Announces Largest-Ever Landing Gear Exchange Agreement At Singapore AirShow

On February 4, 2026, Boeing announced the largest landing gear exchange contract in Boeing’s history at the Singapore Airshow. Under the contract, Boeing will provide landing gear exchanges for more than 75 aircraft across the 737 MAX and 787 fleets operated by Singapore Airlines(SIA) Group. The landing gear exchange program offers gear overhaul scheduling flexibilityThat will optimize the useful life of the gears and mining aircraft downtime.

Boeing’s landing Gear Exchange program provides tailored solutions to airline customers needing timely access to serviceable landing gear assemblies through a managed inventory and partner network. It reduces the need for carriers to hold large on-site spares, shortens maintenance- related aircraft on-ground time and supports sustained dispatch reliability across busy networks. “Our relationship with Th e SIA consistent, reliable is built on delivering dependable solutions,” said William Ampofo, senior vice president,Parts& Distribution and Supply Chain, Boeing Global services.

“By combining our global inventory and rapid distribution capabilities with the carrier’s maintenance planning, this agreement helps deliver parts faster and closer to operations reducing downtime and supporting consistent, reliable service.”

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

ANA Receives Boeing’s 100th 787 Landing Gear Exchange Delivery

Boeing successfully completed its 100th 787 Landing Gear Exchange (LGE) delivery, highlighting its commitment to innovate solutions that enhance operational efficiency and safety for its customers.The milestone delivery was received by ANA. “The Landing Gear Exchange program has been instrumental in optimizing out Maintenance operations and ensuring the highest levels of safety during our Passengers’ journeys with us,” said Yukifumi Ueda, vice president and generalManager, Engine, Component & Supply Chain, ANA.

“This latest delivery demonstrates our strong partnership with Boeing and our commitment providing exceptional seamless service to our customers.” ANA has received and installed landing gear assemblies through the exchange program on 30 of its 787s.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

Vietnam Airlines Firms Up Commitments for 50 737 Max 8s

Vietnam Airlines has finalized its orders for 50 Boeing 737 Max 8s, becoming the narrow body’s newest customer. The deal, announced during a state visit by Vietnamese leader To Lam to the USA, is valued at $8.1 billion according to listed pricing, says Vietnam Airlines. Boeing adds that the order was previously listed as undisclosed. Deliveries of the new aircraft will commence 2030 through 2032.The expansion Takes Vietnam Airlines’ fleet to over 150 aircraft by 2030.

Separately, Vietnam Airlines says it is in talks with Boeing over a potential wide body order valued at around $12 billion and covering 30 aircraft to support its International network development strategy. Vietnam Airlines currently operates 17 787s comprising -9s and the larger-10s.

Source : Vietnam Airlines, Boeing, Picture Vietnam Airlines.

Boeing Receives Initial Qualification for 777-9 Training Devices

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved simulator devices for airline pilot training. On February 19, 2026, Boeing 777-9 flight training simulators are one step closer to conducting regulator-approved pilot training after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued qualification certificates granting initial qualification. “Securing these approvals is an important step as we prepare for the start of flight training,” said Capt. Gary Mandy, 777X chief technical pilot. “Pilots will benefit from an immersive training experience that will help ensure our customers’ operational readiness for the 777-9”.

The development of these devices has been a collaborative effort between Boeing and device manufacturer CAE. The 777-9 training devices, located at the Boeing Training  Campus in Gatwick, U.K., include a state of the art full-flight simulator and flight training devices that replicate the airplane’s Advanced systems, allowing pilots to gain proficiency in all aspects of Boeing’s Latest widebody. “The qualification of these training devices underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality training solutions that meet the needs of global airline customers and regulators,” said Chris Broom, vice president, Commercial Training Solutions, Boeing Global Services.

The training devices integrate airplane systems and sophisticated simulation software that model flight dynamics and environmental conditions to provide a realistic training experience for pilots. Following this initial qualification, the training devices will be used by regulatory authorities to validate and approve training courseware before customers commence their pilot training. “This qualification is the result of a multi-year effort between CAE and Boeing’s leading experts,” said Alexandre Prevost, President, Civil Aviation CAE. “We’re excited to continue this strong collaboration as we deliver full-flight simulators to our mutual customers around the world.”

The first member of the 777X family, the 777-9 has a flight deck designed to achieve a high level of comfort and commonality with the 777 and 787 Dreamliner while incorporating advancements for flight crews, including:

• Large-format displays with touchscreen capability.

• The option for dual head-up displays similar to the 787 Dreamliner.

• A redesigned pilot seat that offers greater comfort.

• A unique control and indicator for the 777X folding wingtips that clearly highlights whether wingtips are extended, in motion or folded.

• Integration of portable tablet-based Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) capability.

Source: Boeing, CAE, Picture Boeing

ON THE AIRBUS FRONT

Stretched A350-1000 Natural Evolution But Not a Priority

Airbus is exploring the potential for a larger A350 variant beyond the -1000, but stresses that its work in this direction remains preliminary. Speaking during a full-year briefing on 19 February, Airbus chief executive Guillaume said the airframe “sees demand for a larger aircraft, so that’s also something we’re looking at”. The A350-1000 is intended to accommodate 350-410 passengers, although the twinjet is certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to seat up to 480 if fitted with enhanced dual-lane exit slides. Faury says Airbus is “seriously looking” at the further potential of the A350.

“ A stretch would be a natural evolution of the product,” he states, though he cautions: “We’re not at the point of decision. We’re still the point of working, of analyzing, of listening to customers. But that’s indeed something possible.” Faury points out that Airbus has other priorities with the A350 program, notably the freighter variant, which it aims to fly for the first time this year-end. It is taking matters “one by one”. The airframe intends to begin deliveries of the freighter, which has 81 firm orders, in 2027. Airbus is also exploring avenues to increase A350 production.

Source: Airbus, Picture Airbus

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Alberta Orders Five DHC-515 Water Bombers From De Havilland

The Canadian province of Alberta has ordered five De Havilland in- Development DNC-%15 water bombers, padding the manufacturer’s backlog as it works to develop and introduce the updated firefighting aircraft. De Havilland is producing the first three DHC-515s at its Calgary facilities and expects to have the type certificated in time to deliver the first to Greece in 2028. Alberta will spend $292 million to purchase the five aircraft and expects to receive the first in the spring of 2031, the province’s government said on 17 February when announcing the deal.

Alberta owns four of De Havilland’s earlier-generation CL-215 water bombers that were produced between 1986 and 1988, according to fleet data provider Cirium. The province intends to retain those aircraft, supplementing them with the incoming DHC-515s. “Increasingly, we are seeing fire season become more volatile here in Alberta and across Canada,” says Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. “The aircraft will help prevent fires from spreading into neighboring communities.”

Source : De Havilland, picture De Havilland

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

UAL Airlines Orders 300 GEnx Engines From GE Aerospace To Power Boeing 787s

United Airlines strengthened its long-term partnership with GE Aerospace by selecting 300 GEnx engines to power the new Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This order will expand UAL’s 787 fleet to more than 200 GEnx-powered aircraft and make it the largest GEnx operator globally. The deal enhances GE Aerospace’s revenue visibility; it will generate both engine sales and high-margin aftermarket services over the decades.

GE Aerospace designed the GEnx with advanced materials and technologies to deliver high durability, efficiency, and reliability. The engine has achieved a 99.98% dispatch reliability rate and accumulated more than 70 million flight hours, proving its strong operational performance. With this order, GE Aerospace increased its firm GEnx backlog to nearly 1,800 engines plus spares, strengthening its production pipeline and long term cash flow outlook.

UAl reinforced its reliance on GE Aerospace by expanding its use of GEnex engines across its growing Dreamliner fleet. The airline already operates several GE and CFM engine models, and greater fleet commonality will improve maintenance efficiency, reduce operational complexity, and lower lifecycle costs. The strategy will help United Airlines optimize its performance and support its international expansion plans.

Source: GE Aerospace,United Airlines

FlyDubai to Start Receiving More 737 Max 9s As Premium Demand Rises

Middle Eastern operator FlyDubai will start increasing its complement of Boeing 737 Maxs (this year, the larger variant accounting for more than half of the 12 Max jets it expects to receive in 2026. This year’s delivery total, which remains subject to manufacturer schedules, will comprise seven 737 Max 9s and five Max 8s. FlyDubai says the Max 9, of which it currently has only three, will enable the carrier to increase business-class capacity. Demand for business class on its flights was up 19% last year.

All 12 of last year’s deliveries were Max 8s, leaving the Flydubai fleet at 97 aircraft after it withdrew three older leased 737-800s. FlyDubai states that it ”finalized” a retrofit program for its 737-800s with a refit of eight more jets, taking the total to 25. FlyDubai is committing to further 75 Max jets plus 150 Airbus A321neos to expand and diversify its fleet.

Source: FlyDubai, picture FlyDubai

Air Canada to Acquire Airbus A350-1000 Widebody Aircraft

On February 11, Air Canada announced the next phase of its fleet modernization program with the addition of the Airbus A350-1000 wide-body aircraft. The airline will welcome eight aircraft to its fleet, and has rights to purchase eight other A350-1000s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030.

Powered by the XWB97 engine from Rolls Royce and fabricated using lighter weight materials, it is estimated the aircraft will deliver up to a 25 per cent fuel consumption reduction compared to the previous generation aircraft’s estimated by Airbus.The a350-1000 has a potential range of approximately 9,000 nautical miles.

According to Airbus, aisle cabin available customers will experience the quietest twin-aisle cabin available.It is designed to be pressurized to only 6,000 feet to reduce stress on the body, minimize jet lag and deliver a noticeably more comfortable travel experience.

Source: Air Canada, picture Air Canada

LATEST NEWS

• Tigerair Taiwan has signed a purchase agreement for four Airbus A321neos, becoming the variant’s latest customer.
  

• Pratt & Whitney expects its recovery from the PW1000G geared turbofan(GTF) recall to run through the end of this decade, while insisting it is taking steps now to significantly improve the reliability of its powerplants.

• Thai Airways has confirmed it is in discussions to lease 10 Boeing 787-8s intended for fleet replacement.
  

• Royal Jordanian First Boeing 787-9 for Royal Jordanian from her maiden test flight taken at Charleston International.Reg: JY-RBA MSN 65114.
  

• United Airlines the first of 10 Boeing 737 Max 8s that will operate throughout United Airlines South Pacific network has arrived in Guam.
  
• Air Cambodia places a firm order for 10 Boeing Max 8s with options for 10More aircraft becoming the type’s newest customer.

• Boeing to modernize C-17 with open architecture under $266 million US Air Force contract.

• Vietjet has signed an aircraft financing agreement with US-based Griffin Global Asset Management for six Boeing 737 Max 8 jets.

Sources: Flight Global,Boeing,Pratt & Whitney, Griffn Global Asset Management,United Airlines

AIR CARGO

Airbus 350 Second Freighter Begins to Come Together

Airbus continues to progress the development of the A350 Freighter as it works towards the start of a 10-month, 400h flight-test campaign later this year. Its initial A350F prototype (MSN700) is largely complete, having completed an “Industrial roll-out” last November, and is now undergoing ground testing, says Crawford Hamilton, Airbus head of freighter marketing.

In addition, the Freighter’s 4.3m (169in)-wide main deck cargo door (MDCD) has yet to be installed, with the component still in final assembly, says Hamilton, adding: “We will be putting it on in the next few months.” Airbus aims to perform a maiden sortie of the first prototype later this year. Meanwhile, parts for the second prototype, MSN701, have begun arriving at the Airframes Toulouse final Assembly line. Service entry for the A350F is set for the second half of 2027, although Hamilton declines to say which customer will receive the first production aircraft.

Source: Airbus, picture  Airbus

DHL Prioritizes One Cargo Jets for Pharmaceuticals Transport

Global logistics DHL is reducing reliance on third-party carriers and commercial Airlines in favor of its own freighter aircraft to improve service and lower costs, for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and biologic shipments that require handling according to stringent standards. The recent introduction of a shuttle service between the DHL hubs in Brussels, Belgium and Cincinnati, utilizing a Boeing 777-300 converted freighter aircraft, marked the shift to a dedicated, DHL-operated airfreight refrigerated network,

The transportation company said. The cargo jet, which is operated several times per week by Michigan-based partner Kalitta Air, is painted with “Health Logistics,” a label to underscore the use of equipment set aside specifically for medical industry customers. The Midwest, where Cincinnati is located, is home to many healthcare company headquarters and manufacturing plants. Brussels is conveniently located near major drug-making clusters in Europe. Bringing the Pharma air logistics network fully in-house allows DHL to ensure logistics best practices are employed at every step of the journey from origin, handling, temperature-controlled airport processes, loading, and unloading the flight operations, and destination delivery.

Source: DHL, picture DHL

OTHER NOTEWORTHY NEWS

Last 787-8 Test Airplane Bows Out after Years of Breakthroughs

Boeing’s last 787-8 test airplane leaves a lasting legacy as it retires to the Arizona desert on February 11, 2026. While it has been pushed to and beyond the limits any Dreamliner might face in service, it established the performance, safety, and maintenance standards that guide every 787 in operation today. “To the casual observer, it looks like an old airplane, but it’s always been the future, said Capt. Heather Ross, who served as the Airplane’s first chief project Pilot and was at the controls one last time for its final takeoff from Boeing Field in Seattle.

Cap T. Heather Ross and Capt. Craig Bomben, who flew together on ZA004’s first flight, led the final flight crew. They were joined by Capt. Chris Caps, who served as an engineering systems operator on the Airplane’s first flight and is now a Boeing test pilot, and Elmo Valdez, a flight analyst who has supported ZA004 for many years. For the many employees who have supported the airplane, its departure is a bittersweet milestone they’ve been bracing for. “Sixteen years of service with The Boeing Company, that’s a legacy few test airplanes achieve,” said John Murphy, The 787 program’s chief Project engineer. The airplane’s original air-traffic callsign,” Boeing 004”, was used again for the airplane’s final flight to Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona, a long-term storage and reclamation facility.

Source:  Boeing, picture Boeing

 Researched and Compiled by : 

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor  

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian