AirInsight
• Addison Schonland
Lufthansa City Airlines is set to receive its first A220-300 in November, with final assembly underway in Canada. Meanwhile, airBaltic is reducing its planned A220 fleet to about 36 aircraft by 2026 and 40 by 2031, while AirAsia plans to begin A220 deliveries in 2028 after returning older aircraft to lessors.
Airbus
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The Indian Air Force is seeking bids for a new medium military transport aircraft, with Lockheed Martin, Embraer and Airbus potentially in contention. The competition could shape India’s future airlift capability while opening a significant defense opportunity for three major aerospace manufacturers.
Air France has extended scheduled Airbus A318 operations through March 27, 2027, moving beyond its previously planned November 2026 retirement timeline. The fleet’s final months are expected to include 37 routes across 13 countries, giving operators and travelers a defined view of the aircraft’s remaining network.
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Lufthansa City Airlines is set to receive its first A220-300 in November, with final assembly underway in Canada. Meanwhile, airBaltic is reducing its planned A220 fleet to about 36 aircraft by 2026 and 40 by 2031, while AirAsia plans to begin A220 deliveries in 2028 after returning older aircraft to lessors.
SkyDrive has appointed Stéphane Ginoux, former president of Airbus Japan and head of Airbus operations in North Asia, as an advisor. The Japanese eVTOL developer is adding senior Airbus experience as it works to advance commercialization of its aircraft.
Airbus recorded 203 net new aircraft orders in July 2026, according to ch-aviation. The available report does not identify the customers, aircraft models, gross order volume or cancellations behind the monthly figure.
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India’s Ministry of Defence has issued an RFP for at least 60 Medium Transport Aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging Soviet-era An-32 fleet. Embraer, Lockheed Martin and Airbus are expected to compete, with the tender requiring 60% local manufacturing through partnerships with Indian firms.
Turkey’s Baykar, known for its Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı military drones, is expanding into commercial aviation by pursuing a dedicated cargo airline. The proposed carrier would operate Airbus A321P2F freighters, marking a new diversification effort for the privately held aerospace company.
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Airbus delivered 418 commercial aircraft through July 2026, maintaining its global lead over Boeing, while Boeing recorded 38 gross orders during a slower month focused on recovery and production stability. The July period also brought certification, flight-testing, partnership and infrastructure progress, alongside major Farnborough deals.
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