Reuters
• Giulia Segreti, Tim Hepher
Airbus and Leonardo are investigating a quality issue at a privately held coatings supplier that triggered an alert affecting about 500 A321neo aircraft. Airbus has developed a repair plan intended to limit operational disruption as the manufacturers assess the scope and remedy of the flaw.
Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)
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Airbus and Leonardo are investigating a quality issue at a privately held coatings supplier that triggered an alert affecting about 500 A321neo aircraft. Airbus has developed a repair plan intended to limit operational disruption as the manufacturers assess the scope and remedy of the flaw.
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Boeing has identified a flight-management software issue that can disable automated vertical-navigation guidance after a missed approach, potentially increasing pilot workload. The FAA is reviewing the problem, creating another hurdle for Boeing’s delayed 737 Max 10 and Max 7 programs as they move toward commercial service.
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The FAA has approved Boeing’s 737 MAX 7, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for the smallest MAX variant. Southwest Airlines expects its first deliveries only near the end of 2026, while Boeing prepares 27 previously built aircraft for eventual entry into service.
South Korea has inducted its first locally developed fighter jet into service, marking a milestone for the country’s domestic defense industry. The move underscores Seoul’s progress in developing and fielding indigenous combat aircraft for its air force.
ATR is again courting U.S. regional airlines with a three-class turboprop featuring forward boarding, positioning the aircraft as a replacement for aging regional jets. The Franco-Italian manufacturer says production could begin by 2030, but only if commercial orders justify launching the program.
Commercial aerospace backlogs now stretch beyond a decade, with OEM delivery rates too low to materially reduce accumulated demand. The imbalance is extending lead times, intensifying pressure on suppliers and leaving airlines, lessors and manufacturers managing capacity, production and planning constraints well into the future.
Embraer has delivered the first of two C-390 Millennium transports ordered by Uzbekistan, making it the type’s first Central Asian operator. In parallel, the airframer is again positioning the aircraft for the U.S. Air Force as a flexible multi-mission airlift and tanker supplement to Boeing’s KC-46.
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China Airlines selected Safran to overhaul landing gear on its 18 Airbus A350-900s from 2026 through 2031, while Japan Airlines renewed Boeing 787 component support with Lufthansa Technik. Hebei Airlines and FTAI Aviation also advanced CFM56 maintenance arrangements and regional service capacity.
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