Reuters
Ethiopian Airlines has agreed to acquire 10 Boeing freighters—eight 777-8Fs and two 777Fs—with an option for eight additional 777-8Fs. The commitment expands the carrier’s cargo fleet and adds a launch customer-scale order for Boeing’s next-generation widebody freighter.
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Ethiopian Airlines has agreed to acquire 10 Boeing freighters—eight 777-8Fs and two 777Fs—with an option for eight additional 777-8Fs. The commitment expands the carrier’s cargo fleet and adds a launch customer-scale order for Boeing’s next-generation widebody freighter.
JD Logistics Airlines has increased its registered capital from CNY1.1 billion ($163.8 million) to CNY1.6 billion ($238.3 million), a 43% rise. The move strengthens the cargo carrier’s capitalization as it operates Airbus A330-200 freighters from Nantong.
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Commercial manufacturers delivered 903 aircraft in the first eight months of 2026, up 9% year over year and the strongest pace since 2018. Airbus remains confident in its full-year delivery target despite a primer-quality issue affecting about 500 A321neos, while the A350F freighter completed its first flight.
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Avolon has agreed to sell Lesha Bank a portfolio of 33 commercial aircraft leased to 25 airlines, with management transferring to Lesha Aviation Services. The transaction will lift Lesha’s managed fleet beyond 75 aircraft and expand its Sharia-compliant leasing platform, while advancing Avolon’s asset-recycling strategy.
Asia-Pacific airlines carried 33.5 million international passengers in August, down 0.6% year on year as higher fares, fuel costs and airspace restrictions weighed on demand. International cargo demand rose 1.1% during the month and 5.5% year to date, while global air cargo volumes increased 8% year on year.
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China Airlines selected Safran to overhaul landing gear on its 18 Airbus A350-900s from 2026 through 2031, while Japan Airlines renewed Boeing 787 component support with Lufthansa Technik. Hebei Airlines and FTAI Aviation also advanced CFM56 maintenance arrangements and regional service capacity.
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Airbus has confirmed that the A350F prototype, MSN700, is scheduled to make its first flight on 29 September in Toulouse after completing two high-speed rejected-takeoff tests. The milestone moves the long-awaited freighter toward certification, with deliveries targeted for late 2027.
Airbus has set the date for the first flight of its A350F cargo aircraft and will livestream the milestone, offering public access to the program’s initial flight-test event. The announcement marks a key step in advancing Airbus’ next-generation widebody freighter program.
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