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The Air Current • Jon Ostrower

Ethiopian Airlines plots 100+ aircraft expansion amid jet-fuel shock

Ethiopian Airlines is laying plans for an order covering more than 100 aircraft as part of an ambitious growth strategy, even as it navigates near-term turbulence and higher jet-fuel costs tied to the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. The move underscores continued fleet build despite margin pressure.

2026-04-22T15:35:51.359810-07:00

Via Satellite

Jetstar selects Viasat AMARA to equip 11 upgraded Boeing 787 Dreamliners with high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi

2026-04-22T13:24:49.422758-07:00

DefenseNews.com

Bahrain deal positions it as first regional operator of Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70, sustaining the Falcon production line

2026-04-22T15:23:56.709076-07:00

Textron

Bell signs three Bell 429 VIP helicopter deals for UK and Estonia, expanding corporate-aircraft presence in Europe

2026-04-22T06:05:32.206405-07:00

News Timeline

The Air Current

Ethiopian Airlines plots 100+ aircraft expansion amid jet-fuel shock Ethiopian Airlines is laying plans for an order covering more than 100 aircraft as part of an ambitious growth strategy, even as it navigates near-term turbulence and higher jet-fuel costs tied to the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. The move underscores continued fleet build despite margin pressure.

2026-04-22T15:35:51.359810-07:00

Ethiopian Airlines plots 100+ aircraft expansion amid jet-fuel shock

DefenseNews.com

Airbus Helicopters flags delivery dip while flight-testing H160 for French military missions Airbus Helicopters says deliveries have dipped but is upbeat about military-focused refit versions in the near term. The company is flight-testing the Airbus H160, a civil helicopter it is being studied for military missions with French forces, signaling continued rotorcraft conversion and retrofit demand.

2026-04-22T15:23:57.274933-07:00

Airbus Helicopters flags delivery dip while flight-testing H160 for French military missions

DefenseNews.com

Bahrain deal positions it as first regional operator of Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70, sustaining the Falcon production line Bahrain is set to become the first country in the region to operate Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70, a step intended to support Falcon production continuity. The award also signals continued demand for Block 70 upgrades as operators look to modernize their fighter fleets.

2026-04-22T15:23:56.709076-07:00

Bahrain deal positions it as first regional operator of Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70, sustaining the Falcon production line

DefenseNews.com

Singapore’s first Airbus A330 MRTT tanker delivery date set; aircraft earmarked for RSAF and possible overseas Army training Singapore has revealed the delivery date for its first Airbus A330 MRTT tanker. The aircraft will support Singapore Air Force operations and may be used to back overseas Singapore Army training exercises, underscoring the tankers’ role beyond pure aerial refuelling.

2026-04-22T15:23:54.996478-07:00

Singapore’s first Airbus A330 MRTT tanker delivery date set; aircraft earmarked for RSAF and possible overseas Army training

Via Satellite

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Jetstar selects Viasat AMARA to equip 11 upgraded Boeing 787 Dreamliners with high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi Jetstar Airways has chosen Viasat’s AMARA next-generation in-flight connectivity platform for its upgraded Boeing 787 fleet. The upgrade will be installed across 11 Dreamliners, extending Jetstar’s long-haul Wi-Fi coverage with a rollout expected through mid-2027, per Viasat.

2026-04-22T13:24:49.422758-07:00

Jetstar selects Viasat AMARA to equip 11 upgraded Boeing 787 Dreamliners with high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi

AINonline

Textron and Safran expand European distribution and helicopter engine maintenance footprint in Düsseldorf and Germany Textron is expanding its European parts and distribution center in Düsseldorf, adding 1,000 sq m this year to support regional inventory and fulfillment. Separately, Safran inaugurated a new German facility focused on helicopter engine maintenance, positioning the company to better serve the European market.

2026-04-22T10:50:05.157855-07:00

Textron and Safran expand European distribution and helicopter engine maintenance footprint in Düsseldorf and Germany

AeroTime

Delta TechOps locks in eight-year IndiGo deal to maintain 20 CFM56-5B engines Delta TechOps has signed an eight-year agreement with IndiGo to provide maintenance support for 20 CFM56-5B engines. The contract marks TechOps’ first major step into India and extends its engine services footprint into the world’s third-largest aviation market.

2026-04-22T10:06:30.742746-07:00

Delta TechOps locks in eight-year IndiGo deal to maintain 20 CFM56-5B engines

FlightGlobal

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Tecnam and Aura Aero spotlight premium cabin upgrades for trainers and the hybrid-electric ERA at AERO Friedrichshafen At AERO 2026, Tecnam presented a new luxury twin and a VIP-oriented upgrade path for its P2012, alongside a delivery to a flight academy. Aura Aero, meanwhile, unveiled multiple cabin layouts for its hybrid-electric ERA regional aircraft—including a 19-seat configuration and executive eight-seat variant—targeting service in 2030.

2026-04-22T08:24:53.504712-07:00

Tecnam and Aura Aero spotlight premium cabin upgrades for trainers and the hybrid-electric ERA at AERO Friedrichshafen

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Orders News

Ethiopian Airlines plots 100+ aircraft expansion amid jet-fuel shock

Jetstar selects Viasat AMARA to equip 11 upgraded Boeing 787 Dreamliners with high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi

Bahrain deal positions it as first regional operator of Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70, sustaining the Falcon production line

Bell signs three Bell 429 VIP helicopter deals for UK and Estonia, expanding corporate-aircraft presence in Europe

News Timeline