The Air Current
• Jon Ostrower
NASA is signaling a broader approach to crewed space transportation, investing in Boeing while encouraging commercial-space entrants to develop alternatives to SpaceX’s Dragon. Isaacman framed the move as a clear demand signal, suggesting the agency wants more competition and resilience in future human-spaceflight services.
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Germany’s BFU says Vietnam Airlines flight VN34 recorded repeated electric-brake inputs during its Aug. 15 Boeing 787-9 takeoff at Munich, alongside a speed plateau near V1, rotation below VR and a tailstrike. The aircraft overran the runway, destroyed 20 approach lights and caused no injuries; the cause remains under investigation.
NASA is signaling a broader approach to crewed space transportation, investing in Boeing while encouraging commercial-space entrants to develop alternatives to SpaceX’s Dragon. Isaacman framed the move as a clear demand signal, suggesting the agency wants more competition and resilience in future human-spaceflight services.
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The FAA is delaying certification of Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 while it reviews a software issue, Administrator Bryan Bedford said. Bedford provided no timetable for approval, leaving the aircraft’s certification schedule unresolved and extending uncertainty around Boeing’s largest 737 MAX variant.
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The Pentagon awarded RTX’s Raytheon business a provisional $20.7 billion multiyear AMRAAM contract aimed at nearly doubling output, alongside Boeing’s $75 million JDAM Long Range production award and a $123.8 million Northrop Grumman contract for F-35 APG-85 radar components.
A second Boeing 747-8I sold by Lufthansa to the U.S. Air Force has departed Frankfurt for Pinal Airpark, Arizona. The aircraft will provide spare parts and support the future VC-25B Air Force One fleet, expanding the U.S. government’s access to 747-8 components.
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Boeing has identified a flight-management software issue that can disable automated vertical-navigation guidance after a missed approach, potentially increasing pilot workload. The FAA is reviewing the problem, creating another hurdle for Boeing’s delayed 737 Max 10 and Max 7 programs as they move toward commercial service.
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The FAA has approved Boeing’s 737 MAX 7, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for the smallest MAX variant. Southwest Airlines expects its first deliveries only near the end of 2026, while Boeing prepares 27 previously built aircraft for eventual entry into service.
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China Airlines selected Safran to overhaul landing gear on its 18 Airbus A350-900s from 2026 through 2031, while Japan Airlines renewed Boeing 787 component support with Lufthansa Technik. Hebei Airlines and FTAI Aviation also advanced CFM56 maintenance arrangements and regional service capacity.
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