Category Archives: Aircraft

Avolon orders 250 Boeing, Airbus jets

09 Friday Oct 2026

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Avolon said the orders would strengthen the company’s delivery pipeline. Photo: Avolon.

DUBLIN – Irish aircraft lessor Avolon has placed firm orders for 250 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, the company said in its third-quarter update Friday.

The orders are for 140 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 110 Airbus airplanes, comprising 75 A320neo jets and 35 A330-900s. Avolon has also secured options for 100 additional Airbus aircraft, the company said.

No financial details were disclosed.

The orders increase Avolon’s total firm aircraft commitments to 749. They are subject to approval by shareholders of Bohai Leasing, which owns 70% of Avolon. The approval is expected before the end of October, the company said.

Avolon CEO Andy Cronin said the orders would strengthen the company’s delivery pipeline and help it meet customers’ fleet renewal and expansion needs. He said the company continued to see strong demand for aircraft, supported by its leasing and trading activity during the third quarter.

The Airbus order comprises 35 A330-900s and 75 A320neo aircraft. Photo: Aircraft

Airbus said in a news release the A330neo offers 25% lower fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and operating costs than previous-generation competitor aircraft. The A320neo family delivers at least 20% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than previous-generation single-aisle aircraft, it said.

During the third quarter, Avolon acquired 10 aircraft and sold 29, with a further 112 agreed for sale. It also placed 28 aircraft with lessees and executed 84 lease agreements, extensions and amendments, the update said.

Avolon is the world’s third-largest aircraft lessor, after AerCap and SMBC Aviation Capital. All three are headquartered in Dublin. No financial details of the aircraft orders were disclosed.

 Eve completes first partial transition flight

03 Monday Aug 2026

Posted by in Aircraft, Aviation, eVTOLs

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The Eve prototype on its partial transition flight. Photo: Eve Air Mobility.

MELBOURNE, Fla. – Eve Air Mobility has completed the first partial transition flight of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marking a key step toward full wing-borne flight, the company said Monday.

A partial transition flight is an early test in which an eVTOL begins shifting from vertical lift, generated by its lift rotors, to forward flight using a rear-mounted pusher propeller.

The aircraft does not complete the full transition but validates systems that will eventually allow it to fly like a conventional airplane.

During the test, the Eve prototype activated its rear pusher propeller for the first time in flight while the aircraft remained airborne.

The flight lasted 3 minutes and 9 seconds, covered about 0.84 nautical miles, reached a maximum altitude of 90 feet above ground level and achieved a stabilized speed of 27 knots with a maximum ground speed of 30 knots, the company said. The pusher propeller operated at up to 1,200 rpm.

Photo: Eve Air Mobility.

The transition from vertical to wing-borne flight is considered one of the most technically demanding phases of eVTOL operations because it requires the aircraft to safely transfer lift from its vertical propulsion system to its wings while maintaining stable flight.

The company said data from the flight will be used to expand the aircraft’s flight envelope through additional transition tests at higher speeds. It also plans datalink testing to validate radio communications during flights of up to 50 knots.

Eve Air Mobility, backed by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, is developing the eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility.

Boom plans ‘supersonic hub’ in North Carolina

29 Saturday Jan 2022

Posted by in Aircraft, Aviation, Supersonic, Travel

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The Overture Superfactory will be built in Greensboro, North Carolina. Photo: Boom Supersonic.

DENVER – Nearly 20 years after the Concorde made its last commercial flight, efforts to revive supersonic travel are gathering pace.

American startup Boom Supersonic said this week that it has chosen Greensboro, North Carolina, to build its Overture airliners.

The aircraft, with a capacity for up to 88 passengers, will fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuel at twice the speed of today’s fastest passenger jets, the company said.

“Selecting the site for Overture manufacturing is a significant step forward in bringing sustainable supersonic air travel to passengers and airlines,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom.

“With some of the country’s best and brightest aviation talent, key suppliers and the state of North Carolina’s continued support, Boom is confident that Greensboro will emerge as the world’s supersonic manufacturing hub.”

The Overture Superfactory will be about 400,000 square feet and constructed on a 65-acre campus at the Piedmont Triad International Airport. Economists estimate that the factory will grow the state’s economy by at least $32.3 billion over 20 years, Boom said.

The company will break ground in Greensboro this year, with production slated to begin in 2024.

A conceptual rendering of the United Airlines Overture aircraft. Photo: Boom Supersonic

United Airlines will be the launch customer of the aircraft. In June, it agreed to buy 15 airliners, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft.

Boom will test a “demonstrator” airplane, the XB-1, this year. Both the Overture and the XB-1 will feature advanced, thermally stable carbon composite airframes, which are easier to fabricate and maximize fuel efficiency, the company said.

The first Overture commercial flight is scheduled for 2029.

The previous supersonic aircraft, the Concorde, was operated by Air France and British Airways during 1976-2003. A British Airways Concorde made the final commercial flight from New York to London on Oct. 24, 2003.