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
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Spain plans to retire its two ageing VIP-configured A310-300s and acquire two A330-800(MRTT+) aircraft configured for military operations as well as transport of state officials, Spanish military sources told ABC. The move would replace the government transport fleet with aircraft intended to serve both state and military missions.
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.
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Lufthansa has operated its final A340-600 flight, while Lufthansa and SWISS are retiring their A340 fleets after 23 years of service. Separately, Lufthansa plans to retire its last eight 747-400s; Edelweiss expects to keep one A340-300 in service until January 2027.
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.
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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.
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