Space Intel Report
• Peter B. de Selding
French and German associations representing NewSpace companies are asking the European Commission to provide a clear assessment of European government launch demand in the coming years. The groups say greater visibility is needed to stimulate both government support and private investment in European launchers.
Europe
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French and German associations representing NewSpace companies are asking the European Commission to provide a clear assessment of European government launch demand in the coming years. The groups say greater visibility is needed to stimulate both government support and private investment in European launchers.
High activity
AirAsia has selected Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus as its first-ever codeshare partner, connecting the airlines’ networks through Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. AirAsia plans to increase Kuala Lumpur–Istanbul service from 2027, expanding access between Southeast Asia, Turkey and Pegasus’ broader European network.
Luxembourg’s Luxair plans to invest more than €1 billion ($1.2 billion) to replace its entire fleet by the mid-2030s, excluding aircraft already newly delivered. The renewal will center on Boeing’s 737 MAX family, marking a long-term commitment to the narrowbody platform as the airline reshapes its fleet.
High activity
ANA and Airbus have signed a comprehensive agreement to train the next generation of pilots for the ANA Group and partner airlines. The Airbus-led ab initio program in Europe, alongside simulator support from Airbus Asia Training Centre and Singapore Flying College, expands the airline’s training capacity.
High activity
Ryanair carried 22.2 million passengers in August, up 6% year over year, but is reducing its full-year traffic outlook and winter flying to avoid purchasing jet fuel at elevated prices. The carrier expects profits to decline and warned sustained oil prices could put some European competitors’ survival at risk.
Loss-making airBaltic is reducing its summer 2027 schedule and withdrawing destinations from its core Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius network. The Latvian operator says the changes follow a revised long-term business plan focused on its strongest markets and intended to stabilize its financial position.
Polish space technology company Creotech Instruments has signed a €13.9 million ($16 million) contract with the European Space Agency to comprehensively implement SAWA, Poland’s second space-weather nanosatellite mission. The project is also described as the country’s first “mission-as-a-service” initiative, expanding Poland’s role in European space programs.
Lufthansa Group continues to view Lufthansa Technik as a core portfolio asset while leaving open a future equity partnership or sale. Separately, Lufthansa Technical Training won Bundeswehr certification for theoretical P-8A Poseidon maintenance training, while Rheinmetall’s LUNA NG received provisional military airworthiness approval for training and testing.
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