ALL THINGS BOEING

First Australian P-8A Poseidon Arrives in the US For Modification

Boeing has received the first of 12 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon aircraft to receive a modification known as Increment 3 Block 2. It comes as the RAAF recently welcomed its 13th P-8A Poseidon to its fleet at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

Why it matters: Along with a significant upgrade to the submarine hunter’s airframe and avionics systems, this modification includes new airframe racks, radome, antennas, sensors, and wiring, ensuring the P-8A remains the most capable maritime patrol aircraft in the world.

Paired with the arrival of the 13th P-8A, these enhancements will improve fleet readiness and operational reach. Two of the 12 aircraft will be upgraded at  Boeing’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility in Jacksonville, Florida.

• The first of those two arrived on September 25. 

• The remaining 10 aircraft will be completed by Boeing Defense Australia at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

• The delivery of the 13th aircraft on September 29 marked the first P-8A delivery to the RAAF in six years.

• The 14th and final Poseidon for the RAAF is scheduled for delivery in 2026.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

Boeing Finalizes $ 10.6bn Sale of Digital Businesses to Thoma Bravo

Boeing has sold several businesses to investment firm Thoma Bravo, closing a deal that injects fresh cash into the company and reflects a plan by Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg to sharpen Boeing’s strategic focus. The aircraft manufacturer announced on November 3 that it had finalized the divestitures through an all-cash sale of $10.55 billion to Thoma Bravo. Ortberg also says the sale will help Boring maintain its investment-grade credit rating.

Assets divested include Boeing’s aircraft management software provider AerData& flight-service information providers ForeFlight, Jeppesen, and OzRunways. Boeing had housed those businesses under its Boeing Global Services division. The sale reflects Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg’s intention to shift Boeing’s focus more toward its prime business of aircraft manufacturing.

Source: Boeing

ALL THINGS AIRBUS

Airbus Trims A220 Production Targets Over Supply & Demand Considerations

Airbus has lowered its target for A220 production rates, aiming for 12 aircraft per month next year, down from 14. The airframer attributed the decision to the “current balance between supply and demand”.Airbus has taken net orders for just 36 A220s over the first nine months of this year, but has delivered 62 of the twinjets. The backlog for the A220 stood at 490 aircraft at the end of September. Airbus says the situation has led to an “adjustment of the ramp-up trajectory”. But the manufacturer’s other aircraft production plans remain unchanged.

It is still aiming for $75 per month on the A320neo family in 2027, and $12 per month for the A350 in 2028. The airframer also confirms the A330 monthly rate will stay at four aircraft until 2029 when it rises to five. Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury says the complex and dynamic operating environment means deliveries are still backlogged. The company handed over 507 commercial jets in the first nine months of the year, including 33 A350s and 20 A330s. But Airbus is maintaining its full-year delivery target of 820 aircraft.

Source: Airbus, picture Airbus

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Supply Shortages No Longer Hindering Embraer’s 2025 Production Plans

Supply chain troubles will not affect Embraer’s ability to hit its 2025 aircraft delivery target, with chief executive Francisco Gomes Net saying the company already has all components needed to meet its goal. That means reaching the target rests on how fast Embraer can move jets through its production facilities. The risk for the supply chain in 2025…is over”, Gomes Net said on 4 November when Embraer disclosed its third-quarter financial results. “We have all the parts we need to assemble the aircraft. Now, it’s up to us.” 

Source: Embraer

Pilatus Resumes U.S. Deliveries Despite Tariff Penalty

After previously announcing a temporary hit to U.S. deliveries of its PC12 single-engine turboprop and PC-24 twinjet in August, due to 39% tariffs imposed on Swiss products by the U.S. government, Pilatus has committed to resuming deliveries to U.S. customers. Earlier in November, Pilatus handed over the first PC-12 Pro for a U.S. customer. A Pilatus spokesman told AIN, “ For the time being, Pilatus will honor its contractual responsibilities towards its U.S. clients and dealers by ensuring deliveries to the USA until the end of 2025. PC-12 and PC-24 ferry flights to the USA have therefore resumed. Intensive discussions have been held with U.S.sales partners and end customers to seek transit solutions concerning handling trade tariffs.” Next year, Pilatus will open a new service center at Florida’s Sarasota International Airport. Eventually, the company plans to build a final assembly plant there for aircraft slated to go to buyers in North and South America. 

Sources: Pilatus, AIN, Picture Pilatus                                                               

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Turkish Airlines Picks GEnx to Power Latest Batch of Boeing 787s

Turkish Airlines has selected GE Aerospace GEnx engines to power a new batch of Boeing 787s that the company has chosen to purchase. The carrier had been in negotiations with GE and Rolls-Royce after disclosing its plan to purchase 50 firm and 25 optioned 787s. Turkish has split the firm part of the agreement between the 787 9 for which it will take 35, and the larger 787-10. The airline says ”negotiations have been concluded” over the acquisition of engines and maintenance services. Turkish Airlines says deliveries of the additional 787s are scheduled to take place from 2029 to 2034.

Source: TUI Airlines, Picture TUI

First P-8A Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft Arrives in Germany 

Germany’s first Boeing P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine warfare aircraft has arrived at its permanent home. The 737-based jet was flown to Berlin-Brandenburg airport on 7 November by a flight crew from Germany’s Naval Aviation Squadron 3, who ferried the aircraft from Boeing’s delivery center in Seattle, Washington. 

German defense minister Boris Pistorius was on hand for the flight’s arrival, which marks the first of eight P-8As ordered by Berlin to replace the Lockheed P-3C Orion Maritime patrol aircraft.“Today, our naval aviators are literally switching from propeller to jet propulsion,” says Pistorius, who describes Poseidon’s arrival as a new era for German naval aviation.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing         

In Brief

• Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, selects up to 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to expand its global network.
• Sweden has formally signed for a future fleet of four Embraer C-390 tactical transports.

• Alaska Air Group has secured a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

• Greek Carrier Aegean has ordered a further two ATR 72-600 turboprops, as its Olympic Air subsidiary introduces its latest of the type.

*  Uzbekistan Airways has converted eight options for Boeing 787-9 aircraft into firm Orders.

• Air Senegal announced on 17 November that the West African carrier has committed to order nine 737 Max airplanes.

• Gulf Air Bahrain’s flag carrier has firmed an agreement with Boeing for 15 Boeing 787s.

Sources: E.Kaplanian Research

AIR CARGO

Sun Country Completes Expansion To 20 737 Freighters For Amazon Cargo

Minneapolis-based low-cost carrier Sun Country Airlines is now operating a full 20-strong fleet of Boeing 737-800s on behalf of US logistics firm Amazon, capping a period focused on cargo growth. Sun Country completed its cargo expansion during the third quarter, executives said during the company’s 30 October earnings call, acknowledging the challenges of quickly integrating eight narrowbody jets over several months.“Adding eight additional aircraft to our fleet was truly a team effort, and represents a 14% increase in our total fleet,” says Torque Zubeck, Sun Country’s Chief Financial Officer. Sun Country says that as of 30 September, it operates 45 737s in its passenger fleet and 20 737 Freighters.

It also owns five aircraft on lease to other airlines.

Source: Sun Country, Picture Sun Country.

Air China Cargo Discloses A350 Freighter Plan

Air China Cargo has outlined plans to order up to 10 Airbus A350 Freighters, in a deal valued at up to $4.65 billion at list prices. Disclosed in a notification to the Shenzhen stock exchange, Air China Cargo says the commitment will consist of six firm orders plus four options. Deliveries are scheduled to run over the 2029-2031 period. Although already approved by the carrier’s board, its shareholders still have to approve the order via a vote at its annual general meeting.

Air China Cargo says the commitment is “in line with the company’s development plan and market demand and is conducive to long-term stable operation.”

Should the order proceed, it will be a welcome boost for the A350F program, replacing cancelled or reduced commitments this year from Air Lease and Air France-KLM, which cut a total of nine aircraft from the backlog.

Source: FlightGlobal, Picture Airbus

Researched and Compiled by : 

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor  

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian  

 

ALL THINGS BOEING

Boeing Delivers the First P-8A Poseidon for the German Navy

Boeing has handed over the German navy’s first P-8A Poseidon to Berlin’s BAAINBw defense procurement body, ahead of the maritime patrol aircraft’s expected transfer to Europe during November.  Accepted in Seattle, Washington, on the 1st of October, the modified narrowbody is the first of eight P-8As on order for Germany, which will field the type in place of its departing Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions.

Germany ordered five P-8As in June 2021, before signing for a further three examples in November 2023.  Once introduced, the Poseidon fleet will be employed for maritime surveillance, and anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare tasks, along with providing support for search and rescue activities.  Germany will follow fellow European NATO members Norway and the UK in fielding the P-8A, with those nations respectively having five and nine examples in use.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

Norwegian Group Places New Order for Boeing 737 Max

Boeing and Norwegian Group announced on September 26, 2025, that the airline group has placed an order for 30 737 Max 8 airplanes as the airline looks to expand its service across Europe.  The agreement represents the group’s first direct order since 2017 and increases its 737 MAX order book to 80 airplanes.  Norwegian has predominantly operated Boeing Single-aisle planes since placing its first order for the Next-Generation 737-800 in 2007.

It was the first European airline to take delivery of the 737 MAX in 2017 and was also the first airline to operate the 737 MAX-8 model on transatlantic routes between Europe and the U.S.  In 2022, Norwegian restructured its order book, firming its commitment to 50 737 Max 8s with options for an additional 30 airplanes.

Source: Boeing

Turkish Airlines Orders Up to 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners

Boeing and Turkish Airlines announced on September 25, 2025, a firm order for up to 75 787 Dreamliners, the flag carrier’s largest ever Boeing widebody purchase.   The deal includes 35 of the 787 9 model, 15 of the larger 787 10 and options for 25 787 Dreamliners to grow and modernize the airline’s fleet.  Turkish has yet to reach a decision on an engine selection, but is conducting negotiations with Rolls-Royce for the Trent 1000 and GE Aerospace for the GEnex-1B. These talks also include maintenance agreements for spares and servicing.

The airline also announced its intention to purchase up to 150 more 737 Max airplanes, which will be its largest Boeing single-aisle order when finalized.  The 787 and 737 Max orders combined will double Turkish Airlines’ Boeing fleet as the carrier expands its capacity and network.

Sources: Boeing, Turkish Airlines, Picture Boeing                  

ALL THINGS AIRBUS

Airbus Adds 10 More A350s, Including Private Jets, to the Order Total

Airbus has secured orders for 10 more A350-900s, eight of which are for an unidentified customer.  The remaining two are both listed against a private, also unidentified customer.  Airbus has landed a total of 1,019 orders for the A350-900.  Airbus has yet to identify customers for a total of 33 A350s, including 7 -1000s and three freighters.

The 10 A350s were the only order agreements listed by the airframer for September.  But they took Airbus’s net total for the first nine months of the year to 514 aircraft.  Airbus delivered 73 aircraft during the period, bringing overall deliveries for the year to 507.

Source: Airbus, Picture Airbus.

Airbus Formally Opens Second Mobile A320-family Assembly Line

Airbus has formally opened its second A320-family final assembly line at its plant in Mobile.  The airframer’s latest assembly facility is part of its effort to raise monthly production of A320neo-family jets to 75 in 2027.

Airbus’s North America chief, Robin Hayes, had stated in September that the second line was on course to start operating in October.  Aircraft painting specialist MAAS Aviation has also extended its contract with Airbus for painting A320-family and A220 jets in Mobile.

Source: Airbus            

        

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Lessor TrueNoord Places First Direct Order for Embraer Jets

Dutch-based regional aircraft lessor TrueNoord has ordered up to 40 Embraer 195-E2 twinjets, the company’s first direct order with a manufacturer.  The lessor’s pact covers 20 firm aircraft, plus purchase rights for a further 20 and up to 10 new-build Embraer 175s.  TrueNood chief Anne-Bart Tieleman describes the deal as a “ landmark agreement” for the leasing firm.  No delivery dates have been disclosed, but TrueNoord values the firm order part at $1.8 billion, using catalog prices.

“It marks an important stepping stone in our continued growth as a global leasing platform, underlining our commitment to investing in next-generation, fuel-efficient regional jets,” Tieleman adds.

TrueNoord has a portfolio of around 100 regional aircraft, including jets and turboprops, with a substantial number acquired from fellow lessor Nordic Aviation Capital.

Source: TrueNoord, Picture TrueNoord

                                                                       

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Lufthansa Prepares to Receive this Month 787-9 with New Color Scheme

Lufthansa is to take delivery this month of a Boeing 787-9 painted in a special color scheme to mark the German flag-carrier’s centenary.  The twinjet (D-ABPU) has received the new livery at Boeing’s Charleston facility.  Lufthansa says the aircraft will enter service in December, ahead of the 2026 anniversary commemorations, and “act as a flying ambassador”.  The scheme features a blue fuselage with a full-length white representation of the airline’s logo.

Lufthansa says the design means the bird’s wings coincide with those of the 787, meaning the aircraft’s wing “ virtually became wings of the crane”.  The fuselage also carries the figure “100” on the left and the dates ‘1926’ and ‘2026’ on the right.  There is also a ‘100’ logo on the underside.  Lufthansa Airlines chief Jens Ritter says the livery “honors our identity” and “ stands for a proud team of Lufthansa employees who give everything day for the safety and well-being of our guests”.  As part of the anniversary plans, Lufthansa Group is displaying vintage aircraft from its heritage fleet.

Source: Lufthansa, Picture Lufthansa   

Safran to Support Leap ramp-up with New Moroccan Engine Production Line

French aerospace firm Safran is to establish a new CFM International Leap engine production facility in Morocco, to support its ramp-up plans for the power plant.  Located in Casablanca, it will complement the French manufacturing site at Villaroche and have the capacity to build up to 350 engines annually.  The Leap-1A is an option on the Airbus A320neo family, while the Leap-1B exclusively powers the Boeing 737 Max.  Leap-1C engines are fitted to the Chinese Comac C919.

Safran intends to open the $233 million plant by the end of 2027.  With both Airbus and Boeing aiming to increase single-aisle aircraft output, the new Moroccan site will support ambitions to raise annual Leap production to 2,500 from 2028.  Safran confirmed its plan for the facility during a launch ceremony for a Leap maintenance center, also in Casablanca.

Source: Safran

Denmark Considers Boeing P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Denmark’s top defense official says the country is exploring options for acquiring a fleet of Boeing P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.  Speaking to local Danish broadcaster TV2 on 15 September, the defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Copenhagen will invest billions of euros to field an unspecified number of the US-made jets to monitor the waters around Greenland.

Denmark may pursue the acquisition alone or in conjunction with other NATO allies.  “I would prefer that we cooperate with other NATO countries to get the most for the money and to have a greater degree of flexibility,” Poulsen says.  “But if that is not possible, I am also willing for us to acquire the P-8 aircraft capacity ourselves.”And since Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark,   Copenhagen has responsibility for the defense of Greenlandic territory.  Poulsen stated, “We need a better picture of what is happening around Greenland and the Faroe Islands”.

Source: Denmark, picture Boeing   

      

IN BRIEF

• Joramco opened a new (129,000 square feet) hangar at Queen Alia International Airport on September 8.  The $30 million investment is expected to boost Joramco’s annual capacity by about 30% and give it the capability to handle up to 240 aircraft of varying sizes in Amman, Jordan.
• Turkish Technic was selected by Garuda Indonesia to provide A330 and 777 landing gear overhaul.
•  Norwegian Chief Executive Geir Karlsen is continuing to see improvements in the quality of service the Scandinavian carrier is receiving from Boeing as it adds more Max 8s to its fleet.

AIR CARGO

Northern Air Cargo to Connect Seattle and Anchorage

In a bid to provide more same-day shipping connectivity to rural Alaskan Communities, Northern Air Cargo (NAC) launched a Seattle-to-Anchorage flights last month.  The Anchorage-based cargo carrier started to fly from Seattle Tacoma International airport to Ted Stevens Anchorage International airport three times weekly starting began the service on 5 October, using its lone Boeing 737-800.

NAC uses a fleet of cargo-converted 737s to deliver freight throughout its Alaskan network, including a 737-800 originally operated by Aeromexico.  The new Seattle-Anchorage route will all provide Alaskan companies shipping halibut, salmon and other seafood with “timely Southbound access to Pacific Northwest markets”.

Source: NAC picture NAC

British Cargo Carrier Maiden 777F

British cargo carrier One Air took delivery of its first Boeing 777-200 LRF on August 25.  The General Electric GE90-powered freighter G-ONEG joined the East Midland based airline’s all 747 fleet which comprises a pair of 747-433BDSFs and a single nose-loading 747-428ERF.  The twinjet was ferried from Paine Field to Cardiff arriving on August 27 and entered service on September 5.  According to ch-aviation, the aircraft being leased from Moldovan airline Aerotranscargo.

Source: ch-aviation, Picture One Air

                         

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian 

ALL THINGS BOEING

Boeing Deliveries to August Exceed Full-Year 2024

Boeing achieved its highest August deliveries in seven years, bringing the total for the first eight months to 385, a figure that exceeds the 348 recorded across the whole of last year.  It handed over 57 aircraft in August, its second-best monthly performance this year, just shy of the 60 achieved in June.

Boeing delivered 42 737 Max jets, including seven for Irish budget carrier Ryanair, according to its latest backlog figures.  Boeing’s deliveries in August included a 787-9, which took American’s mainline fleet to 1,000 aircraft.

Boeing’s 777F deliveries included its 300th example, which was handed over to Emirates.  Two other airframes—a 767 and an older variant 737 — are delivered for the military E-7 and KC-46 programs.  Along with the 14 777Xs ordered by Cathay Pacific, Boeing recorded agreements for 787s; two from Air New Zealand and five from an unidentified customer, as well as five 737Max jets. It also shifted 59 orders from its accounting bucket to the formal backlog, and cancelled 737 Max, bringing its overall net total to 83 for the month.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

Singapore Has Confirmed Plans to Acquire Four P-8A Poseidon

Singapore has confirmed plans to acquire four Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft; it seeks to bolster its anti-submarine capabilities.  Singapore’s decision to obtain the 737-derivative was made in a brief statement about a meeting between Singapore’s defense minister Chan Chun Sing and US war secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington, DC.

The language in the release hints that Singapore may go beyond four aircraft.  “They will replace the existing Fokker 50s, which have been in service since 1993.  Cirium, an aviation analytics company, indicates that the Republic of Singapore’s Air Force operates five Fokker 50s in the maritime Patrol role, with an average age of 31.2 years.  Four Fokker 50s also serve in the utility transport role.

Source: FlightGlobal

EASA Approves Installation of Drag-reduction Fins On 737 Variants

Operators of European-registered Boeing 737s will be able to install aerodynamic fins on the aft fuselage following validation of a US supplemental type certificate. The ‘finlets’ developed by Vortex Control Technologies have been approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.EASA’s clearance covers the modification of 737-700,-800, and -900 ER variants.

Aircraft can experience drag from airflow separation and vortices in the vicinity of the aft fuselage.  Modification with a patented array of fins fixed to the fuselage skin can alter the airflow and reduce this drag, offering improved fuel efficiency.  Vortex Control Technologies chief Gil Morgan says the EASA validation is a “culmination of years of research, development and collaboration”.  It allows the company to expand the availability of its fins to European airlines.

Source: Vortex Control Technologies, Picture Vortex Control Technologies.

                    

ALL THINGS AIRBUS

Airbus Reveals Order for Seven More A350-1000s

Airbus has secured an order for seven A350-1000s from an undisclosed customer, the airframer’s latest backlog data reveals. The agreement was formally listed on 22 August and brought Airbus’s gross orders for this year to a round figure of 600.

Airbus’s largest A350 variant has secured 69 orders this year-and the latest deal takes overall firm A350-1000 commitments to 361, one in four of all passenger A350 orders.  August is normally a quiet month for the manufacturer.

It recorded Lessor Avolon’s agreement for 90 aircraft, including 15 A330-900s, as well as two private customer orders, each for a single A320neo.  There were no cancellations, which means Airbus net orders for the first months of the year reached 504.  Airbus is still catching up on deliveries, listing total of 434 aircraft hands over in 2025 compared with 447 reached at the same point last year.

Source: Airbus, Picture Airbus        

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Avelo Airlines Shifts Fleet Strategy

US start-up discount carrier Avelo Airlines has ordered 50 Embraer E195-E2s in a move that will see the airline evolve beyond operating only Boeing 737s.  Avelo has taken options to order a further 50 of the jets, Embraer’s head of commercial aviation Arjan Meijer said on 10 September during an event in Washington, DC.  Meijer notes the order will see Avelo become the USA’s first E195-E2 operator.

The order “gives us a pipeline of aircraft we can rely on”, says Avelo chief executive Andrew Levy, noting the airline intends to acquire the jets through 2032.  Avelo now operates 22 Boeing 737NGS. “A smaller airplane would optimize the opportunity that we have,” says Levy.  News of the order comes days after Avelo said it had secured additional financing, which it says is its highest total since its Series A funding round in 2020.

Source: Avelo                                                                      

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

South Korea’s T’way Air to Rebrand as Trinity Airways

Low-cost operator T’way Air will be rebranded as Trinity Airways as part of a broader revamp of its corporate identity, under the new ownership of Sono Hospitality Group.  The “sequential rebranding” will take place from the first half of 2026,  according to a notice on the South Korean operator’s website.  T’way’s current red, green, and white color scheme will be changed to a neutral color palette aligned with the Sono corporate identity.  An artist’s impression of the new livery on an Airbus A330-900 was released.  T’way will be taking delivery of the first of five A330neos in 2026.

“Beginning with the implementation of a new mission and a Comprehensive brand identity, we will complete the transformation of the customer touchpoint and solidify the unified image and synergy of the entire group,” states Sono.  Sono in February emerged as the new owners of T’way, after successfully acquiring 46% shareholding in the airline from YeaRim Dang Publishing and related parties.

Sources: T’way Air, Picture T’way

WestJet Expands Fleet with A New Order

Canadian discount airline WestJet has ordered  67 new aircraft from Boeing, comprising 60 737 Max 10s and seven 787-9s.  The Calgary-based airline disclosed the order on September 3, stating it has also secured options for an additional 25 Max 10s and four 787s.  The agreement was recorded in June on Boeing’s website as an undisclosed customer.  Boeing has not disclosed a value for the deal or delivery timeline for the aircraft.

“With the addition of these aircraft, WestJet has the largest order book of any airline in Canada and will double our fleet of Dreamliners, underpinning our growth plans,” says chief executive Alexis von Hoensbroech.  “These highly efficient and comfortable aircraft are critical to the growth and renewal of our fleet and will also significantly improve our fuel consumption.”

WestJet is an all-Boeing airline that operates 147 737s and seven 787s, according to fleet data provider Cirium.

Before the deal disclosed on 3 September, WestJet held unfilled orders with Boeing for 62 737 Max aircraft: eight Max 8s, 7 Max 10s, and seven of an unspecified variant, Cirium shows.

Sources: WestJet, Cirium, picture WestJet

Air Lease(ALC) to be acquired by SMBC Investor Group

Steven Udvar-Hazy, founder and lessor of Air Lease(ALC), is to be acquired by a consortium of investors, including rival SMBC Aviation Capital, in a 1.4 billion cash deal that promises to shake up the aircraft leasing market.  Working alongside Sumitomo Corporation, one of its Japanese owners, and private equity firms Apollo and Brookfield Credit, SMBC says the definitive agreement has been approved by ALC’s board.

It will pay stockholders $65 per share, valuing All at $7.4 billion. However, this rises to $28.s billion if debt obligations to be assumed or refinanced are included, net of cash.  At the end of the second quarter, ALCDeliveries are scheduled through 2031.   They hold firm orders for 241 aircraft: 36 Airbus A220s,130 A320/A321neos, a single A330neo, 64 737 Max jets, and 10 787-9/10s, financial filings show.

Source: FlightGlobal.

IN BRIEF

• Air Canada has identified the first new route on which it will deploy its incoming Airbus A321XLR.
• Luxair is confident of commencing Embraer 195-E2 operations in January next year.
• Silk Way West Airlines has welcomed its third Boeing 777 Freighter to Baku on 2nd September.
• Alaska Airlines is set to launch seasonal flights from Seattle to Reykjavik on 28 May and continue through 8 September.
• Macquarie AirFinance has increased its commitment to the 737 Max with an order for an additional 30 jets.
• Sources: Air Canada, Luxair, Silk Way West Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Macquarie        

      

AIR CARGO

Initial A350F Aft Fuselage Transferred to Toulouse Final Assembly

Construction of Airbus’s initial A350 freighter is progressing with the arrival of its aft fuselage at the Toulouse final assembly line.  The first fully equipped aft section for MSN700 has been transferred from the airframer’s Hamburg facilities.  Airbus senior vice-president of marketing Joost van der Heijden says the forward, center, and aft sections of the fuselage have “moved in” with the wings; “they are now ready to be assembled in the coming weeks,” he adds in a social media post.

Airbus’s Ar50 has a slightly shorter fuselage than the A350-1000 passenger aircraft, from which it has been derived. It will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, and the airframer intends entry into service in the second half of 2027. French logistics firm CMA CGM is set to be the launch operator of the type.

Source: Airbus, picture Airbus

Kalitta Air Takes Delivery of First Pair of 777-300ERSF Freighters

Kalitta Air has taken delivery of the first two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters US and Israeli certification of the modified twin jets.  The Michigan-based carrier will become the launch operator of the aircraft is leasing the jets from AerCap Cargo. Israel Aerospace Industries developed the -300ERSF through a joint program, initially with Lessor GECAS and subsequently with AerCap after it merged with GECAS.

One of the two aircraft handed over to Kalitta Air is the certification prototype.  They are part of an agreement which will cover seven of the twinsets.  Kalitta Air will use them to replace older Boeing 747 freighters.  The -300ERSF, which has a 100t payload capacity, is one of several freighter conversion programs initiated by various companies for the -300ER and-200ER variants.

IAI’s modification is the first of the 300ERSF programs to obtain certification.  Kalitta Air plans to place both aircraft into revenue operation early this month, says AerCap, with further deliveries taking place “over the coming weeks”.

Source: FlightGlobal, picture Kalitta Air

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian 

All Things Boeing

Boeing Orders Lifted by 737 Max Agreements

Boeing secured agreements for 30 737 Max jets in July, attributed to unidentified customers, while the overall order total for the month was boosted by the formal recognition of 33 other aircraft in the backlog. Boeing also recorded a single 787 order, offset by the cancellation of an Iraqi Airways 787, resulting in a net of 63 jets for July orders.

Boeing delivered 48 aircraft over the course of July, including eight 787s, one of the theme 787-10 for Korean Air, the 1,200th of the twinjet type to be handed over. It delivered 37 737 Max jets, along with two 777 freighters and a 767 freighter. These brought overall deliveries to 328 for the first seven months of the year. Among these were 45 787s and 22 777s, plus 246 737s.

Boeing’s gross order figure for the period reached 699, while its net total aircraft, which applies tighter criteria for backlog recognition, now stands at 739.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

Boeing Scrapped the Earlier 737 Max Engine Anti-ice System

Boeing’s earlier plan for redesigning the 737 Max’s engine anti-ice system ended up not working out. That is why company engineers missed Boeing’s initial goal of having the design changes finalized in January of this year. That is also why Boeing, on 29 July, pushed to 2026 its expectation for when the 737 Max 7 and Max 10 will achieve certification. FlightGlobal reported on 25 July that Boeing had not yet finalized a 737 Max engine anti-ice system redesign intended to address an overheating problem, citing an internal Boeing newsletter.

In July, Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg expounded just a bit, saying the company ditched an earlier redesign plan. “We found some issues with the design implementation we had, so we’re going to have to back up and make some additional design changes to get through that deicing requirement,” Ortberg said, speaking during Boeing’s second-quarter earnings call. “Basically, the engineering designs have not yielded in the timeframe we are anticipating…We just haven’t closed the design.”

As a result, the company must redesign the system before prior to achieving the 737 Max 7 and MAX 10’s certification. “This is a very delicate area that we are dealing with around the inlet of the engines”, Ortberg says, noting engineers must understand how changing the engine anti-ice system might cause any perturbation to the airflow into the engine.

Source: Boeing, FlightGlobal

High-five: Fifth 77-9 Takes Flight

On Tuesday, the 5th of August, the fifth 777 9 took flight from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, a sign of progress for the company’s widebody program as the team works to deliver the first airplane in 2026.

*  The flight marked the first time in five years that the team built, prepared, and flew a 777 9 airplane on its first flight.  Capt. Ted Grady, 777X chief pilot, and Capt. Mark Brown, 777-9 project pilot, completed the 2-hour, 27-minute flight profile to validate the airplane’s handling and performance.

• During the flight, Grady and Brown navigated a route over Washington, reaching an altitude of 39,000 feet (11,887 meters) and an airspeed of Mach .84 (511 knots), which is typical for a first flight.

• Zach Lewis and Joel Conard, systems operators, and Cody Bruinsma and Mike Deutsch, flight analysts, accompanied them. The plane retired as planned to Paine Field at 1:30 p.m.

“The 777-9 flies beautifully, and this airplane performed just as we expected,” Grady said. “We appreciate the hard work of our coworkers who designed, built, and prepared this airplane for flight. Together, we are going to get the 777-9 certified and in our customers’ fleets.”

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

ALL THINGS AIRBUS

Lessor Avolon Discloses Orders for Up to 130 More Airbus Jets

Irish-based lessor disclosed an order for up to 130 Airbus jets, comprising A330neos and A321neos.  Fifteen A330neos and 75 A321neos make up the firm part of the agreement, with options and purchase rights covering a further 15 A330neos and 25 A321neos. Avolon says the deliveries will run to 2033.

No engine selection has been given for the single-aisle jets. All A330neos are fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent 7000s.

Avolon is a strong customer for the A330-900. “This order demonstrates our strong confidence in the long-term demand for new aircraft,” says Avolon chief Andy Cronin. Airbus says the additional order brings Avolon’s total to 79 A330neos and 264 A321neos.

Source: Avolon, Airbus, Picture Airbus

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Gulfstream Delivers Milestone 300th G280

Gulfstream has delivered its 300th super-midsize G280. The company handed over its first twinjets in 2012, and its in-service fleet has tallied more than 575,000 flight hours and nearly 358,000 landings since. The type is the smallest in Gulfstream’s product range and has earned a dispatch reliability rate of 99.98% and has achieved 87 city-pair speed records.

With multiple seat options, the G280 can carry up to 10 passengers. Its Honeywell HTF7250G engines give it a range of 3,600 nm at a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.80. Gulfstream continues to invest in the G280 platform, developing new features that enhance passenger comfort and increase safety while improving crew efficiency.

Source: GulfStream, Picture Gulfstream

Porter to Sell and Lease-Back Four E195-E2s

Canadian carrier Porter Airlines has secured a sale-leaseback deal involving four Embraer E195-E2 jets to be delivered later this year. Porter’s E195-E2 fleet has been integral to its transcontinental network expansion.

Debt financing is being provided to both Fortress and GOAL by Ashland Place Finance to execute the transactions. Porter holds existing finance-lease agreements with GOAL covering three De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s used for regional flying in Eastern Canada and the Northeast USA. The Companies have also collaborated on the sale-leaseback of E195-E-2s.

Cristian Schloemann, managing director of GOAL, says the latest sale-leaseback agreement “ underscores the trust Porter places in our team and our tailored leasing solutions”. “As Porter Airlines accelerates its growth with the advanced Embraer E195-E2, we remain committed to supporting their strategic vision and operational excellence across North America,” he says.

Porter has been aggressively acquiring E95-E2s to enable the formerly regional-focused carrier’s expansion across North America and into the Caribbean. It now operates 46 of the type, with 29 more on order and 25 covered by purchase options. Since introducing E195-E2s to its fleet in 2023, Porter has become the largest global operator of the twinjet.

Source: Porter Airlines                                                                       

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Southwest Airlines to Equip Entire Boeing 737 Fleet with Honeywell’s Runway Safety Technology

Southwest Airlines is in the process of activating its entire Boeing Co. Boeing 737 aircraft fleet with Honeywell’s SmartRunway and SmartLanding software designed to increase runway safety. This capability is enabled via the Honeywell Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) already on Southwest aircraft, and more than 700 aircraft have been activated to date. HoneyWell’s SmartRunway and SmartLanding runway safety technology to enhance pilot situational awareness during taxi, takeoff, and landing and promotes stabilized approaches.

SmartRunway and SmartLanding are certified for most Airbus and Boeing aircraft and numerous business aviation platforms. Honeywell also announced it is currently testing its next-generation runway safety technology, Surface Alerts(SURF_A), with an expected certification for commercial aircraft in 2026, pending regulatory approval. The company said in a press release that this agreement furthers Honeywell’s long-standing partnership with Southwest, the world’s largest 737 platform operator.

Source: Honeywell, Southwest Airlines

VietJet Begins Construction for New MRO Facility

VietJet has broken ground for its new MRO facility at the in-development Long Thanh international airport. “In addition to supporting the maintenance needs of Vietjet’s expanding fleet, the facility is also positioned to serve both domestic and international airlines, enhancing Vietnam’s aviation capabilities and supporting future operations and supporting future operations at Long Thanh,” VietJet states.

The airline had in 2023 indicated its intention to build its own MRO facility, which will be able to service its fleet of narrowbody and widebody aircraft, as well as third-party airline customers. Long Thanh International Airport is located near Ho Chi Minh City and is intended to be the city’s second and the country’s largest airport. It is expected to be operational by 2026.

Source: VietJet, picture VietJet.

Rolls-Royce Retires  Its 747-200 Testbed 

Rolls-Royce North America has retired its iconic Boeing 747-267B testbed, N787RR(c/n 21966), after nearly 20 years of groundbreaking flight trials. These tests have included flying on 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and in-flight engine development and certification, such as the Trent 1000.

The Tucson International Airport-based airliner had originally been delivered to Cathay Pacific in 1980 as VR-HIA. It later served with Air Atlanta Icelandic before joining Rolls-Royce North America in June 2005, where it was stripped of its passenger cabin and equipped with instrumentation, recording stations, and a custom mounting configuration to support up to five engines simultaneously. 

Source: Rolls-Royce, Picture Rolls-Royce.        

In Brief

Air Algérie has signed on the dotted line for 16 new ATR 72-600 aircraft.

Greek Carrier Aegean has placed an order for a pair of Airbus A321XLR.

Condor has ordered four Airbus A330-900s with options on four more.

Uzbekistan Airways is set to take delivery of two more Airbus A321neo in 2026.

Panama’s Copa Airlines may not convert options it holds for more than a dozen 737 Max 10s into orders in favor of Max 8 and 9s.

Korean Airlines ordered eight all-new 777-8 freighter aircraft from Boeing to support long-term growth and fleet modernization.

Air Cargo News

Initial A350 F Fuselage sections Arrive At Toulouse Final Assembly

Airbus has received the initial fuselage sections for its A350 freighter, MSN700, at its final assembly line. Airbus supplies these sections through its Airbus Atlantic Aerostructures division. The Monitor-de-Bretagne site assembles and equips all center and forward A350 fuselages. According to Airbus Atlantic, the initial A350F sections have been delivered to Toulouse, the final assembly line for the cargo twinjet. It describes the delivery as a “ major milestone” for the program, which highlights the “industrial excellence” and “strength of collaboration” across the division’s various facilities. Airbus’s UK plant at Broughton completed the first wing set for the A350F earlier this year.

Source: Airbus, Picture Airbus

UK’s One Air to Take First 777F Under Operating Lease

UK-based cargo carrier One Air is introducing its initial Boeing 777 freighter, one of a pair being purchased by a division of Air One International Holdings. It will take the twinjet registered G-ONEG, and painted in One Air’s livery under an operating lease. One Air has been operating commercial flights for two years, having commenced services in July 2023, and has newly disclosed plans to open its first scheduled routes.

The airline has been using Boeing 747-400 freighters since starting upland has three of the type. One Air is one of three partners—along with Moldovian-registered Aero TransCargo and Romania’s RomCargo Airlines associated with Air One International Holdings. The three operators offer freight capacity on a combined fleet of 11 cargo 747-400s.

One Air had previously indicated that it was planning to expand into 777F services and recently initiated a recruitment drive for crews. Acquisition of the 777F offers “new and exciting opportunities”, says One Air chief technical officer David Tattersall. It received the new 777F during a ceremony at Boeing’s production center in Everett, Washington. Air One International Holdings says a second 777F is scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of this year.

Source: Air One Holding, Picture Boeing

OTHER NOTEWORTHY NEWS

Boeing Moves Final Stored 737 Max Out of Moses Lake Site

Boeing recently flew out of Moses Lake the last 737 Max among a specific group of 450 jets it started accumulating upon the type’s 2019 grounding, marking another milestone along the narrowbody aircraft program’s recovery.

“Teammates gathered to watch the final storage 737 Max depart Moses Lake, Washington, in mid-August, closing a key capture in the 737’s history and showing the single-aisle airplane program’s progress,” says a 25 August internal company report from Boeing News Now. “With this departure, all 737 Max airplanes stored beginning in 2019 have been reactivated for delivery, marking the beginning of the end for 737 Max storage operations’ six-year effort involving more than 450 737 Max airplanes,” it adds. The last aircraft to leave that site has line number 7813.

The Max 8 first flew in November 2019 and is scheduled for delivery this year to Air China, according to fleet data provider Cirium.  A shadow factory is what Boeing calls a facility at which it completes rework. “The Moses Lake team will now turn to other projects, including preparing 737-7s and 737-10s for delivery once they are certified, as well as serving additional capacity for the 737 program,” it says. Boeing recently said it expects the FAA will certify the Max 7 and Max 10 in 2016, following years of delays.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

Researched and Compiled by : 

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor  

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian  

 

ALL THINGS BOEING

Boeing 777-8 Freighter Started Work On the Wing Spar

On the 22nd of July, Boeing started on the initial 777-8 Freighter test aircraft by drilling the first hole into the wing spar as it works towards delivery of the lead aircraft in 2028.  About 100 teammates were at Boeing’s 777X Composite Spar Shop at its Everett complex in Washington state for the milestone occasion.  Operator Case McDowell, who was at the controls of the drill, says: “You don’t forget these moments; having our team together as we got underway on this airplane was special.”

Earlier in July, the aircraft manufacturer said it had built the first 33m(108ft)-long spar for the 777-7778F’s wing; each spar weighs 565kg(1,250lb).  Originally anticipated to come to market in 2027, Boeing in October 2024 announced it would delay the twinjet freighter’s arrival until 2028.  Customers have ordered 59 777 -8Fs since Boeing announced the program in 2022 with launch customer Qatar Airways.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

UK’s First Wedgetail Makes Public Debut With RIAT Appearance

The UK Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) first Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft had made its public debut, appearing at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) on 19 July.

One of three examples ordered by the UK, a heavily adapted 737NG performed a flypast at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire flanked by the RE Arrows aerobatic display team, before making a second pass on its own; with 10 conducting a touch and go landing.

First flown in modified guise in September 2024, the adapted narrowbody with service registration WT001 was making its fifth flight, with Boeing and RAF test pilots at the controls.  Two other aircraft on order for the UK have already had their Northrop Grumman MESA surveillance radars installed, with the RAF due to declare initial operational capability with the new type in 2026.

Source: FlightGlobal

US Air Force to Purchase Dozens More KC-46 Tankers

The US Air Force plans to significantly expand its fleet of Boeing KC-46 Pegasus aerial-refuellers, purchasing dozens more of the 767-based jets.  The Air Force confirms it has approved an acquisition strategy for the KC-46 to include up to 75 additional aircraft. The service has also expanded its existing procurement contract from 179 jets to 188 to the maximum possible figure under that 2011 deal with Boeing.  Those changes make for a total potential fleet of 263 KC-46s in USAF service.  “This KC-46 production extension program will maintain uninterrupted tanker recapitalization are final delivery under the current contract,” the Air Force says.

The decision ends years of uncertainty about the USAF’s medium-term plans for modernizing its tanker force, which is primarily composed of aged Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers.  There are more than 370 KC-135s in service with the USAF, with an average age of 64-years, according to fleet’s data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. The oldest Stratotankers were delivered nearly 70 years ago.  There are currently just 93 KC-46s flying for the USAF, Cirium says.  The air force’s decision earlier resolved the bridge tanker saga to obtain a derivative of the Airbus 330 based Multi Roll Tanker Transport; and stick with the KC-46.

The outcome is a huge win for Boeing, with a billion in new potential revenue.  Fiscal year 2026 budget documents indicate the airfare will pay just south of $2.8 billion for the KC-46 examples in the coming period.  That works out to roughly $186 million per aircraft.

Source: FlightGlobal, US Air Force        

ALL THINGS AIRBUS

First A350F Stabiliser Completed at Airbus’s Spanish Plants

Airbus’s Spanish facilities in Cadiz and Getafe have produced the first horizontal stabilizer for the A350 freighter.  The structure will be transferred to the Toulouse final assembly line in the next few weeks.   Airbus is producing a pair of A350s for the flight-testing and certification program.

The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-powered freighter is scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2027.  Airbus’s Cadiz operation manufactured the stabiliser’s components while the Getafe plant carried out assembly as well as outfitting.  The structure is built on the same line as stabilizers for passenger A350s.  “Spain plays a key role in this program,” says the president of Airbus’s Spanish aircraft activity, Ricardo Rojas.

The airframe’s facilities in Spain, which also include IIIescas plant, produce the rear fuselage structure and lower wing covers for the A350F.  Spain will also build the main-deck cargo door for the freighter.

Source: Airbus, Picture Airbus

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Royal Jordanian Takes Spare Engines For Embraer E2 Fleet

Royal Jordanian has acquired a pair of spare engines for its Embraer E2-family

regional jet fleet, supported by a loan agreement.  The carrier is taking up to 10 aircraft, a mix of E190-E2s and E195-Es introduced five of the jets over 2024.  It expects to bring in three more during 2025-26.  Its Jordan Airline Training and Simulation arm has introduced an E2 simulator to its facilities.

Royal Jordanian says the Pratt&Whiney GTF engine is “Cornerstone” of its fleet-modernization plan, with the PW1100G having been selected by the carrier for 20 Airbus A320neos.  The PW1900G version of the GTF is the sole power plant for the E2.

Royal Jordanian has acquired two spare PW1900Gs under a newly agreed loan with joint-venture HALO AirFrance.  “Acquisition of these spare engines will significantly boost our operational readiness and reliability,” says ROYAL Jordanian chief Samer Majali.  “This collaboration reflects Royal Jordanian’s commitment to sustainable growth and maintaining our position as a leading carrier in the region,” says Majali.  Royal Jordanian’s fleet modernisation also includes introducing Boeing  787-9s from next year.

Source: Royal Jordanian, Picture Embraer                                                      

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

Vueling to Become IAG’s First Boeing 737 Max Operator

IAG has announced that Vueling will take the 50 Boeing 737 jets the group has on firm order, marking the low-cost carrier’s and group’s shift away from an all Airbus narrow body fleet.  “We have allocated the 50 Boeing 737s that we have ordered to Vueling”, said IAG chief Executive Luis Gallego during a second-quarter earnings call on 1 August.  The aircraft are due for delivery beginning in late 2026″, Gallego states.  The three examples are expected by the end of that year and will be based in Barcelona.

The intention is for Vueling to eventually become an all Boeing operator, but that is contingent on the carrier performing to plan, Gallego says. In the meantime, it has plans to mitigate the inefficiencies that may result from operating a mixed fleet.  IAG’s 737 Max order is split equally between 25 high-density MAX 8-200s-the Variant operated by Ryanair-and 25 Max 10s.  The latter variant is still to be certified, with reports suggesting that it could possibly happen later this year.  Vueling operates a fleet of around 140 Airbus narrowbodies, more than 100 of which are older generation variants.

Source: IAG, picture Vueling

Rolls-Royce Remains On Track With Durability Package

Rolls-Royce says it remains on track to deliver a 30% time-on-wing improvement for the Trent 1000 and Trent 7000 engines by the end of this year.  The manufacturer has been engaged in various initiatives to archive an average 80% enhancement of time-on-wing across its modern Trent family by 2027.  Rolls-Royce says it has “either delivered or secured” more than half of this improvement target.

The company disclosed in a half-year briefing that it achieved certification, in June, of its high-pressure blade for the Trent 1000 TEN engine that powers the Boeing 787.  Both engines are also set to undergo a second phase of durability improvement Rolls-Royce says it will provide a further 30% increase in time-on-wing, along with what was achieved by the first phase.  Rolls-Royce delivered fewer Trent 1000 and Trent 7000 engines over the first half, a combined total of 53 compared with 61 in the same period last year.

Source: Rolls-Royce, Picture Rolls-Royce.            

LATEST NEWS

• Allegiant Air continues taking deliveries of Boeing 737Max 8s in a more timely manner than anticipated, representing a positive sign for Boeing’s recovery as a steady supplier.

• Boeing-Built X-37B SpacePlane is set for no earlier than August 21 from Florida Space Coast, this will be its eighth mission.

• UK Cargo  Operator One Air is branching into scheduled services with its Boeing 747-400 freighter fleet, opening flights connecting Europe with the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.

• Alaska Airlines is planning to launch flights to London and Reykjavik, Iceland in the spring of 2026 as part of its ambitious expansion from Seattle.  The carrier also revealed a new paint scheme for its expanding fleet of Boeing 787-9s.

• Cathay Pacific  The Hong Kong-based carrier on August 6th, announced in Hong Kong is ordering 14 more 777-9 passenger jets, bringing its order book to 35 of the world’s largest twin-engine airplanes.

• Air France-KLM Group has reduced its order for Airbus A350-1000s, opting to convert most of them to the smaller-900 variant.

Source: Boeing, Cathay Pacific, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Airlines

AIR CARGO

Air Lease Confirms Canceled Order For Airbus A350 Freighter

Air Lease Corp has canceled its order with Airbus for seven A350 next-generation freighter jets, the company’s top executive said on Monday’s earnings call with analysts.  Airbus quietly revealed that Air Lease had backed out of the order when its monthly orders and delivery report on July 9 indicated seven fewer orders for the new widebody cargo aircraft. Air lease officials at the time refused to comment on the change.  Chief Executive Officer John Plueger confirmed that Air Lease canceled the Airbus, saying development delays and the proliferation of tariffs contributed to the decision.

Source: Air Lease, Picture Airbus

Asiana Airlines Finalizes Cargo Business Divestment to Air Incheon.

South Korea’s Asiana Airlines has completed the sale its cargo business to compatriot Air Incheon, making the latter the country’s second largest cargo operator.  The sale, valued at $340 million comes nearly two years after Asiana directors approved the divestment part of the airline’s ongoing merger with Korean Air.  As part of the deal, Asiana has transferred 10 Boeing 747 freighters and a sole 767 Freighter, in addition to employees in its cargo business, to Air Incheon.  The divestment was a crucial prerequisite to gaining European regulatory approval for the merger between Asiana and Korean Air.

The European Commission conditionally approved the merger in February 2024, on the basis that parts of Korean Air’s passenger network to Europe, along with Asiana’s cargo business, would be given up.  Following its acquisition of Asiana’s cargo business, Air Inchon, which currently operates a fleet of four 737-800Fs, has rebranded itself as Air Z.

Source: Asiana

ANA Holdings Completes Takeover of Nippon Cargo Airlines

ANA Holdings has completed its acquisition of compatriot Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), a move it believes will beef up its ”resilience” against Market volatility.  The acquisition was completed on 1 August, following a simplified share exchange with Japanese logistics firm Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, which previously owned NCA.  The deal, which was first floated in 2023, has been pushed back on several occasions, owing to regulatory hurdles.  The addition of NCA to ANA Holdings will “elevate” the group to the world’s 14th largest airline group based on cargo transport weight .

“The ANA Group’s Profitability is expected to increase with NCA’s inclusion, the strengthened cargo business will improve its resilience against market volatility and changes,” states ANA Holdings.

Tokyo Narita-based NCA operates a fleet of Boeing 747 freighters, comprising eight-8F’s as well as seven -400Fs operated on wet-lease arrangements.  ANA’s cargo fleet comprises six 767Fs, as well as a pair of 777Fs.

Source: ANA, NCA, Picture ANA Holdings

       

                 

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian 

 

ALL THINGS BOEING

Boeing Opens New Commercial Parts Warehouse In Germany

On May 14, 2025, Boeing opened its third parts distribution center in Germany, thereby strengthening the company’s regional service footprint and enhancing its customer support capacity.  The new distribution center located in the city of Dormagen, will store more than 9,000 unique parts for Boeing aircraft, including large items such as landing gear components.

Major airline customers in Europe benefit from shorter parts delivery times, enabling quicker repairs as well as maintenance and overhaul work to keep airplanes in service.

“Service excellence is the cornerstone of our mission.  We are committed to actively listening to our customers to ensure we deliver the critical parts they need when they need them,” said William Amofo, senior vice president, Parts & Distribution and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services.

“The expansion of our global network through this new warehouse exemplifies our dedication to being where our customers need us most.”  “Our new logistics and spares parts center in Dormagen joins our existing distribution services operations in Norderstedt and Hensstedt-Uzburg,” said Dr. Michael Haidinger, Boeing Germany.  “With this new site, we are doubling down on our commitment to the German aerospace community, our customers, and local partners.”

Stocked with the fastest-moving parts in the spares catalog, Boeing’s Cologne Distribution Center is expected to ship around 30,000 parts this year.  Primarily set up to support major European airlines, it will serve all Boeing Commercial airplane Customers.

Source: Boeing

GE Nears Completion of More GE9X Dust Injection Tests

GE Aerospace expects to soon complete a second round of GE9X dust-ingestion tests, insisting that the efforts will help ensure the massive power plant does not suffer from the dust-related durability issues that have affected earlier engine models.  The tests come as GE prepares for the 105,000 lb (467kN)-thrust GE9X to enter service on Boeing’s long-delayed 777-9, which Boeing aims to have in customers’ hands next year.

GE said on 28 May, it is close to completing the second round of GE9X dust-ingestion tests, which build on an initial round of evaluations it completed in 2022.

The GE9X is the first powerplant GE has put through dust-ingestion tests before the engine enters service, reflecting an increased focus by the company on durability, GE says.  The moves follow a spate of reliability issues that have affected GE’s and competitors’ engines in recent years.

The first round of GE9X dust tests involved 1,600 engine-run cycles and revealed no adverse findings, GE says.  “The 9X is one of our most-ready engines before it ever gets into service,” says GE future of flight engineering head Arjan Hegeman.  GE says it has run its GE9X through 27,000 simulated flight cycles and 17,000h of operation.  The company began shipping production-conforming GE9Xs to Boeing last year and plans to ramp up production in the second half of this year.

Source: GE Aerospace, Picture GE AeroSpace

Fitch Upgrades Boeing’s Outlook

Fitch Ratings has signaled increased confidence in Boeing’s financial and operational stability by boosting its long-term outlook for the aircraft manufacturer.  The ratings agency said on 30 June that it has revised its outlook for Boeing to “stable” from “negative”.  It cites Boeing’s cash on handouts recovery from last year’s machinists’ strike, and other “sustained operational improvements, particularly continued 737 Max production progress”.

Fitch has left its credit rating for Boeing unchanged at BBB, which the agency defines as “good credit quality” and within the range of investment-grade credit.

Fitch also cites Boeing’s progress in ridding itself of its once-massive inventory of stored 737 MAX jets it had produced but not delivered in recent years due to required rework.  Boeing has said it expects to complete rework on the last of those stored 737 Max this year.  Fitch expects Boeing’s Max deliveries will hit the “high-400s” this year.  For context, Boeing delivered 265 737s in 2024.

Source: Fitch Ratings                 

ALL THINGS AIRBUS

Long-Distance Delivery Flight to Qantas From Airbus

Qantas has taken delivery of its initial Airbus A321XLR, one of 28 on order with the Australian airline.  The carrier received the twinjet fitted with Pratt& Whitney PW1100G engines at the airframer’s Hamburg Finkenwerder plant, following a customer acceptance flight on 24 June.  Qantas becomes the launch operator of the XLR in the Asia-Pacific region.

Airbus points out that the long-range performance of the aircraft(VH-OGA) is being demonstrated during the delivery flight.  The jet took off from Finkenwerder on 30 June, on a 5’200nm ferry flight to Bangkok, followed by a further 4,100nm sector to Sydney.  It is scheduled to arrive in Sydney on 2 July, says Qantas.

The Carrier says nearly 1,000 personnel, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff, have been trained in preparation for the XLR introduction.  Airbus says the twinjet has been configured with 197 seats, including 20 in a business-class cabin.  The aircraft will initially be deployed on domestic flights.  Qantas’s low-cost subsidiary Jetstar is also set to take XLRs, with 12 of the type on order.

Source: Airbus, Qantas, picture Airbus          

 REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

Bombardier Secures 50-Strong Executive Jet Order

Canadian business jet manufacturer Bombardier has landed a firm order for 50 Challenger-and Global-family jets from an anonymous first-time customer.  Bombardier says the deal is valued at $1.7 billion, with deliveries set to begin in 2027.

Included in the contract are options for further 70 aircraft, which, if exercised, would escalate its value to an estimated $ 4 billion, as well as a services agreement as the first of its kind between an OEM and operator.

“The Customer has elected to remain anonymous before unveiling their offering in the marketplace,” Bombardier says.  Eric Martel,  Bombardier’s chief executive, says the order “underscores the competitive advantage Bombardier’s full scope of products and services brings to customers, throughout the entire aircraft cycle, from design to delivery, then throughout the in-service journey”.  The customer’s identity may be revealed ahead of or during the NBAA show in Las Vegas later this year.

Source: Bombardier, Picture Bombardier.

Mexicana Takes First E195-E2 Delivery from Embraer

State-owned carrier Mexicana has taken delivery of its first Embraer E195-E2.  São Paulo-based Embraer says that Mexicana’s first example of the latest generation narrowbody jet departed its headquarters in the morning on 30 June.  Mexicana is due to take delivery of a further nine E195-E2s and 10 190-E2s.

Embraer is counting on the E190-E2 of family twinsets as the flagship of its commercial program.  It says the first delivery to Mexicana is a ”milestone” that boosts the E2’s “growing presence in Latin America”.

Mexicana, meanwhile, is undergoing a fleet modernization effort.  It currently operates Boeing 737s and Embraer ERJ145s.  Leobardo Bojorquez, chief executive of Mexicana, says the E2 delivery “marks a new chapter” for the airline, which was rebooted in 2023 following a more than decade-long operational shutdown.

Source: Mexicana, Embraer, Picture Embraer                                                               

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

China Airlines Taps GE Aerospace for GE9X MRO Services

China Airlines has signed a multi-year agreement with GE Aerospace for MRO services of the latter’s GE 9X engines.  The engines will power the Taiwanese carrier’s fleet of 14 Boeing 777X aircraft.  Ordered in March, China Airlines will take 10 777-9 passenger aircraft, and four 777 8 freighters.

The SKYTeam carrier is an existing operator of other GE Aerospace engines, including the GE90 on the 777-300ERS and the CF6-80C2s and its 747-400 Freighters.

GE Aerospace commercial engines and services president Russell Stokes adds: “We continue to work closely with China Airlines to support the GE9X’s entry into service and service and smooth operation of their 777X fleet.”

Source: GE Aerospace, picture Boeing

Air Lease Activity For the Second Quarter of 2025

Air Lease announced an update on aircraft investments, sales, and other activities occurring in the second quarter of 2025.  As of June 30, 2025, AL’s fleet was comprised of 495 owned aircraft and 53 managed aircraft, with 241 new aircraft on order from Airbus and Boeing set to deliver through 2031.

Delivered 12 new aircraft from AL’s order book, including six Airbus A220s, one  A321neo, two Boeing 737 Max 8s, one Boeing 787-9, and two Boeing 787-10s.  Aircraft investments totaled approximately $890 million, with the majority occurring in the second half of the quarter.  Sold 4 aircraft to third-party buyers.

Aircraft sales proceeds for the quarter totaled approximately $126 million.  Air Lease is a leading global aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California. Air Lease and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing new commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions.  The company routinely posts information that may be important in the “Investors”  section of its website at www.airleasecorp.com.

Source: businesswire

South Korea Commences P-8A Operations

South Korea’s navy has commenced operations with the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The main focus of the aircraft will be detecting underwater threats posed by North Korea, according to naval officials quoted by the official news agency Yonhap.

The aircraft first arrived in South Korea, with the air and maintenance crew undergoing training locally.  Before this, they trained with US Navy (USN) colleagues in the USA.  Seoul ordered six P-8As in 2020 through the US government’s Foreign Military Sales process.  South Korea is the fourth Asia-Pacific nation to operate the 737-derivative, following Australia, India, and New Zealand.

When the first three aircraft arrived at South Korea’s Pohang air base in June, the navy said in addition to the type’s anti-submarine role, the aircraft’s X-band radar “ can detect sea targets to hundreds of kilometers away”

Source: FlightGlobal, Picture Boeing

LATEST NEWS

• Boeing will acquire Spirit AeroSystems’ Belfast site as part of its planned acquisition of Spirit.  That is according to Wichita-based Spirit, which says it has found no other buyer for the Short Brothers site in Belfast, Northern Ireland, meaning it will land with Boeing.

   

  

• ANA Holding has firmed orders for 27 Airbus narrow bodies, including first A321XLRs, along with 15 Embraer 190-E2s and 28 Boeing aircraft, 18 787-9s and 10 737 Max 8s.

   

• AIR Lease said all seven Airbus A350 freighters ordered at the Dubai air show in 2021 have been removed from Launch customer Air Lease’s backlog.

   

• AerFin, an aviation asset specialist that buys, sells, leases, and repairs aircraft, engines, and parts, is collaborating with a Middle Eastern investor on the acquisition of four A320neo aircraft.  By dismantling these A320neo aircraft, AerFin is significantly expanding its inventory, addressing the increasing demand for Used Serviceable Material(USM) as airlines seek efficient, lower-cost alternatives to new Parts.
  
  
• Emirates Middle Eastern Carrier Emirates has agreed to purchase, by the end of this year, another four Airbus A380s, which it currently operates under lease.  Emirates is to purchase the four aircraft from August to November, as their leases expire.

   

• Alaska Air Group has gained US Department of Transportation (DOT) approval for the transfer of Hawaiian to Alaska Airlines’ operating certificate, a milestone in the tie-up process that began with Alaska’s September 2024 acquisition of the  Honolulu-based carrier.
  
  

AIR CARGO

Cargolux Fleet Update

Cargolux is one of the airlines that has placed an order for the new Boeing 777-8 Freighter aircraft as it looks to replace its aging Boeing 747-400 aircraft.  In total, Cargolux ordered 10 777-8Fs with options for six more.  The project has faced delays; however, CargoLux president and chief executive Richard Forson is not concerned by the delays and says that Cargolux has some flexibility with its existing fleet.

“The delays don’t really impact us to any great extent because we had already anticipated deliveries in 2027 and 2028”, Forson explains.  “So when we placed the orders, we had certain buffers built in.”  “Also, we have been working very closely with Boeing, and I believe, the 777 9 certification program is going well, which gives people confidence for the -8F.  I think they seem to be turning the corner now”.

Cargolux’s current fleet is made up of 30 Boeing 747s-14 747-8Fs and 16 747-400s.  Forson says the -400Fs are expected to retire over the coming three to five years, but adds that despite their age, they continue to offer high levels of utilization, with some even matching levels achieved by the – 8Fs.

Source: Cargolux

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian:  Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian

ALL THINGS BOEING

Boeing Makes Design Tweaks to 777-9 Thrust-Link

The thrust-link issue that forced Boeing to ground its 777-9 test fleet last year was caused by high-speed air striking the links, causing vibration and failure.  Boeing now says it has addressed the problem with a fix that involves beefing up the thrust links and keeping the components from being struck by air traveling at such speed.

“The 777-9 team is making improvements to the new airplane’s thrust links to address a vibration that led to cracking of the structural component and temporarily paused flight testing last year”,said a recent Boeing internal message.

Thrust links transfer thrust from engines to airframes.  Each of the 777-9’s two GE Aerospace GE9X turbofans has two thrust links made from titanium.  “At 10 feet long, this is the largest thrust link we have ever designed at Boeing, and we found a titanium tube this size can exhibit some unique behaviors,” 777-9 vice-president and chief project engineer Trisha Lacaux said in Boeing’s internal message.  ”You need the perfect overlapping conditions for this to occur.”

“We have finalized a solution to the 777-9 thrust-link issue identified last year, based on months of rigorous testing and analysis by a team of Boeing experts,” Boeing says.  We have already implemented changes to our flight-test airplanes and will continue to inspect them to ensure continued safe operation.”

“We will adopt further improvements for extended operations and production airplanes prior to first delivery,” the company adds.  “The thrust links have performed without issue since we resumed flight testing earlier this year,” says 777-9 deputy project engineer Anita Rudack in the internal Boeing message.

Source: Boeing, Flight Global

Boeing Aims to Certify 737 MAX Variants by Year-end

Boeing expects to finish the certification of its best-selling 737MAX family by the end of the year, CEO Kelly Ortberg said in an interview with trade publication Aviation Week, published on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

The company has been trying for several years to gain certification for the smallest and largest MAX variant from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.  The MAX 7 and MAX 10 have been delayed in part due to concerns with engine de-icing system.  Ortberg told Aviation Week that the U.S. plane maker hopes to finish certification this year, clearing the way to start deliveries of the MAX 7 and MAX 10 are“two airplanes that are very very important to our customers and our backlog.”

Boeing’s backlog includes nearly 1,200 orders for the 737 MAX 10 and 332 orders for the MAX 7.   Ortberg also said in the Aviation week interview that Boeing was making progress on certifying the 777-9, the company’s largest jetliner in production.  Boeing has 419 orders for the 777-9, according to its website.

Source: Aviation Week, Picture Boeing

                    

ALL THINGS AIRBUS

Airbus Pushes Back Entry into-Service-of the A350 Freighter

Airbus is pushing back the entry-into-service date of its A350 freighter to the second half of 2027 from its earlier expectations of 2026. The airframer states that it is facing “specific supply-chain challenges, speaking during a full-year financial briefing on February 20th.  Chief executive Guillaume Faury said the first flight-test A350 would enter the final assembly line this year.  Airbus has firm orders for 63 A350 freighters, with 60 of them attributed to 10 identified customers.

On 11 March, Air France-KLM Group is to reduce the number of A350 freighters it has ordered from Airbus because of production delays and following a fleet portfolio assessment.

Source: Airbus

Airbus Completes Wings for Initial A350 Freighter

Airbus has completed the initial wing set for the A350 freighter at the manufacturer’s UK production facility in Broughton.  The wings for the twin cargo aircraft, designated the A350-1000F, will be shipped to Bremen for system installation before being transferred to the Toulouse final assembly line.

Airbus is constructing two flight-test aircraft for the A350 freighter program.  Entry into service is scheduled for the second half of 2027.  Airbus says the wings for the freighter “ have been designed similarly” to the A350 passenger variants, enabling them to be produced on the same line.  Airbus will transport the wings using an A330-700L BelugaXL to Bremen for systems fitting.

The airframer has secured orders for 63 freighters among the 1,391 total orders for the A350 program recorded by the end of April.“Broughton will continue to play a critical role in the future of the program, supporting Airbus’ growth in passenger and freight markets,” says Airbus Broughton head of widebody wings Paul Kimister.

Source: Airbus, picture Airbus

Regional And Business Jets

Bombardier Hails Maiden Flight of 1st Global 8000

Bombardier has performed the maiden sortie of the first production example of its ultra-long-range Global 8000 business jet, with the aircraft completing the milestone on 16 May from Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The flight keeps the 8000nm(14,800km) range Global 8000 on track for service entry later this year.  Maintaining that schedule will be critical to keep pace with rival Gulfstream, which achieved certification of its 8,200 nm-range G800 in April.

“The aircraft executed a series of tests, part of the production flight-test procedures, during the flight.  All flight controls were exercised on the aircraft, systems, and aircraft, and the systems performed as expected”, Bombardier says.

The Global 8000 shares much in common with its sister ship, the 7,700nm-range Global 7500 nm-range Global 7500, which regulators certified in 2018.  Powered by twin 18,920(84kN0 GE Aerospace Passport engines, the 19-passenger Global 8,000 will fly at speeds to Mach 0.94 and 51,000 ft Altitude.

Source: Bombardier, picture Bombardier.

    

Other Aviation News

VietJet to Base Up to 50 737 Max Jets With Thai Unit

Low-cost operator VietJet will transfer 50 of its new Boeing Max aircraft to its Thai unit as it confirms it will be taking delivery of its first example in October.  The Vietnamese operator says the move will “significantly expand” VietJet  Thailand’s operations, “particularly enhancing connections between Vietnam and Thailand”.  The agreement was signed on the sidelines of a state visit by the Thai prime minister, Paetongtam Shinawatra, to Vietnam.

VietJet has orders for 200 737 Max aircraft, comprising a mix of Max 8s, Max 10s, and the higher-density Max 8-200.  In the lead-up to the 737 Max’s entry with VietJet Thailand, Boeing will provide the carrier with pilot, maintenance, and engineer training as well as product services support.  The announcement is the latest update on the status of VietJet’s Boeing orders, which it placed in 2016 and 2018.  On 9 May, VietJet said it would be transferring some 20 737s to its newly set-up subsidiary VietJet Qazaqstan, which is a tie-up with local operator Qazaq Air.

Source : VietJet, Picture Vietjet Air

Saudi Lessor AviLease Seals First Direct Order With Boeing For 30 737 Max Jets

Saudi Arabian lessor AviLease has disclosed that it is ordering up to 30 Boeing Max 8 twinsets, its first direct agreement with Boeing.  Deliveries of the jets are set to take place up to 2032.  Boeing says the agreement covers 20 firm aircraft plus options on a further 10.  All 737 Max jets are powered by CFM International Leap-1B engines.

AviLease emerged in mid-2022, being established by the Saudi Arabian wealth fund.  It has since expanded substantially, building a portfolio of some 200 owned and managed aircraft through the acquisition of Standard Chartered’s leasing business as well as taking over several jets from Irish lessor 

AviLease says it aims to become one of the 10 most significant aircraft leasing companies, and the 737 Max order supports its ambitions.  “This transaction proves our ability to transact across all market channels, including sale and leaseback, secondary trading ( mergers and acquisitions), and now direct OEM purchasing,” says Chief Executive Edward O’Byrne.“ These new aircraft will accelerate our growth and enable us to deliver the industry’s latest generation, fuel-efficient fleet solutions.”

Source: AviLease, picture Boeing

Ethiopian Airlines has selected the GE Aerospace GEnx-1B engines to power its latest 11 Boeing 787-9s. The carrier ordered the planes in December 2023.  Ethiopian says the agreement will take the number of GEnx-powered 787s in its fleet to 30.  It also operates a batch of 787s with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000s.

The company has sealed a parallel pact with GE Aerospace covering the GE9X power plants for up to 14 777- 9s. Ethiopian has eight firm 777- 9s on order and options for six more.“These agreements for GE9X and GEnx engines reflect our commitment to fleet modernisation, operational efficiency, and sustainability,” says group chief Mesfin Tasew.  Both power plant deals include maintenance support.

Source: Ethiopian Airlines.                                                  

AIR CARGO

CMA CGM to Take 777 Freighter Fleet to Five

French logistics giant CMA CGM Group is to establish a cargo hub in Chicago where it will station Boeing 777 Freighters.  CMA CGM has confirmed the plan as part of a broad investment in US activity.  The company created its own airfreight operator, CMA CGM Air Cargo, in 2021. Initially, it was using ex-Qatar Airways Airbus A330-200Fs.  It subsequently became an early customer for the A350 freighter with an order for four, and also signed for a pair of 777Fs.  The company further expanded last year, doubling its agreement for A350Fs and disclosing that it would take two more 777Fs for operations between Asia and North America.

Last year, it introduced its third 777F on new transpacific routes connecting Chicago O’Hare with Seoul, Hong Kong, and Anchorage.  As part of a broad US investment, valued at $20 billion, it says it is expecting another pair of twinsets to be delivered this year, which would give the carrier five of the type.  It says this expansion of US air cargo capacity will be “anchored” by a new hub in Chicago, with five 777Fs “ operated by American pilots” which will “strengthen anUS trade and Connectivity”.

Sources: FlightGlobal, CMA CGM, Picture CMA CGM

FedEx Made Firm Options on More 777Fs

FedEx has exercised options on a further eight Boeing 777 freighters, but used the retirement of Boeing MD-11Fs by four years.  The Carrier says it expects to receive three of the 777Fs in 2026, with the remaining five to be delivered the following year.

FedEx said in its quarterly filing that it has extended the retirement deadline for the full MD-11 fleet from 2028 until 3032.  Boeing is expected to deliver three factory-built freighters in 2026 and five in 2027. Chief Financial Officer John Dietrich told analysts on an earnings call that FedEx also recently bought used 777 freighters from an undisclosed party.

FedEx currently operates 57 Boeing 777 freighters and has two deliveries from its 2018 order scheduled this year.

Source: FedEx, Picture FedEx

                         

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian, Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian

ALL THINGS BOEING

              

Boeing completed the first flight of the UK’s E-7 Wedgetail for the Royal Air Force (RAF).  A Boeing flight-test crew conducted functional checks during the first flight from Birmingham Airport, marking a significant milestone in the program’s test and evaluation phase.

Currently unpainted, the aircraft is one of three NG aircraft on British soil undergoing modification by a highly skilled team of over 100 people at STS Aviation Services in Birmingham.

“This safe and systemic Functional Check Flight is an important step for Boeing and the RAF as part of our rigorous and extensive testing and evaluation,” said Stu Voboril, Boeing vice president and E7 program manager.  “Our team is committed to ensuring the E-7 delivers the safety, quality, and capabilities we’ve promised to our customer as we prepare to deliver the UK’s first E-7 Wedgetail to the RAF.”

Group Captain Richard Osselton, RAF Program Director for Wedgetail said, “Achieving the first flight of Wedgetail is a significant milestone, representing an outstanding effort from the RAF program team, DE&S, Boeing, and STS Aviation.  We will build on the success and look forward to continuing the test and evaluation phase as part of our preparations for the aircraft to enter service.”

The RAF, the Republic of Korea Air Force, and the Turkish Air Force currently operate the E-7.   Boeing is also building two rapid prototype E-7 aircraft for the USAF, and in 2023, NATO announced the selection of the E-7 for its AEW&C mission.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

                   Japan Eyes Big Increase In Tanker Numbers

The US government has cleared Tokyo to buy nine Boeing KC-46A tankers, potentially offering a significant boost to the country’s air-to-air refueling capabilities.

Japan has requested nine KC-46As, with the cost of aircraft and related equipment, logistics, and services coming to potentially $4.1 billion, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).  Should Japan take all nine aircraft, its long-term KC-46A fleet could grow to 15.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force(JASDF) already operates four KC-46As.  It also has orders for two more: original planes call for these to arrive in 2025.

Extra tankers would allow the JASDF to not only conduct longer-range operations against regional foes, but also better support US forces in the event of a regional conflict.

Source: FlightGlobal, Picture Boeing

                     

ALL THINGS AIRBUS

               GlobalX Takes Delivery of 18th A320-Family Aircraft

Charter carrier Global Crossing Airlines has taken delivery of its 18th Airbus aircraft, an 150-seat A320 it is leasing from Dubai-based DAE Capital.    The Miami-based cargo and passenger carrier, which operates as GlobalX, disclosed the delivery of the aircraft via a a social media post on September 24.

The jet rolled off Airbus’ production line in Toulouse in 2007 and was originally operated by Virgin America, according to Cirium fleets data.

GlobalX now operates 11 passenger-carrying A320s and seven A321s converted for cargo, all of which are leased.  In April, the carrier received approval from US aviation authorities to grow its fleet to up to 20 family aircraft.

The same day it received the aircraft, the carrier disclosed plans to launch, starting this month, three weekly round-trip cargo flights from Chicago to San Juan, Porto Rico with A321 Freighters.

GlobalX launched in 2021 and has since pursued aggressive growth.

Source: GlobalX, picture GlobalX      

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

                 Duncan To Add Paint Hanger in Lincoln, Nebraska

Duncan Aviation is kicking off construction in December on a $25 million paint facility at its Lincoln, Nebraska location.  Plans call for a 32,500-sq-ft dual-bay hanger with an additional 9,000-sq-ft storage and support area that will connect to the MRO provider’s existing paint facility built in 2012.  The project also entails the expansion of the ramp on the building’s west side.

Designed and engineered by long-time Duncan Aviation partner Tectonic Management Group, the facility will feature cross-draft bays with updated climate control, as well as upgraded wastewater treatment and added air showers to contain more contaminants.  It will further have a small application booth for parts such as flaps and thrust reversers.

The new facility will accommodate large models such as the Gulfstream G650, Dassault Falcon 10X, and Bombardier Global 7500, as well as flexibility for unscheduled and drop-in work such as paint touch-up and registration number changes.

Source: Duncan Aviation                                                                     

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

             De Havilland Producing First DAC-515 Firefighter

De Havilland Canada is assembling its first DHC-515 Firefighter in Calgary and expects to begin delivering the aircraft in early 2028, a bit later than previously anticipated.

But De Havilland’s vice-president of corporate affairs, Neil Sweeney, says the program is progressing well and that De Havilland has worked through supply chain troubles.

De Havilland’s development of the twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100-powered DHC-515 water bomber, an update to the CL-415, has required the company to reboot a production system and supplier network idled since 2015; when Bombardier, the program’s previous owner, stopped producing the CL-415s.

De Havilland has for several months been producing DHC_515 components.  It makes the aircraft’s airframes, wings, cockpits, and other aerostructures in-house.

Sweeny tells FlightGlobal De Havilland aims to roll out the first DHC-515 at the end of 2027 or the beginning of 2028, for the first aircraft to be flying in time for the 2028 fire season which aligns with the northern hemisphere’s warm weather months.

De Havilland will eventually produce nine to 12 DHC-515s annually.  The company also intends to relocate production from Calgary to De Havilland Field, a massive under-construction site east of Calgary in sparsely populated Wheatland County, Alberta.  De Havilland plans to move its manufacturing, maintenance, and parts distribution work to the site, which will include a runway.

Source: De Havilland

                         Avolon  will Obtain Castlelake Aviation

Lessor Avolon will obtain Castlelake Aviation, adding 118 aircraft to its portfolio.  Castlelake Aviation’s assets were worth $5 billion as of March 31, according to the two companies.  Avolon is buying the portfolio from investment manager Castlelake, which oversees $22 billion in assets.  The portfolio includes 105 aircraft that are on lease, two engines on lease, commitments for 13 aircraft as well as nine loans.

Avolon does not break down specific aircraft types but indicates that 68% of the aircraft are narrow bodies and 70% are new technology aircraft.  The average age is 4.7 years.  “This transaction accelerates our growth plans adding a portfolio of assets that will further strengthen our cashflow and earnings profile,” says Avolon Chief Executive Andy Cronin.

“Our balance sheet strength, high levels of liquidity, and established capital markets access have enabled us to acquire these assets.  They are complementary to our existing portfolio and will increase our fleet at attractive yields, supporting our positive ratings trajectory.”

The Portfolio has $3.3 billion of transferable debt, with the balance of the deal to be funded from Avolon’s existing sources of funds.  The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.

Source:  Avolon, Picture Avolon   

LATEST NEWS

• United Airlines’ first Boeing 787-8 with the ‘Evo-Blue’ livery has entered into service after exiting the paint shop in Texas.  The ‘Evo-Blue’ is five years old and the second livery change after the United Airlines— Continental Airlines Merger.

• LOT, Poland’s flag carrier placed three Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft leased from BOC Aviation.  The aircraft will be delivered in 2025.

• T’Way South Korean low-cost carrier T’way Air will lease five Airbus A330neos from Avolon to support international growth.

• Qatar Airways is supporting IndiGo with Boeing 737 Max 8 capacity as the Iindian ULCC grounded more than 70 Airbus A320neo family aircraft related to the Pratt &Whitney geared turbofan(GTF) engine problems.

Sources: Qatar Airways, Avolon, United, LOT

AIR CARGO

                Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines Enter A Join Venture

Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines are to establish a first-of-its-kind joint venture with the aim of promoting economic and trade cooperation and enhancing global logistics and connectivity.

The joint venture project builds on the already successful partnership between Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines, which has significantly enhanced connectivity and capacity between China, the UAE, and global trade routes’ relationship that has been mutually beneficial for both airlines and their customers.

The newly announced joint venture project will take this collaboration to unprecedented heights.  Beyond capacity sharing, this partnership represents a full strategic alignment between Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines, combining their strengths to offer a unified, comprehensive logistics solution to customers worldwide.

Source: Times Aerospace, Picture Etihad

                         

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian 

ALL THINGS BOEING

                   Boeing, USAF Formalizes E-7A Contract With Boeing

The US Air Force has formalized $2.6 billion contract with Boeing for a pair of E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) prototypes.  The contract, awarded under a “rapid prototype program,” will see two operationally representative assets delivered in the government’s 2028 financial year.

“This agreement is a significant win for our warfighters, paving the way for ensuring the air force’s ability to prove advanced airborne moving target indication in the coming years,” says Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.

The rapid prototyping effort will see specific USA mission systems integrated into the aircraft, which is based on the 737-700 airliner.  The systems will meet USAF requirements and ensure interoperability with allies that already field the type.  Existing operators of the E-7 are Australia, Turkey, and South Korea, while the UK is also acquiring the AEW&C platform.  The USAF plans to obtain 26 examples of the types, which will replace the obsolescent E-3A.

“Global operators are proving that the E-7 AEW&C is a critical node for air superiority in the modern battlespace,” says Boeing’s E-7 program manager Stu Voboril.  As part of efforts to prepare for the arrival of the new jets, USAF personnel have been embedded with Royal Australian Air Force E-7A crews.

Source: Boeing, Picture Boeing

             Boeing Returns to Lead Top 100 Aerospace Companies

The upper end of the latest Top 100 ranking of aerospace businesses by revenue has an old familiar feel. Boeing and Airbus head the table with RTX and Lockheed Martin in their wakes.  The big two airframers fought it out for prime spot for most of the previous decade, but the collapse in the airline market during the pandemic saw Lockheed and post-merger RTX each emerge as aeropause’s largest player in subsequent surveys.

The US airframer’s return to peak position might seem surprising given depth of its financial, industrial, reputational woes. However, its sales success only tells part of the story.  Boeing’s revenues rose by about a sixth in 2023, but it remained in operational loss—albeit much less than its $3.5 billion deficit in 2022.

Source: FlightGlobal,FlightGlobal                   

ALL THINGS AIRBUS

             KLM Takes Delivery of its First Airbus A321neo Aircraft

On August 27, 2024 Dutch national carrier KLM, member of the Air France-KLM Group, has taken delivery of its first A321neo as part of their fleet modernization with the latest generation aircraft.  The newly delivered A321neo for KLM seats 227 passengers in two-class layout.

The cabin features Airbus’ Airspace cabin with XL bins.  The larger bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew.  In addition, USB-C ports are available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

The A321neo is the largest member of of Airbus’ best selling A320neo Family, offering range and performance.  Equipped with shark lets and powered by new generation CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the A321neo brings a 505 noise footprint reduction and at least 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximizing passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. Today, more than 6,400 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.

Source: Airbus, picture Airbus    

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

                            Global 7500 Amassing Speed Records

Bombardier’s Global 7500 has been rapidly racking up speed records, topping 50 of them in less than 50 weeks.  The ultra-long-range aircraft has established records from Miami to Sao Paulo, Tokyo to Las Angeles, Jeddah to London Bahrain.

The 10 fastest new records averaged a speed of more than 1,000 km/h Bombardier reported.  Top speed of the Global 7500 is Mach 0.925, and the aircraft has a baseline range of 7,700 nm.  As speed records have accrued, the in-service fleet continues to expand with now close to 200 delivered. Collectively, the fleet has logged more than 180,000 flying hours.

Meanwhile,Bombardier continues to progress on its even speedier Global 8000 successor that can fly at Mach 0.94.  Announced in 2022, the Global 8000 will have an 8,000-nm range and cabin altitude of less than 2,900 feet while flying at FL410.  The Montreal-based airframer is planning service entry in 2025.

Source: Bombardier, Picture Bombardier

            Gulfstream Achieves First Flight of G400 Business Jet

Gulfstream successfully completed first flight of its new G400 business jet with a nearly 3 hour sortie starting  and ending at Savannah Hilton Head International airport in Georgia.  During the first flight, the G400 reached a speed of Mach 0.85 and an altitude of 41,000ft burning a blend of sustainable aviation fuel and conventional jet fuel.  “The completion of the first flight marks a significant milestone for the G400,” says Mark Burns, Gulfstream’s president.

“It demonstrates, yet again, the maturity of Gulfstream’s new aircraft programs and the advantages created by the intentionally designed commonalities shared across our next-generation fleet.”  The type will be available in 11 or 12 passenger cabin configurations.  Gulfstream’s family of next-generation business jets also includes, the G500, G600, the flagship G700 and ultra-long-range G800.

Source: Glfstream, Picture Gulfstream

                                                                       

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

                  Red Sea Airlines Marks its Second Anniversary

Red Sea Airlines marked the second anniversary of starting operations on September 2nd, with plans to expand its current fleet of three Boeing 737-800s to five early next year.  The airline is primarily a leisure carrier and has tapped into the rapidly growing market in Central Asia, the airline’s director of ground operations, Ahmed Mohamed El-Gendy said.

“Demand there is so high.  Whenever I open a flight, tour operators from there book all the seats.  Because we are a low-cost carrier, we can give them a competitive price.” The airline is operating from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan & Tajikistan, as well as from the Caucasus—Armenia—and Eastern Europe,Romania and Moldova.

At present, western European destinations are largely in Germany and Italy, but the company plans to expand its route map in that region when its new aircraft arrive.  The company’s primary destinations for inbound tourists are Harghada and Sharm El Sheikh, on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

“We are fully loaded to the east and want to go more to the west and middle East,” said El-Gendy.  The company will be able to handle the extra demand when the two new 737-800s, being acquired on lease purchase, arrive in the first quarter of 2025.

Source: Red Sea Airlines.     

Emirates Purchase Five A380s From Channel Island Leasing Firm

Middle Eastern carrier Emirates is to purchase five more Airbus A380s from an investment company once their lease period expires later this year.  Emirates is to pay $40 million for each aircraft, according to the Channel Islands-based investment company Doric Nimrod Air Two.  The leases are set to expire over the course of October 1 to November 3.

Doric Nimrod Air Two, which is located in Guernsey, purchased seven A380s in 2011, all fitted with Engine Alliance GP200 powerplants and leased to Emirates for 12 years.

Two of these have already been sold to Emirates in a transaction carried out last year.  The five remaining aircraft  carry MSNs 105, 106, 107, 109 and 110.  With its purpose complete, Doric Nimrod Air Two will be liquidated it says, once payment to shareholders is completed around early 2025.

Source: FlightGlobal

                       ANA’s Emissions-Reducing Aeroshark Film

All Nippon Airways has applied the low-drag AeroShark surface film on a single Boeing 777 freighter, becoming the second Asian operator to use the oil on its aircraft.  EVA Air  is the first Asian carrier to apply the low-drag AeroShark surface film on its fleet of Boeing 777 freighters.  The first 777F with AeroShark film( JA771F) entered service on the third of September, operating a flight from Tokyo Narita to Chicago.

ANA adds that it intends to apply the film on a passenger 777-300ER(JA796A), which will enter service early next year.  ANA worked with AeroShark developer Lufthansa Technik for the application of the film on its 777F.

ANA is the second Asian carrier with the AeroShark film on its 777s.  Fellow Star Alliance member EVA Air announced in late August it would be coating its 777Fs with the film, with the first example to enter service in September.  So far, the film has been installed on aircraft operating in the Lufthansa Group: a sole 747-400, all 12 777-300ERs operated by Swiss International Air Lines, and four 777Fs that fly for Lufthansa Cargo.  Work has also begun on applying the film to four Austrian Airlines 777-200ERs.

Source: Lufthansa Technik          

LATEST NEWS

• Boeing in August delivered its highest monthly total of 737 Max jets to China since the Covid-19 pandemic overturned the airline industry.

• August deliveries included 32 737 Max jets, with Ryanair leading the way with six aircraft, followed by India with four, and three each to Southwest Airlines,United Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines.Other Chinese Customers to take aircraft in eluded Shandong Airlines,China Southern Airlines, and Shenzhen Airlines.  During the eight months ended on August 31st, Boeing handed over to customers 258 aircraft— 201 737s, 14 767s, 32 787s and 11 777s.

• Airbus in August delivered 47 aircraft, including 36 A320neo-family jets, five A350s, five A220s and a single A330. During the eight months ending August 31st delivered 447 aircraft.

• Oman Air has received the first of three Boeing 787-9 aircraft scheduled for this year. Part of an existing order, which includes eight more aircraft in 2027.

• WestJet Airlines plans to add three more leased Boeing Max 8s to its fleet, for a total of nine of the type added in the past six month.

• Airbus faces a tough task to hit delivery target amid lingering parts shortages, ongoing shortages of engines, cabin components and other parts have left Airbus challenged to hit its 2024 delivery goal, meaning the company need to quickly ramp output to hit the target.  That is according to Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury who, on September 10, said the manufacturer faces a big challenge for the last four months of the year.  Airbus in June had reset its 2024 delivery target to 770 aircraft-an average of 64 jets monthly- down from a previous goal of 800.

• Icelandair has shown off its first Airbus aircraft, an A321LR which has been painted in the carrier’s colors in Hamburg.

• KlasJet, a private and corporate jet charter company, will increase its capacity in the Middle East with the placement of an additional Boeing 737 in Saudi Arabia.  KlasJet currently operates six 737s for VIP charter services as well as seven next-generation aircraft.

Sources: Boeing, Airbus, FlightGlobal, Oman Air, WestJet, Icelandair

                                                             AIR CARGO    

         CMA CGM Air Cargo Launches Transpacific Route

CMA CGM Air Cargo has started a new transpacific route between Hong Kong International Airport(HKG) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) using its recently delivered third Boeing 777-200 freighter operated by Atlas Air.

The first commercial flight took place on August 25, connecting HKG to ORD with a technical stop at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport(ANC).  On the westbound leg, the aircraft operates from ORD to HKG via Inchon International Airport(ICN) in Seoul.  Two additional 777-200F are also due to be delivered to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG)-based CMA CGM Air Cargo with next year.

A second 777-200F will be received in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will be deployed on a transpacific route, connecting mainland China to North America.  A third 777F will also be delivered in 2025 to give CMA CGM Air Cargo a total of five 777Fs.

Source: CMA CGM Air Cargo, picture CMA CGM Air

        Atlas Air to Add Three Boeing 747-8 Freighters To Fleet

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings,Inc announced on August 22 that it will be adding three Boeing 747-8 freighters to its fleet to meet the strong global demand for dedicated large widebody airfreight capacity, particularly for cross-border e-commerce shipping.  The three additional 747-8Fs, secured through long-term finance lease agreements with BOC Aviation, are expected to enter service late in the third quarter of 2024.

“Atlas is the world’s largest operator of Boeing 747 Freighters aircraft and we are thrilled to expand our widebody fleet with these three 747-8Fs, following the four 747-400Fs we acquired and placed with customers under long-term agreements earlier this year,” said Michael Steen, Atlas Air Worldwide Chief Executive Officer.

“Our growth in this aircraft type underscores Atlas’ commitment to the 747-freighter platform and the value it provides our customers, including significant payload capacity and unique nose-loading capability.”

Source : Atlas Air Worldwide

        Asiana Acquires Two ex-China Airlines 747 Freighters

China Airlines has sold two Boeing 747-400 freighters to South Korean operator Asiana Airlines.  The deal, brokered by Aviation Management Solutions, is valued at more than $51 million dollars according to stock exchange filings.  Asiana says it is purchasing the jets to replace its fleet of aging freighters to enhance punctuality.

The two aircraft bear the MSNS 30768 and 30765, according to Aviation Management Solutions. Cirium fleets data shows that MSN30768 has been registered N111VL and was formerly B-18711.  It was delivered to Taiwanese operator in 2002.

Meanwhile, MSN30765 was formerly B-18708, which has been re-registered as N132VL.  China Airlines operated the freighter between 2001 and 2024, according  to fleets data.  Both freighters are powered by GE aerospace CF6 engines and are currently in storage at Victorville in California.

The acquisition comes as Asiana prepares to divest its cargo business in the lead-up to its merger with compatriot Korean Air.  On August 7, Korean said it had signed a basic business sale agreement with Air Inchon for the acquisition of the cargo business.

Source: FlightGlobal, Cirium fleets data, picture China Airlines

                         

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian 

ALL THINGS BOEING

                  Boeing Begins 777-9 Certification Flight Testing

Boeing completed its first certification test flight of the 777-9 on July 12th after receiving the long-delayed jet’s “type inspection authorization” (TIA) from the Federal Aviation Administration.  That document is a green light from the regulator, certifying that the 777-9 will likely meet certification requirements and approving the start of flight testing for certification credits.  Boeing disclosed having received the TIA on January 13.  It has said it expects the 777-9 will enter service next year.

Receiving the TIA marks a significant milestone for the 777-9 program. It brings much-needed bright news for Boeing, which in recent months has been hammered by negative press, much of it involving questions about the safety of its production system.

“We appreciate our regulator’s rigorous oversight and are grateful to our customers who have chosen the 777-9 for its efficiency, environmental performance, and passenger comfort,” Boeing said.  While Boeing just started flight testing for certification credit, its flight-test 777-9 has completed more than 1,200 flights and logged some 3,500 hours in the air as part of Boeing’s own flight-test regiment, it says.

“The 777-9 flight-test fleet will undergo the most thorough commercial flight-test effort Boeing has ever undertaken.  We have also spent significant time working through the required certification deliverables in preparation for TIA,” Boeing adds.

The 777-9 will have 7,285nm(13,500km) of range and be capable of carrying 426 passengers in a typical two-class layout, Boeing says it is 76.7m(252ft) from nose to tail.

Boeing’s 777-9 flight-test fleet includes four aircraft.  Test jet “WH001” has been assigned avionics, brakes, flutter, icing, stability, and low-speed aerodynamics testing, and “WH002” is handling ground-effect aerodynamics, auto-land, and stability and control tests.

Boeing is using test aircraft “WH003” to validate handling, avionics, propulsion, and auxiliary power unit, while “WH004” has been assigned extended-operations environmental-control system, reliability, and noise evaluations, Boeing says.

Source: Boeing, picture Boeing

Boeing Board of Directors Made a Good Decision in Picking Its CEO

The board picked longtime aerospace executive Kelly Ortberg to succeed David Calhoun as chief executive.  “Best choice they could have made,” says Alex Krutz, managing director at aerospace and defense advisory Patriot Industrial Partners. “He exhibits everything that can make a company like Boeing great.”  Ortberg will succeed Calhoun as CEO on August 8.  “You could not ask for a better selection,” says analyst Richard Aboulafia with AeroDynamic Advisory.

Aboulafia views Boeing, in picking Ortberg, as stepping back toward its engineering roots and away from the finance-centric management team that has been in charge for several decades.

According to a source familiar with the matter, Ortberg will be based in Seattle, a surely welcome change for the Puget Sound region, which in recent years has watched as Boeing shifted production elsewhere and moved its headquarters first to Chicago and then in 2022, to Virginia, solidifying a perception that Boeing lost its way.  Based on his extensive background he will be ready for the challenge.

Source: Boeing and other sources researched by the writer.                 

ALL THINGS AIRBUS

             Airbus’s A321XLR Secures European Certification

Airbus has secured European certification for the long-range A321XLR, following a campaign that has focused particularly on safety given the substantial technical modifications introduced during the development of the aircraft.  Approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency covers the CFM International Leap-1A version.

Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury had stated in early July that certification “was very close to happening”, adding: “ Each and every document, justification, answer to questions, everything has to be completed before it goes from zero to one,” he says.

Certification of the Pratt &Whitney PW1100G-powered version is expected later this year.

Spanish flag-carrier Iberia is poised to become the first operator to accept the XLR, supplanting sister airline Aer Lingus, and intends to put the twinjet into service on routes to Boston from Mid-November, and Washington Dulles in January 2025.

Source: Airbus

                      Airbus Launches Cost Cuts to Save 2024

Airbus has launched a program of cost cuts and freeze an overall headcount to shore up performance at its core planemaking business in 2024 and beyond, weeks after being forced to cut targets for jet production, industry sources said.

Code-named “LEAD!”, the new initiative will urgently tackle an increase in costs per aircraft and address deeper productivity issues as the platemaker braces for the eventual recovery of struggling US rival Boeing.  Some positions may disappear and the overall number of positions will be capped but the company does not plan a conventional redundancy plan, planemaking CEO Christian Scherer said in a memo to staff, according to industry sources.

“Because of the continued pressure in the supply chain as well as the overall complex economic situation, there is a need to concentrate our efforts on the fundamentals,” the spokesperson said.  In the memo, Scherer predicted that Boeing’s ongoing corporate and industrial crisis would force Airbus’ main rival to radically change for the better, the sources said.

Sources: Airbus, Reuters          

        

REGIONAL/BUSINESS JETS

            Gulfstream G500 & G600 Surpass 100,000 Flight Hours

Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, both aircraft feature the award-winning Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, with safety-enhancing technology, including the industry’s first active control side sticks and the most extensive use of touch-screen technology, along with Phase-of-Flight intelligence.

Both aircraft are recognized for their industry-leading cabin comfort, with award-winning seating and interior design.  “Our award-winning G500 and G600 continue to demonstrate impressive performance,” said Mark Burns, president, of Gulfstream.

“This achievement is a result of the strong demand and high activity we are seeing from customers around the world.  Having exceeded 100,000 flight hours further reiterates the durability and dependability of the G500 and G600.”

Source: Gulfstream, Picture Gulfstream

    Polish Flag-Carrier LOT has Received its First Embraer 195-E2

LOT has received its first Embraer 195-E2 one of three it is leasing from US-based company Azorra. LOT had disclosed in early May that it had signed for the aircraft for introduction this summer.  It will commence services with the Twinjet on August 11, either in Oslo or Zurich.

“With these aircraft, we will increase the frequency of flights to selected European cities, offering passengers a high level of comfort in the latest-generation fleet”, says chief executive Michal Fijol.

The commonality of the cockpit will allow LOT’s E-Jet pilots to transition smoothly to the E2 fleet, says LOT’s Embraer fleet manager Piotr Strzalkowski.  LOT will have all three leased E2s in operation by the end of the third quarter, the carrier states. The type is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engines.

Source: LOT, picture Embraer                                                                    

OTHER AVIATION NEWS

                                  Lockheed Delivers 2,700th C-130

Military airframer Lockheed Martin has delivered the 2,700th example of the company’s venerable C-130 Hercules tactical transport.  The milestone aircraft, a KC-130J refueller variant, will be operated by the US Marine Corps at Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. Lockheed disclosed the delivery on June 18, noting the USMC is the largest KCJ operator globally.

“Not only does this Hercules represent the 2,700th C-130 delivered, but it also reflects the inherent mission and performance adaptability that fuels the C130’s ongoing relevance,” says Rod McLean, general manager of LockHeed’s air mobility unit.

The transfer comes as Lockheed reports strong demand for battle-tested turboprop, having recently delivered the last of six aircraft ordered by Germany.

“There is robust demand from the US government and our international customers,” Larry Gallogly , Lockheed director of customer requirements for air mobility, told FlightGlobal at the ILA Berlin air show on June 6.

“We see very strong demand throughout Europe and Asia for replacing their current airlift with C-130Js.”

Lockheed says the four-engined transport is operated in 70 countries globally, with 22 flying the latest J- Variant Hercules.Globally, 1,206 C-130s of all variants are in service, Cirium data says, with another 236 in storage.  More than 560 of the active C-130s are J-models, according to Lockheed.

Source: Lockheed Martin, Picture Lockheed Martin.

GE rolls Out X-ray Method to Identify Defects In Metal Engine Parts

GE Aerospace will soon introduce new X-ray technology intended to help technicians better identify anomalies in metallic parts and allow airlines to keep some components in service longer.

The company will start using the new ”non-destructive open-beam X-ray fluorescence XRF” method at its new Ohio-based Service Technology Acceleration Center(STAC) which is scheduled to open this month, GE said on June 19.

“XRF provides a view of the part’s chemical composition that can help a service engineer more readily spot anomalies,” says GE, adding that the technology can detect “microstructure variations in metal parts”.

The engine maker plans first to use the method at its STAC facility in Ohio before bringing the technology to its other maintenance shops globally.  XRF is the only one scanning method used by GE to inspect engine components.

Carriers are squeezing more life out of older jets and engines due to factors including durability problems with new-generation engines and limited availability of new jets’ as a result of Airbus and Boeing struggling to ramp production amid ongoing parts and labor shortages.

Sources: GE Aerospace, Picture Flightglobal

   Alaska Airlines Sells 737 Max 9 With Blown Door Back to Boeing

Alaska Airlines has sold the Boeing 737 Max 9 involved in the January 5th, flight 1282 door-plug out back to Boeing for an undisclosed amount.  Both companies confirmed the deal on July 11, with Alaska adding that it placed an order for a 737 Max 10 to replace the returned jet.

Alaska has “entered into a purchase agreement with Boeing for aircraft N704AL…  They have taken possession of it and the registration has been changed”, the carrier says. ”It is no longer part of our fleet.”  Boeing confirms it has “reached an agreement with Alaska Airlines to Purchase the airplane” but provides no further details.

Sources: Alaska Airlines, Boeing

                          Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 TEN Engine

Flight testing has commenced for a modified high-pressure turbine blade for the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 TEN engine, intended to double  the time-on wing for the powerplant. The Trent 1000 TEN is an option for the Boeing 787 family.

Speaking during a half-year briefing, Rolls-Royce chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic said the first test flight took place on July 31 and lasted 1 hour 15min.

He says the flight was “successful” and that the test program will continue for eight weeks.  The company expects US FAA certification this year.  Rolls-Royce has been striving to improve the durability of the Trent 1000 engine, and Erginbilgic is confident that the effort will enable the manufacturer to regain market share lost to real GE Aerospace GEnx.

“Our issue with the Trent 1000 is not reliability,” says Erginbilgic.  The reliability of this engine is as good as the competitor’s engine.  Time-on-wing has been the issue.  He says the company’s 1 billion pounds investment initiative which covers all engines but primarily the Trent 1000 and the Airbus A350-1000’s Trent XWB-97 is intended to help rebuild market share.  “ The flight test is a very significant moment…when that is certified, we’ll double time-on-wing,” he states.

Source: Rolls-Royce, Picture Rolls-Royce      

LATEST NEWS

• El Al after months of deliberation over which of the two major aircraft manufacturers would supply its future narrowbody fleet, El Al Israel Airlines has chosen Boeing once again. Boeing as well as with aircraft companies for approximately 30 737 MAXs.

• IndiGo Indian budget carrier has firmed its order for 30 Airbus A350-900s in the IndiGo deal, which entered on Airbus’s backlog on June 6.

• Copa Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 737 Max 8.  It is the first of seven total examples on order with Boeing.

• TAROM Romanian has agreed to lease a pair of Boeing 737 Max 8s from Irish lessor CDB Aviation, with the initial aircraft to arrive in late 2025.

• Air Canada is set to lease eight more Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from Lessor BOC Aviation.  The eight Max 8 airframes join 40 of the same type.  The company also has 10 more Max aircraft on option.

• Japan Airlines has ordered 10 Boeing 787-9s and taken options on 10 more, confirming earlier-disclosed fleet rental plans.

• WestJet Airlines announced on June 3rd plans to add three Boeing 737 Max 8s that will integrate them into its fleet this year.  The airline will lease the jets from Lessor BOC aviation.

• Korean Air announced on the first day of the Farnborough shows on July 22 that it will order 20 777-9s and another 20 787-10s and also placed an option on 10 787-10s.

Sources: Boeing, Airbus, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, WestJet, Air Canada

AIR CARGO

                Turkish Airlines Orders Four More 777 Freighters

Turkish Airlines has ordered four more Boeing 777 freighters, taking it to a dozen its firm commitments for the type.  Turkish Airlines chief cargo officer Ali Turk says:  ”This new investment is expanding our cargo fleet and underscores our commitment to mating the growing global demand for air freight services.

“The addition of these Boeing 777 freighters will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also serve as another step in our strategic vision to reach the top of the air cargo sector worldwide.” Ali Turk said

Source: Turkish Airlines, Picture Turkish Airlines

      National Air Cargo Orders Four 777-200LRF Freighters

US air freight company National Air Cargo has ordered four Boeing 777-200LRF Freighters, with the first two jets set for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the remaining two in the first quarter of 2026.

National Air Cargo chairman Christopher Alf says the incoming Boeing jets will help the airline capitalize on increased demand for transportation of commerce shipments.  “Customers are demanding… urgent shipments of freight,” Alf says.

The incoming 777s will supplement National Air Cargo’s existing fleet of nine 747-400Fs.  Alf expects the airline will eventually replace its 747Fs with Boeing’s in-development 777-8F, which Boeing has said it expects to bring to market in 2027.

Source: National Air Cargo

         Maersk Takes Delivery of its First Owned Boeing 777F

Maersk Air Cargo (MAC) took delivery of its first of two new Boeing 777-200LRF.  It’s the first Boeing 777 owned by a Danish airline.  The hand-over was celebrated at Boeing’s headquarters in Seattle.  Maersk Air Cargo is part of the global integrator of logistics, A.P. Moller Maersk.   The plane arrived at its home airport Billund in Denmark on Saturday, July 13th.

Maersk ordered the two 777Fs in November 2021 as part of the modernization of its fleet. The delivery of the second aircraft is scheduled for later in Q3.  Maersk Air Cargo’s owned controlled fleet will then comprise two Boeing 777Fs and 20 Boeing 767Fs.

“We are delighted to take this important delivery and upgrade our fleet with two of the largest and most reliable freighters available on the market.  With this step, we are entering the premier league of cargo aviation.  The B777F can transport more than double of payload on each flight compared to our 767Fs, and it is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world with the GE90 engines.” Said Lars Jordan Head of Maersk Air Cargo.

Source: Maersk Air Cargo, Picture Maersk Air cargo.

                         

Researched and Compiled by :

Ed Kaplanian    Commercial Aviation Advisor 

Contact – ekaplanian@yahoo.com

Editor:   Lee Kaplanian