FlightGlobal
• David Kaminski-Morrow
Airbus has begun construction of a 6,221-square-meter extension to its Belfast wing facility, increasing capacity for the A220 production ramp-up. The airframer is targeting a build rate of 13 aircraft per month for the twinjet in 2028.
Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)
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Hybrid-electric aircraft startup Ampaire has secured $19 million in Series B funding from IAG, Alaska Airlines and venture capital investors. The financing brings strategic airline backing alongside private capital as Ampaire advances its hybrid-electric aviation technology and commercialization efforts.
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Airbus has begun construction of a 6,221-square-meter extension to its Belfast wing facility, increasing capacity for the A220 production ramp-up. The airframer is targeting a build rate of 13 aircraft per month for the twinjet in 2028.
Rosaviatsia has issued a combined type certificate covering the Tupolev Tu-204 and Tu-214 twinjet families, a regulatory change designed to give operators and maintainers greater flexibility. The consolidation comes as Russia seeks to expand production of the Soviet-era Tu-214.
Russia’s United Engine has completed design documentation for a prototype VK-1600S turboprop and is preparing a demonstrator. Derived from the Klimov VK-1600S helicopter engine, the powerplant is intended for smaller aircraft, including a modernized Antonov An-2.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines has reissued a tender to acquire three Boeing 787s, reopening a procurement effort for additional widebody aircraft. The move places the airline’s fleet expansion plans back into the market and could create a new order opportunity for Boeing.
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JAL and ANA are coordinating timetables on a small domestic route under a Japanese regulatory framework opened in May, while Korean Air plans three weekly Seoul–Melbourne flights from Dec. 18, 2026, through March 14, 2027, using Boeing 787-9s and replacing Asiana’s former service.
Astronics expects 2026 sales to exceed $1 billion after reporting record annual revenue, with its aerospace segment also setting a new high. The outlook signals continued demand for the company’s aerospace components and systems as it enters another year of record growth.
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Operators affected by Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan recall are seeing an end to the disruption as maintenance activity accelerates. Since details of the recall emerged in 2023, airlines have adapted to having portions of their fleets grounded for engine inspections and repairs.
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