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FlightGlobal • David Kaminski-Morrow

Air France and Airbus cleared for A350 component maintenance JV

European regulators have approved an Air France–Airbus joint venture to provide component maintenance services for operators of the Airbus A350 twinjet fleet. The clearance removes a key legal hurdle for the partnership and sets the stage for a more centralized sustainment offering around A350 components.

2026-04-28T08:20:27.116880-07:00

AirInsight

Air Canada launches A321XLR long-thinhaul: lower trip risk, lie-flat cabin comfort trade-offs

2026-04-28T06:19:51.110770-07:00

Airbus

Airbus launches Spain’s integrated combat pilot training for TAI Hurjet, set to modify 30 aircraft

2026-04-28T04:24:55.386429-07:00

FlightGlobal

American Airlines raises $1.1bn via EETC-backed 2026-1 notes to finance 32 next-gen Airbus and Boeing aircraft

2026-04-27T12:49:22.133501-07:00

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FlightGlobal

Air France and Airbus cleared for A350 component maintenance JV European regulators have approved an Air France–Airbus joint venture to provide component maintenance services for operators of the Airbus A350 twinjet fleet. The clearance removes a key legal hurdle for the partnership and sets the stage for a more centralized sustainment offering around A350 components.

2026-04-28T08:20:27.116880-07:00

Air France and Airbus cleared for A350 component maintenance JV

AirInsight

Air Canada launches A321XLR long-thinhaul: lower trip risk, lie-flat cabin comfort trade-offs Air Canada’s first Airbus A321XLR is now positioned to open “long and thin” routes, pairing lower operational risk with lie-flat-equipped cabin comfort. The airline’s A321XLR strategy still faces narrowbody long-haul compromises in space, service depth, and the economics of premiumizing a single-aisle.

2026-04-28T06:19:51.110770-07:00

Air Canada launches A321XLR long-thinhaul: lower trip risk, lie-flat cabin comfort trade-offs

Airbus

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Airbus launches Spain’s integrated combat pilot training for TAI Hurjet, set to modify 30 aircraft Spain has formally started an industrial programme to field the TAI Hurjet as the F-5 trainer replacement for the Air and Space Force, with 30 aircraft slated for modification. Airbus says Spain will receive an initial 21 Hurjets as final avionics are completed, under the co-developed ITS-C combat training system.

2026-04-28T04:24:55.386429-07:00

Airbus launches Spain’s integrated combat pilot training for TAI Hurjet, set to modify 30 aircraft

DefenseNews.com

France deploys two A400M airlifters over Tonnerre to deliver Hurricane Irma humanitarian aid in the French Caribbean France has flown two A400M military airlifters and coordinated maritime movement aboard the helicopter carrier Tonnerre to deliver humanitarian aid to islands in the French Caribbean responding to Hurricane Irma. The operation pairs French airlift capacity with an embarked helicopter-carrier platform for relief distribution.

2026-04-27T20:34:35.084062-07:00

France deploys two A400M airlifters over Tonnerre to deliver Hurricane Irma humanitarian aid in the French Caribbean

ch-aviation

VietJetAir charts widebody push: first A330-900N due in 2026 as 2026 AGM sets dividend and network expansion targets VietJetAir says it expects to take delivery of its first Airbus A330-900N in 2026, positioning the widebody for European market expansion. Separately, the carrier’s April 26, 2026 AGM highlighted strong 2025 performance, including a 30% dividend payout, alongside a renewed international growth agenda.

2026-04-27T20:05:16.807476-07:00

VietJetAir charts widebody push: first A330-900N due in 2026 as 2026 AGM sets dividend and network expansion targets

FlightGlobal

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American Airlines raises $1.1bn via EETC-backed 2026-1 notes to finance 32 next-gen Airbus and Boeing aircraft American Airlines has completed its first enhanced equipment trust certificate (EETC) transaction of the year, issuing 2026-1 notes to fund or refinance 32 next-generation aircraft. Proceeds are earmarked for the aircraft fleet plan, with remaining funds applied to general corporate purposes including maintaining liquidity levels.

2026-04-27T12:49:22.133501-07:00

American Airlines raises $1.1bn via EETC-backed 2026-1 notes to finance 32 next-gen Airbus and Boeing aircraft

FlightGlobal

Airbus and MTU advance fuel-cell collaboration for ZEROe, aiming for Clean Aviation proposal by May deadline Airbus and Germany’s MTU are progressing a joint fuel-cell collaboration as part of the ZEROe programme, with both partners working toward a May deadline for their joint proposal. The effort is targeted at Clean Aviation, aligning propulsion technology development with EU clean-air research milestones.

2026-04-27T07:04:49.982472-07:00

Airbus and MTU advance fuel-cell collaboration for ZEROe, aiming for Clean Aviation proposal by May deadline

emirates.com

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Emirates returns first Starlink-equipped Airbus A380 to Dubai after UK installation, certifies three-antenna retrofit Emirates’ first Airbus A380 retrofitted with SpaceX Starlink inflight Wi‑Fi has returned to Dubai after installation and certification work in Newquay, UK. The aircraft now features three Starlink ESAs—an upgrade that materially boosts capacity beyond older systems delivering under 1 Mbps—before it is expected to re-enter service.

2026-04-27T02:35:12.504805-07:00

Emirates returns first Starlink-equipped Airbus A380 to Dubai after UK installation, certifies three-antenna retrofit

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Airbus News

Air France and Airbus cleared for A350 component maintenance JV

Air Canada launches A321XLR long-thinhaul: lower trip risk, lie-flat cabin comfort trade-offs

Airbus launches Spain’s integrated combat pilot training for TAI Hurjet, set to modify 30 aircraft

American Airlines raises $1.1bn via EETC-backed 2026-1 notes to finance 32 next-gen Airbus and Boeing aircraft

News Timeline