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GOP blocks bill that would bar Pentagon funding to modify Qatari-donated B747-8 (VC-25B “Bridge” aircraft)

Senate Republicans blocked Democratic legislation that aimed to prevent the Pentagon from using taxpayer funds to modify a VIP-configured Boeing 747-8 (BBJ) that is currently serving as the VC-25B Bridge aircraft. The aircraft was donated to President Donald Trump by Qatar in 2025.

Ars Technica

High activity

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg says Starliner could fly into space this year

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company is “feeling pretty good” about Starliner’s prospects for a this-year launch, signaling improving confidence in the program’s timeline and readiness posture after ongoing development work.

FlightGlobal

Air India 787 investigation: thrust-control analysis and Seattle tests continue; minister says no fuel-switch anomalies found

The UK parliament has been informed that an investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 crash remains active, with thrust-control analysis continuing after the accident. The minister also said tests conducted in Seattle found no anomalies in the fuel switch, while formal progress continues to be reviewed.

The Air Current

United says it won’t take early-build 777-9s while aircraft modifications are pending

United Airlines says it has “no interest” in taking early-build Boeing 777-9 aircraft that are awaiting change incorporation. The carrier’s stance underscores schedule and configuration risk for the start of the 777-9 program, with delivery planning affected by what Boeing still needs to implement.

Reuters

High activity

Big OEM Q2 read-through: Gulfstream/General Dynamics momentum, Boeing’s $428M loss on $24.6B revenue, and Airbus A350F first-fli

General Dynamics reported Q2 2026 revenue of $14.09 billion, led by rising Gulfstream deliveries (41) and 15.1% aerospace revenue growth. Boeing posted a Q2 net loss of $428 million on $24.6 billion revenue and ended with a record $715 billion backlog. Airbus said profit more than doubled on stronger deliveries/defense, reaffirming ~870 aircraft in 2026 and noting the A350 freighter’s initial flight plan has slipped to before year-end.

CNA

High activity

US-Bangla Airlines to acquire 21 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in a ~$1.5B expansion

US-Bangla Airlines has formally announced plans to buy 21 Boeing aircraft, valued at about $1.5 billion, with delivery targeted by 2027. The carrier said the move is intended to drive a major international-network expansion to North America and Europe.

AeroTime

High activity

Australia issues national SOPs for large air tanker firefighting aircraft, setting minimum retardant drop heights after 2023 737

Australia has introduced its first national standard operating procedures for large air tanker firefighting aircraft, including minimum drop heights, after an investigation into a 2023 Boeing 737 firebomber accident in Western Australia. The rules follow findings that no height restrictions were in place at the time of the crash.

AeroTime

High activity

Boeing completes final FAA 737 MAX 10 certification flight, closes flight-test campaign

Boeing has completed the final certification flight for the 737 MAX 10, ending the flight-test campaign after years of development and regulatory delays. The program logged 976 flights and about 1,040 hours on the ground, with certification now pending FAA safety reviews and approval. The MAX 7/10 test efforts were completed in parallel, setting up targeted 2026 certification and 2027 deliveries.