Air Data News
• Ricardo Meier
India’s Ministry of Defence has issued an RFP for at least 60 Medium Transport Aircraft, a procurement estimated at roughly ₹1 lakh crore ($11–12 billion). The tender requires 60% local manufacturing through partnerships with foreign firms, drawing expected competition from Embraer, Lockheed Martin and Airbus.
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India’s Ministry of Defence has issued an RFP for at least 60 Medium Transport Aircraft, a procurement estimated at roughly ₹1 lakh crore ($11–12 billion). The tender requires 60% local manufacturing through partnerships with foreign firms, drawing expected competition from Embraer, Lockheed Martin and Airbus.
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.
Thaicom says its Airbus-built Thaicom 10 satellite will not enter service until the first half of 2029, citing launch availability. The further delay comes as the operator prepares to relocate customers ahead of Thaicom 4’s retirement and manages production delays affecting Astranis-built Thaicom 9.
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Boeing delivered 53 commercial aircraft in July—39 737 MAXs, 10 787s, three 767s and one 777 Freighter—down from 64 in June but up from 48 a year earlier. Airbus delivered 67 jets, while Boeing reported 30 net orders, including Uganda Airlines and AerCap agreements announced around Farnborough.
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Latvia’s state-owned airBaltic is pivoting from expansion to financial stabilization, reducing its Airbus A220-300 fleet from 54 aircraft to 36. The restructuring includes cost reductions and a proposed debt-for-equity swap as the carrier seeks to restore profitability and strengthen its balance sheet.
The first Airbus A350F freighter delivery could move from late 2027 into 2028, according to Leeham News, introducing uncertainty around the program’s entry-into-service schedule. Airbus has nevertheless reaffirmed its late-2027 timeline, leaving the delivery outlook unresolved.
South Korean airline Jin Air plans to lease 14 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, signaling a fleet expansion through operating leases. The available report does not specify the aircraft models, lessors, delivery schedule or intended network deployment.
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