FlightGlobal
• Joseph Dainty
Deutsche Aircraft and engineering partner Heggemann have completed initial validation of the D328’s new landing gear, following the first phase of flight testing. The certification campaign has also included drop tests, marking a step forward in validation of the twin-turboprop’s undercarriage.
Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)
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Deutsche Aircraft and engineering partner Heggemann have completed initial validation of the D328’s new landing gear, following the first phase of flight testing. The certification campaign has also included drop tests, marking a step forward in validation of the twin-turboprop’s undercarriage.
The A320 flying testbed has completed commissioning and flight-validation work with the ECRS Mk1 radar, supporting its development for German and Spanish Eurofighters ahead of planned 2027 fighter deliveries. Separately, France’s DGA has received Rafale B374 in F4.1 configuration to prepare a flying laboratory for future F5 and RBE2 XG radar trials.
Industry commentary points to mounting pressure on carriers from elevated fuel prices, engine constraints and disrupted aircraft deliveries. LATAM CEO Roberto Alvo expects oil prices and airfares to remain high in the medium term and sees further consolidation ahead, while another industry outlook flags flawed sustainable aviation fuel feedstocks as an additional challenge for low-cost carriers.
Austrian Airlines will lose five planned Boeing 787-9 deliveries after Lufthansa Group reallocates the aircraft to address delays to Boeing’s 777X. The shift adds another constraint to Austrian’s fleet plans while directing scarce widebody capacity toward other needs within the group.
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Bell Textron has delivered the 2,000th Bell 407 to White Saddle Air Services, a family-owned helicopter operator based near Tatla Lake in British Columbia. The milestone marks the model’s cumulative deliveries; the articles provide no further details about the aircraft’s configuration or the operator’s planned use.
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Airbus reported 74 deliveries in October, taking its 2026 total to 621, and is targeting 259 aircraft in November and December to meet its goal of around 870. Boeing likely delivered about 32 737 Max jets, its lowest monthly total in almost a year. Airbus also lifted net orders above 1,300, driven by leasing-company commitments.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) is aiming to complete a renewal of its entire fleet by 2030. The report identifies the Airbus A321-200N among the airline’s aircraft but provides no details on the size, timing or financing of the planned fleet changes.
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