The Air Current
• Jon Ostrower
Rolls-Royce has placed two large billboards in Seattle, including one visible from Alaska Air Group’s headquarters, promoting its Trent 1000 XE engine as an option for the airline’s future Boeing 787-10s. The campaign signals a push to challenge GE for a share of the potential widebody fleet.
Boeing
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Rolls-Royce has placed two large billboards in Seattle, including one visible from Alaska Air Group’s headquarters, promoting its Trent 1000 XE engine as an option for the airline’s future Boeing 787-10s. The campaign signals a push to challenge GE for a share of the potential widebody fleet.
The FAA has ordered inspections of fuel-tank sealant on 60 Boeing 787s registered in the United States, citing a potential explosion risk if lightning strikes ignite fuel vapors. The directive puts attention on a specific aircraft-system vulnerability and the inspection work required to address it.
Boeing’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook projects Middle East passenger traffic will increase 4.3% annually over the next 20 years, despite industry headwinds, and forecasts the region’s commercial fleet will double by 2045. The outlook links that growth to demand supporting trade, tourism and commerce.
High activity
AMAC Aerospace completed maintenance, structural repairs and cabin upgrades on five Boeing Business Jets, while DC Aviation Malta added a third Bombardier Global 7500. Aeroméxico took delivery of a 737 MAX 8, bringing its fleet to 171 aircraft; BETA Technologies reported a $4 billion aircraft backlog and raised its 2026 revenue outlook after a record third quarter.
Boeing has deployed 777-9 test aircraft to Iceland’s strong winds and a Bolivian airport more than 10,000 feet above sea level as it intensifies certification work on the long-delayed widebody. The tests expose the aircraft to demanding conditions in two distant operating environments.
Turkish Airlines has signed lease agreements with AerCap for two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters. The aircraft will be the first of the type in the carrier’s fleet, adding dedicated cargo capacity through leased aircraft rather than a direct purchase.
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