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FlightGlobal • Ryan Finnerty

Boeing’s MQ-28A Ghost Bat completes first US airspace flights at Point Mugu Sea Range

Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force have logged the MQ-28 “Ghost Bat” program’s first flights outside Australia, completing three autonomous tactical jet flights at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California. The MQ-28A Ghost Bat used US Naval Base Ventura County operations to validate autonomous control, rapid deployment and sustained allied-location operations.

2026-05-28T09:37:30.711544-07:00

Reuters

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg: China’s 200-jet commitment is an “initial tranche” that could expand toward ~700 jets

2026-05-28T00:15:35.356336-07:00

FlightGlobal

Israel receives first on-order Boeing KC-46A “Gideon” tanker ahead of local systems installation

2026-05-28T01:35:42.570055-07:00

Aviation Source

National Airlines takes second Boeing 777 freighter, accelerating long-haul cargo capacity after April arrival

2026-05-27T22:46:27.506869-07:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

Boeing’s MQ-28A Ghost Bat completes first US airspace flights at Point Mugu Sea Range Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force have logged the MQ-28 “Ghost Bat” program’s first flights outside Australia, completing three autonomous tactical jet flights at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California. The MQ-28A Ghost Bat used US Naval Base Ventura County operations to validate autonomous control, rapid deployment and sustained allied-location operations.

2026-05-28T09:37:30.711544-07:00

Boeing’s MQ-28A Ghost Bat completes first US airspace flights at Point Mugu Sea Range

FlightGlobal

Israel receives first on-order Boeing KC-46A “Gideon” tanker ahead of local systems installation Israel’s first Boeing KC-46A tanker, dubbed “Gideon,” has arrived in-country ahead of service entry and begins the next phase of installation work for local systems. The aircraft is the first of six KC-46As ordered, marking a tangible step toward expanding Israel’s aerial refueling capability.

2026-05-28T01:35:42.570055-07:00

Israel receives first on-order Boeing KC-46A “Gideon” tanker ahead of local systems installation

FlightGlobal

Israel Air Force takes delivery of first Boeing KC-46A “Gideon” tanker to replace aging KC-46A/707 Re’em fleet The Israeli Air Force has formally received its first KC-46A “Gideon” aerial refueling tanker at Nevatim Air Base, following completion of inaugural flights in the US. The new tanker will progressively replace the IAF’s aging Boeing 707 Re’em refueling aircraft and extend long-range strike reach.

2026-05-28T01:35:42.570055-07:00

Israel Air Force takes delivery of first Boeing KC-46A “Gideon” tanker to replace aging KC-46A/707 Re’em fleet

Reuters

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Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg: China’s 200-jet commitment is an “initial tranche” that could expand toward ~700 jets Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said China’s promise to buy 200 Boeing aircraft following President Trump’s visit is only a starting point, with “more to come” expected later this year as the order is firmed up. He framed the 200-jet commitment as a “major accomplishment” that could grow toward roughly 700 jets.

2026-05-28T00:15:35.356336-07:00

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg: China’s 200-jet commitment is an “initial tranche” that could expand toward ~700 jets

Aviation Source

National Airlines takes second Boeing 777 freighter, accelerating long-haul cargo capacity after April arrival National Airlines has received a second Boeing 777 freighter, arriving just weeks after its first aircraft came in April. The timing signals a rapid expansion of long-haul cargo capacity as the carrier pushes to grow its freighter lift.

2026-05-27T22:46:27.506869-07:00

National Airlines takes second Boeing 777 freighter, accelerating long-haul cargo capacity after April arrival

FlightGlobal

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China Airlines approves $876M order for two additional Boeing 777Fs, expanding its 777 freighter orderbook China Airlines’ board approved the purchase of two additional Boeing 777 freighters on 26 May in a deal valued at about $876 million, adding to a November 2025 order for six Boeing freighters. The stock-exchange disclosure signals continued investment in widebody freighter capacity.

2026-05-27T19:30:12.522611-07:00

China Airlines approves $876M order for two additional Boeing 777Fs, expanding its 777 freighter orderbook

ch-aviation

Western Global Airlines restarts MD-11F after FAA clearance, adding freighter capacity as Boeing implements structural/pylon mod Western Global Airlines has returned one MD-11F freighter to active service following FAA clearance, with ADS-B confirming resumed operations. The restart comes as Boeing rolls out “pylon Western” changes for the type, following similar MD-11F return-to-service efforts across the market.

2026-05-27T14:40:40.757037-07:00

Western Global Airlines restarts MD-11F after FAA clearance, adding freighter capacity as Boeing implements structural/pylon mod

Leeham News

Ortberg: Boeing targets 737 MAX production ramp to 63/month from 47/month Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said Boeing is aiming to move beyond its current 47 aircraft per month 737 MAX rate toward a “63 a month” target. He added that achieving the higher cadence depends on getting both Boeing and its supply chain positioned to sustain the ramp.

2026-05-27T12:08:10.830782-07:00

Ortberg: Boeing targets 737 MAX production ramp to 63/month from 47/month

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Boeing News

Boeing’s MQ-28A Ghost Bat completes first US airspace flights at Point Mugu Sea Range

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg: China’s 200-jet commitment is an “initial tranche” that could expand toward ~700 jets

Israel receives first on-order Boeing KC-46A “Gideon” tanker ahead of local systems installation

National Airlines takes second Boeing 777 freighter, accelerating long-haul cargo capacity after April arrival

News Timeline