Alaska Airlines Plans Europe Expansion Amid Delivery Delays

Airbus Commercial Aircraft Deliveries Decline in May Airbus reported a continued decline in commercial aircraft deliveries in May 2025, dispatching a total of 51 jets to customers. This figure is down by two aircraft compared to May 2024 and five fewer than in April 2025. Over the first five months of the year, Airbus delivered 243 aircraft, representing a 5% decrease relative to the same period last year. Delivery Trends by Aircraft Family The delivery performance varied significantly across Airbus’s aircraft families. The A220 family was the sole segment to register growth, with 29 jets delivered so far in 2025, marking a 38% increase. Conversely, the A320neo family experienced a notable decline, with deliveries falling by 19 units in absolute terms. Widebody aircraft deliveries also contracted, with the A330 down by 10% and the A350 by 6%. The A320neo, historically Airbus’s best-selling commercial jet, was the main contributor to the overall downturn. In May, only 11 A320neos were delivered, nearly all to Chinese airlines. For the first five months, Airbus delivered 63 A320neos, a sharp 34% decrease compared to the previous year, equating to 32 fewer jets. In contrast, the A321neo demonstrated resilience, with 120 aircraft delivered so far in 2025, seven more than in the same period last year. Outlook and Order Updates The subdued delivery figures increase pressure on Airbus as it seeks to meet its 2025 guidance, which anticipates the delivery of 880 commercial aircraft. CEO Guillaume Faury acknowledged the challenges faced in the first half of the year but expressed optimism about a recovery in the latter half. While no new aircraft orders were announced in the May report, Airbus revealed 17 previously unidentified orders. These include two A220-100s for Papua New Guinea’s Air Niugini, an increase in China’s Bocom Leasing A320neo order from 41 to 42 aircraft, and a rise in China’s Chengdu Airlines total to 12. British Airways confirmed six new A350-1000 orders, supplementing the 18 widebodies already delivered. Additionally, IAG Group’s Iberia increased its A350-900 orders from 23 to 29. KLM also added another A320neo last month as part of a global order being fulfilled for Air France-KLM.

Delivery Data Indicates Progress for Boeing’s MAX Improved Production and Delivery Rates For an extended period, news surrounding Boeing’s MAX aircraft has been a source of concern. However, recent developments suggest that the changes implemented following the leadership transition and the resolution of the strike are beginning to yield positive results. Reports indicate that Boeing’s production rates for the MAX series are on the rise, signaling a recovery in manufacturing efficiency. While increased production is a promising sign, the critical factor for Boeing’s financial health remains the delivery of these aircraft to customers. Deliveries directly translate into revenue, making them a vital metric for assessing the company’s progress. To gain a clearer understanding, it is essential to examine the delivery data by MAX model, which provides insight into how effectively Boeing is converting production gains into completed sales.

Airbus Confirms 12 A350 Orders for IAG in May Despite No New Orders Order Activity and Customer Disclosures Airbus reported no new aircraft orders in May, maintaining a steady order book with net orders for 2025 holding at 215 aircraft. The company also confirmed that a previously undisclosed order placed on March 6 for twelve A350 aircraft—comprising six A350-900s and six A350-1000s—belongs to International Airlines Group (IAG), specifically its subsidiaries British Airways and Iberia. This confirmation follows IAG’s public disclosure of the order on May 9, which was announced alongside plans to acquire 34 A330-900s (21 firm orders and 13 options) and 42 Boeing 787-10s (32 firm and 10 options). Notably, the A330-900 order has yet to be reflected in Airbus’s official backlog. On the same day, Airbus recorded an order from another undisclosed customer for 13 A320neo and 17 A321neo aircraft, though the identity of this airline remains confidential. With no cancellations reported in May, Airbus’s gross orders stand at 291 after adjustments that removed one A220-100 and 75 A320neo aircraft from its books. Deliveries and Wizz Air’s First A321XLR In May, Airbus delivered a total of 51 aircraft across a range of models to various customers. These deliveries included one A220-100 to private aviation operator Comlux, four A220-300s, one A319neo, Air China’s first A319neo, 11 A320neos, 28 A321neos, three A330-900s, and three A350-900s. A highlight of the month was the delivery of Wizz Air’s first A321XLR, registered as G-XLRA, to its UK subsidiary. The aircraft arrived at London Luton Airport on May 20 before being transferred to London Gatwick Airport, where it commenced commercial service on a flight to Athens. In the days following, the A321XLR also operated flights between London Gatwick and Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport. Several US carriers, including Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines, also received new Airbus aircraft during May. Despite ongoing trade tensions between the European Union and the United States—rooted in policies from the Trump administration—demand remains resilient. Delta Air Lines notably took delivery of four aircraft, including one A321neo, underscoring continued interest in Airbus products amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Texarkana College and FAA Safety Team Honor Aviation Excellence The Little Rock FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam), in collaboration with Texarkana College’s Aviation Technology program, will host a distinguished ceremony on June 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The event will take place at the Texarkana College Department of Aviation Hangar, located at 60 Globe Avenue, Texarkana, Arkansas. It aims to recognize outstanding contributions to aviation through the presentation of the Wright Brothers Master Pilot and Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Awards. The aviation community and media are invited to attend and celebrate the achievements of these exemplary professionals. Celebrating Distinguished Pilots and Mechanics The ceremony, led by Jamie Black, FAASTeam Program Manager at the Little Rock Flight Standards District Office, will honor several recipients for their exceptional dedication and service. The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award will be presented to Jim Collom, Randy Williams, Tevis Pappas, Gary Walker, and Jerry Browning. This award recognizes pilots who have accumulated 50 or more years of piloting experience or combined expertise in piloting and aircraft operations. Named after Orville and Wilbur Wright, pioneers of controlled, powered flight in 1903, the award pays tribute to their legacy of innovation and the advancement of fixed-wing aircraft controls. The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award will be bestowed upon Jim Collom, Randy Williams, and Perry Hodgson. This accolade honors senior mechanics with 50 or more years of civil and military maintenance experience. Named after Charles Taylor, the Wright brothers’ mechanic who engineered the engine for their first successful aircraft, the award acknowledges a lifetime of excellence in aviation maintenance. Texarkana Regional Airport, renowned as the premier maintenance relief airport in the Ark-La-Tex region, proudly upholds this tradition of mechanical expertise. Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Texarkana Regional Airport will be represented by 34 students from Texarkana College’s newly established Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) program. These students will attend the ceremony to draw inspiration from the award recipients, whose careers exemplify the high standards of skill and dedication that have long defined the local aviation community. Brandon Sanders, Director of Aviation Technology at Texarkana College, emphasized the significance of the event, stating that it offers a unique opportunity for students to connect with the legacy of excellence fostered at the airport. He noted that the ceremony aligns with the college’s mission to provide high-quality education that prepares students for impactful careers in aviation maintenance. Established in 1928, Texarkana Regional Airport has a storied history as a hub for aviation maintenance and repair. Its reputation for producing highly skilled aviation mechanics has attracted numerous maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies seeking a qualified workforce. The partnership between Texarkana College and the airport continues to strengthen this legacy, ensuring the region remains a vital center for aviation expertise and innovation.

Riyadh Air to Acquire Airbus A350-1000 as Flagship Aircraft Riyadh Air, the emerging Saudi Arabian airline set to begin operations in late 2025, is poised to make a landmark aircraft order that will shape its flagship fleet. The startup has already placed substantial orders for up to 72 Boeing 787-9s and as many as 60 Airbus A321neos, reflecting its ambitious vision to establish Riyadh as a key global aviation hub. To complement this growing fleet, the airline has been evaluating additional wide-body aircraft options, with the decision now reportedly favoring the Airbus A350 over the Boeing 777X. Selecting the Airbus A350-1000 Industry sources suggest that Riyadh Air plans to announce an order for approximately 50 Airbus A350 aircraft at the upcoming Paris Air Show, scheduled from June 16 to June 22, 2025. The focus will be on the A350-1000, the largest and most capable variant in the A350 family, renowned for its extended range, high passenger capacity, and efficient operating economics. It remains uncertain whether the order will also include any A350-900 models alongside the A350-1000s. The choice of the A350 over the Boeing 777X aligns with practical considerations. The 777X program has encountered significant delays, remaining uncertified and approximately six years behind schedule, which presents a considerable risk for a nascent carrier. While the 777X offers promising performance metrics, Riyadh Air’s preference for the A350 reflects a strategic decision to prioritize fleet reliability and timely deployment. Fleet Strategy and Passenger Experience Although Riyadh Air will commence operations with the Boeing 787-9, the Airbus A350 is intended to serve as the airline’s flagship aircraft, deployed on its most critical long-haul routes. The airline recently unveiled the cabin design for its Boeing 787s, which notably excludes a first-class section. In contrast, first class will be introduced on the A350, highlighting the aircraft’s role as the premium product within the fleet. Riyadh Air has positioned itself as one of the most well-funded and meticulously planned airline startups in recent years, with significant commitments to passenger experience. The industry will be closely observing how the airline fulfills these ambitions as it prepares to enter the competitive international aviation market. Outlook Riyadh Air’s anticipated order of around 50 Airbus A350 aircraft, primarily the A350-1000 variant, represents a pivotal development in its fleet strategy. This acquisition will complement its existing Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321neo orders, underscoring the airline’s long-term growth plans. The forthcoming announcement at the Paris Air Show is expected to provide further insight into Riyadh Air’s expansion trajectory and its emerging role in the global aviation landscape.

VAI Urges Swift FAA Action on Low-Altitude Vertical Flight Routes Vertical Aviation International (VAI) has called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expedite the implementation of regulations supporting low-altitude instrument flight rules (IFR) operations for rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft. The appeal was made during testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Aviation at a hearing titled “FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024: Stakeholder Perspectives on Implementation One Year Later.” VAI emphasized that these measures are essential not only to enhance safety but also to prepare for the integration of next-generation vertical flight technologies. Emphasis on Section 627 and Airspace Modernization Cade Clark, VAI’s chief government affairs officer, highlighted the critical importance of fully and promptly enacting Section 627 of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act. This section mandates the modernization of low-altitude IFR routes through performance-based navigation. Clark urged the FAA to prioritize this implementation without delay, particularly focusing on high-density airspace areas. He also stressed the need to align these efforts with broader air traffic control modernization initiatives to create a cohesive and efficient airspace system. Clark stated, “Implementing Section 627 is a critical step toward ensuring that rotorcraft and powered-lift aircraft can operate safely, predictably, and efficiently in increasingly congested and complex airspace.” He further noted that this modernization would establish a foundation for integrating advanced technologies and aircraft into a performance-based airspace system, enhancing operational capabilities and safety. The Vital Role of Vertical Flight Aircraft In his testimony, Clark underscored the indispensable contributions of vertical flight aircraft in critical public service roles, including disaster response, firefighting, medical evacuations, and infrastructure resilience. He pointed out that nearly 1,000 helicopters were contracted for federal wildfire response missions in 2024 alone, illustrating the sector’s growing operational demands. VAI reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with Congress, the FAA, and industry stakeholders to ensure that Section 627 is implemented with the necessary urgency, transparency, and technical precision. The association emphasized that such cooperation is vital to meeting the expanding public service and commercial needs associated with vertical flight operations.

Airbus Records No Commercial Aircraft Orders in May 2025 Airbus has reported an unprecedented absence of commercial aircraft orders for May 2025, according to its latest monthly update. The manufacturer did not secure any new contracts during the month, a development that has drawn attention within the aerospace industry. While the exact reasons for this pause remain unclear, analysts suggest that Airbus may be strategically withholding announcements in anticipation of a significant influx of orders at the forthcoming International Paris Air Show scheduled later this month. Delivery Performance Amid Industry Challenges In addition to the order report, Airbus released its delivery statistics for May 2025, revealing that 51 aircraft were delivered to 32 customers. This figure represents a slight decline compared to May 2024, when 53 aircraft were handed over to 43 customers, and a more pronounced decrease from May 2023, which saw 63 deliveries to 36 customers. The year-on-year reduction from May 2024 to May 2025 amounts to a 4% drop in deliveries. Among the notable deliveries last month were Wizz Air’s first Airbus A321XLR and Kuwait Airways’ inaugural A321neo, marking important milestones for both carriers. Despite these achievements, Airbus’s total deliveries for the year to date stand at 243 aircraft, falling significantly short of its annual target of approximately 820 commercial jets. Both Airbus and its primary competitor, Boeing, continue to grapple with substantial challenges in meeting their delivery goals. Persistent supply chain disruptions, particularly concerning engine availability, remain a critical bottleneck that hampers production schedules. These ongoing difficulties highlight the broader pressures facing the aerospace sector as it strives to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and adjust to shifting market demands.

The Capabilities of the Boeing 777 Introduction to the Boeing 777 The Boeing 777, commonly known as the "Triple Seven," stands as Boeing's flagship long-range wide-body aircraft, having assumed this role following the cessation of Boeing 747 production. Initially conceived to fill the gap between the Boeing 767 and the Boeing 747, the 777 was designed primarily to replace older trijet models such as the Douglas DC-10. The aircraft was launched in 1990 after extensive consultations with eight major airlines. Its maiden flight occurred in June 1994, and it entered commercial service the following year with United Airlines. The 777 is distinguished by several advanced features, including the largest engines ever fitted to a commercial airliner, raked wingtips, six-wheel main landing gear, and a circular fuselage. It also incorporates fly-by-wire controls and a composite tail structure, underscoring its technological sophistication. Engine Power and Performance While some of the largest intercontinental aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, are powered by four massive turbofan engines, the Boeing 777 is unique in its use of two exceptionally powerful General Electric GE90 turbofan engines. These engines are the most powerful currently in operation on commercial aircraft, capable of producing over 110,000 pounds of thrust. This remarkable power enables the 777 to operate as the most capable twin-engine jet in the skies today. Early variants of the 777 included the 777-200, the longer-range 777-200ER, and the stretched 777-300, each powered by various engines. Later models, such as the 777-300ER and the ultra-long-range 777-200LR, standardized on the GE90 engines, enhancing their range and payload capabilities. The Future: Boeing 777X Building on the success of earlier models, Boeing is developing the third generation of the 777 family, known as the 777X. This advanced iteration features composite folding wings and is powered by the new GE9X engines, which promise even greater efficiency and thrust. Scheduled to enter service in 2026, the 777X is designed to accommodate between 301 and 368 passengers in a typical three-class configuration and boasts a maximum range of 8,555 nautical miles. By April 2025, Boeing had recorded over 2,300 orders for the 777 family and delivered more than 1,700 aircraft, making it the best-selling wide-body jet in commercial aviation history. The 777’s combination of power, efficiency, and capacity positions it as a cornerstone of modern long-haul air travel and a key player in the future of high-capacity aviation.

TP Aerospace Secures Long-Term Wheels and Brakes Support Agreement with Supernova Airlines TP Aerospace has entered into a long-term cycle flat rate (CFR) agreement with Ukrainian cargo carrier Supernova Airlines to provide comprehensive wheels and brakes support for the airline’s forthcoming Boeing 737NG freighter operations. This partnership represents a significant step in Supernova’s expansion strategy and strengthens TP Aerospace’s foothold in Eastern Europe’s aviation maintenance sector. Strategic Facility and Operational Impact The agreement is already in effect, with services primarily delivered from TP Aerospace’s recently EASA-approved flagship facility in Brno, Czech Republic. Spanning 10,000 square meters, the Brno site received its final certification in December 2023 and serves as a critical hub for the company’s European operations. This facility will play a pivotal role in meeting the maintenance demands of Supernova’s growing fleet. Supernova Airlines, a subsidiary of the Nova Group, was established in 2021 and commenced official operations after obtaining its Ukrainian operator’s certificate in early 2023. The airline currently operates within the European Union from its hubs in Riga and Warsaw. Igor Lazniuk, Technical Director at Supernova, emphasized the value of the partnership, stating that TP Aerospace’s expertise will be essential in maintaining the reliability and efficiency of their expanding operations. The CFR programme is designed to provide Supernova with predictable maintenance costs and improved operational efficiency, positioning both companies for sustained growth and success in the competitive European cargo market.

The Most Powerful Commercial Aircraft Engines in Use Today Aircraft engines are indispensable to flight, providing the necessary thrust to propel planes forward. The commercial aviation industry relies on a range of powerful engines produced by leading manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and GE Aerospace. This article examines the seven most powerful commercial aircraft engines currently in operation, highlighting their manufacturers and the aircraft models they power. Engine Alliance GP7000: Seventh Most Powerful The Engine Alliance GP7000, a product of a joint venture between General Electric and Pratt & Whitney, ranks as the seventh most powerful commercial aircraft engine with a maximum thrust of 74,000 pounds. It was developed specifically for the Airbus A380, alongside the Rolls-Royce Trent 900. The GP7000 completed its first test flight on the A380 in August 2006 and entered commercial service a year later with Singapore Airlines on a route from Singapore Changi Airport to Sydney Airport. Today, approximately 60% of the world’s Airbus A380 fleet is equipped with GP7000 engines. Emirates stands out as the largest operator of the A380, maintaining a fleet of 116 aircraft based at Dubai International Airport. The airline’s A380s vary in passenger capacity depending on cabin configuration, accommodating between 468 passengers in a four-class layout and up to 615 in a two-class setup. Rolls-Royce Trent 1000: Sixth Most Powerful Manufactured by Rolls-Royce, the Trent 1000 engine delivers a maximum thrust of 81,000 pounds, making it the sixth most powerful commercial aircraft engine globally. This high-bypass turbofan engine is one of two engine options available for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a modern widebody aircraft that has gained widespread popularity among airlines worldwide. The Trent 1000 entered commercial service in October 2011, powering the first Boeing 787 delivered to Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA). Despite its advanced design and efficiency, the engine has faced technical challenges, notably corrosion-related fatigue cracking in the intermediate-pressure turbine blades, first identified in 2016. ANA remains the largest operator of the Boeing 787, with a fleet of 86 aircraft spanning the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 variants. United Airlines and American Airlines follow closely behind, with 77 and 61 Dreamliners respectively, underscoring the engine’s significant presence in global commercial aviation.