Tag Archives: #oem

  • 0

Cessna Caravans Latest To Receive Starlink STC

Category:News Tags : 

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.


  • 0

Embraer sees 30% increase in Q2 aircraft deliveries

Category:News Tags : 

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.


  • 0

Paris Air Show 2025 Resulted in Over 600 Aircraft Orders

Category:News Tags : 

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)

  • 0

Differences Between New Boeing 777X And 777

Category:News Tags : 

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!


  • 0

Airbus delivers 51 aircraft but has zero orders in May 2025

Category:News Tags : 

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.


  • 0

Deutsche Aircraft: Rolls out prototype aircraft D328eco

Category:News Tags : 

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.”


  • 0

Airbus reports Q1 revenue of $13.5 billion

Category:News Tags : 

European OEM Airbus has produced its Quarter 1 (Q1) results with the airframer reporting revenues of $13.5 billion (EBIT adjusted $0.6 billion).

The strong revenues means that Airbus guidance for 2025 will remain unchanged.

During Q1 Airbus delivered 136 aircraft to airlines across the globe with the single-aisle A320neo family dominating those deliveries.

Gross orders totalled 280 (net order 208) which is a significant increase on Q1 2024 which saw 170 aircraft ordered and the current baclog for commercial aircraft is 8,726.

Airbus helicopter division, Airbus Helicopters also reported strong ales with net orders for 100 aircraft being achieved.

“Our Q1 results demonstrate the progress we are making on our priorities across the business. We are ramping up production in line with our plan but the delivery profile will be backloaded, reflecting the specific supply chain challenges we are facing this year,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer.

“We maintain the guidance that excludes tariffs which are adding complexity and remain uncertain in terms of implementation, scope and duration. We are closely monitoring and assessing the situation, but it is too early to quantify the impact today. When it comes to our defence activities, we support the recent approach to strengthen the European defence industry and we stand ready with our broad portfolio of products and solutions to respond to our customers’ requirements.”

Airbus says it is on track to ramp up production of the A320neo family to 75 aircraft per month by 2027 and 14 A220 airliners a month by 2026. They are also still targeting a production rate for the A350 of 12 per month by 2028, double the current production rate.


  • 0

Bombardier To Establish Aircraft Service Center in UAE

Category:News Tags : 

120,000-sq-ft facility is expected to be operational next year

Bombardier announced today that it will begin construction later this month on a new Middle East aircraft service center to be located at Al Bateen Executive Airport (OMAD) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The 120,000-sq-ft facility is expected to open in the second half of next year. Originally intended to be situated at Abu Dhabi International Airport (OMAA) when first planned in 2022, a Bombardier spokesman said that during the planning and development phase it was determined that OMAD provided a more strategic location.

The facility will offer a 55,000-sq-ft hangar capable of accommodating Bombardier’s flagship Global 8000, along with a parts depot. It will offer a complete slate of aircraft services, including scheduled and unscheduled heavy maintenance, aircraft modifications, and AOG support. It is also expected to create some 100 aerospace jobs.

According to Bombardier, the facility will expand its existing UAE service network, which consists of a line maintenance station in Dubai that provides its Learjet, Challenger, and Global customers with AOG and general line service capabilities.

“We are thrilled to announce the new location of our Abu Dhabi service facility at the dynamic Al Bateen Executive Airport,” said Paul Sislian, the Canadian airframer’s executive v-p of aftermarket services and strategy. “This location is strategically aligned with all our aftermarket priorities and perfectly matches the needs of our discerning customer base.”


  • 0

Textron Aviation’s Denali To Mark Sun ‘n Fun Expo Debut

Category:News Tags : 

Clean-sheet, single turboprop aircraft is progressing toward 2026 certification

Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft Denali is making its first appearance at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo from April 1 through 6 in Lakeland, Florida, as the program continues to check off key milestones, notably the recent certification of its GE Aerospace Catalyst powerplant. The turboprop single is the launch platform for GE’s newest engine, which received FAA approval on February 27 following a development program that involved more than 23 engines, 190 component tests, and 8,000 hours of certification tests.

This approval is a significant milestone in the Denali program, with the three flight-test airplanes amassing more than 2,700 flight hours and 1,000 flights. Certification for the Denali, however, has been pushed to 2026.

“Our goal is to achieve type certification and entry into service as quickly as possible. The purpose of a development program is to fully mature the airframe and systems to the highest standards. Textron Aviation, in conjunction with FAA certification requirements, will take all time necessary to complete the process to deliver this clean-sheet aircraft to the market,” a company spokesperson stated, explaining the anticipated stretched timeline.

Textron Aviation also pointed to its busy development schedule that includes the Cessna Citation Ascend, Citation M2 Gen2 autothrottle upgrade, Citation CJ3 Gen2, and the Citation Latitude avionics upgrade—all expected to certify in 2025.

Meanwhile, Textron Aviation is continuing to gather momentum as it showcases the model at Sun ‘n Fun. Along with the 1,300-shp Catalyst, the Denali will sport a McCauley five-blade composite prop and a Garmin G3000 flight deck with Garmin Emergency Autoland, integrated autothrottle, and synthetic vision technology. Preliminary specifications show the model with a 1,600-nm range with four passengers, full-fuel payload of 1,100 pounds, maximum cruise speed of 285 ktas, and maximum capacity of 11 occupants.

Alongside the Denali at the annual Lakeland show will be its veteran single-turboprop sibling, the Cessna Caravan, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. First delivered in 1985, more than 3,000 of the venerable utility turboprop aircraft have been delivered worldwide for missions ranging from flight training to recreation, commuter airlines to VIP transport, cargo carriers, and humanitarian missions. Certified in 100 countries, the fleet has collectively surpassed 25 million flight hours.

Also on display will be the Cessna piston-single lineup, including the Skyhawk, Skylane, and Turbo Stationair HD, as well as an M2 Gen3 mockup. These will neighbor the Textron eAviation Pipistrel Alpha Trainer, Pipistrel Sinus, and Pipistrel Panthera.


  • 0

Lufthansa’s Allegris roll-out continues

Category:News Tags : 

Lufthansa’s roll-out of it’s Allegris First Class suite continues.

The cabin can be experienced in the summer timetable on flights from Munich to San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Shanghai and Bengaluru. Travellers can also enjoy the new cabin product in Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class on flights to New York-Newark (from mid-April), and from the beginning of August, also to Charlotte.

Since February, nine A350-900s with the new cabin interior have already been flying for Lufthansa, eight of them with the new First Class. Almost half a million passengers in all classes have now enjoyed the new cabin. This year, the retrofitting of the existing fleet with Lufthansa Allegris will commence, beginning with the Boeing 747-8.

“We are completely reinventing the Lufthansa First Class travel experience with Allegris and making it even more exclusive,” said Jens Ritter, Chief Executive Officer Lufthansa Airlines. “Our new First Class, with its unique suites, defines the concept of privacy like never before and is unrivalled worldwide. We are also investing in exclusivity and comfort on the ground by completely redesigning our First Class check-in areas and lounges in Munich and Frankfurt.”