Virgin Atlantic has agreed to sell six new Airbus A330-900s to AerCap under a sale-and-leaseback arrangement, continuing industry trends of using lease deals to support fleet renewal. The aircraft will feature updated cabins and play a growing role in Virgin Atlantic's transatlantic operation as deliveries begin in 2026.
United Airlines has agreed a purchase and leaseback deal with SMBC Aviation Capital over 20 Boeing 737 MAX 9s, set to arrive by the end of 2026. This latest agreement follows previous deals covering Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.
Singapore has acquired used legacy Lockheed-Martin C-130 Hercules transport aircraft from Blue Aerospace to replace older C-130s in its inventory. The acquisition began in mid-December and includes three C-130Hs bearing US registrations N974BA, N973BA, and N977BA.
Qantas has taken delivery of its fourth Airbus A321XLR, VH-OGD, named after the Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia. The aircraft will enter commercial service in February 2026 following final preparations by engineers in Brisbane.
Helvetic Airways has placed a new firm order for three Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with options for five more, at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The airline aims to increase its E2 fleet from 12 to up to 20 aircraft in the coming years, strengthening its position as a leading European operator of Embraer's advanced E-Jet family.
Gulf Air has finalized its order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with options for three more, following negotiations undertaken earlier this year. The deal was signed on November 18, 2025, at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
Emirates has confirmed that its first two-class A380 to be remodeled with a new three-class layout is nearing completion, set to enter service in mid-April 2026. The airline expects to have retrofitted all 15 of its two-class A380s into the new configuration by November 2026.
China Airlines has approved a major fleet modernization plan valued at $7.852 billion, authorizing the acquisition of 18 new widebody aircraft including five Airbus A350-1000s, five Boeing 777-9s, and four 777-8 freighters. The carrier will retire four Boeing 747-400 freighters as part of the strategic plan.
Air France has received its final Airbus A220-300 from ABL Aviation as part of a sale-and-leaseback agreement signed in 2022. The aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, has been operating across Europe since 2019.
Air Canada has welcomed the first of five new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from US-based lessor Air Lease Corporation, Breaking AeroTime reports. The aircraft was part of a long-term lease agreement signed in 2023 and joins Air Canada's diverse fleet of modern aircraft.
Aerolíneas Argentinas announced an ambitious fleet modernization plan on November 28, acquiring four Airbus A330neo and 14 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft under its first self-financed investment initiative. The Buenos Aires-based carrier will upgrade cabin interiors across existing A330 aircraft and introduce fleet-wide Wi-Fi connectivity beginning in 2027.