FlightGlobal
• David Kaminski-Morrow
Airbus booked 204 gross commercial aircraft orders in July, led by leasing deals with Chinese companies, while deliveries reached 67 jets to 39 customers. Year-to-date deliveries rose to 418, but the pace remains below last year and the first A350F delivery has slipped to late 2027.
Airbus A350
Latest source-backed stories
Air France-KLM is extending the amortization period for its Airbus A320neo, A321neo and A350 fleets, as well as Boeing 787s, from 20 to 25 years. The group said the longer period reflects its assessment that these aircraft are most likely to remain in service for 25 years.
High activity
Airbus booked 204 gross commercial aircraft orders in July, led by leasing deals with Chinese companies, while deliveries reached 67 jets to 39 customers. Year-to-date deliveries rose to 418, but the pace remains below last year and the first A350F delivery has slipped to late 2027.
High activity
The FAA is ordering inspections of nearly 500 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for possible cracks in fuselage or door-related structural components, while proposing action to address a Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 issue that could lead to dual-engine uncontained failures on the 787. Spanish-language reports also cite seat-anchor inspections on 453 MAX aircraft.
Airbus has completed ground vibration testing on the first A350F, a key development milestone for the freighter program. The European manufacturer said the aircraft will proceed toward its first flight later this year as Airbus advances the newest member of the A350 family.
High activity
Wizz Air reported a €183.3 million operating loss in its fiscal first quarter as fuel costs rose 39%, while Cebu Pacific also swung into the red after fuel expenses more than doubled. Cathay Group increased first-half profit to $795 million despite higher fuel costs, but faces a six-month A350 freighter delivery delay.
High activity
Airbus has completed ground vibration testing on the A350F, exposing the freighter to controlled oscillations to validate its structural and aeroelastic models. The campaign is a mandatory certification step ahead of the aircraft’s maiden flight, with two A350Fs planned for certification work.
STARLUX Airlines has begun its first European route, operating three weekly flights between Taiwan Taoyuan and Prague Václav Havel Airport with Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Chairman K.W. Chang personally piloted the inaugural flight, marking the Taiwanese carrier’s entry into the European market.
High activity
IndiGo will end its interim widebody operation with Norse Atlantic in October, returning six leased 787-9s and suspending London Heathrow service before its own A350s arrive. The airline is also evaluating future, not-yet-launched Airbus and Boeing aircraft for its next major fleet order.
Create a free account to see more recent Airbus A350 stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
