Leeham News
• Scott Hamilton
Bargain-unit councils representing members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace have rejected contracts recommended by union negotiators. The decision adds uncertainty to labor negotiations affecting Boeing’s represented engineering and technical workforce, though the available reporting provides no further details on the terms or next steps.
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Bargain-unit councils representing members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace have rejected contracts recommended by union negotiators. The decision adds uncertainty to labor negotiations affecting Boeing’s represented engineering and technical workforce, though the available reporting provides no further details on the terms or next steps.
VietJetAir expects to receive more than 600 Airbus and Boeing aircraft through 2035 as the Vietnamese low-cost carrier expands its international network and aviation-services businesses. The planned fleet growth points to an aggressive long-term capacity and diversification strategy across passenger operations and related aviation activities.
The U.S. Air Force is searching for ways to address supply-chain bottlenecks in the engines supporting Boeing’s F-15EX and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 fighter programs. The effort underscores manufacturing constraints affecting two key tactical-aircraft platforms and the service’s ability to sustain production.
Recent demonstrations spanning Triton–Poseidon interoperability, autonomous fighter intercepts, AI-enabled sonar and Pentagon drone programs show parallel efforts to automate sensing, mission control and combat operations. The Navy’s latest unmanned-systems reorganization underscores the acquisition challenge: converting promising capabilities into deployable systems at production scale.
A new Pentagon report attributes delays to Boeing’s two VC-25B presidential aircraft to interior design problems and certification issues. The findings add to schedule pressure surrounding the Air Force One replacement program, with implications for Boeing’s execution, government oversight and delivery planning.
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The FAA is ordering inspections of nearly 500 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for possible cracks in fuselage or door-related structural components, while proposing action to address a Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 issue that could lead to dual-engine uncontained failures on the 787. Spanish-language reports also cite seat-anchor inspections on 453 MAX aircraft.
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $75 million undefinitized contract action for the BSU-111/B JDAM Long Range, a precision-guided munition designed to carry a 500-pound-class payload beyond 300 nautical miles. Boeing says the first production kits will go to the U.S. Navy.
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The FAA has granted type certification to Boeing’s 737-7 after years of delay, marking progress in the manufacturer’s regulatory reset and creating a pathway toward approvals for the 737-10 and 777-9. AerCap’s CEO called 737-10 certification vital to the MAX family’s airline appeal.
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