Airbus has advised certain Airbus A350 customers to prepare for delivery delays as supply chain disruptions continue to weigh on the widebody program, according to information consistent with recent industry reporting. The European manufacturer has been battling persistent parts shortages and industrial issues at key suppliers, notably Spirit AeroSystems, which provides major fuselage sections for the A350.

These bottlenecks have already forced Airbus to cap A350 output at around six aircraft per month, below earlier plans to lift production to about nine per month in 2025 and 10 per month in 2026. Forecast International now expects 73 A350s to be delivered in 2025, slightly down from an earlier projection of 78, reflecting the impact of the ongoing constraints.

The supply chain problems have also pushed back the entry into service of the A350 freighter. Airbus’ dedicated cargo variant, originally planned earlier, is now expected to begin deliveries in 2027. Despite the delays, analysts still anticipate a gradual ramp-up in A350 production over the medium term, with output potentially reaching 12 aircraft per month by 2029, one year later than Airbus’ own target.

The A350 program continues to see solid demand. As of April 2026, the A350 family has accumulated 1,579 firm orders from 66 customers, with 714 aircraft delivered. Recent backlog updates show new A350-900 orders, including from at least one undisclosed customer, underscoring continued interest even as airlines are warned of revised delivery schedules.

Eve Air Mobility has completed a dedicated block of hover and low-speed flight tests with its full-scale, uncrewed eVTOL prototype in Brazil, moving the program closer to transition and wingborne-flight trials. The prototype, based at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility, has now accumulated around 50 successful flights focused on vertical takeoff, hover, and low-speed maneuvers, according to the company.

The initial campaign followed Eve’s first hover flight in mid-December 2025, which validated the integration of key systems including a fifth-generation fly-by-wire concept and fixed-pitch lifter rotors. Subsequent sorties expanded the low-speed envelope and provided data on controls, propulsion behavior, and overall aircraft handling in the lift-and-cruise configuration.

With the hover and low-speed objectives achieved, Eve plans to begin envelope expansion and transition flights later this year, progressing toward full wingborne flight. The company intends to build six conforming prototypes for a broader certification campaign and is working with Brazil’s civil aviation authority ANAC, as well as the FAA and EASA. Eve is targeting type certification and entry into service of its four-passenger eVTOL in the 2026–2027 timeframe.

The Spanish government has launched its national summer campaign to combat wildfires, bringing forward the activation of state resources in response to increasingly severe fire seasons. The Interior Ministry’s State Coordination and Direction Committee for the National Forest Fire Plan has agreed that the 2025 campaign will start on June 1, earlier than the traditional June 15 date, to reinforce prevention and early response capacity.

The campaign integrates assets from the Interior, Defense and Ecological Transition ministries. According to the Ministry of Defense, the Military Emergency Unit (UME) has begun its annual Forest Firefighting Campaign, which will remain active until September 30. The UME deploys five emergency intervention battalions across Spain, supported by around 3,000 personnel and 40 new intervention vehicles.

Aerial support is provided by helicopter units of the Army and the Air and Space Force’s 43rd Group, which operate water-bombing aircraft in coordination with regional authorities and civil protection services. The early launch, decided in the context of prolonged drought and high temperatures observed in recent years, is aimed at improving initial attack capability and limiting the spread of large forest fires during the peak summer period.

Eve Air Mobility has completed the hover and low-speed flight test block of its full-scale electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) prototype, clearing the way for transition flight testing. The company reported that the initial campaign focused on vertical lift, control responsiveness, and handling qualities during low-speed maneuvers.

During this phase, the prototype conducted a series of tethered and free-flight hovers, followed by progressively faster low-altitude, low-speed sorties. Engineers gathered data on flight control laws, propulsion performance, and stability in various configurations to validate simulation models and refine the fly-by-wire control system.

According to Eve, the results confirm that the aircraft can take off, hover, and maneuver as intended in the thrustborne regime, a prerequisite before attempting the shift from vertical lift to wingborne flight. The next campaign will focus on transition testing, where the eVTOL will accelerate from hover into forward flight as its wings assume the primary lift role.

Eve is developing its eVTOL for urban air mobility applications, aiming for runway-independent operations using vertical takeoff and landing combined with efficient wingborne cruise. Data from the completed hover and low-speed block will feed into aircraft design refinements, certification planning, and subsequent flight test phases leading up to full transition and cruise evaluations.

Hawaiian Airlines has begun replacing diesel and propane ground support equipment at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu with electric vehicles, according to company materials and local coverage. The change includes baggage tractors, belt loaders, pushback tractors and other ramp equipment used to service aircraft on the ground.

Available reports indicate the airline is introducing more than 100 electric vehicles at HNL, with one account citing 112 units and another citing 116. The rollout is centered on Honolulu, where the carrier handles a large share of its airport operations.

The move follows a broader shift by airlines and airports toward electrifying ground equipment to reduce emissions and noise on the ramp. Hawaiian Airlines has also said it complies with the Air Carrier Access Act in its disability services policies, though that is separate from the equipment replacement program.

Jet2 has expanded its partnership with global distribution system provider Amadeus, enabling wider access to the airline’s fares for travel agents, particularly in northern England. Under the new agreement, Jet2’s fares are now available to Amadeus-affiliated agents, giving the carrier broader indirect sales reach beyond its own direct channels.

The move is intended to make it easier for agencies in key UK catchment areas to book Jet2 flights alongside other airlines through a single platform. By connecting to Amadeus, Jet2 can distribute its inventory more efficiently to travel management companies and leisure agencies that rely on GDS technology for pricing, comparison, and ticketing.

The expanded collaboration follows Amadeus’ ongoing efforts to deepen relationships with carriers and enhance content available to its network of travel sellers. For Jet2, the agreement provides additional visibility in competitive UK markets, while customers booking through agencies gain more choice and flexibility when comparing fares and schedules. Further details of commercial terms were not disclosed.

Aeras Aviation executives Todd Jensen and Victor Lopez have outlined their priorities for expanding the company’s footprint in the United States, following their recent appointments to senior leadership roles. Jensen has taken on the position of Executive Vice President of Strategy and Growth, while Lopez serves as Executive Vice President of Operations, according to the company.

Jensen brings more than 35 years of experience in aviation maintenance, supply chain management, and commercial aircraft engines. His remit centers on developing growth strategies in the U.S. aftermarket, working with airlines, lessors, and maintenance providers to broaden Aeras Aviation’s customer base and service offering.

Lopez is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, with a focus on delivery performance, process efficiency, and support for the company’s expanding U.S. network. His role includes aligning operational capabilities with rising demand for aircraft parts and engine-related services.

The appointments are part of Aeras Aviation’s broader plan to expand in the North American aviation aftermarket, with leadership based in the U.S. to support closer engagement with local customers. Both executives are expected to play key roles in shaping the company’s next phase of growth in the region.

EasyJet has warned of sharply wider winter losses after a spike in jet fuel prices linked to turmoil in the Middle East, wiping billions from the market value of Europe’s major airlines. The low-cost carrier reported a first-half loss of about £552 million for the six months to the end of March, a level comparable to the worst periods of the pandemic and around 40 percent deeper than the £394 million loss recorded in the previous winter season.

The shortfall exceeded analysts’ most pessimistic forecasts by as much as £60 million. According to the company, fuel costs rose by more than £25 million in the first half alone, driven by higher crude prices following disruption to oil supplies after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global energy shipments. EasyJet said the increase was largely tied to the 18 percent of its kerosene needs that were left unhedged in March.

The airline is currently around 70 percent hedged at an average of $706 per metric tonne of jet fuel, compared with a spot price of roughly $1,500 this week. EasyJet indicated that every $100 rise in unhedged fuel over the next six months would add about £40 million to its costs, prompting expectations that full-year earnings to September will fall well below £500 million.

The UK Ministry of Defence has released video footage showing what it describes as a repeated and dangerous interception of an RAF reconnaissance aircraft by Russian fighter jets over the Black Sea.

The incident, which occurred last month in international airspace, involved an unarmed RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance plane conducting what the UK says was a routine mission in support of NATO’s eastern flank. According to the Ministry of Defence, two Russian jets, a Su-35 and a Su-27, shadowed the British aircraft at extremely close range.

At one point, the Su-35 approached close enough to trigger the Rivet Joint’s emergency systems and disable its autopilot, with the aircraft reportedly coming within about six meters of the RAF plane’s nose. The Su-27 is said to have made six passes in front of the British aircraft.

Defence Secretary John Healey labeled the Russian pilots’ behavior dangerous and unacceptable, warning that such maneuvers carry a serious risk of accident and unintended escalation. The UK maintains that its aircraft remained in international airspace throughout the episode.

Air New Zealand is adding three international routes from Christchurch, expanding its network from the South Island city with services to the Gold Coast and Adelaide. According to the airline’s route information, Christchurch to Gold Coast operates seasonally between April and October, while Christchurch to Adelaide operates seasonally between October and April. The carrier also serves domestic destinations across New Zealand and international markets in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and North America.

The new routes add to Air New Zealand’s existing trans-Tasman flying from Christchurch and reflect the airline’s ongoing use of seasonal scheduling on leisure-oriented services. Air New Zealand’s published route map also shows its broader international network, which includes destinations across Australia, the Pacific, the United Kingdom, Europe and the Middle East through its own services and partner connections.

oneworld is sharpening its focus on premium travelers rather than chasing rapid expansion, as the global alliance recalibrates its role amid shifting industry dynamics. Under its current leadership, the group is emphasizing higher-yield customers, enhanced elite benefits, and deeper cooperation among member airlines instead of simply adding new partners or capacity.

The alliance’s premium-centered strategy places oneworld Emerald and Sapphire benefits at the core of its value proposition, notably access to first class and business class lounges, priority services, and smoother connections across the network. According to recent interviews with alliance executives, the goal is to make the experience for top-tier passengers more consistent and clearly differentiated, particularly at major hubs and key transfer points.

Rather than pursuing aggressive growth in member count, oneworld is working on tighter commercial and technological integration between existing carriers. That includes closer coordination on schedules and connections and improved digital tools, aimed at making multi-airline itineraries more seamless for frequent flyers. The approach reflects a broader industry debate over whether alliances should focus on scale or on delivering more tangible benefits to their most valuable customers.

Air Europa plans to increase its overall capacity by 5.9% for the 2026 summer season, supported by new European and African routes, additional domestic services and more frequencies on established city pairs, according to information released by the airline and trade publications.

From its Madrid-Barajas hub, the carrier will open seasonal services to Bologna and Tangier, both operated with Boeing 737 family aircraft, particularly the 737 MAX. Bologna will see three weekly flights in July and August, while Tangier will start on 16 June with three weekly frequencies, rising to five in August before ending in mid-September.

Air Europa will also reinstate summer routes to Tunis, Marrakech, Athens and Alghero. Tunis will be served three times per week from late May to late September, increasing to five weekly flights in July and August. Marrakech will operate from early April with two weekly services, also rising to five in peak summer and continuing until mid-October. Alghero will run from 3 July to 30 August with three weekly flights, and Athens will be offered daily from mid-June to mid-September.

These seasonal operations alone account for more than 700 round-trip flights and around 130,000 additional seats compared with the previous summer, contributing significantly to the 5.9% capacity increase across the network.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier based in Riyadh, will begin carrying passengers from July with the launch of its first regular commercial services. The airline has opened ticket sales for a daily Riyadh–London Heathrow route starting 1 July, using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, according to multiple industry reports.

The carrier has been preparing its debut by leasing a 787-9 to train pilots and cabin crews and to support its Air Operator Certificate process with the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation. The training aircraft, which arrived in Riyadh in mid-January, is also designated as a technical backup for early operations.

Riyadh Air plans to position King Khalid International Airport as its main hub and has announced ambitions to serve more than 100 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas in the coming years, primarily with a fleet of Boeing 787s. The launch of passenger services in July marks the transition from preparation and certification activities to scheduled commercial operations, beginning with the Riyadh–Heathrow link and a regional network expected to expand progressively.

China has confirmed a framework agreement to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft, in what could become one of the largest US–China commercial aviation deals in recent years. The understanding was announced by former US President Donald Trump during a visit to Beijing, where he said Chinese authorities had agreed to the 200-jet package, with the potential for the total to rise to as many as 750 aircraft.

Trump’s comments indicated the mix would include both narrow-body and wide-body models, though no specific aircraft types were identified. Based on Boeing’s current list prices, 200 jets would represent a notional value in the range of $20 billion to $30 billion, although large commercial orders are typically concluded at substantial discounts.

The announcement followed months of trade negotiations that included Geneva talks in 2025, which produced a 90-day tariff pause and a framework for further economic engagement. Within that context, the prospective Boeing order has been viewed as a signal that China is prepared, at least in principle, to reopen its market to US-built commercial aircraft after a lull in new orders since 2017.

As of the announcement, the arrangement was described as a commitment rather than a fully executed purchase contract, with detailed terms, delivery schedules, and final pricing still to be finalized between Boeing and the relevant Chinese buyers.

An unarmed Royal Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft was repeatedly and dangerously intercepted by Russian fighter jets during a mission over the Black Sea, the UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The incident occurred last month while the aircraft was conducting what London described as a routine reconnaissance flight in international airspace in support of NATO’s eastern flank.

According to the Ministry of Defence, two Russian combat aircraft, a Su-35 and a Su-27, approached the Rivet Joint, with one closing to within approximately six meters of the British aircraft’s nose. The proximity was sufficient to trigger onboard emergency systems and temporarily disable the RAF aircraft’s autopilot.

The Su-27 reportedly conducted six separate passes in front of the Rivet Joint, maneuvers the UK characterized as reckless and unsafe. Defence Secretary John Healy accused Russian pilots of dangerous and unacceptable behavior, emphasizing that the RAF aircraft remained in international airspace throughout the encounter and was not armed.

The reconnaissance mission was completed safely despite the close encounters. British officials have linked the incident to heightened Russian military activity in the region, underscoring persistent tension between Moscow and NATO forces operating around the Black Sea.

SpaceX has filed for an initial public offering, setting the stage for what could become the largest stock market debut on record and potentially pushing founder Elon Musk toward trillionaire status. The company submitted a confidential registration to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, with multiple reports indicating a targeted listing in June.

According to financial media citing the filing and people familiar with the plans, SpaceX is expected to list on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol SPCX. Valuation estimates range from about $1.75 trillion to nearly $2 trillion, with the offering projected to raise roughly $50 billion to $75 billion. That would surpass the $29 billion IPO of Saudi Aramco in 2019, currently the largest in history.

SpaceX disclosed revenue of $18.6 billion alongside quarterly losses of $4.3 billion, reflecting heavy investment in rockets, satellite networks and related technology. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are leading the deal with support from a large syndicate of banks, while several retail brokerage platforms are expected to offer access to the IPO, broadening participation in one of the most closely watched listings in global markets.

TARMAC Aerosave has reached the milestone of 2,000 aircraft managed across its facilities, consolidating its role as one of Europe’s key providers in end-of-life and lifecycle services for commercial jets. Founded in 2007, the Franco-European group specializes in long-term storage, maintenance and transition operations, as well as dismantling and recycling of aircraft and engines.

The company operates several sites, including its headquarters in Tarbes (France) and a major base in Teruel (Spain), where it has steadily expanded capacity. In Teruel, TARMAC Aerosave has announced investment plans to double its dismantling area, aiming to increase throughput from around 25 to as many as 40 aircraft recycled per year. Management there has also indicated that the business is seeking access to the Chinese market, with certification processes underway with Chinese authorities.

According to company information, storage and maintenance activities account for the majority of operations, while aircraft recycling represents roughly 15–20% of its business. Recent projects include the dismantling and recycling of Airbus A320neo aircraft from GoAir’s former fleet on behalf of UK-based partner AerFin, which will place salvaged components into the secondary market.

Cathay Cargo recorded solid cargo growth in April, extending its positive start to 2026. According to recent traffic updates, the airline’s cargo division carried 8% more freight in April 2026 than in the same month last year, supported by demand in specialist verticals. The increase follows an 11% year-on-year rise in cargo volumes in March 2026, indicating a sustained improvement in the carrier’s freight performance.

Capacity, measured in Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs), also increased in April, although at a slower pace than volumes, suggesting a healthier load factor environment. The gains are attributed in reports to growth in targeted segments such as pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, and other specialized cargo products that Cathay has been developing across its network.

The April results add to Cathay’s broader cargo recovery since global airfreight markets began stabilizing after the pandemic downturn. The airline carried around 1.5 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, according to company data, and recent monthly figures point to continued momentum into 2026. While detailed lane-by-lane performance was not disclosed, the stronger volumes in April underscore improving trade flows through Hong Kong and Cathay’s regional and long-haul cargo network.

Etihad Airways will expand its Abu Dhabi–Paris Charles de Gaulle operation to three daily flights from July 1 to October 24, 2026, including two daily services operated by the Airbus A380. The move significantly increases capacity on the route, particularly in premium cabins, as the A380 features the carrier’s three-class layout and its flagship product, The Residence.

According to the airline’s published schedule, flight EY31 will depart Abu Dhabi at 02:35 and arrive in Paris at 07:55, while EY33 will leave Abu Dhabi at 14:20 and reach Paris at 19:30. Both services will be operated by the A380. A third daily rotation, EY35, will depart Abu Dhabi at 08:50 and arrive in Paris at 14:00 using a Boeing 787-9 configured with First, Business, and Economy cabins.

Return services from Paris will see EY32 depart Charles de Gaulle at 10:40 and land in Abu Dhabi at 19:35, with EY34 leaving at 21:50 and arriving at 06:30 the following day; both flights will use the A380. EY36, operated by a 787-9, will depart Paris at 15:50 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 00:30 the next day. Paris becomes one of a limited number of cities to receive double-daily A380 service from Etihad.

Italy has selected the Airbus A330 MRTT for a new program covering six multi-role tanker transport aircraft for the Italian Air Force, ending any expectation that Boeing would be chosen for the requirement. The contract is valued at more than 1.39 billion euros and includes long-term logistics support and maintenance.

According to the available information, the procurement was awarded on December 16, 2025, and the final contract closing took place on April 16, 2026. Only one company from an EEA country other than Italy reportedly took part in the competition, with Airbus Defence and Space emerging as the successful bidder.

Although the official documents do not name the model directly, the award points to the A330 MRTT, a platform already in service with several Western air forces. The aircraft can conduct in-flight refueling, strategic transport, medical evacuation, VIP transport, and cargo missions. It can carry up to about 300 passengers or be configured for Medevac operations with 40 stretchers and dedicated medical staff. The support package is expected to run for more than a decade.

The Andalusian aerospace industry is using the 2026 edition of Aerospace & Defense Meetings (ADM) Sevilla to underline its role as a key hub in Spain and southern Europe. The eighth ADM Sevilla, held from May 19 to 21 at Fibes in Seville, is organized by the regional Ministry of Economy, Finance and EU Funds through Andalucía Trade and is described by organizers as Spain’s leading B2B matchmaking event for aerospace and defense.

The convention brings together original equipment manufacturers, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, manufacturers and service providers for pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings focused on supply chain and industrial cooperation. Airbus, Europe’s largest aircraft manufacturer, is the main partner of the 2026 edition, backed by other major companies in the sector, according to regional authorities.

ADM Sevilla 2026 aims to consolidate Andalusia’s position on the global aerospace map, with a strong presence of regional companies and institutions. Local industry representatives highlight a portfolio of business generated at the event that reflects a sector with multi‑billion‑euro turnover in the region, underpinned by activities in aerostructures, MRO, defense programs and emerging technologies.

With three days of business meetings, conferences and technical sessions, ADM Sevilla 2026 reinforces Seville’s status as a reference point for aerospace supply chains and a key platform for Andalusian companies seeking access to international programs and new contracts.

The US Air Force has grounded its fleet of T-38 Talon training jets following a crash in rural west Alabama that forced two pilots to eject. The mishap occurred around midday on May 12, 2026, during a flight from Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, which operates the T-38 as part of its undergraduate pilot training mission under the 14th Flying Training Wing.

According to Columbus AFB, both aircrew members ejected safely before the aircraft went down in Lamar County, near the Fayette–Lamar county line off Raspberry Road. The service has released no details on the pilots’ identities or medical status beyond confirming they survived the ejection.

The cause of the accident remains unknown. A Safety Investigation Board has been convened to determine what led to the crash, a standard procedure after serious Air Force aviation mishaps. As a precautionary measure while investigators review technical, human, and environmental factors, the Air Force has ordered a stand-down of T-38 operations across the fleet.

Columbus AFB is one of several bases that use the supersonic T-38 for advanced and lead-in fighter training, typically with an instructor and student on board and no weapons carried. The grounding is expected to temporarily disrupt training schedules as the service assesses whether any systemic issues contributed to the Alabama incident.

Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A Talon autonomous combat drone is advancing toward first flight as the company continues work on its Collaborative Combat Aircraft offering for the U.S. Air Force. The service designated the aircraft YFQ-48A in December 2025, making it the third CCA design to receive an official designation.

The Talon is part of the Air Force’s effort to field semi-autonomous drones that can operate with minimal direction from a nearby pilot. Planned missions include strike, reconnaissance, electronic attack and decoy operations. Northrop says it designed, built and prepared the aircraft for flight in less than two years.

The YFQ-48A is competing in the program’s second increment, following earlier contracts awarded to Anduril and General Atomics in April 2024 for the first CCA increment. Flight testing for those aircraft began in 2025, while the next round of contracts could be awarded this year.

A developing sinkhole near one of LaGuardia Airport’s two main runways forced a shutdown Wednesday, triggering delays and cancellations across the New York air travel network. The depression was discovered around 11 a.m. during the airport’s daily airfield inspection near Runway 4/22, according to airport officials.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey immediately closed the runway while emergency construction and engineering crews moved in to assess the cause and stabilize the area. Live images showed work focused on a taxiway leading to Runway 4/22, with the affected surface cordoned off as crews excavated and examined the damaged pavement.

With one primary runway out of service, LaGuardia operations slowed significantly. By early afternoon, average departure delays had climbed to about 30 minutes, with arrivals delayed roughly 38 minutes, according to FlightAware. Another report cited average departure delays of more than 90 minutes and at least 197 cancellations into and out of LaGuardia as disruptions mounted.

Port Authority officials said they were in close communication with airlines and urged passengers to check directly with their carriers for updated flight status. Forecast thunderstorms were expected to compound the delays while repair work continued on the disabled runway and adjacent taxiway.

Qatar Airways Group reported an operating profit of QAR 15.2 billion, or about US$4.1 billion, for financial year 2025/26, the highest in the company’s history, according to its annual report and financial disclosures. The result came despite disruption in the final quarter, including airspace closure, which affected operations during the period.

The group also said it carried 41.8 million passengers during the year, underscoring continued demand across its network. The financial performance was reported alongside a post-tax profit of QAR 7.08 billion, or US$1.94 billion, for the same fiscal year.

Qatar Airways Group includes the airline, cargo, catering and duty free businesses. The company has not released additional operational details beyond the figures in its annual report.

Liebherr-Aerospace and HAECO Landing Gear Services have completed what they describe as the world’s first major landing gear overhaul for the COMAC C909 regional jet, providing a maintenance benchmark for the type as its in-service fleet grows.

The work was carried out jointly under an existing collaboration between the two companies, with Liebherr-Aerospace as the original equipment manufacturer for the landing gear system and HAECO responsible for overhaul execution at its landing gear facilities. The project involved a full teardown, inspection, repair and reassembly of the C909 landing gear set in accordance with the OEM’s maintenance specifications.

According to the companies, the completed overhaul is intended to support operators of the C909 in China and Southeast Asia by establishing an industrial process for repeat events and by securing access to OEM-backed repair and overhaul capability. It also builds on a broader component maintenance agreement between HAECO and Liebherr-Aerospace that covers hydraulic and landing gear services for COMAC’s C909 and C919 aircraft families.

Ontic has appointed Jean-Christophe (JC) Gallagher as its new chief executive officer, selecting the former Bombardier executive to lead the specialist aerospace parts and services provider through its next phase of growth. He succeeds Gareth Hall, who has served as CEO for more than a decade.

Gallagher joins Ontic after a 20-year career at Bombardier, where he most recently held the position of executive vice president of aircraft sales and defense. His background spans commercial and business aviation programs, customer experience, and defense-related activities, giving him extensive experience across key market segments Ontic serves.

Ontic supplies civil and military aircraft operators and OEMs with licensed and legacy parts, repairs, and related services. The company has expanded in recent years through portfolio acquisitions and long-term licensing deals covering mature product lines. According to Ontic, the leadership change is intended to support continued international expansion and deeper engagement with both defense and commercial aviation customers.

Hall will work with Gallagher during a transition period as the company manages a sustained increase in demand for support of in-service fleets. Ontic’s management shift comes amid strong aftermarket activity and ongoing efforts by operators and OEMs to secure reliable, long-term component support.

Ontic has appointed Jean-Christophe (JC) Gallagher as its new chief executive officer, bringing in a former senior Bombardier executive to lead the next phase of growth at the UK-based aerospace supplier. The company, which provides complex components and services for civil and military aircraft, confirmed the leadership change in a recent announcement.

Gallagher joins Ontic after roughly two decades at Bombardier. According to information published by Bombardier and industry sources, he most recently served as executive vice president of aircraft sales and Bombardier Defense, and previously held a series of senior commercial and program roles. His background spans business aviation, defense programs, customer service, and international sales.

At Ontic, Gallagher succeeds Gareth Hall, who is moving into the role of executive chairman, according to industry reports. The transition comes during a period of sustained expansion for Ontic, which focuses on supporting mature and legacy aircraft platforms by providing licensed production and aftermarket support.

The company stated that Gallagher’s appointment is intended to support its plans for continued growth in both civil and defense markets. Ontic indicated that his experience in global aerospace sales and program management will be central to advancing its strategy with airframers, operators, and defense customers worldwide.

Airbus has cautioned airlines that deliveries of its A350 widebody family will face fresh delays as supply chain problems persist across the program. The warning follows a weaker A350 delivery performance in 2025, when output fell compared with 2024 and widebody handovers remained far below pre-pandemic levels. According to industry analysis, Airbus delivered 93 twin-aisle aircraft in 2025, down sharply from the 2019 peak of 173 and even below its 2008 widebody delivery level.

Several bottlenecks are weighing on the A350 line. Spirit AeroSystems, which produces the central fuselage section, has been a key constraint, contributing to aircraft rolling out of final assembly more slowly than planned. Cabin interior suppliers, particularly premium seating manufacturers, have also struggled to keep pace, leaving some A350s nearly complete but waiting for critical interior components.

The A350’s order book remains robust. As of April 2026, 714 A350s had been delivered out of 1,579 firm orders across the -900, -1000 and A350F variants. However, cancellations such as Air Lease Corporation’s decision in 2025 to drop seven A350F freighters, combined with repeated schedule slippages, have heightened airline concern over Airbus’s ability to convert strong demand into timely deliveries.

Engine availability and reliability issues, especially on single-aisle programs, continue to absorb industrial capacity and complicate overall production planning, limiting Airbus’s ability to accelerate A350 output in the near term. The manufacturer has indicated that while some bottlenecks are easing, the widebody ramp-up will remain constrained as suppliers work through accumulated delays.

French power electronics specialist Watt & Well is consolidating its presence in the space and aerospace sectors, positioning itself as a key supplier of high-reliability power equipment for demanding environments. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Pertuis, the company focuses on designing and manufacturing power conversion and motor control systems tailored to extreme conditions encountered in orbital and aviation applications.

According to company information, Watt & Well has built its expertise on projects in oil and gas, mobility, and industrial markets, and is now applying that experience to spacecraft, launch systems, and aerospace platforms. Its portfolio includes high-end motor control solutions developed over more than a decade, as well as power electronics compliant with international standards such as IEC, UL, and ISO, along with sector-specific and customer requirements.

The firm operates international offices, including in Massy, France, and participates in collaborative initiatives such as the SHIFT to Direct Current consortium, which brings together partners from across Europe and beyond to develop next-generation DC technologies. Watt & Well states that its strategic objective is to become a tier-one reference supplier for power electronics equipment in Europe and North America, with space and aerospace identified as core markets for future growth.

Emirates has completed the first retrofit of its high-density, two-class Airbus A380, converting the aircraft to a three-class layout that introduces a Premium Economy cabin. The Dubai-based carrier said the first upgraded jet will enter service on 14 April 2026, initially operating the Dubai–Amman route as EK903/904 through 31 May before being reassigned to Dubai–Prague as EK139/140 from 1 June.

The reconfigured A380 now features 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy seats and 437 Economy Class seats, for a total of 569. Compared with the airline’s previous 615-seat, two-class configuration, the update reduces overall capacity by around 8% while adding a new cabin aimed at long-haul leisure travelers. Business Class capacity rises by 18 seats, Premium Economy appears where First Class would typically be located on other A380s, and Economy capacity is reduced by 120 seats.

This aircraft is the first of 15 two-class A380s that Emirates plans to convert to the new three-class layout by November 2026, as part of its multibillion-dollar widebody retrofit program to roll out Premium Economy across its long-haul fleet and standardize cabin products.

A new Congressional Research Service (CRS) report has detailed extensive U.S. military aircraft losses during the recent conflict with Iran, documenting 42 aircraft destroyed or significantly damaged over roughly 40 days of operations.

The assessment, prepared for lawmakers using Pentagon, U.S. Central Command and open-source data, estimates the cost of the losses at around $2.6 billion. According to the report, 39 aircraft are considered total losses, with the remainder sustaining serious damage.

The inventory spans multiple categories of fixed- and rotary-wing assets as well as unmanned systems. The report, as cited by regional media and defense outlets, lists the destruction of four F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets and the damage of one F-35A Lightning II attributed to Iranian ground fire. It also notes losses among support and surveillance fleets, including KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft and at least one E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control platform.

Unmanned aircraft were hit particularly hard, with 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones reported destroyed, alongside one MQ-4C Triton. Special operations and rescue assets were also affected, including two MC-130J Commando II aircraft and one HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopter reported damaged.

The CRS findings broadly align with figures referenced in recent congressional hearings, where Pentagon officials have been pressed on the operational and financial impact of the losses but have stopped short of publicly confirming each individual incident.

ATR’s new HighLine cabin concept has entered commercial service following certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Malaysian aviation authorities and the first delivery to Malaysia’s Berjaya Air. The aircraft, an ATR 72-600 in an all-business-class layout, arrived in Kuala Lumpur on 20 May 2026.

According to ATR, the HighLine configuration on Berjaya Air’s turboprop features a fully bespoke cabin with 26 seats arranged in a 1-1 layout, giving every passenger direct aisle access and views through multiple windows. The aircraft is the carrier’s first ATR 72-600 and will be deployed on regional services supporting the Berjaya group’s resort network across Southeast Asia.

The certification obtained earlier in May clears the HighLine interior for commercial operations worldwide, allowing the premium regional configuration to be offered to other operators. ATR and Berjaya Air state that a second factory-new ATR 72-600 in the same all-business-class HighLine configuration is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2026.

Emirates is returning a portion of its Airbus A380 fleet to service with a revised cabin layout that introduces an additional seating class and reduces the overall seat count on board. According to fleet data cited in industry reports, 15 A380s are being retrofitted from a previous high‑density configuration of 615 seats to a new layout with 569 seats.

The refurbished superjumbos will feature four cabin classes: first, business, premium economy, and economy. Emirates has already detailed its premium economy product on the A380, positioning the cabin at the front of the main deck with wider seats, increased pitch, and 13.3‑inch HD seatback screens. The cabin also offers an upgraded inflight entertainment system and Bluetooth connectivity for personal headphones on selected aircraft and routes.

The introduction of premium economy sits alongside Emirates’ existing seat selection structure in economy class, which includes regular, preferred, twin, and extra‑legroom seats, available either for a fee or complimentary depending on fare type and frequent‑flyer status. By lowering overall capacity and adding a new intermediate cabin, Emirates is reshaping the role of the A380 on routes where demand supports a product positioned between traditional economy and business class.

RTX’s BBN Technologies has demonstrated an auto-switching communications system designed to keep critical data flowing in contested environments, addressing a key challenge for modern air operations. The system, known as PACE4ACE, routes traffic across a mix of military and commercial pathways, from satellite links to low-power tactical radios, and automatically selects the best available connection when others are jammed, fragmented or unavailable.

Funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory, the demonstration showed that four geographically dispersed sites could remain connected even when high-capacity links came under jamming. When disruption occurred, the system shifted traffic to the next viable waveform without operator input, maintaining situational awareness and synchronizing applications such as Open Mission Systems and the Team Awareness Kit.

PACE4ACE is based on a Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency architecture tailored for Agile Combat Employment concepts. According to RTX BBN, the compact, low-SWaP system supports multiple frequency bands, integrates in a plug-and-play manner with common mission systems, and performs dynamic, real-time routing to adapt to changing conditions. The demonstration is aimed at enabling dispersed, contested air support units to sustain secure, resilient communications across satellite, radio and low-power links.

Berjaya Air has taken delivery of the world’s first ATR 72-600 configured in an all-business-class cabin, becoming the launch operator for ATR’s new HighLine interior. The aircraft arrived in Kuala Lumpur after receiving certification for the HighLine concept from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and Malaysian regulators earlier in May, clearing it for commercial operations.

The turboprop features a bespoke 26-seat layout in a 1-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access and views through multiple windows. The cabin is designed as a premium product aimed at business and high-end leisure travelers, reflecting Berjaya Air’s role in supporting a wider hospitality portfolio and resort network.

According to ATR and the airline, the new aircraft will be used to enhance regional connectivity to resort destinations across Southeast Asia. A second factory-new ATR 72-600 in the same all-business-class HighLine configuration is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2026, further expanding Berjaya Air’s premium regional fleet.

AJW Middle East has appointed aviation executive Christoffer Creutz as Chief Commercial Officer, adding senior commercial leadership to its regional operation. The company, part of the A J Walter Aviation group, focuses on aircraft component support, leasing, and related services for operators in the Middle East and surrounding markets.

According to AJW Middle East, Creutz joins the leadership team as CCO with responsibility for driving commercial strategy and customer-focused growth across the region. The company lists him among its core management on its published team and values page.

Creutz brings extensive aerospace industry experience, having held senior commercial and leadership roles in the sector, including positions focused on landing gear and component services, as indicated by publicly available corporate profiles. His move to AJW Middle East reflects continued expansion of aftermarket and support services in the Gulf and wider Middle East, where demand for component management, pooling, and leasing solutions has been rising alongside fleet growth.

AJW Middle East operates from Dubai and supports airlines and operators with component repair management, logistics, and inventory solutions as part of the wider AJW network. The appointment of a dedicated Chief Commercial Officer is intended to further structure and coordinate the company’s commercial activities in this competitive regional aftermarket.

Qatar Airways has increased its operating profit even as revenue and passenger numbers eased from the previous year’s peaks, according to newly released financial data for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 fiscal periods.

For 2023/24, the group reported an operating profit of around QAR 13.4 billion, up from roughly QAR 10 billion a year earlier, signaling improved efficiency and cost control. Net profit for 2023/24 reached QAR 6.1 billion (about US$1.7 billion) on total revenue of QAR 81 billion (US$22.2 billion), a 6% revenue increase over 2022/23.

In the following 24/25 fiscal year, Qatar Airways said group profit climbed further to more than QAR 7.85 billion (US$2.15 billion), even as top-line growth slowed and passenger volumes came off post-World Cup highs. Earlier, the airline had carried about 43 million passengers and generated QAR 76.3 billion (US$21.0 billion) in revenue in 2022/23, when traffic and yields surged on strong demand and expanded capacity.

The latest figures indicate that, while revenue and passenger numbers are normalizing after rapid post-pandemic and World Cup-driven growth, Qatar Airways is extracting higher operating returns from its network. The carrier’s profitability gains come despite a marginal capacity reduction reported for 2025 compared with 2024, suggesting a focus on yield management, longer sector lengths, and tighter cost discipline.

Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas has begun operating flights on behalf of Avianca Colombia in Central America under a wet-lease agreement, as part of the broader integration strategy within Abra Group. The operation involves GOL aircraft and Brazilian crews flying routes that are marketed under Avianca’s code.

According to industry reports, the initial deployment covers services from Colombia to Guatemala and El Salvador, with flights sold by Avianca but operated by GOL. This is described as the first wet-lease arrangement between the two airlines, which already maintain interline and codeshare partnerships allowing network connectivity across South America and beyond.

Avianca informs customers that tickets purchased through its channels indicate the operating carrier for each segment, and that additional checked or sports baggage must be handled with the airline operating the first leg of the journey, often directly at the airport. GOL, for its part, details on its website the cooperation with Avianca, including applicable service fees on regional itineraries.

The temporary agreement is intended to support Avianca’s international operations while utilizing GOL’s fleet capacity and crews. Both airlines are part of Abra Group, which has been progressively coordinating capacity and network deployment among its affiliated carriers in Latin America.

TARMAC Aerosave has received its 2,000th aircraft, an Iberia Airbus A330, for maintenance work at its network of sites in France and Spain, according to the company.

The aircraft arrived in April 2026 and will undergo an A-check, a routine maintenance visit that includes inspections and scheduled servicing. TARMAC Aerosave operates from Tarbes, Toulouse-Francazal and Teruel, serving airlines with storage, maintenance and recycling services for aircraft and engines.

The company specializes in end-of-life aircraft recycling as well as long-term storage and heavy maintenance. It says its facilities handle a broad range of commercial aircraft types, including Airbus widebody and narrowbody models.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) and its affiliate PAL Express have introduced paperless flight deck operations, deploying an electronic technical logbook (eTLB) across their fleets. The digital system is designed to replace traditional paper-based aircraft logbooks, supporting more reliable data capture and more efficient maintenance coordination.

According to the airlines, the eTLB provides 24/7 operational support and enhances fleet oversight by allowing flight crews, engineering teams, and operations control to access real-time aircraft status information. The move is part of a wider industry trend toward electronic flight deck tools that streamline documentation, reduce manual errors, and shorten turnaround times.

The adoption of the eTLB follows other digital initiatives at PAL, including the use of fuel-efficiency tools such as SkyBreathe OnBoard to optimize flight operations. By integrating digital maintenance records with existing operational systems, PAL and PAL Express aim to improve traceability of technical issues and enable faster decision-making during irregular operations.

The transition to paperless processes on the flight deck also supports regulatory compliance, as aviation authorities increasingly recognize certified electronic logbook solutions. PAL and PAL Express join a growing number of carriers in the Asia-Pacific region shifting to fully digital cockpit workflows as they modernize their operations infrastructure.

Norwegian startup NOEMI Aerospace, formerly known as Elfly Group, is expanding the mission profile of its electric amphibious aircraft concept and preparing a hybrid propulsion version to complement the original all-electric design. The company, whose name stands for No Emissions, is developing a full-scale prototype with a first flight targeted for 2027 and commercial operations aimed for 2030, according to its published timeline.

NOEMI’s seaplane, initially conceived primarily for regional passenger transport, is now being positioned for a wider range of applications. The firm has outlined potential use cases including military troop transport, medical evacuation and other multi-mission roles, in addition to civil passenger and cargo services. The broadened scope is prompting a reassessment of its propulsion strategy.

Alongside its zero-emission electric configuration, NOEMI plans to introduce a hybrid propulsion variant to meet longer-range and higher-demand operational requirements. The hybrid option is intended to offer greater flexibility for operators and to support missions where current battery technology may limit fully electric performance.

The move reflects a wider industry trend toward mixed propulsion architectures in advanced air mobility and regional aviation, as manufacturers seek to balance environmental goals with range, payload and operational reliability. NOEMI continues to focus on aerodynamic and hydrodynamic efficiency and the use of modern composite materials as it advances development of its amphibious aircraft family.

GENESIS has delivered a Boeing 737-800 to Aeroitalia, adding the Italian carrier as a new customer, according to a company statement published on May 20. The aircraft delivery expands Aeroitalia’s fleet at a time when the airline continues to build out its scheduled service network.

Limited information was provided about the specific aircraft, including its registration, lease terms or delivery location. Aeroitalia currently operates a mixed Boeing fleet and has previously added 737 family aircraft through lease arrangements. The latest delivery brings another Boeing 737-800 into its operation as the airline manages further fleet growth.

AAR has expanded its authorized services in Asia-Pacific with a single-source offering for Airbus A320 slats, according to the company. The new capability is part of AARs support for operators of the A320 family in the region.

The announcement adds another component to AARs aftermarket and component services footprint in Asia-Pacific, where airlines continue to rely on local access to repair and support capabilities for narrowbody fleets. The company did not provide additional technical details in the materials available, but said the service is now included in its authorized offerings.

The A320 remains one of the most widely operated aircraft types in the region, making slat support a relevant addition for maintenance providers serving airlines and lessors with fleet commonality across Asia-Pacific.

Italy is reassessing its future air-to-air refueling fleet after suspending a planned purchase of Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tankers and is now looking closely at the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), according to defense and industry sources. The Italian Air Force currently operates four Boeing KC-767A tankers, delivered from 2011, and had intended to expand and modernize its fleet with six KC-46As in a deal valued at about €1.1 billion.

A recent planning document from Italian defense authorities halted the KC-46 acquisition, citing changed and unforeseen requirements. Officials have not definitively ruled out the KC-46, but sources indicate Rome is preparing a competitive process that could be launched within months to evaluate alternatives.

The Airbus A330 MRTT is seen as the leading challenger. The widebody tanker-transport is already in service with several European partners, including France, Spain and the United Kingdom, and has been adopted by a growing number of air forces worldwide. The aircraft offers both air-to-air refueling and strategic transport capabilities, allowing rapid reconfiguration between tanker, passenger, cargo and medical evacuation roles.

Italy’s review comes amid broader European efforts to harmonize tanker and transport assets, with multinational initiatives centered on the A330 MRTT. A competition in Italy would likely weigh interoperability with NATO partners, life-cycle costs and industrial cooperation, alongside pure performance metrics.

The Spanish Navy has conducted a tactical exercise off Rota, Cádiz, to validate the simultaneous operation of a surface vessel, a crewed helicopter and unmanned aerial systems in a single naval framework. The trials brought together the offshore patrol vessel BAM Rayo (P-42), a Navy-operated Airbus H135 helicopter and two different remotely piloted aircraft systems: the fixed-wing Flexrotor from Airbus and the rotary-wing Alpha 900 from Alpha Unmanned Systems.

According to information released by the Navy and Airbus Helicopters, both drones performed takeoffs and landings from the moving BAM Rayo while also being controlled in flight from the H135. A pilot on board the helicopter managed the unmanned aircraft using Airbus’s HTeaming solution, a tablet-based system designed to let helicopter crews supervise and task drones in real time. The system was demonstrated as platform-agnostic, integrating both the Flexrotor and Alpha 900.

The exercise focused on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, including tracking a fast surface target. Live video and tactical data from the drones were transmitted simultaneously to the H135 and directly to the BAM Rayo’s combat information center, extending the ship’s sensor reach well beyond its organic radar and electro-optical systems. The test campaign aimed to validate the helicopter’s role as a command platform for subordinated drones and to assess how combined manned–unmanned aviation can enhance maritime situational awareness and threat detection in complex naval environments.

Colombian state-owned carrier SATENA has expanded its turboprop fleet with the delivery of a new ATR 42-600, reinforcing its regional operations across some of the country’s most remote areas. The aircraft, handed over in partnership with ATR, is scheduled to begin commercial service in early October, according to industry reports.

The ATR 42-600 becomes SATENA’s 11th ATR aircraft and is configured in an all-economy layout with 46 seats, offering a seat pitch of about 30 inches and a width of 17 inches. The type is used by the airline to connect smaller communities with departmental capitals and major urban centers, often on routes where few or no other carriers operate.

SATENA, headquartered in Bogotá and majority-owned by the Colombian government, has a mandate to provide air connectivity to less-served regions across all 28 departments of Colombia. The addition of the ATR 42-600 is intended to support network growth on short-haul domestic sectors, particularly to airports with challenging infrastructure where turboprop performance and lower operating costs are critical.

US safety investigators are scrutinizing why known problems with McDonnell Douglas MD-11 engine pylon hardware did not avert the fatal UPS Airlines Flight 2976 crash in Louisville, Kentucky. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says fatigue cracking found in the No. 1 engine’s pylon attachment on the UPS MD-11F appears consistent with a failure mode flagged to operators more than a decade earlier.

UPS Flight 2976, operating from Louisville to Honolulu on November 4, 2025, crashed shortly after takeoff when the left engine and pylon separated from the wing soon after rotation. The cargo jet was destroyed, killing all three crewmembers and 11 people on the ground, and injuring more than 20 others.

According to an investigative update, the NTSB identified fatigue cracking on the interior surface of a spherical bearing race within the engine mount assembly. A 2011 Boeing service letter, MD-11-SL-54-104-A, had warned operators of four prior bearing race failures on three MD-11s and outlined inspection and replacement guidance. The NTSB is now examining how that service letter was implemented at UPS and reviewing related exchanges between Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The board has emphasized that it has not yet determined the extent to which the bearing race failure contributed to the crash. However, the pattern of earlier pylon and bearing issues, and the apparent convergence with the Louisville findings, has sharpened its focus on whether regulatory oversight, manufacturer guidance, and operator compliance were sufficient to mitigate a known structural risk on the MD-11 fleet.

Airbus has conducted a crewed-uncrewed teaming exercise with the Spanish Navy, demonstrating integrated operations across maritime and air domains. The trial brought together the offshore patrol vessel Rayo, a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and two different uncrewed aerial systems to test coordinated missions in a naval environment.

According to Airbus, the exercise focused on how crewed and uncrewed platforms can share information and operate as a single system of systems. Data gathered by the uncrewed aircraft was transmitted in real time to the H135 crew and the Rayo, supporting tasks such as surveillance, reconnaissance and mission coordination.

The activity showcased how uncrewed platforms can extend the reach and situational awareness of naval helicopters and surface vessels, while keeping human crews at greater distance from potential threats. It also provided the Spanish Navy with an opportunity to assess operational concepts for future multi-domain operations, in which ships, helicopters and UAS are networked to manage complex missions.

The demonstration forms part of Airbus’s broader work on crewed-uncrewed teaming for defense customers, exploring how existing rotorcraft and new-generation uncrewed systems can be integrated into joint mission architectures.

AJW Group has appointed Mark McConnell as business development manager for Europe, according to the company. He will work alongside Alexander Paul as part of the group’s European business development team.

The role places McConnell in charge of supporting AJW’s strategy across the continent and driving growth in the region. AJW did not provide additional details on McConnell’s previous position or the timing of his start date.

The appointment comes as AJW continues to expand its presence in Europe through its commercial and support network.