Boeing News

The War Zone

Operational USAF F-15EXs begin flying with conformal fuel tanks as mission demands evolve

The U.S. Air Force did not originally plan for the air-to-air combat-focused F-15EX to carry conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), but operational aircraft have now begun flying with them. The change reflects evolving mission demands, though the reports provide no further detail on the tanks’ operational role or fleetwide plans.

FlightGlobal

Boeing’s F/A-XX win, following its F-47 award, gives it lead roles in both U.S. sixth-generation fighter programs

Boeing’s victory in the Navy’s F/A-XX competition, alongside its earlier selection for the Air Force’s F-47, gives the company a central position in both U.S. sixth-generation fighter programs. The awards mark a major shift in the defense contracting landscape and put a premium on Boeing’s ability to execute across both programs.

FlightGlobal

IAG sees first 777-9 delivery slipping to 2028

FlightGlobal

Maintenance lapse allowed gust damage to a 737 Max fin and rudder unit to go undetected

A Southwest 737 Max was released to service after an operational test failed to identify impairment to its fin and rudder unit. The case highlights a maintenance-procedure lapse that left gust damage undetected.

ch-aviation

Lufthansa redirects five planned Austrian 787-9 deliveries to offset 777X delays

Austrian Airlines will lose five planned Boeing 787-9 deliveries after Lufthansa Group reallocates the aircraft to address delays to Boeing’s 777X. The shift adds another constraint to Austrian’s fleet plans while directing scarce widebody capacity toward other needs within the group.

ch-aviation

Lufthansa Group reallocates five Austrian B787-9s

AeroTime

F-35B releases MBDA Meteor from internal weapons bay for first time

A Lockheed Martin F-35B has released a Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile test asset from its internal weapons bay, a first for the stealth fighter. The milestone advances integration of the European weapon for British and Italian F-35 fleets.

Reuters

High activity

Airbus delivered 74 aircraft in October and needs 259 more to reach its 2026 target; Boeing 737 Max deliveries fell to about 32

Airbus reported 74 deliveries in October, taking its 2026 total to 621, and is targeting 259 aircraft in November and December to meet its goal of around 870. Boeing likely delivered about 32 737 Max jets, its lowest monthly total in almost a year. Airbus also lifted net orders above 1,300, driven by leasing-company commitments.