Tag Archives: Airbus

Avolon launches new aircraft leasing platform

02 Monday Nov 2026

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The new venture will acquire 22 aircraft valued at $1.4 billion. Photo: Avolon.

DUBLIN – Aircraft lessor Avolon said Monday that it will establish a new leasing platform with Miami-based infrastructure investor I Squared Capital and a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, backed by a $1.4 billion seed portfolio.

The new joint venture, named Constellation Aviation, will use the seed funding to acquire 22 aircraft from Avolon. The aircraft have an average age of about five years and are leased to 17 airlines in 15 countries.

Avolon will retain a minority stake in the venture and serve as its exclusive aircraft manager and servicer, providing leasing, asset management and technical expertise, the Dublin-based company said.

The platform is expected to expand over time, capitalizing on growing passenger demand, limited aircraft manufacturing capacity and airlines’ increasing reliance on leasing to finance fleet expansion and renewal, Avolon said.

In October, Avolon placed firm orders for 250 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, with options for a further 100 Airbus jets. The orders increased its total firm aircraft commitments to 749.

Airbus projects aviation services market will double by 2045

14 Wednesday Oct 2026

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Airbus projects the industry will need 2.44 million additional aviation professionals over the next 20 years. Photo: Airbus.

TOULOUSE, France – The global aviation services market is expected to double in value to $422 billion by 2045, driven by fleet expansion and growing demand for maintenance, digital solutions and workforce training, Airbus said Wednesday.

The market will grow at a compound annual rate of 3.8% from $209 billion in 2026, supporting a commercial aircraft fleet of more than 45,550 aircraft and nearly 10 billion annual passenger journeys by 2045, according to the European aircraft manufacturer’s Global Services Forecast.

The industry will need 2.44 million additional aviation professionals over the next 20 years, including 730,000 maintenance technicians, 660,000 pilots and 1.05 million cabin crew members, the report said.

Off-wing maintenance, including engine and component repairs, will account for the largest share of the market, reaching $217 billion by 2045. Digital services and connectivity will be the fastest-growing segment, expanding at an annual rate of 5.3% to $27 billion.

Airbus expects Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, North America and China to remain among the largest services markets. Asia is projected to record the fastest growth.

The forecast covers passenger aircraft with more than 100 seats and freighters with payload capacities exceeding 10 tonnes, regardless of manufacturer, Airbus said.

Boeing

Boeing, in a separate report released in July, projected the global commercial aviation support and services market would reach $4.9 trillion over the next 20 years.

The American manufacturer also estimated the industry would need more than 2.4 million new aviation personnel by 2045, with about two-thirds of the demand replacing retiring workers.

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.

Avolon orders 110 Airbus aircraft

09 Friday Oct 2026

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TOULOUSE, France –Irish aircraft lessor Avolon has placed a firm order for 110 Airbus aircraft, comprising 35 A330-900 widebodies and 75 A320neo family narrowbodies, the European manufacturer said.

No financial details were disclosed.

The deal increases Avolon’s total orders for the A330-900 to 114 aircraft and its A320 family orders to about 650.

Avolon CEO Andy Cronin said the order would strengthen the company’s delivery pipeline and help it meet customers’ fleet expansion and replacement needs into the next decade.

The company expects demand for both the A330neo and A320neo to remain strong as the aviation sector continues to grow, Cronin said.

Airbus said the A330neo, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, can fly up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 kilometers) nonstop and offers 25% lower fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and operating costs than previous-generation competitor aircraft.

Avolon is the world’s third-largest aircraft lessor, after AerCap and SMBC Aviation Capital. All three are headquartered in Dublin.

Airbus A350F freighter makes first flight

29 Tuesday Sep 2026

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The MSN 700 flew for 4 hours and 10 minutes. Photo: Airbus.

TOULOUSE, France – The freighter version of the Airbus A350 completed its first flight Tuesday, beginning a more than nine-month flight-test campaign for the new cargo aircraft, the European manufacturer said.

The first of two test aircraft, MSN 700 flew for 4 hours and 10 minutes, reaching an altitude of 25,000 feet. The aircraft was equipped with flight-test instrumentation and flown by an Airbus flight-test crew.

During the flight, the crew conducted tests to verify the aircraft’s basic airworthiness, flying qualities and system performance.

The second A350F test aircraft, MSN 701, is in the final stages of assembly and is expected to enter the paint shop in the coming weeks.

The A350F has a range of up to 8,700 kilometers and a maximum payload of 111 metric tons, according to Airbus. The aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and uses more than 70% advanced materials.

Airbus said the A350F will have a maximum takeoff weight 46 metric tons lower than competing aircraft and will consume up to 40% less fuel and produce up to 40% fewer carbon emissions than freighters with similar payload and range capabilities.

The company said the A350F is the first new freighter designed to meet the latest International Civil Aviation Organization carbon dioxide emission standards.

As of the end of August, Airbus had recorded 115 A350F orders from 14 disclosed customers, giving it as much as 59% of the large-freighter market, according to the company.

AirBaltic files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure finances

14 Monday Sep 2026

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AirBaltic says operations will continue as normal despite the bankruptcy proceedings. Photo: AirBaltic.

RIGA, Latvia – Latvian airline airBaltic said Monday it has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States as it seeks to restructure its financial obligations while continuing to operate normally.

The airline and certain subsidiaries filed proceedings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

AirBaltic said all flights are operating as scheduled and that tickets and reservations remain valid. Passengers can continue to book and travel with the airline as usual, and customer service will continue without interruption.

The airline has secured a commitment for 350 million euros (about $405 million) in debtor-in-possession financing arranged by Strategic Value Partners to provide liquidity and support operations during the Chapter 11 process.

The financing carries an interest rate of approximately 12% and is intended to provide liquidity during the restructuring, the airline said.

The restructuring is intended to create a stronger capital structure, a more competitive cost position and a sustainable financial foundation, it added.

AirBaltic said the process will allow it to address its financial obligations, including commitments involving aircraft lessors and other stakeholders. The company expects to complete the process by June 2027.

The Latvian government has an 88% stake in airBaltic, while Lufthansa holds 10%. The remainder is held by private shareholders.

The airline is the single-largest operator of Airbus A220-300 jets, with more than 50 aircraft in its fleet.

United Airlines unveils largest international expansion

25 Tuesday Aug 2026

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The Airbus A321XLR was on display at the Farnborough International Airshow last month. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

NEWARK, N.J. – United Airlines is embarking on its largest international expansion, adding 10 destinations in Europe and Asia for summer 2027, with its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft set to operate some of the new routes, the airline announced Tuesday.

Eight of the new destinations will have no other U.S. airline offering nonstop service, according to United.

The A321XLR, which United calls its “Born to Explore” aircraft, will be deployed on new routes from Newark to Luxembourg City, Ibiza, Valencia and Marseille, and from Washington Dulles to Toulouse.

The Airbus A321XLR was a top attraction at the Farnborough International Airshow last month. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

United plans to begin flying the A321XLR on select domestic routes in September before putting it into international service Dec. 1 on flights from Washington Dulles to Amsterdam and Dublin.

The aircraft features 32 premium seats, including 20 United Polaris suites and 12 United Premium Plus seats.

Photo: Abdul Latheef.

United said it also will feature a Polaris suite with a privacy door, Starlink Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members, 4K OLED screens and redesigned Economy Plus seating.

The new destinations are San Francisco to Okinawa, Japan; Newark to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; Washington Dulles to Toulouse, France; Newark to Ljubljana, Slovenia; Newark to Olbia, Sardinia; Newark to Catania, Sicily; Newark to Ibiza, Spain; Newark to Valencia, Spain; Newark to Marseille, France; and Newark to Terceira in Portugal’s Azores.

United also plans new flights to destinations it already serves, including daily service from Los Angeles to Osaka, Japan; three-times-weekly service from Washington Dulles to Milan; and daily service from Denver to Paris.

United said it has added 58 international destinations since 2017 and now serves more than 160 international destinations.

Tuesday’s announcement came a week after United said it had completed the first phase of an expansion of its pilot training center in Denver.

The airline said it has hired more than 9,500 pilots since announcing its United Next growth strategy in 2021.

All new routes are subject to government approval.

Airbus, Air Canada back commercial-scale SAF production

20 Monday Jul 2026

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Photo: Airbus

FARNBOROUGH, England – Airbus and Air Canada announced plans Monday to establish a co-investment platform to support the development of a commercial-scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry in Canada.

The companies said at the Farnborough International Airshow that they intend to invest up to C$13.7 million (US$10 million) through the platform to help advance a Canadian SAF project toward a final investment decision.

Airbus and Air Canada said they will continue working with government partners and the Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels to support policies intended to expand domestic SAF production.

Sustainable aviation fuel is made from renewable or non-fossil feedstocks and can reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional jet fuel.

Because it can be used in existing aircraft and fueling infrastructure, it is considered one of the aviation industry’s primary options for reducing emissions.

The announcement coincided with the release of a study by Airbus and consulting firm ICF examining Canada’s sustainable aviation fuel production potential.

The study said producing enough SAF to meet 40% of Canada’s aviation fuel demand by 2040 could add C$32 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product and support 140,000 jobs.

Airbus showcases specially configured jets

20 Monday Jul 2026

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FARNBOROUGH, England – Airbus is showcasing two specially configured long-range aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow: an Emirates A350-900 and a United Airlines A321XLR.

Photo: United Airlines

Both aircraft highlight new cabin features. The United jet includes a row of Economy Plus seats with additional elbow room and access to a shared table positioned across an open middle seat.

United said this month it expects to offer the new seating option across its entire order of 50 A321XLRs. The airline is also exploring similar seating concepts for other aircraft types in the future.

The Emirates A350 features spacious Economy Class seating, Premium Economy cabins and upgraded Business Class seats.

Photo: Abdul Latheef

Its Economy Class cabin includes adjustable headrests that Emirates describes as an industry first. The U-Dream headrest folds down to provide support for passengers’ heads and necks on both sides and can be adjusted in multiple positions for comfort.

Emirates currently operates 13 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The airline will receive another 60 by 2031.

Airbus Canada says operations contributed $8.4B to GDP from 2023 to 2025

16 Thursday Jul 2026

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Canada is where Airbus has the most significant presence outside Europe. Airbus photo.

MIRABEL, Que. – Airbus Canada on Thursday released a report saying its operations generated an estimated C$8.4 billion in Canadian gross domestic product between 2023 and 2025 and supported nearly 60,000 job-years over the period.

The report, commissioned by Airbus Canada and prepared by accounting firm PwC Canada, found the European aircraft manufacturer supported an average of about 20,000 jobs annually during the three-year period.

Last year, Airbus spent more than $2.2 billion on its Canadian operations with about 70% of that spending going to domestic suppliers serving both civil and military markets.

The company works with about 1,000 suppliers in Canada, more than half of them small and medium-sized businesses, it said.

“Today, Canada is where Airbus has the most significant presence outside Europe with all its business units — defence and space, helicopters and commercial aircraft — being present,” said Airbus Canada CEO Guillaume Chevasson.

The report also found the average income of an Airbus employee in Canada is about 60% higher than the national average across all industries.

Airbus employs more than 5,300 people in Canada, primarily in Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia, with the company supporting 27% aerospace jobs in Quebec.

Its commercial aircraft business accounted for $5.5 billion of the company’s total GDP contribution between 2023 and 2025, while Airbus Helicopters contributed $237.5 million.

Airbus Defence and Space generated $778.4 million in economic spending over the same period. Subsidiaries Skywise and Airbus Atlantic Canada contributed $184 million and $617 million, respectively, according to the report.

Emirates completes retrofit of 100 widebody jets

14 Tuesday Jul 2026

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Graphic: Emirates

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Emirates has completed the refurbishment of its 100th widebody aircraft as part of a fleet retrofit program backed by a US$5 billion investment, the UAE national carrier said Tuesday.

Since the program began in November 2022, Emirates has refurbished 47 Airbus A380s and 53 Boeing 777s at its engineering facilities in Dubai. The airline expects to upgrade about 20 more aircraft by the end of 2026.

Over 44 months, more than 400 engineers and technicians spent a combined 4.4 million work hours refurbishing the aircraft.

The upgrades include refreshed cabin interiors and the installation of more than 3,800 Premium Economy seats, expanding the availability of the cabin class on additional routes across its network.

Business Class in the newly retrofitted A380 aircraft. Emirates Photo.

“Completing full cabin retrofits for 100 widebody aircraft in 44 months is a significant achievement,” Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said in a statement.

The retrofit work has been carried out at Emirates Engineering facilities in Dubai.

In May, the airline completed its first retrofit of a two-class to three-class Airbus A380, adding a Premium Economy cabin to the aircraft’s upper deck.

Beginning in October, Emirates plans to install new 4K OLED HDR10+ seatback screens and Safran Z400 seats as the retrofit program enters its next phase.

Airbus, MTU plan hydrogen fuel cell engine to cut emissions

07 Tuesday Jul 2026

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Hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine. © MTU 2026

TOULOUSE, France – Airbus and MTU Aero Engines have formed a joint venture to develop and commercialize a fully electric hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, the European aircraft manufacturer announced Tuesday, as the industry seeks to reduce its carbon emissions.

The agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding the parties signed at the Paris Air Show last year, Airbus added.

The company has been pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to reduce aviation emissions through more fuel-efficient aircraft, greater use of sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen propulsion, advanced aerodynamics and improved operational efficiency.

Hydrogen-powered fuel cell engine mounted on an aircraft. ©MTU 2026

Commercial aviation generates about 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, but its overall contribution to climate change is estimated at 3.5% to 4% when non-CO₂ effects such as contrails are taken into account.

The figures are based on a 2021 study published in Atmospheric Environment and cited by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

“By establishing a dedicated and highly agile organizational set-up, the partners aim to accelerate technology development, design, testing and certification of a revolutionary propulsion system for aviation based on a hydrogen fuel cell,” Airbus said. “The new entity will be supported by Airbus and MTU with all their competences and through various engineering and manufacturing teams from both organizations.”

The joint venture is expected to start operations next year, although the deal is non-binding and subject to regulatory approvals, Airbus said.

Stefan Weber, senior vice president of engineering and technology at MTU, described the initiative as a key step toward developing the company’s first hydrogen-powered aircraft engine.

He said the project demonstrates Europe’s technological leadership in hydrogen propulsion and supports MTU’s ambition to establish a business spanning the entire fuel cell powertrain life cycle, from development and testing to certification and commercial deployment.

Airbus projects include this fuel cell-powered ZEROe aircraft. © Airbus 2026

Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor as a by-product. The technology could eliminate inflight CO₂ and nitrogen oxide emissions.

Early last year, Airbus said it would focus its hydrogen research on a fully electric fuel cell propulsion system after prototype and powertrain testing validated the technology’s potential.