AINonline
• Charlotte Bailey
Britten-Norman is planning to expand UK production of its Islander utility aircraft to eight new-build units annually, following the inaugural flight of the latest aircraft built at Bembridge. The production increase signals continued demand for the long-running type and renewed activity at the manufacturer’s UK facility.
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Britten-Norman is planning to expand UK production of its Islander utility aircraft to eight new-build units annually, following the inaugural flight of the latest aircraft built at Bembridge. The production increase signals continued demand for the long-running type and renewed activity at the manufacturer’s UK facility.
High activity
Korean Air has converted a preliminary agreement announced in August 2025 into a firm order for 103 Boeing aircraft, spanning the 737 MAX and 777X families. The deal is the South Korean carrier’s largest aircraft order and supports its fleet renewal and growth strategy.
Air Cambodia is preparing to introduce the COMAC C909, with its first two aircraft due in November 2026. The carrier’s remaining firm orders comprise two regional jets scheduled for delivery in 2027, three in 2028 and three in 2029.
Brazilian airline GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes has taken delivery of its first Airbus A330-900neo, according to ch-aviation. The aircraft represents the carrier’s latest widebody fleet addition, although the report provides no further details on its configuration, ownership or planned deployment.
Avincis plans to acquire five Bell 214ST medium-twin helicopters from Australian type certificate holder McDermott Aviation, expanding the aerial services provider’s firefighting fleet. The deal adds additional heavy-lift rotorcraft capacity for wildfire response operations.
High activity
Electra has chosen U.S. aerospace manufacturer Atlas Group to produce and assemble the first pre-production airframes for its EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The agreement advances Electra’s program toward flight testing, certification and eventual commercial production.
Qatar Airways plans to expand its fleet by 138 aircraft over the next five years, according to CEO Akbar Al Baker. The announcement signals a significant capacity and fleet-growth commitment by the Gulf carrier, with implications for future deliveries, financing and network expansion.
French all-business carrier La Compagnie plans to add a third A321LR in 2027 and its first A321XLR in 2028, potentially doubling its fleet. The airline is also launching nonstop Düsseldorf–New York Newark service next spring, expanding its transatlantic network beyond its existing operations.
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