Reuters
• Allison Lampert, Rajesh Kumar Singh
Southwest Airlines is leaning toward Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner as its first widebody aircraft while evaluating a move into long-haul international markets, according to three people familiar with the carrier’s fleet planning. The consideration signals a potential shift in the airline’s fleet and network strategy.
Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)
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The Air Force is seeking to determine what it would take to return four retired KC-10 Extender tankers to service for an undisclosed operator. The aircraft’s potential destination is described only as North Africa, leaving the customer and the scope, cost and timing of the work unclear.
Airbus’ Wing of Tomorrow wing design could reduce fuel consumption, but its span would not fit at today’s narrowbody gates. Folding wingtips could help future narrowbody jets accommodate wider, more efficient wings, though applying the technology brings technical and airport-infrastructure challenges.
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Southwest Airlines is leaning toward Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner as its first widebody aircraft while evaluating a move into long-haul international markets, according to three people familiar with the carrier’s fleet planning. The consideration signals a potential shift in the airline’s fleet and network strategy.
Eclipse Aerospace is acquiring Resurgent Aviation Solutions, a parts maker whose potential loss threatened to eliminate a key source of components. The deal addresses a supply continuity risk for Eclipse, although the available reports do not specify the parts involved or transaction terms.
High activity
September deliveries rose 26% from August, bringing Airbus’ 2026 total to 547 aircraft and leaving 323 to deliver in the fourth quarter to meet its annual target. Net orders passed 1,105 by the end of September, despite only two recorded order agreements that month and a 58-aircraft decline in the backlog.
Textron is expanding the SkyCourier’s presence in the special-mission market as Paraguay’s air force becomes the aircraft’s first operator in South America. The move establishes a new regional foothold for the twin-engine turboprop, though details of the aircraft’s mission configuration and operational plans were not provided.
Folding wingtips are a signature feature of Boeing’s 777X, but applying the technology to successors of the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 Max will require resolving several technical challenges. Those hurdles must be addressed before folding wings can enable greater spans on future narrowbody jets.
Morocco’s aerospace industry could lift annual exports by about two-thirds within three years as new suppliers move into the country to manufacture higher-value parts, the head of industry association GIMAS said. The projection signals continued growth in Morocco’s role in aerospace manufacturing.
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