AeroTime
• Miquel Ros
Turkish drone maker Baykar may expand into commercial aviation with a cargo airline operating Airbus A321 passenger-to-freighter aircraft, according to reports. The potential move would add a logistics and air-transport business to Baykar’s established unmanned-aircraft portfolio, though details on timing, fleet size and regulatory approvals remain unclear.
Airbus A320
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Turkish drone maker Baykar may expand into commercial aviation with a cargo airline operating Airbus A321 passenger-to-freighter aircraft, according to reports. The potential move would add a logistics and air-transport business to Baykar’s established unmanned-aircraft portfolio, though details on timing, fleet size and regulatory approvals remain unclear.
Air Astana Group expects to eliminate aircraft groundings linked to Pratt & Whitney PW1100G turbofan issues in 2027, after the number of grounded aircraft fell about 60% year over year. The update signals improving fleet availability, though engine-related disruption remains a current operational consideration.
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Lufthansa Group will begin deploying Starlink high-speed satellite internet on a Lufthansa Airbus A320neo, with free access for members of its frequent-flyer programs and usage restrictions for passengers. The group plans to equip approximately 850 aircraft by 2029, extending the service across its airline portfolio.
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India’s civil aviation ministry confirmed that the Air India captain involved in a sudden altitude loss after severe turbulence will undergo further laboratory testing after an initial psychoactive-substance screening result. Separately, Malaysia is imposing drug tests on pilots and cabin crew, alongside expanded random testing.
American Airlines is reshaping its future delivery schedule while adding Airbus aircraft to its backlog, balancing cost reduction with fleet growth. Separately, Airbus delivered 67 commercial aircraft to 39 customers in July 2026 and recorded 204 gross orders, signaling continued demand for new jets.
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.
Wizz Air had 27 A320neos grounded at the end of June because of Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues, but says its fleet is on track to move beyond the disruption by the end of 2027. The timeline underscores the continuing effect of engine availability on narrowbody capacity planning.
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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.
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