FlightGlobal
• David Kaminski-Morrow
Airbus commercial aircraft chief Lars Wagner says the company’s initial hydrogen fuel-cell airframe is likely to have around 80 seats and use propellers. He described the zero-emission design as “becoming a reality,” offering a clearer indication of the aircraft concept Airbus is pursuing.
Airbus
Latest source-backed stories
Airbus commercial aircraft chief Lars Wagner says the company’s initial hydrogen fuel-cell airframe is likely to have around 80 seats and use propellers. He described the zero-emission design as “becoming a reality,” offering a clearer indication of the aircraft concept Airbus is pursuing.
High activity
Lufthansa is scheduled to operate its last A340-600 passenger flight on Oct. 18, ending nearly 23 years of service with the airline. SWISS and Lufthansa are also retiring their A340 fleets, while Edelweiss plans to keep one A340-300 in service through January 2027. The cluster also includes Lufthansa’s plan to retire its final eight 747-400s.
SAS commercial chief Paul Verhagen says the carrier expects new widebodies to create a step change in its global long-haul network, adding both reach and depth. The plan follows an earlier deal for up to 40 Airbus aircraft to bolster the Scandinavian airline’s widebody fleet.
KLM’s first A350-900, registered PH-ZNA, arrived in Amsterdam from Toulouse on Oct. 2 as a new aircraft. The airline has also clarified which destinations the type will serve, marking the start of a long-haul fleet renewal program, though the available reports do not specify routes or delivery plans beyond the first aircraft.
Airbus Helicopters’ forthcoming campaign for its Racer compound-rotorcraft demonstrator will test engine “eco-mode,” low-noise approach procedures and longer-range flight capability. The trials are intended to show the aircraft can deliver more than high-speed performance, examining operational characteristics that could shape the case for compound rotorcraft.
High activity
The US-based lessor’s commitment is its largest aircraft order to date and expands its portfolio with 75 A320neo-family aircraft. ACG expects deliveries from 2032 through 2035, placing the order against a long-dated production and delivery pipeline for Airbus’ narrowbody family.
Airbus recorded 14 net new aircraft orders in September 2026, according to ch-aviation. The available report provides no further detail on customers, aircraft types or deliveries.
Air freight is divided roughly evenly between cargo carried in the belly holds of passenger aircraft and shipments moved on dedicated freighters. That balance frames the question of whether an A330-900F could fill a role alongside the larger A350F, though the available article summary provides no further case for or against the proposed aircraft.
Create a free account to see more recent Airbus stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
