Aviation News

The Chinese domestically manufactured regional jet, the Comac C909, performed its maiden international flight from China on July 1, 2025, nine years after the aircraft began commercial operations. The jet operated a flight between China and Mongolia, marking a new era in its operations.

Supply chain problems related to engines and fuselages are often blamed for delays in aircraft deliveries. But another part of the supply chain is also adding pressure: passenger seats. As demand for new aircraft continues to increase, delays tied to seat availability are disrupting delivery timelines for major manufacturers, including Airbus, according to industry sources cited by Reuters.

Delta Air Lines has 176 widebody aircraft. According to ch-aviation, its twin-aisle fleet consists of 39 Boeing 767-300ERs, 38 Airbus A350-900s, 36 A330-900s, 31 A330-300s, 21 767-400ERs, and 11 A330-200s. Of course, A350-1000s are coming, which will probably become its highest-capacity equipment and have the greatest proportion of premium seats.

Silver Airways, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December last year, could soon return under a new name. Argentum Acquisition Co., a private equity-backed firm, has applied to take over Silver’s operating certificates and authorities through a joint filing with the US Department of Transportation, according to public records available on Regulations.gov.

Brazilian aeronautical manufacturer Embraer has announced that applications are now open for a scholarship-funded master's program in its home country. Based at a university located in the same city as the South American planemaker's headquarters, the scheme is open to a wide variety of students, with 45 of the program's Brazil-based participants set to receive a monthly scholarship.

flydubai has started building a multi-million dollar aircraft maintenance facility in Dubai South, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026. The new centre aims to “ensure an increased level of control and quicker maintenance turnaround for the carrier’s growing fleet.”

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has seen a historic surge in airline travel. Just over a week ago, the agency reported screening almost 3.1 million passengers in a single day at airports across the nation, making it the busiest travel day in its 24-year history. Since then, it has added the seventh and ninth-busiest days in TSA history, meaning 2025 can now claim six of the agency's top 10 busiest days on record.

A cybercriminal group known as Scattered Spider has set its sights on the airline industry in North America. The group, known for hacking into corporate IT systems and holding sensitive information for ransom, has managed to reach two major North American airlines: Canada's WestJet and Hawaiian Airlines. Both airlines did not report any disruptions to their operations.

The American Journal of Transportation (AJOT) is reporting that Boeing is looking to acquire Spirit AeroSystems' Belfast facilities in Northern Ireland. This is as per statements made by Spirit and Boeing representatives to AJOT. This comes as part of a larger acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems' assets and facilities, with both Boeing and Airbus acquiring key parts of the company.

For Canada’s Birthday, the “Snowbirds” aerial demonstration team of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) made a special flyover in Ottawa. Earlier today, the unique team flew its Canadair C-114 Tutors over the Parliament Building in tight formation, celebrating the nation’s foundation day.

More than 1,800 Airbus A380 flights are scheduled to European destinations this month, according to the aviation analytics company Cirium. Six airlines will operate the double-decker aircraft on routes connecting various parts of the world to Europe.

A Spring Japan Boeing 737, operating a flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) on June 30, was forced to make an emergency landing at Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) after the aircraft experienced issues with cabin pressurization.

Brazilian manufacturer Embraer has been seeing steady interest in its E2 jet family in recent months. The company had a successful showing at this year’s Paris Air Show and secured additional orders for the type. Additionally, this morning, Scandinavian Airlines placed a firm order for 45 E195-E2 aircraft, along with options and purchase rights for 10 more. The jets will be operated by SAS Link, the carrier’s regional subsidiary.

A fairly significant visit by the Belgian Royal family to Chile was disrupted not once, but twice, after a HiFly Airbus A340-300 encountered several technical difficulties. The visit, which occurred last week, made headlines in Belgium after Portuguese wet-lease specialist HiFly provided a less-than-royal service.

London Heathrow has more Airbus A380 flights than any other airport worldwide except (you guessed it) Dubai. Using OAG to analyze Heathrow's July schedule indicates 21 departures are available on most days. Frequencies remain almost unchanged year-on-year, but are down by 13% compared to before the pandemic in July 2019.

Change is afoot in Boeing's executive leadership team. The US planemaker announced the appointment of its new Chief Financial Officer yesterday, with this news being followed today by the unveiling of the new President and Chief Executive Officer of its Defense, Space &Security division. The company has opted to appoint Steve Parker to this position, a veteran executive of almost four decades at Boeing.

Boeing has hired a new Chief Financial Officer. Jesus "Jay" Malave was announced as the company's new CFO as well as executive vice president on June 30, 2025, and he will step into these roles on August 15, 2025. Malave is formerly from Lockheed Martin, also serving as the CFO. Additionally, Boeing has promoted Brian West, the company's former CFO, to senior advisor for Kelly Ortberg, Boeing's CEO and president.

The Supreme Court has decided it will not rule on a lawsuit between the United States’ Department of Justice and American Airlines and JetBlue. The federal agency originally sued the airlines while their partnership was active, claiming that their collaboration was anticompetitive. The case was deemed to be no longer relevant by the Supreme Court.

Yesterday, a transcript was published in a YouTube video by an account called You can see ATC featuring communications made by an Airbus A321-200 operated by American Airlines on Wednesday, June 25. Following takeoff, the aircraft reported an emergency due to an engine overheating. The aircraft turned around to land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Arizona, where it had departed shortly before.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is facing an air traffic controller staffing crisis, and controllers are having to work six-day weeks to compensate for the shortage. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledges the situation, but says that it is confident that it will have the staffing issues resolved soon. It states that DCA is currently just two controllers short of requirements.