The Real Aero Club de España will host RACE FEST 2026 from April 17 to 19 at Madrid’s Cuatro Vientos airfield, expanding to three days with activities centered on the weekend of April 18 and 19. The event transforms the historic aerodrome into a public showcase of general aviation, featuring free entry to draw families, aviation enthusiasts and newcomers.

At the Salón Ibiza, visitors will find talks on aviation history, new technologies and career paths, including roles like airline pilots, firefighting specialists and air traffic controllers. Interactive workshops target youth and families, explaining air traffic control, aeronautical engineering and flight planning. Flight simulators offer experiences from long-haul Airbus jets to advanced aerobatics, alongside live podcast recordings and virtual squadrons.

Outside, a static aircraft display includes a Saeta jet marking its 70th anniversary, a replica of Juan de la Cierva’s C.4 autogiro, two planes from the Fundación Infante de Orleans, and modern types like Cirrus, Tecnam and Bristell models. The 43 Grupo of the Spanish Air Force and Space Army, known for amphibious firefighting, will send crews for direct interactions, sharing insights on wildfire operations and coordination with ground teams.

Previous editions in 2023, 2024 and 2025 drew hundreds of attendees, filling stands and the aeroclub grounds. Free access continues, managed via the official RaceFest app at racefest.app, which provides QR codes, schedules and updates for smoother entry.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis 2 mission have traveled more than halfway to the Moon, positioning them closer to Earth’s satellite than to their home planet.

The NASA announced late Friday that the Orion spacecraft, carrying the crew, had covered over half the distance to the Moon. At that point, the astronauts were approximately 320,000 kilometers from Earth and 132,000 kilometers from the Moon. The agency released the first photos taken by the crew from space, showing Earth partially shrouded in darkness.

Commander Reid Wiseman captured one striking image through an Orion window shortly after a key maneuver placed the spacecraft on its lunar trajectory. The panorama revealed parts of the Iberian Peninsula, much of North Africa, swirling clouds, and greenish polar lights along the planet’s edges.

Artemis 2 launched April 1, 2026, from Kennedy Space Center atop the Space Launch System rocket. The crew — Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen of Canada — departed Earth’s orbit about 24 hours later with a nearly six-minute main engine burn, the first such lunar-bound maneuver by humans since Apollo 17 in 1972.

The 10-day test flight will loop the Moon without landing, covering more than 2.3 million kilometers to validate Orion systems and deep-space operations ahead of future landings. The next milestone comes early Monday when Orion enters the Moon’s gravitational sphere of influence.

KLM anticipates delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 by the end of summer 2026. The aircraft has entered the final assembly line at Airbus facilities in Toulouse, where major components are integrated and it takes its final form, including the tail section already painted in KLM livery.

According to KLM, the A350 offers 25% less fuel consumption than the Boeing 777-200ER it will replace, along with a 40% smaller noise footprint. The cabin provides higher air quality, increased cabin pressure, and the quietest environment in its class for passengers. Pilots will operate from a fully digital cockpit designed for enhanced efficiency.

This delivery forms part of KLM’s €7 billion fleet renewal program, which also encompasses Embraer 195-E2 jets for KLM Cityhopper, Airbus A321neo aircraft for European operations, Boeing 787s for long-haul routes, and the A350F freighter in 2027.

New Korean regional carrier SUM Air has ordered four ATR 72-600 turboprops, with options for four additional aircraft. Deliveries are set to begin in 2028.

The airline, which launched operations in March 2026, plans to use the aircraft to enhance connectivity in underserved areas of South Korea, including island airports. This move supports SUM Air’s efforts to link remote regions more effectively.

Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. has agreed to acquire Air Alliance GmbH, a Germany-based aerospace company that has acted as an authorized Pilatus sales and service partner since 2014. The deal, announced on April 3, 2026, aims to expand Pilatus’s operations in Europe.

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Germany, Air Alliance provides sales, technical support, flight training, and maintenance for Pilatus aircraft including the PC-12 turboprop and PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. The company also runs an aircraft management program and holds an air operator certificate. Its ambulance flight subsidiary, Unicair GmbH, is excluded from the acquisition and will operate independently.

The transaction awaits regulatory approvals, including from the German Federal Aviation Authority, with financial details undisclosed. About 120 Air Alliance employees will stay on, and current Managing Director René Petersen will lead as CEO under Pilatus ownership.

Pilatus Chairman Hansueli Loosli stated the acquisition leverages synergies between manufacturing, sales, and operations while bringing the company closer to customers. Germany and Austria rank as key markets for the PC-12 and PC-24.

By integrating Air Alliance, Pilatus gains direct control over technical support, training, and maintenance in the region. This follows a pattern among aircraft manufacturers acquiring regional service networks for better after-sales support. Pilatus has made similar moves, such as U.S. maintenance operations acquisitions.

Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo aircraft, registered HB-JDB, at Zurich Airport on April 2, 2026. The plane arrived from Norwich, UK, where it received the airline’s livery.

The aircraft features large Sharklets on the wingtips to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency, along with new engines that cut fuel consumption per seat kilometer by at least 15 percent compared to previous models. It also produces lower noise emissions and CO2 output. Inside, passengers benefit from larger overhead bins for faster boarding, dynamic LED lighting, a modern ventilation system for better air quality, and a quieter cabin suited for four- to five-hour flights.

Edelweiss plans to add five more A320neos by 2028, with the others coming from Austrian Airlines starting late 2027. The HB-JDB enters service on April 4, 2026, with a morning flight from Zurich to Larnaca, Cyprus, followed by an afternoon trip to Rhodes, Greece. It will later operate routes to North Africa and Scandinavia as part of the airline’s short- and medium-haul fleet renewal.

Daher has secured two new logistics contracts from Safran, covering warehouse management in Hamburg and a dedicated MRO and AOG platform in the Île-de-France region, with operations starting in April 2026. These contracts supplement an existing agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines in Bordes, Tarnos, and Buchelay, which was renewed and expanded a year earlier and employs more than 150 Daher staff to support helicopter production increases and site upgrades.

In Hamburg, Safran Nacelles awarded Daher a contract in late January 2026 for logistics at its nacelle integration site near the Airbus A320neo final assembly line. A team of 20 Daher employees will manage receiving, storage, parts preparation, handling, and shipping. The service transitioned from a prior operator over two months, bolstering Daher’s logistics footprint in Germany, where it employs 1,100 people, including support for Airbus Defence & Space in Bremen.

In Tremblay-en-France, a 3,000 m² platform will serve Safran Electronics & Defense’s customer support division, handling over 3,000 shipments, 1,700 receipts, and 7,500 picking lines annually. Selected after a March 2025 tender, its location near Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport enables rapid AOG response with a maximum 3-hour-30-minute turnaround via on-call service and Daher’s Warehouse Management System for real-time tracking. The three-year contract includes two optional years.

Daher and Safran logistics teams are also advancing joint automation initiatives, including automated guided vehicles, storage solutions, and control systems. Aymeric Daher, Deputy CEO of Daher and CEO of Daher Logistics, stated: Safran is a strategic partner of the Daher Group. We have been working together for many years with Safran Helicopter Engines, and these new assignments with Safran Nacelles and Safran Electronics & Defense mark an important milestone. We are now present across both industrial activities and spare parts flows, in France and Germany. This is the result of teamwork and a shared commitment to progress together.

Lithuanian Airports (LTOU), operator of Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga airports, handled over 542,000 passengers in March 2026, marking a 6.7% increase from the previous year and establishing a new record for the month.

Growth occurred at all three airports despite disruptions to Middle East routes. Vilnius Airport saw the largest gain, with 7.8% more passengers totaling more than 377,000. Kaunas Airport recorded 4.3% growth to nearly 129,000 passengers, and Palanga Airport increased by 5.1% to around 36,000 passengers. Each facility exceeded its prior March records.

Flight operations rose 3.7% year-on-year to nearly 4,800 across the network. Vilnius led with 5.2% more flights, while Kaunas held steady and Palanga posted a slight uptick.

Lithuania’s performance outpaced neighbors, as Riga Airport declined 2% and Tallinn grew just 2%. First-quarter traffic has surpassed the 2025 record, signaling continued demand into summer.

Embraer delivered 44 aircraft in the first quarter of 2026, a 47% increase from 30 jets handed over in the same period of 2025. The company attributed the rise to improved production stability and robust demand in the executive jet segment.

Commercial Aviation recorded 10 deliveries, up 43% year-over-year, including three E195-E2 jets, the largest model in Embraers commercial lineup. Executive Aviation led the growth with 29 deliveries, continuing its strong performance from 2025 when the division hit 155 jets, the upper end of its annual guidance.

In 2025, Embraer delivered a total of 244 aircraft across its units, surpassing the prior years 206. The Commercial Aviation unit met its forecast with 78 jets, including 38 E195-E2s, while executive deliveries rose from 130 in 2024. The Q1 2026 results build on this momentum amid ongoing supply chain recovery.

Ryanair carried 15.8 million passengers in March 2026, up 5% from 15.0 million in March 2025. The airline operated more than 88,000 flights during the month while maintaining a load factor of 93%, the same as the previous year.

On a rolling 12-month basis to March 2026, Ryanair transported 208.4 million passengers, a 4% increase from 200.2 million a year earlier. The load factor for this period held steady at 94%.

The figures reflect consistent demand across Ryanair’s network, with aircraft utilization remaining high despite the passenger growth. Ryanair Holdings plc reported these results in a filing detailing monthly traffic performance.

Airbus has started critical certification tests for its A321XLR aircraft at Bolivia’s Aeropuerto Internacional de Alcantarí in the Chuquisaca department. The six-day evaluations aim to validate the jet’s performance at high altitude, with the airport situated at 3,104 meters above sea level.

A team of French pilots and specialized crew from Airbus is collaborating with Bolivia’s state-run Navegación Aérea y Aeropuertos Bolivianos (NAABOL). According to the Ministry of Public Works, Services and Housing, the tests involve technical assessments under demanding conditions, leveraging the southern Bolivian site’s strategic location.

The airport was selected for its technical, operational and safety capabilities suited to complex high-tech operations. NAABOL director Jaime Machicao noted that the trials position the facility as an international benchmark for advanced aeronautical technology.

As part of an international test and demonstration campaign, the A321XLR will operate under protocols mimicking regular commercial service. Engineers will gather data on operation times at high-altitude airfields, fuel consumption in low-pressure atmospheres, and crew procedures in high-demand real-world settings.

Inaugurated in 2016, Alcantarí Airport in the Yamparáez municipality, about 30 kilometers from constitutional capital Sucre, replaced the former Juana Azurduy de Padilla facility.

France will finance the full development of the Dassault Rafale F5 fighter jet standard after the United Arab Emirates withdrew from co-funding negotiations. The UAE had been prepared to contribute up to €3.5 billion toward the roughly €5 billion ($5.7 billion) program, but talks collapsed in late 2025 over disagreements on technology transfers, particularly in optronics.

Tensions peaked during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Abu Dhabi in late December 2025. France refused to share sensitive technologies, prompting Abu Dhabi to exit the partnership. As a result, France’s Defense Ministry must now cover the entire cost, straining the defense budget and likely delaying upgrades and deliveries.

The Rafale F5, often called a Super Rafale, features upgrades including the Thales RBE2 XG gallium nitride radar, an enhanced SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, new optronic sensors, and conformal fuel tanks. It will integrate the ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile and operate alongside a stealth combat drone derived from the nEUROn demonstrator for suppression of enemy air defenses.

Development contracts exceed €4 billion, with entry into service around 2035. The updated Military Programming Law, set for review by the Council of Ministers on April 8, 2026, adds €36 billion to the €413 billion envelope but may fall short of covering the increased burden.

The Government of Canada awarded MAS, an L3Harris Technologies company, two contracts totaling approximately CA$1.1 billion for aircraft fleet sustainment and materiel support. These awards support Canada’s defence priorities, including Arctic sovereignty and allied operations.

The contracts consist of a ten-year maintenance agreement and a seven-year materiel agreement, both with options to extend to 20 years. MAS, based in Mirabel, will maintain the Royal Canadian Air Force’s nine CC-330 Husky multi-role tanker and transport aircraft. L3Harris already handles mission systems and sustainment for several Canadian military aircraft fleets.

The program will create more than 60 skilled jobs at main operating bases in Edmonton International Airport (MOB-West) and 8 Wing Trenton (MOB-East), aiding growth in Canada’s aerospace sector.

Under Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, L3Harris will reinvest 100% of the contract value domestically, focusing on sustainable aviation technologies, workforce development, and defence capabilities. At least 15% of the program will involve small and medium-sized enterprises in research and development to support high-value jobs. L3Harris has operated in Canada for over 60 years as one of the country’s largest defence and security firms.

Seoul-based SUM Air, Korea’s newest regional airline, has ordered four ATR 72-600 aircraft with options for four more, according to ATR announcements on April 3, 2026. Deliveries are set to begin in 2028.

The agreement was signed during a France-Korea bilateral economic forum in Seoul, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron. SUM Air, the first carrier licensed under revised Korean regulations, will use the 72-seat turboprops to expand domestic regional connectivity. In 2024, the government raised the maximum seat capacity for small aircraft operations from 50 to 80 seats, enabling deployment of the ATR 72-600 under this framework.

ATR, the Franco-Italian regional aircraft manufacturer, highlighted the deal as support for sustainable air services in the region. The order aligns with broader South Korea-France cooperation in aerospace, discussed during Macron’s state visit.

Azorra has acquired nine General Electric CF34-10E engines from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE).

The engines power Embraer E190 and E195 aircraft and will join Azorra’s existing portfolio for lease to airline customers worldwide. Shahin Mehrabanzad, Azorra’s Vice President for Engine Programmes and Support Solutions, stated that the deal reflects the companies’ relationship and Azorra’s emphasis on high-demand engine assets. He noted that in the current market, with maintenance delays and long shop visit timelines, these engines offer immediate support for fleet reactivation and operations.

This transaction follows an agreement in May 2025, when Azorra agreed to purchase 49 Embraer E-Jet aircraft and two CF34 engines from DAE. As of April 2026, Azorra’s portfolio of owned, managed, and committed aircraft and engines exceeds 300 assets.

Toulouse, March 31, 2026 (Aviation Press) – Aircraft lessor Abelo has confirmed the conversion of three additional ATR 72-600 options into firm orders, drawn from its 2023 Dubai Airshow agreement with manufacturer ATR.

This move elevates Abelo’s total firm orders to 36 ATR 72-600 turboprops, with nine options and purchase rights remaining available. Deliveries of the newly firmed aircraft are slated for 2027.

The announcement, issued from ATR’s headquarters in Toulouse, underscores the deepening partnership between the Dublin-based lessor and the turboprop producer. Abelo, a specialist in regional aviation leasing, has progressively expanded its orderbook since the 2023 deal, which initially encompassed multiple options.

These ATR 72-600 aircraft feature advanced avionics and fuel-efficient engines, aligning with rising demand for sustainable regional connectivity. Prior deliveries from Abelo’s portfolio include units leased to carriers such as Sky Express in Greece, with the first arriving in January 2024.

The lessor’s strategy positions it to supply next-generation turboprops amid global fleet renewal efforts in the regional sector.

Mirabel, Quebec (Aeromorning) — The Government of Canada confirmed on March 30, 2026, a C$1.5 billion sustainment package for the Royal Canadian Air Force CC-330 Husky tanker and transport fleet, as announced by the Defence Investment Agency.

Three contracts ensure operational readiness: L3Harris MAS received C$735 million over 10 years for maintenance, airworthiness management, and technical support; C$366 million over 7 years for materiel repair, overhaul, and supply chain services. Airbus Defence and Space secured C$374 million over 10 years for OEM engineering and airworthiness services.

These cover specialized engineering, heavy maintenance, spare parts management, and regulatory compliance to keep the fleet safe, reliable, and mission-ready. The CC-330 Husky, derived from the Airbus A330 MRTT, replaces the CC-150 Polaris and supports air-to-air refueling, strategic transport, passenger movement, and aeromedical evacuation.

The package is part of the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability program, featuring 9 aircraft — 4 new and 5 converted A330s — with full operational capability from 2027. The 2023 acquisition cost C$3.6 billion.

Contracts support up to 720 jobs in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta, adding C$90 million annually to GDP, aligning with Canadas Defence Industrial Strategy and NATO commitments.

London (AP) – The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) Agency has awarded its first joint international contract to Edgewing, a trilateral joint venture formed by BAE Systems of the UK, Leonardo of Italy, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC).

Valued at £686 million (approximately $905-908 million), the contract funds key design and engineering activities to advance the next-generation stealth fighter programme, a collaboration between the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan. Announced on April 1 or 2, 2026, it runs until June 2026 and marks a transition from national funding to unified trilateral efforts.

Edgewing, established on June 20, 2025, with equal 33.3% shareholdings among its partners and headquartered in Reading, UK, serves as the design authority. It oversees engineering, airworthiness, and certification throughout the programme lifecycle.

The sixth-generation aircraft, part of a broader family-of-systems including unmanned platforms, aims for service entry by 2035. It will replace the UK’s and Italy’s Eurofighter Typhoons and Japan’s F-2 jets, integrating crewed and uncrewed assets across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.

This milestone accelerates delivery timelines, aligns industrial roles, and builds momentum, following national contracts. A full international contract is planned in due course.

BRUSSELS – The European Commission has urged EU member states to prepare coordinated fuel-saving measures in transport, spotlighting aviation fuel amid disruptions from the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz closure.

On March 31, the Commission highlighted risks to refined products, noting that 15% of Europe’s jet fuel comes from Middle Eastern suppliers. Last shipments through Hormuz before its closure were due in Europe around April 10, 2026. While no immediate full shortage is expected, localized tensions and volatile high prices loom for airlines, airports, and ground handlers.

Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen sent a letter to national ministers calling for close market monitoring, voluntary savings in line with the International Energy Agency’s 10-point plan, and avoidance of uncoordinated national actions that could disrupt refinery output or petroleum flows.

In a Financial Times interview, Jørgensen warned of a prolonged energy crisis with sustained high prices, including for critical products like kerosene and diesel. Brent crude hit $120 per barrel, now at $107. The Commission is preparing for worst-case scenarios, considering rationing fuels and releasing more strategic oil reserves, though no operational restrictions on airlines or flight cuts have been imposed.

Impacts on aviation center on cost pressures and supply chain vulnerabilities rather than network reductions, with potential for higher kerosenes prices and logistical safeguards at hubs.

São Paulo, Brazil – Embraer delivered 44 aircraft in the first quarter of 2026, a 47% increase from 30 jets in Q1 2025, fueled by enhanced production stability and robust executive jet demand.

Commercial Aviation contributed 10 aircraft, up 43% year-over-year, including three E195-E2 jets, Embraer’s largest commercial model. Executive Aviation led growth with 29 deliveries, continuing momentum from 2025 when the segment hit 155 units, the upper end of its 145-155 guidance.

In 2025, Embraer achieved 244 total deliveries across segments, surpassing 206 from the prior year. Commercial Aviation met its 77-85 target with 78 jets, including 15 E195-E2s in Q4 alone. Q4 2025 saw 91 deliveries, with Executive Jets logging 53 units, highlighted by 23 Phenom 300s.

The Q1 2026 uptick follows 2025’s production leveling, with year-to-date 2025 commercial deliveries reaching 46 units by Q3, or 57% of annual guidance midpoint. Recent E195-E2 orders, such as Avelo Airlines’ firm commitment for 50 with options for 50 more starting 2027, underscore program strength.

Embraer targets 100 commercial deliveries by 2028, supported by backlog growth to $31.6 billion at 2025 year-end.

Tokyo, Japan – Marubeni Corporation has acquired an additional 50% equity interest in DASI, LLC, a global leader in commercial aviation inventory solutions specializing in surplus aircraft parts, through its wholly owned U.S. holding company Marubeni Aviation Asset Investment LLC. This transaction renders DASI a wholly owned subsidiary of Marubeni, completing the buyout after previously holding 50% stake.

The deal follows Marubeni’s initial 50% acquisition in DASI announced on July 13, 2023, when Fortress Investment Group exited its six-year investment for an undisclosed amount. The move strengthens Marubeni’s strategic platform in aviation aftermarket and asset trading amid rising global demand for aircraft maintenance.

DASI provides comprehensive inventory solutions for commercial aviation, focusing on surplus parts capabilities essential for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. The aviation maintenance market, valued at approximately 90.56 billion USD in 2024, is projected to reach 141.99 billion USD by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.60%, driven by expanding air traffic, fleet growth, and tourism recovery.

Engine maintenance led revenue in 2024, with commercial aviation dominating end-user segments due to increasing passenger and cargo fleets. North America, led by the U.S., holds the largest market share, supported by robust regional MRO infrastructure and military aircraft investments.

This acquisition positions Marubeni to capitalize on aftermarket opportunities as airlines face higher maintenance needs from aging fleets and new technologies.

OSTEND, Belgium — Ostend-Bruges Airport is enhancing its summer schedule through TUI fly Belgium’s expanded operations, featuring a 5.3% capacity increase and emphasis on direct leisure flights.

The airport will serve 13 sun destinations in Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, with Spanish routes leading demand. Malaga tops the list with daily flights, followed by other key Spanish spots.

TUI fly Belgium, a low-cost carrier, supports this growth with its modern fleet, including recently introduced Embraer E195-E2 aircraft configured for 136 passengers in a single class. These jets, such as the first unit OO-ETB named Flanders, offer improved range over prior E190 models while maintaining a two-seat-abreast cabin layout favored by couples.

The airline’s fleet also comprises Boeing 737-700s, 737-800s, 737 MAX 8s, and 787-8 Dreamliners, enabling efficient service to popular Mediterranean and North African hotspots.

This expansion positions Ostend-Bruges as a key gateway for Belgian travelers seeking direct access to high-demand vacation areas, aligning with seasonal travel patterns.

BERLIN, April 6, 2026 (Aviation News) — Lufthansa will operate two special long-haul flights from Berlin Brandenburg Airport on Easter Monday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its inaugural routes from April 6, 1926.

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered D-ABPU and flight LH1926, will fly from Berlin via waypoints over Halle, Erfurt, and Stuttgart to Zurich. Simultaneously, an Airbus A350-900, registered D-AIXL and flight LH2026, will depart Berlin via Magdeburg waypoint to Cologne. Both aircraft are scheduled to take off from parallel runways at BER around 3:00 p.m. local time, without intermediate stops.

The flights originate from Lufthansa hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, where the aircraft will first arrive carrying over 400 invited passengers, including Lufthansa Group employees, partners, influencers, and journalists.

Both planes feature a special blue livery with a white XXL crane emblem denoting the centenary. Aviation enthusiasts are anticipated at BERs visitor terrace for the parallel departure, as well as in Zurich and Cologne.

This operation retraces the historic maiden flights of Deutsche Luft Hansa, linking the companys origins with modern widebody technology.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Azorra has acquired nine General Electric CF34-10E engines from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), bolstering its engine leasing platform.

The engines power Embraer E190 and E195 aircraft and will integrate into Azorras existing portfolio for lease to global airline customers.

Shahin Mehrabanzad, Azorras Vice President for Engine Programmes and Support Solutions, stated: Our latest engine portfolio acquisition with DAE underscores both the strength of our relationship and our focus on attractive, high-demand engine assets. In the current environment, where maintenance delays and extended shop visit timelines remain a challenge, access to available engines and green time is critical. These engines provide immediate, practical support for fleet reactivation and ongoing operations.

This deal follows a May 2025 agreement where Azorra committed to purchase 49 Embraer E-Jet aircraft and two GE CF34 engines from DAE. Those aircraft are leased to 12 customers worldwide, with closings expected by late 2025.

As of April 2026, Azorras portfolio of owned, managed, and committed aircraft and engines surpasses 300 assets, reflecting its growth in aviation leasing.

The transaction strengthens Azorras long-standing partnership with DAE amid airline demand for flexible engine solutions.

Istanbul, April 1, 2026 (AeroDispatch) — Turkish Airlines board of directors has approved a USD 42 million investment to acquire a 40 percent equity stake in DB Tarımsal Enerji ve Ticaret, a Turkish energy firm specializing in biofuel production, as part of its sustainable aviation fuel strategy.

The transaction, disclosed through official financial reporting channels, aims to secure upstream participation in SAF supply to support the carrier’s emissions reduction goals. SAF, derived from biomass, waste oils and renewable sources, can cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 87 percent compared to conventional jet fuel.

DB Tarımsal Enerji ve Ticaret focuses on renewable fuels and bioenergy, with plans for SAF production facilities in coordination with technology partners. Turkey’s regulators see the country emerging as a regional SAF hub, though specific plant capacities and timelines remain under development.

The deal involves equity acquisition or capital increase under Turkish corporate law, subject to regulatory clearances. It aligns with Turkish Airlines’ broader SAF efforts, including a letter of intent with Tüpraş for SAF supply from its İzmir Refinery starting 2026, partnerships with SOCAR Türkiye, and research projects like the microalgae-based MICRO-JET with Boğaziçi University.

This investment positions Turkish Airlines as an equity partner in production, potentially improving SAF access, managing costs and enhancing sustainability credentials amid global industry trends toward upstream engagement.

Lufthansa Group submitted a non-binding offer to Portugal’s state holding company Parpublica for a minority stake in flag carrier TAP Air Portugal, meeting the April 2, 2026 deadline in the airline’s privatization process.

Lufthansa Head of Strategy Tamur Goudarzi Pour confirmed the bid earlier this week, stating the group would maintain its offered price despite the energy crisis and that a minority stake allows significant integration benefits without majority control.

Air France-KLM submitted its non-binding offer hours earlier. International Airlines Group (IAG) is reportedly leaning toward withdrawal, as its CFO Nicholas Cadbury indicated a minority stake conflicts with the group’s strategy requiring a path to majority ownership.

Portugal is selling a 44.9% stake in TAP, with 5% reserved for employees, announced in September 2025. All three groups expressed formal interest in November 2025. Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz stated the winner will be selected by summer.

Proposals include financial offers, valuation mechanisms, industrial plans, synergies, and guarantees maintaining TAP’s EU air operator status, per Portuguese news agency Lusa.

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr called TAP a perfect match for expansion into Brazil and Latin America. The group plans in-flight Starlink connectivity, a Lufthansa Technik maintenance facility near Porto, and potential pilot training with the Portuguese Air Force.

Lufthansa and TAP share Star Alliance membership, unlike SkyTeam’s Air France-KLM. TAP was renationalized in 2020 amid Covid-19 losses.

Steven Greenway, CEO of Saudi low-cost carrier flyadeal, announced on April 2, 2026, that he is stepping down from his role, citing personal reasons after a period of intense work.

In a LinkedIn post, Greenway stated, Working @ 1,000% takes its toll, and confirmed he will remain in an advisory capacity until the end of 2026. He joined flyadeal in 2024, leading the airline through significant expansion aligned with Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 aviation strategy.

Under his leadership, flyadeal saw passenger numbers grow by nearly one third, surpassing 10 million annually for the first time. The Jeddah-based carrier expanded its fleet and route network, and in 2025 ordered 10 A330-900neo aircraft to enter the long-haul market.

Sanjiv Kapoor, EVP of Strategies, Transformation and Sustainability at parent company Saudia, will serve as interim CEO until a permanent appointment is made by the Saudia Group.

Greenways departure follows recent leadership changes at other regional low-cost carriers, including IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers stepping down on March 10, 2026, replaced by Willie Walsh, and Jazeera Airways Deputy CEO and CFO Krishnan Balakrishnan leaving on March 12, 2026.

TUI fly is introducing stricter hand luggage rules effective for flights departing from May 1, 2026, or bookings made after March 30, 2026. The policy significantly reduces free allowances, permitting only a small personal item measuring 40x30x20 cm, such as a handbag or backpack that fits under the seat.

Larger cabin bags will incur new fees, aligning with industry trends toward tighter enforcement of luggage dimensions. This change aims to manage onboard space more effectively amid rising passenger volumes.

While specific fee amounts and exact dimensions for paid cabin bags remain undisclosed in available details, the update reflects broader 2026 shifts seen across carriers, where personal items are increasingly the sole free allowance to optimize boarding and bin usage.

Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. has agreed to acquire Air Alliance GmbH, a Germany-based aerospace company that has served as an authorized Pilatus sales and service partner since 2014. The acquisition aims to deepen Pilatus presence in the European aviation market and enhance customer support infrastructure.

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Germany, Air Alliance specializes in sales, technical support, flight training, and aircraft services for Pilatus PC-12 turboprop and PC-24 Super Versatile Jet models. It also operates an aircraft management program and holds an air operator certificate. Unicair GmbH, its ambulance flight subsidiary, is not included and will continue independently.

The transaction awaits regulatory approvals, including from the German Federal Aviation Authority, with financial terms undisclosed. Approximately 120 employees will remain, and Managing Director René Petersen will lead as CEO under Pilatus ownership.

Pilatus Chairman Hansueli Loosli stated the move leverages synergies between manufacturing, sales, and operations, bringing the company closer to customers. Europe, particularly Germany and Austria, is a key market for PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft.

Owning Air Alliance unifies technical support, training, and maintenance, improving service quality and responsiveness. The acquisition builds on a decade-long partnership and positions Pilatus to capture demand from private, governmental, and military operators.

This follows industry trends of OEMs acquiring regional service networks for better after-sales control, aligning with Pilatus global growth, including prior U.S. maintenance acquisitions. Post-approval, integration will enhance direct customer engagement and standardized services in Germany and Austria.

Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo, registered HB-JDB, at Zurich Airport on April 2, 2026. The aircraft arrived from Norwich, UK, where it was painted in the airline’s livery, marking a key step in renewing its short- and medium-haul fleet.

The A320neo features advanced engine technology and aerodynamic enhancements, including sharklets, which reduce fuel consumption by up to 15-20 percent, lower CO2 emissions, and cut noise levels compared to prior generations. It also offers modern cabin interiors for improved passenger comfort on leisure routes.

Edelweiss plans to integrate six A320neo aircraft by 2028, replacing older models to boost efficiency and competitiveness at its Zurich hub. The aircraft transferred from sister carrier Swiss International Air Lines.

HB-JDB enters commercial service on April 4, 2026, with its inaugural flight from Zurich to Larnaca, Cyprus, in the morning, followed by a rotation to Rhodes in the afternoon. It will deploy on high-demand Mediterranean routes, North Africa, and Scandinavia, achieving high daily utilization.

A 471-page report released March 31, 2026, through the FAA’s Part 141 modernization docket recommends a major rewrite of regulations governing certificated pilot schools in the US. Prepared by the National Flight Training Alliance after a year of public meetings, the document addresses outdated frameworks rooted in early aviation eras, aiming to incorporate modern technology, safety practices, and teaching methods. The FAA is accepting public comments until April 10, 2026.

Key proposals include establishing a Central Management Office to centralize certification, amendments, and national standardization, reducing delays and inconsistencies from local Flight Standards District Offices. Local offices would retain roles in inspections and oversight. All Part 141 schools would implement formal Safety Management Systems and a two-tier Quality Management System, shifting to data-driven oversight that evaluates outcomes over mere documentation.

The report advocates expanded credit for flight simulation training devices and extended reality tools, plus a new Enhanced Advanced Aviation Training Device category. It calls for revising training appendices to align with Airman Certification Standards, competency-based training, and new professional-pilot pathways.

Examining authority reforms would replace pass-rate thresholds with assessments of system maturity, instructor standardization, and internal evaluations. Chief and check instructors face stricter qualification and recurrent training requirements, modeled after designated pilot examiners. Additional recommendations cover mentorship programs, curriculum sharing, digital Training Course Outline submissions, and a National Flight Training Innovation and Research Program.

Part 141 governs structured pilot school training, distinct from broader Part 61 rules used by most independent instruction. The FAA has not committed to adopting any proposals.

Ryanair Holdings plc reported traffic results for March 2026, carrying 15.8 million passengers, a 5% increase from 15.0 million in March 2025. The load factor held steady at 93% year-over-year, indicating consistent demand across its network.

The airline operated more than 88,000 flights during the month. On a year-to-date basis through March 2026, Ryanair transported 208.4 million passengers, up from 200.2 million in the prior year, with the load factor remaining at 94%.

This performance builds on Ryanairs fiscal year 2025 results, when it became the first European airline to carry 200 million passengers annually. Earlier financial reports for the first half of fiscal 2026 showed profits after tax rising 42% to €2.54 billion, supported by 3% traffic growth to 119 million passengers and higher average fares.

Ryanair continues to expand capacity amid strong post-pandemic demand in Europe.

Marubeni Corporation has acquired the remaining 50% equity interest in DASI, LLC, making the company a wholly owned subsidiary through its U.S. holding company, Marubeni Aviation Asset Investment LLC.

The transaction, announced on April 3, 2026, completes Marubeni’s ownership of DASI, a global leader in commercial aviation inventory solutions with expertise in surplus aircraft parts. DASI, established in 1993 and based in Miami, Florida, is represented by John Dziuba and procures and sells approximately 2.5 million stock keeping units of factory-new and surplus parts, including expendable and rotable components, to over 3,500 customers worldwide.

Surplus aircraft parts refer to factory-new or used inventory held by manufacturers, airlines, or operators. Rotable parts can be reused after repair and recertification. This move expands Marubeni’s strategic platform in aviation aftermarket and asset trading.

Airbus has launched critical certification tests for its A321XLR aircraft at Bolivia’s Aeropuerto Internacional de Alcantarí, located at 3,104 meters above sea level in Chuquisaca department. The six-day evaluations validate the aircraft’s performance in high-altitude conditions.

A French delegation of pilots and specialized crew collaborates with state-owned Navegación Aérea y Aeropuertos Bolivianos (NAABOL). The Ministry of Public Works, Services and Housing noted that the tests leverage the airport’s strategic southern Bolivian location for demanding technical assessments. NAABOL Director Jaime Machicao emphasized the facility’s technical, operational, and safety capabilities, positioning it as an international benchmark for advanced aeronautical technology.

As part of an international test and demonstration campaign, the A321XLR simulates real commercial operations to gather data on high-altitude airport operation times, fuel consumption under low-pressure atmospheres, and crew procedures in high-demand environments. The airport, in Yamparáez municipality 30 kilometers from Sucre, opened in 2016 to replace the Juana Azurduy de Padilla facility.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday by Iranian forces, according to U.S. officials cited by multiple outlets. The two-member crew prompted an ongoing combat search-and-rescue operation deep in Iranian territory.

One crew member was rescued by American forces, while efforts continue for the second. Social media videos showed U.S. HC-130 aircraft and HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters flying low over central Iran to locate survivors. Iranian state media initially claimed an F-35 shootdown but later referenced an F-15E, attributing it to IRGC air defenses.

Related incidents included an A-10 Warthog damaged by fire during the rescue; its pilot ejected over the Persian Gulf and was recovered. Two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were struck by Iranian fire but returned safely with injured personnel. President Trump was briefed, amid escalating tensions including warnings over the Strait of Hormuz.

This marks the first manned U.S. aircraft downed by enemy fire in the conflict, known as Operation Epic Fury.

The Government of Canada has awarded MAS, an L3Harris Technologies company, two contracts totaling about CA$1.1 billion for aircraft fleet sustainment and materiel support. These deals support Canada’s defence goals, such as Arctic sovereignty and allied operations.

A ten-year maintenance contract and a seven-year materiel contract, both extendable to 20 years, will see the MAS team in Mirabel maintain the Royal Canadian Air Force’s nine CC-330 Husky multi-role tanker and transport aircraft. L3Harris already handles mission systems and sustainment for other Canadian military fleets.

The program will create over 60 skilled jobs at new main operating bases: MOB-West at Edmonton International Airport and MOB-East at 8 Wing Trenton. This boosts Canada’s aerospace industry.

Following the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, L3Harris commits to reinvesting 100% of the contract value domestically. Efforts include sustainable aviation tech, workforce training, and defence improvements. At least 15% goes to small and medium enterprises in R&D, fostering high-value jobs. L3Harris has operated in Canada for over 60 years as a major defence firm.

SUM Air, South Koreas newest regional airline, has ordered four ATR 72-600 aircraft with options for four more, ATR announced on April 3, 2026. Deliveries will begin in 2028.

The deal came during French President Emmanuel Macrons state visit to Seoul, where he met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. SUM Air signed the agreement amid talks to elevate bilateral ties to a global strategic partnership.

Though newly launched, SUM Air already operates one ATR 72-600 on lease from Singapore-based Avation. It became the first carrier licensed under Koreas updated 2024 regulations, which raised the seat limit for small aircraft operations from 50 to 80 seats. This change enables the 72-seat ATR 72-600 for domestic regional routes.

ATR views the Korean market as promising, forecasting demand for 25 to 30 ATR 72-600s in coming years. The order supports SUM Airs push for sustainable regional connectivity.

Aircraft lessor ACC Aviation has named Jack Burt as senior vice president of cargo. The appointment comes as the company pushes to expand its global cargo charter services and rolls out new transportation options worldwide.

Burt carries over 18 years in international air cargo. He held senior roles at Chapman Freeborn and Air Partner, where he developed a strong network for handling critical supply chain needs. ACC Aviation expects his background to fuel growth in this area.

In the position, Burt will direct cargo division expansion. His priorities include boosting market reach, forging deeper partnerships, and honing skills in time-sensitive, oversized, and complex shipments. He will also integrate cargo efforts with the firms charter, ACMI, and consultancy arms.

Im excited to join ACC Aviation during this key phase, Burt said. There is real potential to scale a top cargo charter service, backed by the companys full offerings. I look forward to teaming up for the next growth push.

CEO Phil Mathews added: We welcome Jack at a turning point. His track record in cargo charter fits perfectly to advance our capabilities and services.

Embraer delivered 44 aircraft in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 47% increase from 30 jets handed over in the same period of 2025. The Brazilian manufacturer announced the figures on April 2 in a securities filing, with gains across its commercial, executive, and defense segments.

Commercial aviation saw 10 deliveries, up 43% from seven the previous year. Those included six E175s, one E190-E2, and three E195-E2s. Executive aviation contributed 29 jets, a 26% rise from 23, broken down as 15 Phenom 300s, one Phenom 100, nine Praetor 500s, and four Praetor 600s.

In defense and security, Embraer delivered five aircraft: one KC-390 Millennium and four A-29 Super Tucanos, compared to zero in Q1 2025. The results align with the company’s 2026 outlook of 80 to 85 commercial aircraft and 160 to 170 executive jets, pointing to about 6% growth at the midpoint for both areas.

Azorra has acquired nine General Electric CF34-10E engines from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd, bolstering its engine leasing operations and deepening ties with the seller.

These engines power Embraer E190 and E195 aircraft. Azorra plans to add them to its current portfolio for leasing to airlines worldwide.

Shahin Mehrabanzad, vice president of engine programs and support solutions at Azorra, noted the deal’s role in expanding capabilities. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based lessor has been active in the Embraer market, including a prior agreement for 13 E190 airframes and 36 CF34-10E6 engines from JetBlue, with deliveries starting in July 2025 and running through Q2 2026.

This purchase fits Azorra’s strategy amid growing demand for regional jet components, as seen in its dealings with carriers like Airlink and Air Serbia.

Lufthansa Group submitted a non-binding offer to Portugal’s state holding company Parpublica for a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal, meeting the April 2, 2026 deadline in the carrier’s privatization process.

The bid follows Air France-KLM’s submission hours earlier, while International Airlines Group (IAG) appears set to withdraw, citing incompatibility with its strategy that favors majority control. Portugal plans to sell 44.9% of TAP, with 5% reserved for employees; the government announced the process in September 2025, with formal interest from all three groups in November.

Lufthansa Head of Strategy Tamur Goudarzi Pour confirmed the group’s commitment, stating it would hold its price firm despite energy challenges and sees value in a minority position for integration gains. CEO Carsten Spohr called TAP a perfect match, emphasizing Brazil and Latin America routes. The group proposes Starlink connectivity fleetwide, a Lufthansa Technik maintenance facility near Porto, and potential pilot training with the Portuguese Air Force.

Proposals required financial terms, strategic plans, synergies, and EU operator guarantees. Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz expects a winner by summer. As Star Alliance members, Lufthansa and TAP align better than SkyTeam’s Air France-KLM, which eyes Lisbon as its Southern European hub.

TAP, renationalized in 2020 amid Covid losses, represents another consolidation step after Lufthansa’s stakes in ITA Airways and airBaltic.

Air France-KLM has submitted a non-binding offer to acquire a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal as part of the carrier’s ongoing privatization process. The Franco-Dutch group announced the move on April 2, 2026, becoming the first among major European airline groups to publicly confirm its bid to Portuguese state holding company Parpública.

Portugal is offering a 44.9% stake in the Lisbon-based airline to investors, with an additional 5% reserved for employees. The government retains a 50.1% holding and may sell it later to the same investor. The deadline for non-binding bids from rivals like Lufthansa and International Airlines Group fell on April 2, though IAG’s interest has reportedly waned.

CEO Benjamin Smith highlighted TAP’s 81-year legacy, including its strong Lisbon hub and brand that delivers connectivity to millions of Portuguese. A successful bid would position Lisbon as Air France-KLM’s key Southern European hub. Portuguese officials aim to select a winner by summer.

FlyOne Armenia launched its inaugural direct flight between Vienna and Yerevan on April 3, 2026, establishing the Moldovan-Armenian carrier’s presence in the Austrian market. The route operates weekly using an Airbus A320 aircraft, with plans to increase frequency to three flights per week starting June 2026.

Departures from Yerevan occur at 15:40, arriving in Vienna at 17:30. Return flights leave Vienna at 18:30 and land in Yerevan at 23:50, enabling same-day travel in both directions. Vienna Airport co-CEO Julian Jäger described the addition as a strategic win, bolstering the hub’s role for point-to-point traffic and connections to Central Asia and the Middle East.

The service enhances direct links between Central Europe and the Caucasus, offering travelers new options amid existing indirect routes operated by carriers like Austrian Airlines. FlyOne Armenia confirmed the launch on January 27, 2026, supporting potential growth in tourism and regional business travel.

Aircraft lessor Abelo has exercised three additional options for ATR 72-600 turboprops, part of an agreement signed at the 2023 Dubai Airshow. This move raises Abelo’s total firm orders to 36 aircraft, with nine options and purchase rights still available.

Deliveries of the new aircraft are set for 2027. The confirmation, announced on March 31, 2026, from Toulouse, underscores Abelo’s focus on efficient regional aviation and its ongoing partnership with ATR.

Abelo, a specialist in turboprops, positions these aircraft to support sustainable connectivity for regional routes. Earlier deliveries from its orderbook have gone to operators like SKY express in Greece.

Lufthansa Group submitted a non-binding offer to Parpublica, Portugals state holding company, for a minority stake in TAP Air Portugal, meeting the April 2, 2026 deadline in the carriers privatization process.

The offer covers a 44.9% stake, with 5% reserved for employees. Lufthansa Head of Strategy Tamur Goudarzi Pour confirmed the bid earlier this week, stating the group would maintain its price despite the energy crisis and views a minority position as viable for integration benefits without majority control. CEO Carsten Spohr called TAP a perfect match, emphasizing its role in Lufthansa’s Latin America expansion from Lisbon and Porto.

Air France-KLM submitted its offer hours earlier, while International Airlines Group (IAG) reportedly leans toward withdrawing due to the minority stakes mismatch with its strategy requiring a path to majority ownership. Portuguese Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz expects to select a winner by summer.

Proposals include financial terms, valuation mechanisms, strategic plans, synergies, and guarantees preserving TAPs EU air operator status. Lufthansa plans investments in in-flight connectivity via Starlink, a Lufthansa Technik maintenance facility near Porto, and potential pilot training with the Portuguese Air Force. As fellow Star Alliance members, Lufthansa and TAP align on networks, unlike SkyTeam operator Air France-KLM, whose win could prompt an alliance switch.

TAP, renationalized in 2020 amid Covid-19 losses, represents a key step in European airline consolidation following Lufthansa’s stakes in ITA Airways and airBaltic.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence has signed a contract for 12 Pilatus PC-24 aircraft to bolster Indonesian Air Force operations, including transport pilot training, air transport, and liaison tasks. The deal, placed through authorised contractor PT E-System Solutions Indonesia with Pilatus Aircraft, incorporates options for more units plus ground support equipment, tools, spare parts, training, and technical assistance from Pilatus in Stans, Switzerland.

The PC-24 offers single-pilot certification, a standard cargo door, and approval for unpaved runways, enabling operations across diverse environments. These features suit Indonesia’s archipelago terrain with over 17,000 islands, enhancing access to remote sites for instrument flight rules training and light transport duties. Pilatus will provide an integrated support program to maintain fleet readiness.

This purchase marks Pilatus’ largest military contract for the PC-24 variant and expands its Southeast Asian footprint. A related letter of intent covers 24 PC-21 turboprop trainers with similar support packages.

South Koreas newest regional carrier, SUM Air, has committed to purchasing four ATR 72-600 turboprops, with options for four more, to bolster connectivity in underserved areas. Deliveries start in 2028, supporting the airlines expansion after launching operations last month.

Founded in 2022, SUM Air secured its Air Operator Certificate on March 10, 2026, and began scheduled flights on March 12, inaugurating the Gimpo-Sacheon route on March 31. The carrier already operates one leased ATR 72-600 from Avation. This order aligns with its strategy to link remote regions, including island airports like Ulleungdo, Baengnyeongdo, and Heuksando, plus short-haul international paths to Japan and China.

The deal was finalized during the France-South Korea Bilateral Economic Forum in Seoul, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron. SUM Air CEO Yongduck Choi emphasized building a hub-and-spoke network for reliable regional service. ATR Executive Chair Nathalie Tarnaud Laude highlighted the aircrafts short-runway capabilities and fuel efficiency, ideal for sustainable operations to islands inaccessible by jets.

ATR views South Korea as a prime market, projecting 25-30 ATR 72s in service soon, driven by the turboprops fit for the nations geography.

Lithuanian Airports network handled 542,000 passengers in March 2026, marking a 6.7% year-on-year increase and the highest figure ever for the month. All three facilities—Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga—posted gains despite route disruptions in the Middle East.

Vilnius Airport, the busiest hub, recorded more than 377,000 passengers, up 7.8% from March 2025. Kaunas Airport followed with nearly 129,000 travelers, a 4.3% rise. Palanga Airport also contributed to the overall expansion, though specific figures were not detailed.

This March performance aligns with Lithuanian Airports’ sustained upward trend. The group served over 3.3 million passengers in the first half of 2025, a nearly 9% increase, leading Baltic passenger volumes at 40.3% market share ahead of Riga and Tallinn. Full-year 2025 traffic reached a record 7.1 million, surpassing Riga for the first time in over two decades.

Embraer delivered 44 aircraft in the first quarter of 2026, up 47% from 30 units in the prior-year period, as production steadiness boosted output across segments. Executive Aviation led the gains with 29 jets handed over, underscoring robust demand in that market. Commercial Aviation contributed 10 aircraft, a 43% increase year over year, featuring three E195-E2 units, Embraer’s largest commercial jet.

This performance follows a solid 2025, when the company reached 244 total deliveries, including 78 commercial jets matching the lower end of its 77-85 guidance and 155 executive jets at the top of the 145-155 target. The E195-E2 model continues as a key player, with recent orders like Avelo Airlines’ commitment for 50 firm units plus options for 50 more, set to start in 2027. Such momentum highlights Embraer’s focus on executive growth amid steady commercial progress.

Airbus has started critical certification trials for the A321XLR at Bolivia’s Aeropuerto Internacional de Alcantarí, situated at 3,104 meters above sea level in Chuquisaca department. The six-day tests assess aircraft performance in extreme high-altitude conditions, simulating real commercial operations.

A French crew of pilots and specialists collaborates with Bolivia’s state-run Navegación Aérea y Aeropuertos Bolivianos (NAABOL). Engineers will gather data on operation times at high-elevation airfields, fuel consumption under low-pressure atmospheres, and crew procedures in demanding environments. The airport, opened in 2016 near Sucre to replace the Juana Azurduy de Padilla facility, offers ideal technical, operational, and safety capabilities for such advanced trials.

NAABOL director Jaime Machicao noted that hosting these tests positions Alcantarí as a global benchmark for cutting-edge aeronautical technology.