The Air Current
• Will Guisbond
United Airlines says it has “no interest” in taking early-build Boeing 777-9 aircraft that are awaiting change incorporation. The carrier’s stance underscores schedule and configuration risk for the start of the 777-9 program, with delivery planning affected by what Boeing still needs to implement.
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Senate Republicans blocked Democratic legislation that aimed to prevent the Pentagon from using taxpayer funds to modify a VIP-configured Boeing 747-8 (BBJ) that is currently serving as the VC-25B Bridge aircraft. The aircraft was donated to President Donald Trump by Qatar in 2025.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company is “feeling pretty good” about Starliner’s prospects for a this-year launch, signaling improving confidence in the program’s timeline and readiness posture after ongoing development work.
The UK parliament has been informed that an investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 crash remains active, with thrust-control analysis continuing after the accident. The minister also said tests conducted in Seattle found no anomalies in the fuel switch, while formal progress continues to be reviewed.
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United Airlines says it has “no interest” in taking early-build Boeing 777-9 aircraft that are awaiting change incorporation. The carrier’s stance underscores schedule and configuration risk for the start of the 777-9 program, with delivery planning affected by what Boeing still needs to implement.
US-Bangla Airlines has formally announced plans to buy 21 Boeing aircraft in a deal valued at about $1.5 billion, with delivery targeted by 2027. The airline says the fleet growth is intended to expand its international network into North America and Europe.
Australia has introduced its first national standard operating procedures for large air tanker firefighting aircraft, including minimum drop heights, after an investigation into a 2023 Boeing 737 firebomber accident in Western Australia. The rules follow findings that no height restrictions were in place at the time of the crash.
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Boeing has completed the final planned certification flight for the 737 MAX 10, concluding the type’s flight-test campaign after years of delays. The program logged 976 flights and roughly 1,040 hours, but certification still requires FAA safety reviews and approval ahead of 2027 deliveries.
A draft UN report says aircraft associated with a Boeing 727-linked operation—linked by Reuters to a U.S. military contractor’s business network—moved weapons and drones for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces. The findings raise further questions about sanctions compliance and the networks enabling armed-group resupply.
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