Reuters
• Allison Lampert, Dan Catchpole, Tim Hepher
The U.S. cargo airline is reported to be the previously undisclosed customer behind an August order for eight A350Fs. The reported deal would mark Kalitta’s first purchase from a European aircraft manufacturer, extending its fleet options beyond long-time supplier Boeing; the airline has described its plans as still under evaluation.
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The U.S. cargo airline is reported to be the previously undisclosed customer behind an August order for eight A350Fs. The reported deal would mark Kalitta’s first purchase from a European aircraft manufacturer, extending its fleet options beyond long-time supplier Boeing; the airline has described its plans as still under evaluation.
Air Atlanta is considering Boeing 777 freighter conversions and has expressed interest in the Airbus A350, pointing to potential changes in its widebody fleet plans. The available report summary does not specify conversion numbers, timing or the nature of the A350 interest.
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Airbus UpNext has concluded its Optimate research program after 30 hours of A350 tests at Paris Charles de Gaulle in July 2026, following trials at Toulouse-Blagnac. The company says the work demonstrated safe autonomous taxiing, but has announced no date for operational deployment.
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Biman Bangladesh Airlines has signed a firm order for 10 Airbus aircraft: four A350-900s and six A321neos. The carrier, which currently operates only Boeing jets, had also committed to 25 Boeing aircraft this year; Airbus deliveries are expected to begin in 2033.
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KLM has taken delivery of its first A350-900 in Toulouse, introducing the Airbus widebody into a long-haul fleet that has been dominated by Boeing aircraft. The airline’s business-class seats are nearing certification but will be blocked on the aircraft’s initial flights, limiting the cabin configuration at entry into service.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is expected to sign an agreement for 10 Airbus aircraft on Oct. 7, comprising four A350-900 widebodies and six A321neos. The planned purchase follows the carrier’s recently announced order for 11 Boeing 787-10s and 737-8s, indicating a major fleet expansion across both manufacturers.
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KLM has received its first Airbus A350-900, PH-ZNA, named De Nachtwacht after Rembrandt’s painting. Delivered in Toulouse and flown to Amsterdam-Schiphol, the aircraft is scheduled to enter passenger service on October 30 between Amsterdam and Toronto, launching KLM’s planned 22-aircraft A350 fleet.
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