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Simple Flying • Jake Hardiman

Air Canada's first Airbus A321XLR completes maiden flight in Hamburg

Air Canada's first Airbus A321XLR (C‑GXLR) completed its maiden flight from Hamburg (XFW) after runway tests and RTO checks, beginning the acceptance flight‑test campaign ahead of delivery. The ultra‑long‑range narrowbody will underpin planned transatlantic and South America services with a premium cabin.

2026-02-27T06:52:03.977256-08:00

The War Zone

High operational demand and small nuclear‑qualified B‑52 pool squeeze engine and AESA retrofit schedules

2026-02-27T09:56:47.367424-08:00

Runway Girl

Airbus pins A320 production cut on Pratt & Whitney GTF delivery delays; flags slow SAF progress

2026-02-27T05:13:09.915277-08:00

AINonline

Molicel to supply batteries for Vaeridion electric microliner as company targets 2027 test flights

2026-02-27T05:26:29.857435-08:00

News Timeline

Delta Air Lines

Delta exercises options for 34 Airbus A321neos; deliveries begin 2029 Delta Air Lines has exercised options for 34 Airbus A321neo narrowbodies, with deliveries beginning in 2029, advancing its fleet renewal to improve fuel efficiency and add premium seating. The order cements the A321neo as a cornerstone of Delta’s next-generation narrowbody fleet and informs capacity planning.

2026-02-27T12:32:54.372911-08:00

Delta exercises options for 34 Airbus A321neos; deliveries begin 2029

The War Zone

High operational demand and small nuclear‑qualified B‑52 pool squeeze engine and AESA retrofit schedules The USAF’s effort to re‑engine B‑52s and install AESA radar upgrades is facing a scheduling crunch: only a small subset are nuclear‑qualified and the whole fleet is heavily tasked globally, leaving few airframes available for the lengthy depot work the programs require.

2026-02-27T09:56:47.367424-08:00

High operational demand and small nuclear‑qualified B‑52 pool squeeze engine and AESA retrofit schedules

Simple Flying

Air Canada's first Airbus A321XLR completes maiden flight in Hamburg Air Canada's first Airbus A321XLR (C‑GXLR) completed its maiden flight from Hamburg (XFW) after runway tests and RTO checks, beginning the acceptance flight‑test campaign ahead of delivery. The ultra‑long‑range narrowbody will underpin planned transatlantic and South America services with a premium cabin.

2026-02-27T06:52:03.977256-08:00

Air Canada's first Airbus A321XLR completes maiden flight in Hamburg

FlightGlobal

Singapore buys three Gulfstream G550 MSA to boost maritime surveillance Singapore's Ministry of Defence will acquire three Gulfstream G550 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft to strengthen maritime domain awareness, replacing veteran Fokker 50s. The G550‑MSAs will complement the Republic of Singapore Air Force's planned four Boeing P‑8A Poseidon jets, improving early warning and control over strategic sea lanes.

2026-02-27T06:45:41.214872-08:00

Singapore buys three Gulfstream G550 MSA to boost maritime surveillance

AINonline

Molicel to supply batteries for Vaeridion electric microliner as company targets 2027 test flights European start-up Vaeridion has selected Molicel lithium‑ion batteries to power its electric microliner and is targeting first test flights in 2027. The supplier choice is an early supply‑chain milestone for the company as it moves toward flight demonstration and type development.

2026-02-27T05:26:29.857435-08:00

Molicel to supply batteries for Vaeridion electric microliner as company targets 2027 test flights

Runway Girl

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Airbus pins A320 production cut on Pratt & Whitney GTF delivery delays; flags slow SAF progress Airbus told investors that Pratt & Whitney's delayed GTF engine deliveries forced it to lower its A320 production-rate target, identifying engine supply as the key bottleneck. The company also warned that slow progress on sustainable aviation fuel adoption adds pressure to ramping output and meeting deliveries.

2026-02-27T05:13:09.915277-08:00

Airbus pins A320 production cut on Pratt & Whitney GTF delivery delays; flags slow SAF progress

FlightGlobal

First Pilatus PC-21 'Siskin II' for the RCAF completes maiden flight in Switzerland Pilatus has completed the first flight of a PC-21 trainer produced for the Royal Canadian Air Force, conducting initial flight-testing of the RCAF-designated Siskin II in Switzerland. The company plans to begin deliveries to Canada in the second half of this year to support RCAF pilot training.

2026-02-27T04:05:47.196561-08:00

First Pilatus PC-21 'Siskin II' for the RCAF completes maiden flight in Switzerland

Air Data News

Sokoto State to launch 'Caliphate Air' in H2 2026 with Embraer E145 regional jets Sokoto State in Nigeria is launching a state-backed carrier branded Caliphate Air and aims to start operations in H2 2026. The airline plans to operate Embraer regional jets, specifically E145s, as its initial fleet.

2026-02-27T03:01:24.135614-08:00

Sokoto State to launch 'Caliphate Air' in H2 2026 with Embraer E145 regional jets

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Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) News

Air Canada's first Airbus A321XLR completes maiden flight in Hamburg

High operational demand and small nuclear‑qualified B‑52 pool squeeze engine and AESA retrofit schedules

Airbus pins A320 production cut on Pratt & Whitney GTF delivery delays; flags slow SAF progress

Molicel to supply batteries for Vaeridion electric microliner as company targets 2027 test flights

News Timeline