OEM

Boeing and Airbus have completed landmark acquisitions of Spirit AeroSystems assets, fundamentally reshaping the commercial aerospace manufacturing landscape. The finalized deals, announced on December 8, 2025, represent a pivotal moment for both manufacturers and signal the end of Spirit’s tenure as an independent aerostructures supplier. Boeing’s Comprehensive Integration Boeing confirmed the acquisition of all Spirit-related commercial operations, including fuselages for the 737 program and major structures for the 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner. The deal also encompasses commercially procured fuselages for military platforms including the P-8 and KC-46. Notably, the transaction brings Spirit’s extensive spare-parts business in-house, significantly expanding Boeing’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities and strengthening its aftermarket portfolio.

KLM Retires First Boeing 737-800 as €7 Billion Fleet Renewal Accelerates KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has retired its first Boeing 737-800, marking a pivotal moment in the carrier’s comprehensive fl...

Embraer-X Charts Course for Aviation’s Future at Amsterdam Innovation Summit The Future Aero Festival in Amsterdam provided a revealing window into how Embraer-X, the innovation engine of Brazil...

Air France is accelerating its international expansion of the acclaimed La Première cabin experience while simultaneously strengthening its modern fleet with major Airbus deliveries. On December 5, 2025, the airline announced that its revolutionary first-class service would extend to four new destinations: Atlanta, Boston, Houston, and Tel Aviv, with daily service to each city. The La Première cabin, which underwent a comprehensive revamp earlier in 2025, represents a new benchmark for luxury aviation. Each suite spans nearly 3.5 square meters and features a convertible seat-chaise lounge configuration that transforms into a two-meter bed. The aircraft feature only four suites per cabin, each separated by floor-to-ceiling curtains and positioned across five windows, ensuring maximum privacy and comfort for discerning travelers.

Gulfstream Completes Maiden Flight of New G300 Super-Midsize Jet Gulfstream announced on December 5, 2025, that its highly anticipated G300 super-midsize jet has successfully completed its maiden flig...

Qantas has marked a significant milestone in its pandemic recovery by welcoming its tenth and final Airbus A380 back to Sydney on December 2, 2025, concluding nearly six years of storage and completin...

Vietjet marks a historic milestone as it completes delivery of 22 new aircraft before the end of 2025, representing the airline’s largest fleet expansion to date. The Vietnamese budget carrier received its final delivery—an Airbus A321neo ACF registered as VN-A580—just before Christmas, capping off an unprecedented expansion period for the rapidly growing carrier. The timing of this massive fleet addition is particularly significant given the broader aerospace industry context. Global aircraft shortages and supply chain disruptions have constrained delivery schedules for carriers worldwide throughout 2024 and into 2025. Vietjet’s ability to secure and receive 22 aircraft within a single month underscores the airline’s robust financial position and strong standing with both aircraft manufacturers and leasing companies.

Airbus faces a critical December as it pursues a revised delivery target of 790 commercial aircraft for 2025, down from the originally announced 820. The adjustment, confirmed on December 3, 2025, stems from a supplier quality issue affecting fuselage panels on the A320 Family—one of aviation’s most widely produced aircraft families. With 657 aircraft delivered through November 2025, following 72 deliveries in that month alone, Airbus must complete 133 more aircraft deliveries to meet its revised annual goal. This would require near-record monthly performance, as the company achieved its highest monthly total of 138 aircraft in December 2019, with 123 delivered in December 2024.

China Eastern Airlines has made aviation history with the launch of the world’s longest intercontinental flight, establishing a direct connection between Shanghai and Buenos Aires via Auckland, New Zealand. The inaugural service, which successfully completed its first journey on December 4, 2025, represents a significant milestone in global aviation and marks a strategic expansion of connectivity across three continents. Operating as Flight MU745, the service utilizes a Boeing 777-39P(ER) aircraft registered as B-7882, specially adorned with China Eastern Airlines’ inaugural ‘National Museum of China’ themed livery. The route comprises two substantial flight legs: a 9,346-kilometer journey from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Auckland International Airport, followed by a 10,334-kilometer transoceanic flight to Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport.

Textron Aviation Names Justin Salmans Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Textron Aviation has announced the appointment of Justin Salmans as senior vice president, Supply Chain, marking his return ...

TAP Air Portugal Introduces Premium Economy Service on A330neo and A321LR Aircraft Portuguese flag carrier TAP Air Portugal announced on December 3, 2025, the introduction of a new Premium Economy cab...

The Federal Trade Commission has issued a landmark decision that could reshape Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, requiring the aerospace giant to divest critical manufacturing operations to address competitive concerns. Under the consent order announced December 3, 2025, Boeing must sell Spirit’s aerostructures business in Subang, Malaysia to Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM), along with all associated assets and personnel. The $8.3 billion acquisition, which Boeing announced in July 2024, aimed to reintegrate its former parts supplier and bring significant manufacturing in-house. Spirit AeroSystems is among the world’s largest producers of fuselages, wings, and aerostructures, supplying approximately 70% of the structural components for Boeing’s 737 series while also providing critical parts to competitor Airbus.

Switzerland-based electric aircraft developer Jekta has taken a significant step forward in bringing its vision of sustainable amphibious aviation to market. On December 3, 2025, the company unveiled a 1:9 scale subscale model of the PHA-ZE 100, its fully electric amphibious aircraft, which is already conducting flight tests at an undisclosed location in Italy. The subscale testing campaign represents a critical phase in Jekta’s development timeline. Data collected from these flight tests will directly inform the aerodynamic refinement and systems integration of the full-scale PHA-ZE 100 prototype. While the current design—created by renowned Italian designer Max Pinucci—closely represents the final configuration, Jekta acknowledges that modifications may be necessary based on test results.

Turkish Airlines’ subsidiary AJet has taken a significant step in its fleet modernization strategy, signing a long-term lease agreement with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) for 10 new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Announced on December 3, 2025, the agreement will see the fuel-efficient jets delivered between 2026 and 2027, supporting the carrier’s rapid expansion plans. AJet, which launched in 2024 following the rebranding of AnadoluJet, has established ambitious growth objectives. Over the next decade, the airline plans to expand its total fleet to 200 aircraft and establish a comprehensive route network spanning 44 countries, including 42 domestic and 80 international destinations.

Air India faces unexpected consequences after rediscovering a Boeing 737-200 that had languished in a remote corner of Kolkata Airport for more than thirteen years, accumulating parking fees totaling ...

Portuguese charter airline Hi Fly has etched its name into aviation history with the successful landing of an Airbus A330 in Antarctica, marking the first commercial deployment of the twin-engine aircraft on the continent’s remote runways. The historic flight occurred on December 1, 2025, when Hi Fly’s Airbus A330-302 (registration 9H-HFI) touched down safely on the blue-ice runway at Wolf’s Fang Runway in Antarctica, piloted by Captain Carlos Mirpuri, Vice-Chairman of Hi Fly.

Archer Aviation Establishes Miami eVTOL Network, Secures Military-Grade Rotor Technology Archer Aviation has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to revolutionize regional air mobility in South Florida w...

Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave has signaled optimistic production prospects for 2026, projecting increased deliveries of 737 and 787 aircraft that should bolster the aerospace manufacturer’s cash flow recovery. Speaking December 2 at the UBS Global Industrials & Transportation Conference, Malave provided detailed insights into Boeing’s manufacturing roadmap and the timing between production rate adjustments and actual aircraft deliveries. Production Rate Momentum Malave emphasized that Boeing’s 737 production ramp remains on schedule, despite acknowledging a temporary softness in November 2025 deliveries. “It takes a few months to take the production cadence and move that into output,” Malave explained, highlighting the inherent lag between manufacturing rate increases and delivery fulfillment. The CFO noted that once production systems stabilize at current rates, Boeing’s team begins positioning for the next rate increase, typically requiring a minimum six-month planning window.

Argentine low-cost carrier Flybondi has announced a transformative $1.7 billion investment in new aircraft, signing orders for up to 35 narrowbody jets from both Airbus and Boeing. The dual manufacturer approach underscores the airline’s strategy to build operational flexibility while expanding its presence across Latin America. On November 2, 2025, Flybondi confirmed orders for 15 Airbus A220-300 aircraft with options for five additional units, alongside 10 Boeing 737 MAX 10s with comparable purchase rights. The announcement represents a significant milestone for the regional aviation market, as Flybondi will become the first Latin American operator of the A220-300, a next-generation narrowbody designed for efficiency and passenger comfort.

Airbus Cuts 2025 Delivery Target Amid Significant Fuselage Panel Quality Issue Airbus announced a substantial reduction to its 2025 commercial aircraft delivery target on December 3, 2025, downgrading...

Transavia Appoints Paul Terstegge as New CEO to Lead Growth and Sustainability Strategy Transavia, the low-cost airline subsidiary of Air France-KLM, has announced the appointment of Paul Terstegge as...

Thailand’s Aviation Sector Gets Boost as BBN Airlines Thailand Launches ACMI Operations BBN Airlines Thailand, the nation’s first specialized Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (AC...

Qatar Airways marked the conclusion of the Qatar Grand Prix weekend with a groundbreaking debut: a Formula 1-themed Boeing 777 livery designed by Grammy-winning artist and producer Swizz Beatz. The aircraft, registered A7-BEG, made its official appearance during celebrations at Lusail International Circuit, combining the worlds of motorsports, music, and aviation in an unprecedented collaboration. The livery unveiling took place during a star-studded launch event at the Qatar Airways Hangar, featuring celebrity appearances including David Beckham, Jessica Alba, Rio Ferdinand, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and tennis champion Novak Djokovic. Comedian Kevin Hart provided entertainment by performing as a Formula 1 driver, adding theatrical flair to the proceedings.

Airbus has introduced operational restrictions for A320neo-family aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan engines, limiting takeoffs during freezing fog conditions when visibility falls below 150 meters. The measure follows reported engine performance issues in extreme winter weather and represents a significant operational consideration for airlines operating in cold-climate regions. The restriction emerged into public view after Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, experienced weather-related delays at Almaty Airport on November 15, 2025. The airline attributed the disruptions to heavy engine icing impairing engine performance under freezing fog and sub-zero temperature conditions. Air Astana confirmed the limitation applies across its A320neo, A321neo, and A321LR fleet—comprising 11 A320neos, four A321neos, and 13 A321LRs.

AerCap, a leading global aircraft leasing company, has delivered the first of three Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters to Fly Meta, a Hong Kong-based aviation leasing and ACMI/CMI solutions provider. The milestone delivery occurred on November 21, 2025, with two additional aircraft scheduled for Q2 and Q4 2026. The aircraft will operate under a Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (CMI) agreement managed by Air Atlanta Icelandic, operating under the Hungary Air brand. This deployment marks the first operational use of the 777-300ERSF on routes connecting the Asia-Pacific and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) regions, expanding the aircraft’s geographic footprint beyond initial North American operations.

Aerolíneas Argentinas Charts Major Fleet Modernization with 18-Aircraft Investment Plan Aerolíneas Argentinas unveiled a comprehensive fleet modernization strategy on November 28, 2025, announcing the...

Airbus is undertaking an investigation into a newly identified industrial quality issue affecting fuselage panels on several dozen A320-family aircraft, according to multiple industry sources briefed on the matter. The suspected production flaw has begun to delay certain near-term deliveries, though preliminary indications suggest no aircraft currently operating with airlines have been impacted by the defect. The exact origin and full scope of the manufacturing issue remain under review by Airbus engineers and quality assurance teams. One source familiar with the matter indicated the problem concerns manufacturing tolerances detected during standard production checks, leading the company to initiate additional inspections across a batch of A320neo-family airframes. Airbus has declined to comment publicly on the investigation at this time.

Airbus Reports Near-Completion of A320 Precautionary Fleet Updates Following Flight-Control Vulnerability Airbus has announced substantial progress in implementing precautionary software and system up...

Most of the world’s Airbus A320 Family aircraft have returned to passenger service following rapid completion of critical software updates mandated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The agency issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive on November 28, 2025, requiring operators worldwide to address a vulnerability affecting specific flight-control computers before resuming normal operations. The directive targeted Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC B L104) units installed on A320 Family aircraft, which Airbus identified as potentially vulnerable to data corruption when exposed to solar radiation. The manufacturer’s Alert Operators Transmission detailed two compliance pathways: uploading the updated L103+ software standard or physically replacing affected ELAC units with serviceable equipment.

Wizz Air marked a historic milestone on November 28, 2025, when its 250th aircraft—an Airbus A321neo—arrived at Budapest Airport, signaling two decades of remarkable growth for Europe’s leading ...

Airbus has issued a significant safety advisory affecting operators of A320 Family aircraft worldwide, warning of potential flight-control data corruption linked to solar radiation exposure. The European aircraft manufacturer disclosed that intense solar activity may, in rare circumstances, corrupt data essential to flight-control functions, affecting a substantial portion of the global A320 fleet. The alert follows Airbus’s investigation into a recent operational event involving an A320 Family aircraft, during which solar activity was identified as a possible trigger for data corruption within the aircraft’s flight-control systems. Notably, the incident resulted in no loss of control or passenger injuries, but prompted comprehensive analysis and industry coordination.

Emirates has announced a major fleet optimization initiative for its Baghdad route, transitioning from mixed Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 operations to an all-A350 service beginning January 1, 2026. The shift represents a strategic deployment of the aircraft type and underscores the carrier’s commitment to enhancing service quality on the critical Iraq corridor. The transition builds on Emirates’ initial A350 deployment to Baghdad, which commenced in August 2025 with three-weekly frequencies. The 777s have been operating four times weekly, providing combined daily service. From the New Year, all seven weekly frequencies will be operated exclusively by the A350, allowing the Boeing widebody to be redeployed elsewhere in the network.

Aviation Capital Group Delivers First A220-300 to ITA Airways, Supporting European Fleet Modernization US-based aircraft lessor Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has delivered its first Airbus A220-300 to ...

Bell Textron Secures Six New European Corporate Helicopter Orders Bell Textron, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation, has announced six new corporate helicopter orders stemming from European Rotors 2025, ...

Preowned Business Aircraft Market Maintains Momentum Into Q4 2025 The preowned business aircraft market continues to defy economic headwinds, with transaction volumes remaining well above historical n...

China Airlines has taken a major step in fleet modernization, announcing board approval for acquiring up to 18 new Airbus and Boeing widebody aircraft while retiring legacy cargo freighters. The comprehensive plan, valued at $7. The approved acquisition includes five Airbus A350-1000s, five Boeing 777-9s, four Boeing 777-8 freighters, and two Boeing 777Fs. According to the filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the new aircraft will support both passenger expansion on long-haul routes and modernization of the carrier’s freighter operations.

Air Canada is making a bold statement about its international expansion strategy with the announcement of five new transatlantic routes launching in summer 2026. The carrier’s latest network development underscores its commitment to strengthening connections between North America and Europe while capitalizing on growing demand for convenient transatlantic travel. The expansion includes three new European destinations from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport: nonstop service to Berlin Airport operating three times weekly and to Nantes Atlantique Airport, also three times per week. From Toronto Pearson, Air Canada will launch service to Ponta Delgada Airport in Portugal’s Azores archipelago, operating three times weekly. Halifax Stanfield will gain its second international destination with new Brussels Airport service, running three times per week. Additionally, Air Canada will resume its seasonal Montreal-Tel Aviv route.

A LOT Polish Airlines Embraer E170 encountered a runway excursion at Vilnius Airport in Lithuania on November 26, 2025, prompting emergency response procedures and temporary airfield closures. Flight LO771, arriving from Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport, touched down at 13:43 local time but veered off the runway surface while taxiing toward the terminal stand. According to airport officials and Flightradar24 data, the aircraft—registered as SP-LDK—departed Warsaw at 12:01 local time and completed its approach to Vilnius without incident before encountering difficulties during ground operations. All passengers were successfully evacuated from the aircraft, and authorities confirmed no injuries resulted from the incident.

PNG Air, Papua New Guinea’s leading domestic carrier, has taken delivery of two ATR 72-600 passenger aircraft from ACIA Aero Leasing, strengthening its position as a critical provider of regiona...

Republic Airways Holdings announced on November 25, 2025, the successful completion of its merger with Mesa Air Group, a landmark transaction that creates the second-largest regional airline in the United States. The merger agreement, first announced on April 7, 2025, received stockholder approval on November 17, 2025, marking a significant consolidation in the regional aviation sector. Under the merger terms, Republic Airways shareholders retain approximately 88% ownership of the combined company, while Mesa shareholders hold between 6% and 12%, contingent upon the final settlement of Mesa’s pre-closing obligations. The transaction creates a unified organization comprising more than 8,000 aviation professionals dedicated to expanding regional air service across North America.

Air India Express, Air India’s low-cost subsidiary, has announced it will launch operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport on its opening day, December 25, 2025, marking a significant mile...

Emirates is elevating the holiday travel experience by offering specially designed Thanksgiving menus across all cabin classes on flights between Dubai International Airport and US destinations from November 24 through November 30, 2025. The carrier’s comprehensive holiday dining initiative extends beyond the aircraft to select airport lounges, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to delivering exceptional passenger experiences during peak travel periods. The airline has meticulously tailored its inflight dining offerings to reflect authentic Thanksgiving traditions while maintaining Emirates’ premium service standards. First Class passengers will enjoy sophisticated holiday fare including celeriac and pear soup, sweet potato soup with lobster, turkey leg roulade, and lemon zaatar roasted turkey, complemented by signature desserts such as apple fritters, key lime tart, and chocolate marble cheesecake.

Philippine Airlines Resumes Manila-Sapporo Seasonal Service Philippine Airlines (PAL) has officially relaunched its seasonal nonstop flights between Manila and Sapporo, with the inaugural service depa...

Archer Aviation is reshaping its business strategy by transforming its proprietary electric powertrain into a standalone product line, announcing its first major supply agreement with Anduril Industri...

Qatar Airways has unveiled substantial expansions to its winter 2025-2026 flight schedule, reinforcing its network strategy with increased frequencies to four major destinations across Asia and Africa. The Doha-based carrier announced on November 23, 2025, that it will boost services to Kuala Lumpur, Lagos, Shanghai, and Singapore to accommodate rising passenger demand on these strategic routes. The network enhancements represent the latest phase in Qatar Airways’ broader winter schedule optimization, which has already added capacity to more than 15 major destinations including Cape Town, Dublin, London, Phuket, and Toronto. The airline continues to leverage Hamad International Airport as a central connecting hub, having introduced nearly 3,000 additional flights throughout 2025 to address growing global travel demand.

Vietjet Thailand has officially taken delivery of its first Boeing 737-8 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the low-cost carrier’s ambitious $32 billion fleet expansion strategy across the Asia-Pacific region. The aircraft arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on November 22, 2025, during a ceremony celebrating the Thai subsidiary’s strategic growth initiative. The delivery represents the first of 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft designated for Vietjet Thailand’s operations. These aircraft were part of an original order placed by parent company Vietjet in 2018, with the Vietnamese carrier announcing in May 2025 that the first batch would be transferred to its Thai subsidiary. The complete delivery schedule extends through 2031, providing a clear roadmap for the carrier’s expansion timeline.

Etihad Airways has announced plans to return its eighth Airbus A380 to commercial service with the launch of daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Tokyo, signaling continued confidence in premium long-h...

Unical Aviation has undergone one of the most significant transformations in its 34-year history with the 2024 acquisition of ecube Solutions, positioning the company as a vertically integrated powerhouse in the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market. The strategic merger brings together complementary expertise that addresses critical supply chain challenges facing global commercial aviation. Under the leadership of CEO Sharon Green, a 35-year industry veteran with C-level experience at GE Capital Aviation Services and The Memphis Group, Unical has expanded its capabilities beyond parts distribution to encompass the entire aircraft lifecycle. Founded in 1990, Unical now operates across the United States and Europe, supplying 90 million available parts spanning over one million unique part numbers to customers in more than 90 countries.