Tag Archives: Business

COMAC C919 high-altitude variant completes maiden test flight

29 Wednesday Jul 2026

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The C919 on the tarmac at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Wednesday. Photo: COMAC.

SHANGHAI – A shorter high-altitude variant of China’s COMAC C919 single-aisle airliner completed its maiden test flight Wednesday, the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China said.

The state-owned manufacturer said the flight lasted 1 hour and 59 minutes and completed all scheduled test objectives. The aircraft took off from and landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

“This marks a significant step forward in the C919 series development,” the company said in a statement posted on its website. “Based on the basic model, the C919 high-altitude prototype incorporates targeted design features such as a shorter fuselage and enhanced system functions to meet the requirements of high-altitude operations.”

The first C919 entered commercial service in March 2023, nearly seven years after the aircraft’s maiden flight. The narrowbody jet can accommodate up to 190 passengers.

As of December, COMAC had secured 1,005 orders for the aircraft, along with 120 purchase options.

The C919 is scheduled to begin its first international service next month when Air China launches regular flights between Beijing and the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar.

COMAC models on display at the Farnborough International Airshow. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

COMAC also produces the C909 regional jet, formerly known as the ARJ21, which seats up to 105 passengers.

The aircraft entered commercial service in June 2016. Earlier this month, Air Cambodia ordered 20 C909s.

A business jet variant of the C909 entered service in June with Chinese private jet operator Deer Jet.

COMAC showcased its family of aircraft at last week’s Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

Embraer backlog hits record US$34.5 billion in second quarter

24 Friday Jul 2026

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Embraer showcased the E195-E2 at the Farnborough International Airshow. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

SÃO PAULO, Brazil – Embraer on Friday reported a record backlog of US$34.5 billion in the second quarter of 2026, up 7% from the previous quarter and 16% from a year earlier, marking the seventh consecutive quarterly increase.

The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer said its Commercial Aviation backlog totaled $15.1 billion, a 15% increase from the second quarter of 2025. The increase was driven by Florida-based lessor Azorra‘s order for 15 E195-E2 aircraft, pushing the E2 program above 500 firm orders.

During the just-concluded Farnborough International Airshow, Embraer identified Fuji Dream Airlines as the customer behind a previously undisclosed order for two E175 aircraft that had already been included in the backlog.

Executive Aviation reported a backlog of $7.8 billion, up 5% from a year earlier. During the quarter, the Praetor 600E and Praetor 500E received certification from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The business unit reported a 1.1 book-to-bill ratio.

Defense and Security backlog rose 42% from a year earlier to $6.1 billion, reflecting an agreement with the United Arab Emirates for 10 C-390 Millennium aircraft and options for 10 more. The division reported a 2.6 book-to-bill ratio over the past 12 months.

The KC-390 Millennium was also on display at Farnborough. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

Services and Support backlog reached a record $5.5 billion, up 12% from a year earlier. During the quarter, Embraer announced a long-term support agreement with Jazz Aviation, making the Canadian carrier the first customer in Canada to join the company’s Collaborative Inventory Planning program.

The company also signed a support agreement covering the Brazilian Air Force’s KC-390 Millennium fleet. The business unit reported a 1.3 book-to-bill ratio over the past 12 months.

Saudi helicopter operator chooses Bombardier jets for expansion into business aviation

21 Tuesday Jul 2026

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Logo: THC.

FARNBOROUGH, England – The Helicopter Company, a Saudi Arabian commercial helicopter operator, signed a letter of intent Tuesday with Bombardier for the planned purchase of up to 60 business jets as it expands into fixed-wing aviation.

The nonbinding agreement calls for a proposed firm order of 12 aircraft, including five Challenger 3500 jets, five Global 5500 jets and two Global 8000 jets.

It also includes options to purchase up to 48 additional aircraft across the three models.

The agreement was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, which runs through July 24.

The Helicopter Company, which is owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and was founded in 2018, said it plans to use the aircraft to launch business jet charter and aircraft management services.

The Bombardier Global 8000. Photo: Bombardier.

The planned fleet will serve customers in Saudi Arabia and across the region, it added.

Financial terms of the proposed transaction were not disclosed. The companies said the LOC is subject to negotiation and execution of definitive agreements.

De Havilland Canada wants to revive the ‘quirky’ Shorts Sherpa

21 Tuesday Jul 2026

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Photo: De Havilland Canada.

FARNBOROUGH, England – De Havilland Canada has brought the twin-engine turboprop Shorts Sherpa utility aircraft to the Farnborough International Airshow as it explores the possibility of restarting production.

“It is a delightfully quirky aircraft. We think there is lots of life in this frame,” De Havilland Canada Vice-President Neil Sweeney told reporters at the show Tuesday.

Sweeney said he believes there is significant interest in relaunching the aircraft, which was originally produced by Shorts Brothers in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Sherpa was developed from the Shorts 330 commuter aircraft.

Neil Sweeney and Rodger Brndjar. Photo: Abdul Latheef

De Havilland Canada acquired the Sherpa program in 2019.

At Farnborough, the company said it is showcasing the proven platform to the global aerospace community to explore future opportunities.

“We believe this airplane has a real purpose in the future,” said Rodger Brndjar, who flew the aircraft, nicknamed Pack Rat, from Canada to Farnborough.

He said the Sherpa is well-suited for a wide range of missions, including UN-style humanitarian operations.

Sweeney said that if the company decides to proceed with the program, newly built Sherpas could enter the market in the 2030s. Production and final assembly would take place in Canada, he added.

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.

Farnborough Airshow takes off with big aircraft orders from SMBC

20 Monday Jul 2026

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An A320neo model marking 25 years of partnership between Airbus and SMBC Aviation Capital. Photo: Airbus

FARNBOROUGH, England – SMBC Aviation Capital emerged as the biggest customer on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow, placing orders for a combined 200 single-aisle aircraft split evenly between Airbus and Boeing, as Riyadh Air and Philippine Airlines also announced fleet expansion plans.

The Dublin-based lessor ordered 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, comprising 65 A321s and 35 A320s, while separately committing to acquire 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets, including 60 737-10s and 40 737-8s.

Elsewhere, Riyadh Air expanded orders with both manufacturers, adding 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and six Airbus A350-1000s, while Philippine Airlines committed to acquire up to 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

SMBC said its Airbus order will provide airline customers with a continuous pipeline of A320neo family aircraft into the mid-2030s, reflecting confidence in long-term demand for the type and strengthening its 25-year partnership with Airbus.

“This significant new order will give our airline customers access to a continuous delivery pipeline of the latest technology A320neo family aircraft into the mid-2030s,” Chief Executive Peter Barrett said.

“We are pleased to build on the deep partnership we have established with Airbus over the last 25 years, and this latest order reflects our confidence in the long-term demand for the A320neo family.”

SMBC is already among Airbus’ largest A320 family customers and, together with its parent company Sumitomo Corp., now accounts for more than 900 direct Airbus aircraft commitments across all Airbus programs.

Photo: Boeing

The Boeing order marks SMBC’s first purchase of the 737-10, the largest member of the MAX family, and increases its owned, managed and committed 737 MAX portfolio to 450 aircraft.

The lessor said the aircraft will help meet growing airline demand for larger, more fuel-efficient narrowbody jets.

Separately, Riyadh Air exercised options for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including converting 20 aircraft to the larger 787-10 variant and incorporating a previously undisclosed purchase of 11 aircraft.

Once the remaining 17 aircraft are finalized, the Saudi carrier’s firm Dreamliner order book will total 67 aircraft.

The airline also firmed up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000s, increasing its firm commitment for the type to 31 aircraft as it pursues plans to serve more than 100 international destinations by 2030.

Photo: Boeing

Boeing also announced that Philippine Airlines committed to order up to 20 787 Dreamliners. The proposed agreement covers 15 787-10 aircraft, with options for five more, supporting the flag carrier’s fleet modernization and long-haul expansion strategy.

No financial details were disclosed for any of the agreements.

eVTOL momentum builds at Farnborough as Eve announces major deals

19 Sunday Jul 2026

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Eve aircraft in Moov Airways livery. Photo: Eve Air Mobility

FARNBOROUGH, England – Ahead of the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow on Monday, Eve Air Mobility announced commercial agreements covering up to 46 eVTOLs and highlighted a key regulatory milestone in the certification of its Eve 100 aircraft.

The Embraer-backed company said Sunday it had signed separate letters of intent with Swiss startup Moov Airways and aviation finance firm Shearwater Global Capital, expanding its commercial pipeline and plans for future operations.

Moov Airways signed a letter of intent for up to 30 Eve 100 eVTOLs to support development of its planned “Atlantic Gateway” network in Cabo Verde. The companies will evaluate the use of eVTOLs for inter-island transportation, airport-to-resort transfers and sightseeing services connecting São Vicente, Santo Antão, Sal, Praia and Boa Vista.

Shearwater Global Capital signed a letter of intent for up to 16 Eve 100 eVTOLs as it expands its aviation finance platform into emerging asset classes. Eve said the partnership will offer leasing solutions designed to reduce barriers to entry for operators and support faster fleet deployment.

The announcements come as Eve advances the certification of its aircraft. Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has published proposed noise certification criteria for the Eve 100, opening a public consultation through Aug. 8.

Eve said the proposal represents an important step toward establishing the environmental certification framework for eVTOL aircraft and advances the company’s type certification program. The proposed standards were developed through collaboration with ANAC and adapt existing aviation noise regulations to the operational and acoustic characteristics of electric aircraft.

Photo: Eve Air Mobility

The company said it continues to work with regulators and industry stakeholders on internationally harmonized certification standards for advanced air mobility as it moves toward commercial service.

The eVTOL sector is moving closer to commercial operations, with manufacturers including Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation and Vertical Aerospace advancing aircraft development, certification programs and early market strategies.

The industry is working with aviation regulators worldwide to establish the standards and infrastructure needed to support the introduction of electric aircraft into commercial service.

More eVTOL sales agreements are expected at the five-day FIA2026.

Boeing: Global commercial aircraft fleet will exceed 50,000 by 2045

17 Friday Jul 2026

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An image from the 2021 Dubai Airshow. Photo: Abdul Latheef

FARNBOROUGH, England – Boeing projects the global commercial fleet will exceed 50,000 airplanes by 2045 as passenger traffic doubles over the next 20 years, according to the company’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook released late Thursday ahead of next week’s opening of the Farnborough International Airshow.

Boeing projects airlines will take delivery of nearly 44,000 new airplanes through 2045 to support fleet growth and replace older aircraft. About half of those deliveries are expected to replace previous-generation airplanes with more fuel-efficient models.

The company projects the global commercial aviation support and services market will total $4.9 trillion over the next 20 years.

Boeing also expects the industry will need more than 2.4 million new aviation personnel through 2045, including 674,000 pilots, 728,000 maintenance technicians and 1.02 million cabin crew members. It said about two-thirds of that workforce demand will replace retiring employees, while the remainder will support fleet growth.

The company said near-term disruptions are not expected to alter long-term aviation growth, with passenger traffic projected to increase about 4% annually between 2026 and 2045. Boeing said demand will be supported by tourism, business travel, expanding air networks and growth in emerging markets.

The projected airplane deliveries include about 33,500 single-aisle jets, 7,700 widebody aircraft, 1,400 regional airplanes and 930 freighters. Boeing said single-aisle fleets are expected to account for much of the growth, with the global fleet nearly doubling by 2045.

Boeing said airlines have added nearly 5,500 airport connections since 2015, contributing to network expansion and increased point-to-point travel. The company also said air cargo demand is expected to grow about 3.7% annually through 2045, supported by demand for time-sensitive goods, supply chain needs and cross-border commerce.

The five-day Farnborough International Airshow opens Monday. Boeing and other aircraft manufactures will showcase their products at the event.

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.

Boeing, partners to flight-test fuel-saving, noise-reduction technologies

16 Thursday Jul 2026

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SEATTLE – Boeing said Thursday it will begin flight tests later this month with Lufthansa and Rolls-Royce of engine and flight operation technologies designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce aircraft noise.

The U.S. aircraft manufacturer said the testing will use a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at its facility in Glasgow, Montana, and is expected to continue through mid-August.

The aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, is scheduled for delivery to Lufthansa after the test program.

The companies also will test modified departure and arrival procedures, including Intelligent Operations flight paths.

Boeing said the flight paths use algorithms and multiple data sources to identify routes intended to improve fuel efficiency while reducing community noise around airports.

The flight tests are part of Phase III of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise, or CLEEN, program, a public-private initiative that supports the development and testing of technologies to improve aircraft fuel efficiency and reduce noise.

One technology being evaluated is the Next Generation Inlet, a reduced-length engine inlet with advanced acoustic treatments. Boeing said the design is intended to reduce engine weight and aerodynamic drag while maintaining acoustic performance and supporting the integration of more fuel-efficient engines on future aircraft.

Rolls-Royce is providing engineering support and oversight for operation of the Trent 1000 engine equipped with the Next Generation Inlet during the flight tests.

Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator 757

The flight tests are being conducted as part of Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program, launched in 2012 to evaluate new aviation technologies under operational flight conditions.

The program has tested more than 260 technologies related to fuel efficiency, emissions, noise reduction, safety and operational performance.

Sustainability will be a major topic of discussion at next week’s Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

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.

Images are courtesy of Boeing and Rolls-Royce.

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.

Thales to modernize Mongolia’s air traffic management infrastructure

13 Monday Jul 2026

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PARIS – Thales has won a contract to modernize Mongolia’s air traffic management infrastructure, the French aerospace giant announced Monday.

Under the deal with the National Civil Aviation Center of Mongolia, Thales will deploy a next-generation dual Area Control Center architecture, upgrading the existing ACC in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, and establishing a new ACC in the Gobi desert town of Sainshand.

The company said the project will significantly enhance operational resilience, airspace capacity and cybersecurity of critical infrastructure.

While no financial details were disclosed, Thales said the project is backed by a “flexible financing solution” established between Bpi France and the Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia.

The agreement also includes skills transfer, with Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile sending instructors to train Mongolian air traffic controllers.

“This agreement represents a major milestone for Mongolia’s aviation sector and stands as a strong example of strategic international cooperation delivering tangible and lasting impact,” Thales said.

Mongolia, a landlocked nation of just 3.5 million people, has been investing heavily in its aviation sector to support its goal of becoming a major tourism hub.

A leader in aerospace, defense and cybersecurity sectors, Paris-based Thales employs more than 85,000 people in 65 countries. It reported sales of €22.1 billion ($25.2 billion) last year.

The country has three airlines — MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Hunnu Air and Aero Mongolia.

The aviation sector employs some 7,000 people, generating direct economic benefit worth just under US$500 million annually, or roughly 2.5% of the national GDP.

Images are courtesy of Thales.

Industry: Return of supersonic flights now ‘inevitable’

02 Thursday Jul 2026

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Boom Supersonic’s demonstrator aircraft, the XB-1.

WASHINGTON – The industry is welcoming a Federal Aviation Administration proposal to lift the ban on supersonic civilian flights in the U.S., with one executive declaring that that “the return of supersonic is inevitable” 23 years after the Concorde flew for the last time.

The FAA move was announced this week by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

He said advances in supersonic technology will allow the next generation of aircraft to fly safely without producing a sonic boom.

“Restoring supersonic flight over land isn’t just about speed, it’s about unleashing American innovation and ushering in a Golden Age of Travel,” Duffy said.

The FAA noted in its proposal that current regulations prohibit civil aircraft from flying faster than the speed of sound over the U.S. unless they receive special authorization from the agency. The restriction is intended to protect the public from sonic booms.

Supersonic flight begins at Mach 1, or about 770 mph (1,240 km/h), significantly faster than the typical cruising speed of commercial airliners, which ranges from about 550 to 600 mph.

The FAA aims to finalize the rule by the middle of next year.

Blake Scholl, the founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, which is developing a supersonic aircraft called Overture, quickly welcomed the government proposal.

Blake Scholl

“It’s time to get excited. The return of supersonic is inevitable,” Scholl wrote on LinkedIn.

Boom’s demonstrator aircraft, the XB-1, made history in January 2025 by becoming the first independently developed civil aircraft to successfully break the sound barrier.

Scholl said the FAA had specifically cited the XB-1’s demonstration of the boomless supersonic flight.

The first Overture commercial flight is scheduled for 2029. Boom has won firm orders or options for the aircraft from United Airlines, American Airlines and Japan Airlines.

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.

Images are courtesy of Boom Supersonic and FAA.

Gulfstream celebrates ‘farthest fastest’ business flight

02 Thursday Jul 2026

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SAVANNAH, Ga. – Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced Wednesday that a G800 had completed “the farthest fastest flight in business aviation history” earlier in the week.

The aircraft flew from Melbourne, Australia, to Moline, Ill., covering 8,303 nautical miles (15,377 kilometers), in 16 hours and 56 minutes at an average cruise speed of Mach 0.85.

For context, Bombardier’s Global 8000 boasts a top speed of Mach 0.95 and a range of 8,000 nm.

Earlier in June, the G800 had secured the 800th city pair speed record with a flight from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Savannah, the company said. The aircraft traveled 2,973 nm in 5 hours and 52 minutes at Mach 0.91.

“With every new aircraft, Gulfstream continues to push the boundaries of performance for our customers,” said Mark Burns, president of Gulfstream.

“Reaching our 800th city pair speed record and completing the farthest fastest flight in our industry’s history demonstrates the strength of our next-generation fleet and the advanced capabilities of the G800.”

The G800, powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, entered service in August 2025 following certifications from American and European regulators.

All images are courtesy of Gulfstream.

SAS orders Airbus jets worth over $10 billion for fleet renewal

30 Tuesday Jun 2026

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The agreement was signed in Copenhagen by SAS and Airbus executives.

COPENHAGEN – Scandinavian carrier SAS on Tuesday made what it called “the largest investment in the company’s history,” ordering up to 40 Airbus widebody aircraft worth over $10 billion as part of a fleet renewal program.

It includes a firm order for 18 A330-900neo aircraft, Airbus said in a separate statement. SAS said additional Airbus A330-300 jets will be secured to support near-term growth ahead of the arrival of the new fleet.

“For 80 years, SAS has connected Scandinavia with the world and the world with Scandinavia. Today, we are investing in the next chapter of our story,” said Anko van der Werff, president and CEO of SAS.

“This is the largest investment in our company’s history, and a clear signal of our confidence in the future.”

The announcement follows last year’s record order for 55 Embraer E195-E2 regional aircraft.

“Together with the ongoing renewal of the Airbus A320neo fleet, these investments represent the most significant modernization of the SAS fleet in decades, delivering substantial improvements in fuel efficiency, noise performance, and customer experience,” the airline said.

The new aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. The A330neo is designed to fly up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 kilometers) nonstop.

As of May, Airbus had secured over 1,950 orders for the A330 family of aircraft, the European manufacturer said.

Images are courtesy of SAS and Airbus.