Tag Archives: #aviation

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Cessna Caravans Latest To Receive Starlink STC

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Systems brings highspeed broadband connectivity to the single-engine turboprop

Owners and operators of Cessna Caravans can now have SpaceX Starlink satcom systems installed on their aircraft, under a supplemental type certificate (STC) recently issued to AeroMech. The Starlink system can be installed by Textron Aviation service centers in North America and select international service centers. Installation takes seven to 10 working days, according to Textron Aviation.

Retailing for $150,000, the Starlink kit includes the aero terminal electronically-steered antenna, which is mounted on top of the fuselage; power supply; two wireless access points; and harnessing.

“The Cessna Caravan is so versatile, it can go almost anywhere, and Textron Aviation understands the importance of providing a connectivity solution in more of the places our customers want to go,” said Textron Aviation senior v-p of customer support Brian Rohloff. “The Caravan recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, and offering Starlink high-speed connectivity upgrade continues to provide customers with the latest technology, no matter where the aircraft is in its life cycle.” 

Worldwide coverage is available from the Starlink satellite network with high-speed broadband connectivity from the nearly 8,000 satellites in low-earth orbit. According to SpaceX, download speeds range from 40 to 220 Mbps, and upload speeds range from eight to 25 Mbps.


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Embraer sees 30% increase in Q2 aircraft deliveries

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Latest figures from Brazilian OEM Embraer show that it delivered 61 aircraft in Quarter Two (Q2) of 2025 marking a 30% increase on the same period last year.

The biggest increase came in Embraer’s executive aviation range where it delivered 38 aircraft compared to 27 in Q2 2024. This included 21 Phenom light jets and 17 Praetor mid-size jets.

Commercial aircraft totalled 19 aircraft including nine E175, one E190-E2 and nine E195-E2 airliners.

Embraer’s military division also delivered an increased number of aircraft with four A29 Super Tucano’s being delivered compared to just one aircraft in Q2 2024.

For 2025 as a whole Embraer is expecting to deliver up to 155 executive aircraft and up to 85 commercial airliners.

Embraer was founded in 1969, known for producing commercial, military, executive, and agricultural aircraft. It is one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers, especially prominent in the regional jet market. Embraer’s popular E-Jet series, including the E170, E175, E190, and E195, is widely used by airlines for short to medium-haul flights.

Its newer E-Jet E2 family offers improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The company also produces the KC-390 military transport and various business jets like the Phenom and Praetor series. Embraer is renowned for innovation, reliability, and performance.


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China Airlines Expands Fleet with $2 Billion Airbus Agreement, Paving the Way for Continued Growth in Asia-Pacific Aviation

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China Airlines is set to further strengthen its position in the Asia-Pacific aviation market with a landmark $2 billion agreement with Airbus. The deal, which includes a combination of narrowbody and widebody aircraft, marks a significant step in the airline’s expansion strategy. This move comes at a time when demand for air travel is resurging across the region, and China Airlines aims to meet growing passenger needs while enhancing its fleet’s operational efficiency. With the new aircraft, the carrier is poised to continue its momentum, capitalizing on the robust growth in Asia-Pacific aviation and solidifying its role as a key player in the global aviation landscape.

Airbus Strikes $2 Billion Deal with China Airlines to Expand Fleet, Signaling Continued Momentum in Asia-Pacific Aviation

Following a successful showcase at the 2025 Paris Air Show, Airbus is set to maintain its robust growth in the aviation sector with a new, high-value aircraft deal valued at over $2 billion. The agreement is reportedly with China Airlines, Taiwan’s flagship carrier and a prominent member of the SkyTeam alliance. Sources close to the matter indicate that this deal will include a mix of both narrowbody and widebody aircraft, further strengthening the airline’s fleet and its ongoing relationship with Airbus.

This announcement comes on the heels of a similar deal secured by another Taiwanese airline, Starlux Airlines, just one week prior at the same Paris Air Show. The deals underscore the strong and growing demand for Airbus aircraft in Asia-Pacific, a region that has continued to expand its aviation sector, particularly with the post-pandemic surge in international travel. China Airlines, in particular, has a longstanding relationship with Airbus, already operating a variety of its narrowbody and widebody models.

China Airlines Expands Fleet with 13 Additional Aircraft from Airbus

In a significant move, China Airlines has agreed to purchase 13 new aircraft from Airbus, marking a substantial investment in the airline’s long-term fleet strategy. The deal, valued at over $2 billion, consists of five Airbus A350-900 widebody jets and eight Airbus A321neo narrowbody jets. Notably, five of the A321neo jets will be sourced from the Air Lease Corporation (ALC), totaling an estimated cost of $240 million. However, discussions for the remaining three A321neo units are still underway, which could further enhance the fleet’s capabilities.

China Airlines has expressed interest in the five A350-900 jets, which are priced up to $1.965 billion, though the final price could drop significantly if the airline opts to lease the aircraft rather than purchase them outright. This flexibility in the deal provides China Airlines with options, reflecting the airline’s evolving needs and the complexities of modern fleet planning. Over the years, China Airlines has remained a loyal customer of Airbus, demonstrating confidence in the European manufacturer’s aircraft and services.

Aviation Strategy Affected by Boeing 787 Delays

A key driver behind China Airlines’ decision to expand its fleet with Airbus aircraft is the continued delays in its Boeing 787 Dreamliner orders. The Taiwanese airline has an outstanding order for 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft and six 787-10 models. However, delays in the delivery of these planes have forced China Airlines to push back the retirement of its older aircraft. This gap in the airline’s fleet necessitated a swift response, with China Airlines turning to Airbus to fill the void with timely and reliable aircraft deliveries, particularly the A350-900 model.

Earlier in 2025, China Airlines also placed an order for 10 A350-1000 aircraft, marking another strong commitment to Airbus. These larger, more fuel-efficient aircraft will primarily serve long-haul routes to Europe and North America, helping the airline to meet the growing demand for transcontinental air travel. The A350-1000s will also enhance China Airlines’ ability to operate at higher capacity and optimize operational efficiency on high-demand routes.

Regional Shift Towards Airbus A350 Family in Southeast Asia

China Airlines is not the only carrier in Southeast Asia embracing Airbus’s A350 family. Starlux Airlines, another Taiwan-based carrier, also placed an order for 10 A350-1000s at the Paris Air Show, with deliveries expected to begin in 2031. This signals a broader trend in Southeast Asia, where both established and newer carriers are increasingly opting for Airbus’s advanced, fuel-efficient long-haul jets. The A350 family’s popularity is driven by its performance, passenger comfort, and cost-effectiveness, all key factors for airlines navigating the competitive and growing Southeast Asian aviation market.

As demand for international air travel continues to rise, the A350 family has positioned itself as a key aircraft for airlines in Southeast Asia. The region’s economic growth and expanding middle class are fueling both short- and long-haul travel, which, in turn, is driving the need for modern, fuel-efficient fleets that can meet increased passenger demand while keeping operating costs in check.

China Airlines’ Current Fleet and Future Outlook

Currently, China Airlines operates a diverse fleet that includes a total of 17 Airbus A321neo aircraft, 13 of which are actively flying. These A321neo aircraft, with an average age of just 2.1 years, are among the newest in the airline’s fleet, significantly younger than the carrier’s overall fleet, which has an average age of 10 years. The A321neo configuration includes 12 business class seats and 168 economy class seats, ensuring optimal efficiency on short to medium-haul routes.

On the widebody front, China Airlines operates 15 Airbus A350-900 jets, with an average age of 7.8 years. These aircraft are a core component of the airline’s long-haul operations, serving destinations across Europe, North America, and beyond. The A350-900s are equipped with two different seating configurations: one with 32 business class seats, 31 premium economy seats, and 243 economy seats, and another with 40 business class seats, 32 premium economy seats, and 228 economy seats.

China Airlines has secured a $2 billion deal with Airbus to expand its fleet with both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. This strategic move positions the airline for continued growth, reinforcing its role in the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific aviation market.

With this new fleet expansion, China Airlines is well-positioned to meet growing demand while modernizing its fleet with the latest in aviation technology. As Asia-Pacific continues to lead the global aviation recovery, China Airlines’ commitment to Airbus ensures that the airline is prepared for the future of air travel, with a fleet that is both reliable and technologically advanced.


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Paris Air Show 2025 Resulted in Over 600 Aircraft Orders

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France – The 2025 Paris Air Show unfolded under the shadow of tragedy, as a fatal flag carrier accident days before the event deeply affected proceedings. Despite the subdued tone, manufacturers still managed to record over 600 aircraft transactions. Airbus dominated the order book, while Boeing scaled down its presence out of respect for the recent events.

  • Total aircraft commitments:
    • 381 orders (including MoUs & LoIs)
    • 235 options
  • Airbus highlights:
    • 248 aircraft ordered, 156 options
    • Major deals with VietJet (150 A321neos), AviLease, Riyadh Air, LOT Polish, Starlux, and others
    • LOT Polish Airlines ordered 84 A220s; VietJet signed MoU for 150 A321neos
  • Embraer highlights:
    • 77 orders, 55 options
    • SkyWest Airlines placed largest order (60+50 E175s)
  • ATR highlights:
    • 15 orders and 10 options from JSX (ATR 42-600s)

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Riyadh Air places firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft

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Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has placed a firm order for 25 A350-1000 aircraft.

Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has placed a firm order for 25 A350-1000 aircraft. The agreement, which can potentially increase to 50 A350-1000 was signed at the Paris Air Show, with the ceremony attended by H.E Yasir Al-Rumayyan, The Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus and Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air.

Riyadh Air will become the first airline in Saudi Arabia  to operate the A350-1000. It also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambition to reach 300 million air passengers annually by the end of the decade, positioning the country as a global aviation and tourism hub.

“This order marks a significant step forward in building a world-class airline that reflects the ambitions of Vision 2030. The A350-1000 will bring outstanding efficiency and comfort to our fleet, supporting our sustainability goals and enabling Riyadh Air to offer a premium experience while connecting Saudi Arabia to the world,” said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air ”It’s a clear signal of our intent to shape the future of air travel and contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom’s fast-growing aviation ecosystem.”

“We are proud to extend our strategic partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom. As the long-range leader, the A350-1000 will provide unrivalled efficiency, range and passenger comfort, making it the ideal choice to support the airline’s ambitious growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to enhance global connectivity and economic diversification”, said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft, setting new standards for intercontinental travel. It also offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be 100% SAF-capable by 2030.

At the end of May 2025, the A350 Family has won over 1,390 firm orders from more than 60 customers worldwide, with 657 aircraft in service on long, medium and short haul routes around the world.


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Differences Between New Boeing 777X And 777

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The folding tips of the 777X aren’t just for show—they’re engineered to fit standard airport gates while maximising aerodynamic efficiency during flight.

When Boeing’s 777 first took to the skies in the 1990s, it proved that two engines could indeed do the work of four, much to the surprise of aviation traditionalists who probably thought twin-engine aircraft were just showing off.

Now, three decades later, Boeing is back with the 777X, ready to shake up the long-haul market once again with bigger cabins, longer range, and advanced engines.

Boeing 777 vs 777X

777X Design Changes

The 777X represents a significant departure from its predecessors, introducing fundamental changes that redefine what passengers and airlines can expect from wide-body aircraft.

Boeing has developed 2 distinct variants:

  1. The 777-9, which stretches nearly 77 meters in length and can accommodate approximately 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration, is the world’s largest twin-engine commercial aircraft.
  2. The 777-8, while slightly smaller, focuses on ultra-long-range capabilities with enhanced payload flexibility.

The most visually distinctive feature is the aircraft’s revolutionary carbon-fibre wing design with folding wingtips.

Unlike previous 777 models with wingspans ranging from 60 to 64.8 meters, the 777X extends to an impressive 71.75 meters when fully deployed. These folding tips aren’t just for show—they’re engineered to fit standard airport gates while maximising aerodynamic efficiency during flight.

777X Advanced Engine

At the heart of the 777X’s performance lies General Electric’s purpose-built GE9X engines, representing a quantum leap in propulsion technology. These powerhouses deliver approximately 10% better specific fuel consumption compared to the GE90 engines powering current 777-300ER aircraft.

The aerodynamic enhancements extend beyond the engines. The new composite wing design reduces drag while improving lift-to-drag ratios during cruise flight.

Combined with the advanced propulsion system, Boeing expects overall fuel efficiency improvements of 12-13% compared to existing 777 variants.

For the 777-9 specifically, the extended fuselage allows for optimised seating configurations that can reduce fuel burn per passenger by up to 20% compared to the 777-300ER—a significant advantage for airlines focused on operational economics.

Enhanced Passenger Experience

The 777X introduces several passenger-focused improvements that transform the flying experience. The cabin width increases by four inches compared to the 777-300ER, achieved through innovative sidewall design that reduces thickness by two inches on each side.

Window size represents another major upgrade. While existing 777 variants already feature windows approximately 12% larger than those on the Airbus A350, the 777X expands this advantage to roughly 29%, providing passengers with significantly better views and natural light.

The aircraft’s environmental control system has been completely redesigned. Traditional 777s maintain cabin altitude around 8,000 feet, but the 777X reduces this to 6,000 feet during cruise. Noise reduction represents another significant improvement. The GE9X engines operate 8 decibels below international noise standards, compared to 3 decibels for previous 777 engines.

Market Positioning

The 777X enters a competitive long-haul market where airlines increasingly demand aircraft that can serve point-to-point routes efficiently while maintaining hub-and-spoke network capabilities. The aircraft’s range capabilities particularly stand out.

The 777-8 offers up to 8,745 nautical miles of range, exceeding even the ultra-long-range 777-200LR.

Airlines have responded positively to the 777X’s value proposition, with over 500 orders from major carriers including Emirates (EK), Qatar Airways (QR), Lufthansa (LH), Singapore Airlines (SQ), and British Airways (BA). This strong order book reflects industry confidence in the aircraft’s ability to replace ageing 4-engine widebodies like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380.

Boeing claims the 777X will deliver 5% better aerodynamics and 10% lower operating costs than comparable Airbus models.

777X Certification Challenges

The 777X program has encountered significant delays since its 2013 launch, with initial service entry planned for 2020 now pushed to late 2026.

Technical challenges have plagued the certification process, including a serious uncommanded pitch event during flight testing in 2020 that required extensive design reviews and software modifications.

More recently, engineers discovered cracks in the engine thrust link components during 2024 testing, leading to a four-month pause in certification activities. Boeing has since redesigned these critical components to eliminate vibration-induced stress and resumed certification flights in January 2025.

The manufacturer now expects final certification by the end of 2025 or early 2026, with commercial service entry following shortly thereafter.

Bottom Line

The Boeing 777X stands as aviation’s next evolutionary step, combining the best elements of its predecessors while introducing innovations that could reshape long-haul travel.

With its folding wings, massive engines, and passenger-focused improvements, the aircraft promises to deliver what airlines and travellers have been waiting for—assuming it can actually get certified and delivered sometime this decade.

Whether the 777X will live up to its ambitious promises remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the future of twin-engine long-haul aviation looks bigger, quieter, and more efficient than ever before!


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Airbus delivers 51 aircraft but has zero orders in May 2025

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Airbus has delivered 51 aircraft to 32 customers in May 2025 as the European OEM continues its strong start to 2025 with 243 aircraft delivered so far this year.

May’s deliveries consisted of six wide-body airlines made up of three A330-900s and three A350-900s to airlines including Delta Airlines, Emirates and Turkish Airlines.

Narrow-body deliveries were made up largely of A320neo family aircraft with 28 A321neo, 11 A320neo and one A319neo being delivered to airlines including British Airways, Aer Lingus and Wizz Air.

Airbus also delivered five A220 airliners, four -300 and one -100 model to Azorra, Breeze, Qantas and Comlux.

With the Paris Airshow just around the corner many airlines are holding off on order announcements so the total gross orders for May was zero but expect that to change with June’s figures.


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Deutsche Aircraft: Rolls out prototype aircraft D328eco

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Deutsche Aircraft has revealed its first prototype aircraft, the D328eco. An aircraft built on the foundations of sustainable aviation. The revelation took place in their headquarters in Oberpfaffenhofen. The aircraft features enhanced performance including short takeoff and landing (STOL) and can operate in remote locations including extreme weather conditions.

Deutsche Aircraft and its mission in Sustainable Aviation

Deutsche Aircraft is a German aircraft manufacturer that began operations on Dec. 7, 2020 as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Beginning in the mid 1980s, Dornier 328 (D328) is a turboprop powered commuter airliner manufactured by Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH, evolving over time under several brands such as Daimler-Benz group, Fairchild Dornier and AvCraft Aviation. 

In 2006, 328 Support Services GmbH was founded and took over Type Certificate (TC) rights of the D328, a certificate that confirms the airworthiness of an aircraft under national law. It was 328 Support Services GmbH that Deutsche Regional Aircraft GmbH emerged from in 2011. It was then acquired by its parent company Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) in 2015. Deutsche Aircraft is aiming to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The D328eco is a 40-seat passenger aircraft that is compatible with sustainable-aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen-based fuels. The aircraft manufacturer’s main goal is the development of the D328eco.

Roll out of D328eco

In an announcement on May 28, 2025, Deutsche Aircraft unveiled the first D328eco (TAC 1) in Oberpfaffenhofen. The D328eco is an evolved version of the Dornier 328. Compared to the Dornier 328, it has enhanced performance, is more fuel efficient, and is designed to operate with reduced emissions, particularly when using SAF or hydrogen-based fuels while maintaining versatility and reliability. In the announcement, co-CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, Nico Neumann viewed the success of the prototype aircraft as a significant achievement, the aircraft marks their dedication to sustainable aviation. He said:

“The roll-out of our first test aircraft marks a significant achievement in the D328eco programme and an important step towards our physical flight test activities. This milestone represents our transition from conceptual design to practical testing and industrialization. At Deutsche Aircraft, we are proud to introduce an aircraft with the proven DNA of the Dornier 328, enhanced for better efficiency, reduced emissions and a superior customer experience, making it an optimal choice for regional operators worldwide.”


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Etihad Airways Reports Record Financial Results

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The airline reported a Q1 profit of AED 685 million (£139 million), an increase of 30% year-on-year. As well as record breaking financial gains, the Emirati carrier also saw customer satisfaction levels reach an all-time high, with Q1 seeing a 20% improvement year-on-year.

The airline carried 5 million passengers during Q1, which is a 16% year-on-year increase. Carrying almost 20 million passengers in the past 12 months, Etihad is now the fastest growing airline in the region.

Regarding the record-breaking results, Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways said:

We are proud to deliver a record-breaking quarter – both in profitability and in guest satisfaction. Achieving our highest-ever Q1 profit of AED 685 million and our best-ever customer satisfaction scores reflects the strength of our business and the dedication of our people. We’re executing a clear strategy: grow sustainably, operate efficiently, and never lose focus on delivering remarkable experiences to our guests. From continued refinements to our onboard offering to improved airport services and the debut of our A321LR with a market-leading narrowbody product, we’re raising the bar in every part of the journey. Our network continues to expand with 16 new routes announced for 2025 and additional aircraft joining our fleet. As we grow, we remain disciplined.

Boosted by increased capacity, network expansion and increased flight frequencies, Etihad also saw passenger revenue increase by 16% to AED 5.5 billion (£1.12 billion). 

Bolstered by an advancement in its premium offerings, an expansion of First-Class to more routes and the addition of new ground and inflight services, the airline also reported record-high customer satisfaction levels.

Gains were reported across many key areas, including check-in, boarding, in-flight services and food and beverage offerings, demonstrating an improvement by the airline across the passenger journey.


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Emirates airline posts record annual profit, reflects Dubai’s growth as aviation hub

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DUBAI, May 8 (Reuters) – Emirates airline on Thursday reported a record full-year profit, bucking a broader global slowdown in air travel as it capitalized on Dubai’s growth as a hub for major routes.

The strong performance underscores the carrier’s continued rebound from the pandemic and its strategic advantage operating out of Dubai, an expanding long-haul hub, even as peers in the U.S. and Europe flag rising cost pressures and weaker bookings.

But escalating trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty are clouding the industry’s outlook for the rest of the year.

The Gulf carrier posted earnings of 19.1 billion dirhams ($5.2 billion) for the year ended March 31, compared with 17.2 billion dirhams a year earlier.

It carried 53.7 million passengers in the fiscal year, up 3% from a year earlier, while seat capacity climbed 4%.

Emirates plays a key role in positioning Dubai as a global aviation hub, and is part of the Emirates Group, which also owns ground-handling firm dnata and other aviation services.

Its parent Emirates Group reported a record annual profit before tax, up 18% from a year earlier, and said it would pay a 6 billion dirhams dividend to its owner, Dubai’s sovereign wealth fund.

“The Emirates Group has thrived and stayed resilient through geo-political and socio-economic challenges over the years,” Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said in a statement.

DELIVERY DELAYS

Airlines worldwide have been grappling with aircraft delivery delays from both Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab and Airbus (AIR.PA)

, opens new tab, forcing them to postpone route expansions and capacity ramp-ups.

Still, Emirates airline managed to grow total passenger and cargo capacity by 4% in the year.

Emirates said it added 99 more aircraft to its retrofit programme as delivery of new jets has been delayed. It will now see 219 jets undergoing a full cabin refresh at a total investment of $5 billion.

“Emirates will strengthen our network connectivity with the expected delivery of 16 A350s and 4 Boeing 777 freighters in 2025-26, providing much-needed capacity to meet customer demand,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

As of March 31, Emirates had 314 aircraft pending delivery in its order book with a total fleet count of 260 units.

($1 = 3.6727 UAE dirham)