WestJet to get three more Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets

The WestJet Group confirmed it would acquire three additional used Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, from SMBC Aviation Capital,  in addition to the six second-hand Boeing 737 MAX 8 earlier this summer.

"With our longstanding partner SMBC, we are thrilled to be adding three more Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to our growing fleet as we execute upon our mission of providing affordable air travel options to our guests," said Mike Scott, WestJet Group, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer.

The acquisition of nine leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in the last six months allows the airline to bolster its plan for fleet growth, while managing delays for direct-from-factory aircraft. Leveraging these additional aircraft and subsequent capacity expansion, the WestJet Group will continue enhancing critical air access for its guests across its growing network.

Pegasus Airlines picks Lufthansa Technik to provide base maintenance services in Sofia

Multi-year agreement for more than 60 aircraft checks signed. 

Services will be performed within a dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia.

Pegasus Airlines has entrusted Lufthansa Technik with providing comprehensive Base Maintenance Services for its fast-growing Airbus A320 family fleet. The recently signed three-year agreement includes more than 60 checks on A320ceo, A320neo and A321neo aircraft of Türkiye’s second largest airline. All contracted services will be performed within a dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia.   

“The newly concluded contract and thus the long-term intensification of our cooperation with Lufthansa Technik gives us flexibility and at the same time guarantees our high quality standards,” said Şerife Akın, Senior Purchasing Director at Pegasus Airlines. “With our dedicated overhaul line at Lufthansa Technik Sofia, we are now optimally positioned for the coming years. It supports our goal to be one of the leading low-cost airlines in the industry, streamlining air travel and offering affordable fares to our valued customers.”

Marcus Motschenbacher, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Aircraft Maintenance Services at Lufthansa Technik, added: “We are pleased to offer our customers a top-quality service and to make a valuable contribution to ensuring the stability of their flight operations with reliable overhauls. We already have a close and trustful collaboration with Pegasus Airlines, which enables us to respond individually to their needs, and we are honored to expand our successful business relationship.”

RF-A 24-3 168th Wing Refuels the Fight

Red Flag-Alaska 24-3, a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise with approximately 1,800 service members joining together in unity, ramped up operations at Eielson Air Force Base, Aug. 15-29. The 168th Wing, a crucial part of the operations refueled combat fighters throughout the RF-A 24-3 exercise, enabling the mission to deliver lethal airpower in defense of National Military objectives, reports Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey.

Red Flag Alaska showcases combat tactics and synchronizes capabilities with U.S. and NATO partners, including the Royal Australian service members.

"Interagency cooperation is essential in everything we do,” said Lt. Col. Dean Thibodeau, 168th Air Refueling Squadron commander. “The exercise allows us to strengthen international partnerships, refine advanced tactics, push limits, and sharpen skills. Red Flag focuses on training for individual skills and intricate and large-scale joint engagements.”

The KC-135 boom operators and pilots fuel the fight, assuring air-combat maneuvering sorties are carried out in a realistic environment over the more than 77,000 square miles of airspace in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, the world's most extensive combat training range.

flyExclusive enters exclusive agreement to provide aircraft management services to Volato Group Inc.

flyExclusive has announced that it has entered into an Aircraft Management Services Agreement with Volato Group, the largest HondaJet operator in the United States.

“As a fully integrated operator, flyExclusive is well-positioned to offer synergistic value to Volato’s clients and deliver enhanced value for our overall growing customer base,” said Jim Segrave, Founder and CEO of flyExclusive. “Over the years, we’ve made strategic investments to remove industry bottlenecks and grow and maintain a leading, consistent customer experience. We’re proud to welcome Volato’s customers and look forward to offering them access to our growing fleet of light, midsize and super-midsize jets.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will manage flight operations, sales and expenses of Volato’s fleet, consisting of 13 fully fractionalized aircraft, 8 leased aircraft and 4 managed aircraft. The goal is to transfer aircraft to the flyExclusive certificate, which will occur over the coming months in coordination with the FAA. The Company will also execute the flights for the Volato customer base of approximately 184 fractional customers and 265 block customers on the Volato certificate, until they are moved over to FLYX agreements, in addition to Volato’s retail and wholesale business. This will significantly increase the FLYX direct-to-customer facing business as planned nearly immediately.

Malaysia Aviation Group cuts capacity.

The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is cutting capacity by around 20% to get back to safe and reliable operations following weeks of disruption, delays and cancellations. 

The airline cites a number of reasons for its recent scheduling troubles, including supply chain disruptions following the ramp-up of demand to pre-pandemic levels and a global shortage of spare parts for its aircraft. This led to longer turnaround times for engine overhauls and repairs for the group, which relies on external partners for those services.   

MAG also blames its difficulties, in part on delays at Boeing and Airbus to provide it with new aircraft. The group was scheduled to receive 17 new aircraft orders as part of a fleet modernisation programme by this year.  However, to date, it has only received 4 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft out of the 13 contractually agreed by 2024. For the A330neo, MAG was scheduled to receive 4 planes this year but is now expected to receive 3 committed by Airbus.

"Our focus is to prioritise customers first, ensuring we can deliver credible flight schedules and ensure the best possible customer experience moving forward. The reduced network involves 20% of our capacity, comprising Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal’s routes in Domestic Malaysia, ASEAN, North Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Greater China, South Asia and the Middle East." the carrier said last week. 

"We apologise and understand the frustration this has brought to our customers, and wish to assure that our team is working diligently to provide affected customers with compensation options available which include flight reallocations, and full refunds without any penalty charges."   

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Sukhoi Superjet 100.....

The Sukhoi Superjet 100, also known as the SSJ100, represents a significant chapter in the history of aviation as the first commercial aircraft developed and produced in post-Soviet Russia. The inception of the SSJ100 project dates back to the early 2000s, with the establishment of JSC Sukhoi in May 2000, marking the beginning of a new era for the Russian aviation industry. The development of the SSJ100 was driven by the recognition of a market need for a modern regional jet capable of competing on a global scale, particularly against established Western manufacturers.

The initial phase of the SSJ100's development focused on market analysis, which led to the identification of a niche for an aircraft with a range of 3,000 to 4,500 kilometers, exceeding the typical regional jet's capabilities. This analysis resulted in the conceptualization of three variants: the RRJ60, RRJ75, and RRJ95, with seating capacities tailored to market demands. The design phase was characterized by a collaboration between Sukhoi and international partners, including Boeing, which provided expertise in various aspects of aircraft development, from engineering to certification.

The maiden flight of the SSJ100 on 19 May 2008 marked a milestone for Sukhoi, demonstrating the successful culmination of years of design and development work. The aircraft's entry into commercial service with Armavia on 21 April 2011 signified its readiness to compete in the regional jet market. The SSJ100, with a typical seating capacity of 87 to 98 passengers, was powered by PowerJet SaM146 turbofans, a joint venture between French Safran and Russian NPO Saturn, showcasing the international cooperation that underpinned the project.

However, the journey of the SSJ100 has not been without challenges. The aircraft has faced scrutiny and setbacks, including hull loss accidents and the impact of geopolitical events on its operational viability. The sanctions imposed on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to a significant shift in the SSJ100's production and development. The sanctions halted the supply of Western components, prompting a "Russification" process that saw the replacement of these components with domestically produced alternatives, including the Aviadvigatel PD-8 engines.

The rebranding of the parent company Irkut as Yakovlev and the subsequent renaming of the Superjet to SJ-100 in August 2023 reflect the ongoing evolution of the SSJ100 project in response to changing market and political conditions. Despite the uncertainties and the reduction in production numbers reported in 2023, the SSJ100 remains a symbol of Russia's ambition to reclaim a prominent position in the commercial aviation market.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) has a safety record that reflects both its technological advancements and the challenges faced by modern aviation. Since its first commercial flight in 2011, the SSJ100 has been involved in four hull loss accidents resulting in 89 fatalities as of July 2024. These incidents have been scrutinized by aviation experts and regulatory bodies to ensure continuous improvement in aviation safety standards.

The first notable incident occurred on 9 May 2012, when an SSJ100 crashed during a demonstration flight in Indonesia, claiming 45 lives. The investigation concluded that pilot error, compounded by a complex interaction with the terrain warning system, was the primary cause. This tragic event highlighted the importance of comprehensive pilot training and the need for clear communication between flight crews and automated systems.

A Yakutia Airlines SSJ100 slid off the runway at Yakutsk Airport on 10 October 2018 as the main landing gear collapsed. The crew managed to evacuate all 87 passengers without serious injury.

Another significant accident took place on 5 May 2019, when an Aeroflot-operated SSJ100 made an emergency landing at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, leading to 41 deaths. The aircraft was struck by lightning shortly after takeoff, which caused electrical failures and forced the pilots to return to the airport. The subsequent hard landing where the aircraft bounced a number of times before a fire engulfed the rear of the aircraft, raised questions about aircraft resilience and emergency response protocols.

On 12 July 2024, a Gazpromavia SSJ100 crashed near Kolomna whilst operating a test flight, a flight crew of three were killed in the incident. On August 30, 2024, the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK) released a preliminary report on the fatal crash which stated the plane took off as expected, however, soon after, the crew received multiple error messages regarding speed and navigation systems. The crew experienced further complications during the climb, including overspeed warnings and issues with the automatic deployment of speed brakes. After the autopilot and autothrottle were disengaged while the aircraft was at 4500 feet approximately but the crew struggled to control the jet manually. Despite efforts to manage speed and climb, the aircraft continued to descend and eventually crashed. 

In response to these events, Sukhoi has taken steps to enhance the SSJ100's safety features and improve pilot training programs. The company has worked closely with aviation authorities to implement recommendations from accident investigations, focusing on areas such as avionics software updates, crew resource management, and emergency procedures.

Moreover, the SSJ100's safety record must be viewed in the context of its operational history. By November 2021, the fleet had logged over 2,000,000 flight hours, demonstrating an 'official' level of reliability in line with other regional jets in its class. The aircraft's performance and safety are said to be continuously monitored through rigorous maintenance protocols and regular oversight by aviation regulatory bodies.

The introduction of the Russified version of the SSJ100, with domestically produced components and the Aviadvigatel PD-8 engines, represents a new chapter in the aircraft's history. This transition aims to ensure the SSJ100's compliance with Russian aviation standards and reduce reliance on foreign parts, potentially impacting its safety record and operational performance.

As the SSJ100 continues to serve airlines and passengers, its safety record will evolve with advancements in technology, industry practices, and regulatory frameworks. The commitment to safety by Sukhoi and the broader aviation community is paramount, as it is the cornerstone upon which the trust and reliability of the SSJ100 are built. The ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures and learn from past incidents are crucial for the future success of the SSJ100 and the safety of all who fly aboard it.

In conclusion, the development of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a testament to the complexities of modern aircraft development, characterized by technological innovation and initially international collaboration, and the influence of geopolitical dynamics. yet, the SSJ100's journey from its inception to its current state is one of change and adaptability required to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the Russian aviation industry. Perhaps it will go down in history as a case study concerning the interplay between technology, politics, and market forces and reliability in the realm of commercial aviation.

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Omni Air International partners with New England Patriots

Omni Air International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group, Inc. announced a long-term agreement with the New England Patriots professional football team under which Omni will operate the Patriots’ two Boeing 767-300 passenger aircraft for team travel and other charter flights including humanitarian and goodwill flights on behalf of the Kraft family, and as available for Omni's other charter customers.

"This agreement brings together industry-leading organizations that value their people, patriotism, professionalism, and a culture of success," said David Ray, president of Omni. "We are proud to include the Patriots’ aircraft in support of our clientele."

Both aircraft reflect the Patriots team colours of red, white and blue, while the team’s six Super Bowl championship Lombardi Trophies are proudly displayed on their tails.

"The uniqueness of the aircraft is attractive across our diverse customer base," said Trisha Frank, vice president of government and commercial business at Omni. "Particularly unique is the cabin layout of aircraft N36NE, which offers 80 business class seats among its total complement of 203."

In addition to providing custom chartered solutions for sports teams, Omni has supported film crews, music tours, corporate and leisure travel, emergency evacuations, and government and military transport throughout the world on short notice.

Omni Air International is an FAR Part 121 and IOSA registered airline headquartered at Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Omni specializes in ACMI leasing and worldwide passenger charter flights to more than 80 countries a year, principally for U.S. and allied governments, scheduled airlines, and charter customers, using its exceptional fleet of Boeing 777-200ER, 767-300ER, and 767-200ER aircraft.

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Aviation Capital Group delivers a Boeing 737-9 MAX to United Airlines

Aviation Capital Group, a premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one Boeing 737- MAX 9 aircraft to United Airlines. Featuring CFM International LEAP-1B engines, this is the first aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and United Airlines.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we commemorate the delivery of United Airlines’ latest Boeing 737-9 MAX with Aviation Capital Group. This milestone marks a significant achievement in our successful partnership with United Airlines. Our collaboration continues to strengthen, driven by shared values and a mutual commitment to customer satisfaction. The Boeing 737-9 MAX is a testament to our dedication to advancing a greener, more sustainable future in aviation,” said Carter White, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of ACG. “We eagerly anticipate the future as we continue our journey with United Airlines, setting new industry benchmarks for service excellence and environmental stewardship. With our shared values and commitment to innovation, we are confident that we will achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.”

“We are excited to take delivery of this 737-9 MAX, an important addition to our fleet.  Our partnership with the team at Aviation Capital Group has been instrumental in supporting our fleet strategy, particularly as we invest in more fuel efficient, customer-friendly aircraft,” said Pamela Hendry, Vice President and Treasurer of United Airlines.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs.

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Poland and Lockheed Martin celebrate the debut of Poland's 1st F-35A "Husarz"

Lockheed Martin presented Poland's first F-35A Lightning II to the Polish government during a rollout ceremony at Lockheed Martin's F-35 production facility. This event marks a significant milestone in the Polish Air Force's history and strengthens the alliance between the United States and Poland, a key NATO ally.  

"Over more than 100-years of the Polish Air Force, there have been many generations of pilots and aircraft. I am proud to be part of history today, introducing the F-35 as the next generation, which will protect and defend Poland's future for many years. We are joining a strong coalition of 5th generation fighters across Europe, bolstering air superiority through allied deterrence," said Major General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of Polish Air Force.

As the most advanced 21st Century Security® solution, the F-35 is the NATO aircraft of choice and will help extend Poland's strong leadership in NATO through investment in military modernization and enhanced participation in foreign missions. Poland is one of several NATO nations to invest in the allied deterrence of the F-35. With its unmatched interoperability, Poland's F-35s, named "Husarz" to pay homage to a calvary unit from the country's military past, will connect assets across domains to increase situational awareness for Poland and its key European partners.

BBN Airlines Indonesia receives Australian Foreign Air Transport Air Operators Certificate

BBN Airlines Indonesia, an airline based in Indonesia, specializing in ACMI Leasing, Air Charter Flights, and Air Freight Services, is pleased to announce that it has received regulatory approval to operate in Australian airspace through the issuance of a Foreign Air Transport Air Operators Certificate (FATAOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia. Under the new FATAOC BBN Airlines Indonesia may now begin its commercial operations within Australia, further expanding its capabilities within the Australian and Asian marketplace.

“I am excited to receive our FATAOC from the Australian CASA to further expand our capabilities serving the region,” Martynas Grigas, Chairman at BBN Airlines Indonesia, said. “This FATAOC dramatically increases our capabilities in the Asia-Pacific Region.”

The increased operational portfolio will further empower BBN Airlines Indonesia to offer interconnectivity within the Asia marketplace. The company plans to continue its operations within the region with increasing capabilities.

First Airbus A321neo joins KLM’s fleet

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines this week welcomed its first Airbus A321neo after it touched down at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The arrival of this new aircraft is an important step in the rigorous renewal programme initiated by KLM to support cleaner, quieter, and more efficient flight operations. From mid‑September, the A321neo will begin serving several European destinations.

New engine option

The “neo” stands for new engine option: the aircraft are equipped with new engines that emit less CO2 than their predecessors. Measured per passenger tonne kilometre, the A321neo is around 21% more fuel efficient than the Boeing 737 aircraft it replaces. Additionally, the aircraft reduces noise impact – essentially halving its noise footprint – causing far less disturbance to residents.

More comfort and convenience

Passengers on the A321neo experience more comfort thanks to wider seats, larger tables and more spacious luggage bins. Each seat is equipped with a USB-C port and a holder for a mobile or tablet. The aircraft also offers more convenience for the crew, including a wider aisle and easy-to-open luggage bins. The interior has been designed to enhance the KLM experience, with more recognisable details and mood lighting that adapts to each stage of the journey.

KLM takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft

KLM has taken delivery of its first A321neo as part of its fleet modernisation with the latest generation, fuel-efficient aircraft. With the aircraft, KLM joins the community of successful A321neo operators.

By selecting the A321neo, KLM brings on board the latest technology to lower decibels and to reduce the noise footprint during take-off, approach and landing. Together with its advanced fuel efficiency, the A321neo will play a key role in KLM’s environmental ambition.

The newly delivered A321neo for KLM seats 227 passengers in a two-class layout. The cabin features Airbus’ Airspace cabin with XL bins. The larger bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a 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 Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. Equipped with sharklets and powered by new generation CFM International LEAP-1A engines, the A321neo brings a 50% noise footprint reduction and at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. To date, more than 6,400 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321neo aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

Photo caption: The first A321neo for KLM was handed over at Airbus’ Hamburg manufacturing site by Wouter van Wersch, Airbus Executive Vice President of International, to Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM.

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Air France KLM Points

Joby demonstrates autonomous flight in U.S. Air Force ‘Agile Flag’ exercise

Joby Aviation has demonstrated autonomous logistics aircraft operations in an evolving mission environment, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force during the ‘Agile Flag 24-3’ exercise.

During the exercise, Joby’s team, which includes the autonomy division of Xwing acquired by Joby in June of this year, operated a fully autonomous Cessna 208B Grand Caravan for more than 3,900 miles of flight between military bases and public airports across California and Nevada.

The aircraft autonomously transported essential components to restore the operational readiness of various Air Force assets, flying between 9 locations in a dynamic operational environment. The aircraft, while monitored by a safety pilot, completed a fully autonomous taxi, take-off, and landing at each location during the exercise without requiring on-the-ground infrastructure, including numerous sites that had not been previously visited by the aircraft.

Joby also showcased its ability to remotely supervise the aircraft using a laptop and a satellite communications terminal, both of which are transportable in a single backpack.

Reliable Robotics performs automated cargo deliveries for U.S. Air Force

Reliable Robotics, a leader in autonomous aircraft systems, recently completed a series of automated missions across airfields in California and Nevada for the Department of the Air Force. In conjunction with Air Combat Command, Reliable demonstrated aircraft automation capabilities as part of the Agile Flag 24-3 exercise transporting cargo between military bases and airports, some hundreds of miles apart, on demand over the course of a week. The exercise was designed to be representative of the Indo-Pacific region, demanding agility, readiness and multi-domain operations.

“The Air Force has a unique opportunity to redefine efficiency through autonomous operations, which can enable persistent manoeuvre in contested environments and simultaneous cargo delivery instead of our current sequential system. Autonomy in small platforms reduces risk and opens up the ability to land in more places including damaged runways or unimproved surfaces,” said Colonel Max Bremer, Mobility COE Senior Advisor, Chief of Special Programs Division, Air Mobility Command. “Military exercises like Agile Flag provide a venue for us to more closely evaluate how technologies like autonomous systems operate in real missions.”

Automated flights of a Cessna 208B Caravan included autotaxi, autotakeoff, en-route navigation and autolanding. All flights were managed by Reliable’s remote pilot while an onboard pilot monitored. Reliable deployed a mobile control station onsite at Mojave Air and Space Port, which served as a base of operations for the military exercise. The rapid deployment of Reliable’s mobile control station enabled onsite demonstrations of the remote piloting side of the operation for Air Force and NASA personnel.

Japan Airlines "JAL Fantastic Journey Express" to begin domestic flights in late october

Japan Airlines has confirmed that its President and Group CEO Mitsuko Tottori and Oriental Land Co. President and COO Kenji Yoshida will launch the “JAL Fantastic Journey Express” special liveried Boeing 767-300ER, which will begin domestic flights in Japan for a limited period starting in late October. 

The aircraft’s design is inspired by the new Fantasy Springs-themed port that opened at Tokyo DisneySea Park on June 6, 2024, at Tokyo Disney Resort.  Japan Airlines is an official sponsor which marks the sixth collaboration since JAL first teamed up with Tokyo DisneySea when it opened in 2001.

Fantasy Springs is the only themed port of its kind in the world, featuring three areas inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios films Frozen, Tangled and Peter Pan, as well as the latest Disney-themed hotel, Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel.

The aircraft design evokes magical springs that lead to a world of Disney fantasy, featuring Anna, Elsa, Rapunzel and Peter Pan against backdrops inspired by locations from Fantasy Springs, such as Arendelle Castle, Rapunzel’ s Tower and Captain Hook’s ship, the Jolly Roger.

Inflight Experience

Passengers will enjoy special designs on headrest covers and paper cups, immersing themselves in the world of Fantasy Springs as they travel aboard the "JAL Fantastic Journey Express" aircraft.

Additionally, the “JAL Happy Dream Campaign 2024"* is currently underway, offering participants a chance to win prizes, including invitations to JAL’s exclusive party events at Tokyo DisneySea.

Guests are invited to take this opportunity to travel to various destinations across Japan on JAL Group flights.

China's commercial aircraft fleet to more than double by 2043 for growth and modernization

Boeing estimates air travel in mainland China will grow 5.2% annually!

U.S. plane maker Boeing says China will more than double its commercial aeroplane fleet by 2043 as its aviation industry expands and modernizes to meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo air travel.

In the Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) Boeing contends:

Air travel in China is forecast to become the world's largest traffic flow, driving growth in the single-aisle fleet, which accounts for more than three-quarters of deliveries.

China will have the world's largest widebody fleet, with demand for 1,575 new widebody airplanes.

China's freighter fleet – including dedicated and converted models – will nearly triple with demand stimulated by its booming e-commerce sector.

 Chinese carriers will need aviation services worth $780 billion to support the growing fleet, including digital solutions, maintenance and modifications.

Its airline industry will need to hire and train nearly 430,000 new personnel to support new pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew.

"China's commercial aviation market for passengers and cargo continues to expand, driven by economic growth and airlines building their in-country networks," said Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president of Commercial Marketing. "As this forecast shows, China's airlines will see strong demand, requiring further growth of their modern fuel-efficient fleets."

China's commercial fleet will grow 4.1% annually, from 4,345 to 9,740 aeroplanes by 2043, and its annual passenger traffic growth of 5.9% will exceed the global average of 4.7%, according to the CMO. Passenger volumes will receive a boost as airlines grow their networks by connecting major hubs to smaller cities.

New deliveries (2024-2043)
Regional	365
Single Aisle	6,720
Widebody	1,575
Freighter	170
Total	8,830

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BOC Aviation places three 747-8 cargo planes with Atlas Air

BOC Aviation Limited confirmed today,  the placement of three Boeing 747-8 freighters with new customer Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. All three aircraft are powered by General Electric GEnx engines and are scheduled for delivery in 3Q 2024.

“Atlas manages the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft and is ideally placed to partner with us in the operation of these latest-generation aircraft,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. “As global airfreight volumes hit record highs this transaction highlights our ability to provide capacity solutions to a wide variety of airline customers.”

“As the world’s largest operator of 747 freighters, we are delighted to work with BOC Aviation to expand our widebody fleet with these three 747-8Fs,” 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. Through our ongoing investments in innovation and our fleet, we continue to create additional operational flexibility, providing world-class service and acting as a trusted partner to our customers."

The 747-8 freighter excels as the most capable, technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly widebody freighter on the market. The 747-8F provides the largest load capacity in the market, with a 20% increase in payload capacity over the 747-400F, along with 25% more capacity than the 777-200LRF. The 747-8 has a 16% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the 747-400F. Additionally, the 747-8 freighter is the only factory-built freighter with nose-loading capability, meeting the long-term demands of the airfreight sector. Atlas stands out as the world’s largest operator of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft, with a fleet that includes 65 aircraft, consisting of 17 747-8Fs, 39 747-400Fs, 4 Large Cargo Freighters (LCFs) and 5 passenger 747-400s

Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc., and Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. Our companies operate the world’s largest fleet of 747 freighter aircraft and provide customers the broadest array of Boeing 747, 777, 767 and 737 aircraft for domestic, regional and international cargo and passenger operations.

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Cessna SkyCourier gains type certification in the Philippines

Textron Aviation confirmed this week that its Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop has been awarded type certification by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).  This will greatly expand the aircraft’s ability to support operational activities in remote areas of southeast Asia. The first SkyCourier in the region – A 19-seat passenger variant – is planned to be delivered in the second half of 2025 to Leading Edge Air Services Corporation (LEASCOR), a wholly owned subsidiary of ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative in the Philippines.

“Demand for the SkyCourier continues to grow throughout the APAC region due to the aircraft’s outstanding performance and reliability,” said Lannie O’Bannion, senior vice president, Global Sales and Flight Operations for Textron Aviation. “The SkyCourier features maximum cabin flexibility with low operating costs and has quickly proven to be an excellent business tool for customers and their missions. We’re excited to celebrate this great milestone for the program.”

With the ability to be operated by a single pilot, and also equipped with a generous payload capacity, the SkyCourier is an ideal solution for air freight, passenger and special mission needs. The aircraft is highly adaptable and can easily adjust configurations to effectively complete virtually any mission, supporting a significant return on investment. The aircraft also has capabilities to support a wide range of operational activities in remote areas.

Edelweiss getting ready for Airbus A350 arrival.

Efficiency meets comfort: 

The newest member of the Edelweiss fleet is the Airbus A350-900, which is one of the most environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft in the world and produces 25 per cent less CO2 than its predecessor, the Airbus A340-300, thanks to its lower fuel consumption, which is made possible by the use of lightweight materials and the latest generation of engines. Thanks to its long range, the Airbus A350-900 will be able to operate from the carrier's home base of Zurich to all of the current destinations on the airline's route network.  

With the "Airspace" cabin, the cabin architects and acoustic engineers of the Airbus A350-900 have developed an extremely spacious onboard area that offers passengers maximum comfort and relaxation. The cabin is remarkably quiet so sleeping, reading or listening to music on board is even more pleasant than on older-generation aircraft.

Edelweiss says that further plus points are the improved ventilation and lighting: "whether in Economy Class, Economy Max or Business Class - you breathe fresh air everywhere. Thanks to the enlarged panoramic windows, you can enjoy the best views and natural light"

The existing seating in the Airbus A350 will be retained for the time being and completely redesigned in the second half of 2026. This means that 30 seats will be available in Business Class. Economy Max has 63 seats with more seat pitch and Economy Class has 246 seats. The total of 339 seats are upholstered in blue Edelweiss fabric. Economy Class and Economy Max are equipped with a 3-3-3 configuration, Business Class with a 2-2-2 configuration. A striking feature of Business Class is the greater seat pitch, the generous legroom and the exceptional width of the seats, which can be completely reclined for sleeping. Economy and Economy Max have 9-inch screens, while Business Class has 19-inch screens. All seats have a power and USB connection.

The airline is also modernising the appearance of its fleet to coincide with the future introduction of the new Airbus A350. Both the characteristic red aircraft nose and the Edelweiss flower will be retained in the adapted design. White as the main colour will also remain unchanged.

25 years of help alliance: Lufthansa Airbus takes off in fall with special ’helping hands’ livery

Exactly 25 years ago, Lufthansa Group employees in Frankfurt am Main founded the Help Alliance, Lufthansa Group’s aid organization. To mark this anniversary, Europe’s largest aviation company is sending a clear sign of support across the continent: an Airbus A321neo with the lettering ’help alliance’ and many colourful “helping hands” will be flying in Lufthansa’s European route network from autumn.

The aircraft with the help alliance sticker pays tribute to all the people who have shown great commitment to the aid organization over the past 25 years and collects donations. Those who hurry can symbolically leave a colourful handprint on the plane. There is space for a total of 300 handprints on the aircraft - they can be purchased at helpalliance.org. The money will be used to provide children in Africa and India with school books and meals, among other things.