StandardAero Expands CFM56-7B Engine Services with Exchange Solutions

Air India Flight to London Returns to Gate Following Suspected Technical Fault An Air India flight bound for London from Delhi was compelled to return to the gate on Thursday after the cockpit crew identified a suspected technical issue prior to take-off. The flight, operating under callsign AI-2017, was preparing for departure when the pilots halted the take-off sequence and brought the aircraft back for precautionary inspections. In an official statement, Air India confirmed that the decision to discontinue the take-off run was made in accordance with standard operating procedures. The airline emphasized that all necessary safety protocols were observed and that arrangements are underway to deploy an alternative aircraft to transport the passengers to London at the earliest opportunity. The airline further assured that ground staff are providing full support to minimise inconvenience caused by the unexpected delay, reiterating that passenger safety and well-being remain their highest priorities. Context of Regulatory Scrutiny and Safety Concerns This incident occurs shortly after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) identified 51 safety lapses at Air India during its recent annual audit. The findings highlighted several deficiencies, including outdated training manuals, incomplete pilot training, unqualified simulators, and irregularities in approvals for low-visibility operations. Among these, seven were classified as critical Level I breaches, with a compliance deadline set for July 30. The remaining 44 non-compliances are required to be addressed by August 23. The DGCA’s heightened scrutiny follows enforcement actions such as the grounding of an Air India aircraft due to an overdue inspection of its emergency slide, a vital safety component. The regulator has also issued three show-cause notices to the airline, mandating a response within 15 days. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that the DGCA acted promptly to ground the aircraft involved until the necessary rectifications were completed. He stated that enforcement actions have been initiated against Air India and the responsible personnel in accordance with the DGCA’s Enforcement Policy and Procedure Manual.

XTI Aerospace Partners with IDEO to Revolutionize Aircraft Design and Customer Experience XTI Aerospace has announced a strategic partnership with global design and innovation firm IDEO as it accelerates the development of its TriFan 600 aircraft and prepares to expand its portfolio of xVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles. This collaboration aims to create a seamless, human-centered ecosystem that redefines the customer experience across the entire lifecycle of XTI’s aircraft. A Comprehensive, Human-Centered Design Approach IDEO will engage with XTI in a multi-phase, long-term partnership that encompasses early-stage market research, product-market fit validation, and the detailed design of aircraft interiors, user interfaces, service models, and ownership journeys. By applying IDEO’s renowned methodology—rooted in deep ethnographic research, rapid prototyping, and systems-level design—the teams intend to influence not only the aesthetics and functionality of XTI’s aircraft but also how customers perceive, access, and interact with the brand. The collaboration will address every aspect of the customer experience, from the tactile elements such as seat ergonomics and lighting to the digital infrastructure supporting booking, ownership, and ongoing support. The goal is to develop an integrated, intelligent, and intuitive experience that elevates the entire journey of vertical mobility. Scott Pomeroy, CEO of XTI Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with IDEO, one of the most respected names in human-centered design. Our vision has always been bold, but now we’re backing it with the discipline of world-class customer insight and design thinking. IDEO will help us develop the XTI family of aircraft to not only redefine how people fly, but how they feel and interact with that journey from first touch to long-term ownership.” Leadership and Initial Focus Areas The XTI account at IDEO is led by Heather Boesch, a partner with extensive experience in systems-level innovation and transportation. She is supported by senior members of IDEO’s Transportation and Mobility team, a group of strategists, designers, and engineers recognized for their work across aerospace, automotive, and urban mobility sectors. The partnership has already commenced with in-depth customer research and co-creation workshops aimed at refining product-market fit across diverse user segments, including executive travelers, fleet operators, and logistics providers. As the collaboration advances, IDEO will assist in refining aircraft interior and exterior aesthetics, designing cabin environments tailored to specific mission profiles, developing trade show and public engagement strategies, overhauling the web and digital experience, and crafting an end-to-end customer journey from initial brand discovery through ownership and service. Heather Boesch emphasized the significance of the collaboration, saying, “IDEO is excited to partner with XTI to help shape the future of vertical mobility. XTI’s dedication to engineering excellence is complemented by a clear willingness to embrace bold ideas and integrated design. Together, we’re not just developing advanced aircraft – we’re creating thoughtful, user-centered solutions that elevate the entire travel experience.” About XTI Aerospace XTI Aerospace (Nasdaq: XTIA), headquartered near Denver, Colorado, is the parent company of XTI Aircraft Company, which is currently developing the TriFan 600. This fixed-wing business aircraft combines the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter with cruising speeds exceeding 300 mph and a range of up to 1,000 miles, establishing a new category known as xVTOL. In addition, XTI Aerospace’s Inpixon business unit specializes in real-time location systems (RTLS) technology, serving a broad customer base across various industries.

ITA Airways Announces Ambitious Long-Haul Network Expansion ITA Airways, the Italian flag carrier based at Rome Fiumicino Airport, has unveiled plans to significantly expand its long-haul network as part of a comprehensive five-year business strategy extending through 2030. The airline aims to introduce new routes connecting Rome with key destinations across North America, South America, Asia, and Africa. This expansion will be supported by a growing short-haul network designed to feed traffic into the long-haul services. Fleet Modernization and Growth Strategy Central to ITA Airways’ growth plan is a steady increase in its widebody fleet, with the carrier committing to adding one new widebody aircraft annually starting in 2026. The airline currently operates a fleet of approximately 100 aircraft, although 18 are inactive and 32 belong to previous generation models. The existing fleet includes a diverse mix of aircraft such as the A220-100, A220-300, A319-100, A320-200, A320-200N, A321-200NX(LR), A330-200, A330-900N, and A350-900. ITA Airways anticipates receiving deliveries of three A220-300s, eleven A320-200Ns, two A321-200NX(LR)s, six A330-900Ns, and two A350-900s in the coming years. These additions will enable the airline to phase out older A320ceo and A330ceo models, with the fleet expected to average around 100 aircraft by 2030, entirely composed of new-generation models. Target Markets and Strategic Partnerships For its North American expansion, ITA Airways is focusing on United Airlines’ hubs at New York Newark and Houston Intercontinental. The carrier also plans to deepen its cooperation with Aerolíneas Argentinas on the existing Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini route. In Asia, ITA is reportedly considering new services to major hubs such as Mumbai International, Singapore Changi, and Osaka Kansai, aligning with Star Alliance members Air India, Singapore Airlines, and ANA (All Nippon Airways), respectively. In Africa, ITA Airways is exploring opportunities to expand beyond its current narrowbody-served destinations, which include Cairo International, Tunis, Algiers, Accra, and Dakar Blaise Diagne International. Lagos and Abidjan have been identified as potential new destinations on the continent. Alliance Membership and Joint Ventures Looking ahead, ITA Airways aims to leverage synergies with Lufthansa Group airlines and secure membership in the Star Alliance by 2026. The carrier also intends to join the transatlantic A++ joint venture alongside Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Air Canada, further integrating its operations within the global aviation network.

Aanuoluwapo ‘Annie’ Ojewunmi: The Airplane Girl Breaking Barriers in Nigerian Aerospace Aanuoluwapo ‘Annie’ Ojewunmi, a 24-year-old aircraft technician at Nigerian airline Air Peace, is widely recognized as the "Airplane Girl" for her pioneering role in a male-dominated industry. In Nigeria, where only 25% of women in tertiary education pursue STEM subjects according to UNESCO, Ojewunmi’s journey stands out as a testament to determination and passion. Despite neither of her parents having a STEM background—her mother works in the arts and her father in commerce—they encouraged their children to pursue careers in science and technology. Ojewunmi’s mother, in particular, had an intuition that she was destined to be an engineer, while her father had hoped she would become a doctor. Her siblings have also followed diverse professional paths, with two brothers in medicine and software development, and a younger sister studying food engineering. Ojewunmi’s fascination with aerospace was sparked by growing up beneath an airport flight path. Encouraged by her older brother, she developed a curiosity about how planes functioned and what they did. Although she admits that engineering is a demanding field and that she initially struggled academically, an internship at Arik Air solidified her commitment to aviation. This experience marked a turning point, despite the challenges she faced, including confronting gender bias early in her career. During her internship, her eligibility for a training flight was questioned—a doubt she believes would not have been raised had she been male. Career Progression and Future Aspirations Currently specializing in wheel and brake maintenance and non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, Ojewunmi is focused on advancing her expertise. She aspires to pursue a master’s degree, potentially in aircraft propulsion, and to gain international work experience. Aware of the additional hurdles she may face abroad due to her identity as a black woman, she prepares herself mentally for encounters with racism and discrimination. Ojewunmi acknowledges that she represents a minority within a minority and understands the complexities of navigating such challenges. Despite these obstacles, her career continues to flourish. She recognizes that Nigeria’s aerospace infrastructure, training opportunities, and technology could be enhanced, which fuels her ambition to work overseas. Beyond personal advancement, Ojewunmi is deeply committed to giving back to her community. As Team Lead of the Young Aerospace Professionals Initiative, a mentorship program for engineering students and young professionals, she serves as an ambassador for Nigerian aerospace. Her goal is to bring back knowledge and experience to support the development of the country’s next generation of aerospace engineers and the broader maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector. Mentoring has been one of the most rewarding aspects of Ojewunmi’s career, reflecting her dedication to fostering growth and opportunity within the industry.

IBA Reports 10% Increase in Global Passenger Capacity Since Pre-Pandemic The International Aviation Bureau (IBA), a prominent aviation market intelligence and advisory firm, has announced a nearly 10% rise in global passenger capacity compared to pre-pandemic levels, signaling a strong recovery within the sector and evolving industry dynamics. According to IBA’s latest Aviation Barometer, which utilizes data from its IBA Insight intelligence platform, global Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs)—a critical metric for measuring passenger capacity—increased by 4.6% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, and stood 9.8% higher than in the first half of 2019. Growth Driven by International Travel and Domestic Expansion The primary driver of this growth was international travel, with international ASKs rising 6% year-on-year. Domestic capacity also saw a more modest increase of 2% from 2024, remaining 16% above 2019 levels. This trend highlights sustained demand for short-haul travel, while international capacity surpassed pre-pandemic figures by 7%, reflecting a steady resurgence of long-haul connectivity. These figures underscore the aviation sector’s gradual return to pre-pandemic operational scales, supported by both domestic and international markets. Aircraft Deliveries and Market Shifts The report also revealed notable shifts in aircraft deliveries during the first half of 2025. Global aircraft output reached 626 units, marking a 13% increase over 2024, though still 20% below 2018 levels. Airbus delivered 303 commercial aircraft, representing an 8% decline year-on-year, whereas Boeing delivered 270 aircraft—a remarkable 62% increase largely driven by heightened production of the 737 MAX. Narrow-body jets continued to dominate the market, with the Airbus A320neo family averaging 39 deliveries per month and the Boeing 737 MAX averaging 34, reaffirming their role as the backbone of global fleets. China emerged as a significant growth engine, with passenger ASKs from Chinese operators 16% above 2019 levels. Chinese carriers operated 2.81 million commercial passenger flights in the first half of 2025, up from 2.72 million in 2024 and 2.38 million in 2019, further emphasizing the country’s expanding influence in global aviation. Challenges Amid Recovery and Competitive Pressures While IBA’s data reflects a robust recovery in aviation, the company faces increasing challenges amid a shifting competitive landscape. Intense competition from major players such as Advanced Accelerator Applications S.A., GE Healthcare, and Siemens Healthineers in the technetium-99m market could affect IBA’s market position. Furthermore, the global rebound in air travel has prompted competitors to adopt technological innovations and address sustainability concerns, as highlighted by industry analysts including Bain & Company and Skift. These efforts aim to maintain market share while responding to the sector’s growing carbon footprint challenges. External factors also pose potential risks to market dynamics. Rising aviation taxes in Germany, recently underscored by Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter, may increase competitive pressures for IBA and its peers. These developments not only illustrate the aviation sector’s recovery but also highlight the structural changes in demand, production, and regulatory environments that will shape the industry’s future trajectory.

Safran to Build €450 Million Aircraft Carbon Brake Facility in France Safran has announced plans to invest €450 million in a new aircraft carbon brake production facility located at the Plaine de l’Ain Industrial Park (PIPA) near Lyon, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The 30,000 square meter plant is scheduled to commence operations in 2030 and is expected to boost Safran’s carbon brake production capacity by 25% by 2037. This expansion aims to reinforce the company’s position as a global leader in the aircraft carbon brake sector. Strategic Expansion and Operational Details The new facility will complement Safran Landing Systems’ existing carbon brake production sites in Villeurbanne (France), Walton (USA), and Sendayan (Malaysia). At launch, the plant will employ approximately 100 highly skilled workers, with plans to double the workforce as production scales up. The site will incorporate advanced automated manufacturing technologies and was strategically selected for its access to competitively priced, low-carbon electricity—a critical factor given that energy costs can represent up to 30% of carbon brake production expenses. Safran Chief Executive Officer Olivier Andriès emphasized the significance of the project, stating that the new facility will strengthen the company’s global leadership in carbon brakes and enhance its capacity to support customers amid robust growth in air traffic. He also acknowledged the collaborative support from the French government, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional authority, EDF, and grid operator RTE in securing the site. Sustainability Commitments and Industry Challenges The plant is designed with ambitious sustainability objectives, targeting zero emissions through the use of biomethane and low-carbon electricity. Safran intends to reduce energy and gas consumption by 30% and water usage by 80%, while implementing heat recovery systems to supply a local heating network. Many of these advanced technologies are expected to be adopted across Safran’s other facilities to further enhance environmental performance and operational competitiveness. Despite these commitments, the project faces significant challenges. Establishing a manufacturing site of this scale requires navigating complex regulatory frameworks and ensuring compliance with stringent environmental standards. Additionally, managing energy costs remains a critical concern amid volatile energy markets and increasing pressure on the aviation industry to decarbonize operations. Market Context and Competitive Landscape Safran’s investment is being closely monitored by industry observers, particularly in light of competition from major rivals such as RTX’s Collins Aerospace. The aircraft wheel and brake maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2% between 2025 and 2032, intensifying competitive pressures. Analysts suggest that Safran’s move may prompt competitors to accelerate technology development or pursue strategic partnerships to strengthen their market positions. As Safran advances this significant expansion, its ability to manage operational complexities and maintain technological leadership will be crucial in capitalizing on rising demand within the aviation sector while meeting evolving sustainability expectations.

Hundreds of UK Flights Delayed Following Air Traffic Control System Failure On Wednesday, July 30, hundreds of flights across the United Kingdom experienced significant delays after a technical failure disrupted the country’s air traffic control (ATC) system for approximately 20 minutes. The incident raised concerns of a recurrence of the August 2023 outage, which had left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded and caused widespread travel disruption. Technical Fault and Immediate Response Nats, the organisation responsible for managing the UK’s air traffic control network, identified the cause of the disruption as a technical fault at its Swanwick control centre in Hampshire. The problem was swiftly addressed by switching to a backup system, and Nats was quick to clarify that the incident was not related to any cyberattack. This was corroborated by the UK National Cyber Security Centre, which confirmed there was no evidence of hacking. Despite the prompt resolution, the outage triggered a ripple effect of delays across the country. Numerous aircraft were forced to hold or divert, while flight crews found themselves out of position, exacerbating operational challenges for airlines. British Airways temporarily reduced its flight operations at Heathrow Airport to 32 flights per hour, down from the usual 45, until 7:15 pm, when normal scheduling resumed. Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport also issued warnings that disruptions could continue into the evening. Passengers nationwide were advised to check with their airlines before travelling. Impact and Industry Reactions The disruption caused considerable inconvenience for travellers and is expected to result in financial losses for airlines due to cancellations and delays. The incident has intensified scrutiny of Nats’ operational reliability, prompting calls for enhanced backup systems to prevent similar failures in the future. Some airlines sought to highlight their own operational efficiencies and customer service in contrast to the disruption. Ryanair was particularly vocal in its criticism, with Chief Operating Officer Neal McMahon describing the situation as “outrageous” and attributing the failure to “continued mismanagement” by Nats’ Chief Executive, Martin Rolfe. McMahon called for Rolfe’s resignation and urged Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to intervene if the leadership did not change, demanding urgent reform of what he termed Nats’ “shambolic” service. Transport Secretary Alexander acknowledged the incident and cautioned passengers about “continued disruption” despite the restoration of the system. The latest failure comes less than a year after the August 2023 breakdown, which affected over 700,000 passengers and sparked widespread criticism of the UK’s air traffic control infrastructure. While the immediate technical issue was resolved, the full extent of the disruption and its consequences remain to be seen. The incident has reignited debate over the resilience of the UK’s air traffic control systems and the necessity for robust contingency measures to safeguard passengers and airlines from future failures.

Safran Reports Strong Recovery in Leap Engine Deliveries Safran has announced a significant rebound in deliveries of CFM International’s Leap engines during the first half of the year, with a 10% increase resulting in 729 units handed over. Production rates improved steadily quarter-on-quarter, with 410 engines delivered in the second quarter alone—a nearly 30% rise compared to 319 units in the first quarter. This enhanced output contributed to a 17% increase in propulsion revenues for the period, which reached €7.5 billion ($8.6 billion). Supply Chain Improvements and Production Outlook During a half-year briefing on July 31, Chief Executive Olivier Andries highlighted “some improvements” in the supply chain, marking a positive shift after a prolonged period of challenges. Safran now anticipates a 15-20% rise in total Leap engine deliveries for the full year, projecting between 1,618 and 1,688 units. This forecast surpasses last year’s production and sets a foundation for further expansion in 2025. The Leap engine is a critical powerplant for major aircraft models, including the Airbus A320neo family, Boeing 737 Max, and China’s Comac C919. Airbus, in particular, has experienced a shortage of Leap-1A engines, with 60 aircraft grounded as of June 30 awaiting deliveries, most of which are missing these engines. Aftermarket Growth and Financial Performance Safran’s propulsion division also saw a 21% increase in aftermarket sales, driven by sustained demand for spare parts and maintenance services. The company reported that the positive momentum observed in the first quarter continued throughout the first half, with revenues from spares and civil engine services each rising by more than 21%. This growth was supported by ongoing requirements for the CFM56 engine, a higher spare-engine ratio for the Leap, and profit recognition on Leap-1A rate-per-flight-hour contracts. Chief Financial Officer Pascal Bantegnie noted that profit margins on Leap-1B contracts are expected to be recognized in the first half of 2026, coinciding with the introduction of the “maverick blade,” an enhanced high-pressure turbine blade designed to improve engine performance. Recurring operating income for the propulsion division surged by 37% to €1.76 billion. Robust aftermarket activity in civil engines has driven what Safran described as “unprecedented” cash generation and a strong operating margin in the first half, prompting the company to raise its full-year guidance and outlook for 2025. Safran’s joint venture partner, GE Aerospace, has also contributed positively, with its cabin interiors business returning to profitability, further bolstering the group’s overall performance. Additionally, Safran extended its maintenance agreement for CFM International Leap-1A engines with SR Technics, reflecting continued confidence in its engine operations. With ongoing supply chain improvements, increasing engine deliveries, and strong aftermarket demand, Safran is well positioned for sustained growth as it moves into the second half of the year.

Safran Aims to Resolve Leap Engine Delivery Backlog for Airbus by October Safran is intensifying efforts to eliminate the backlog of CFM International Leap-1A engine deliveries to Airbus by the end of October, addressing a critical bottleneck that has disrupted aircraft production schedules. The engine manufacturer has faced significant challenges this year, including supply-chain constraints and a strike, which have contributed to delays. As a result, Airbus has been compelled to park approximately 60 aircraft without engines, most of which are awaiting Leap powerplants, leading to a congested delivery schedule in the first half of 2024. Recovery Plan and Production Challenges Despite these obstacles, Safran remains optimistic about its recovery trajectory. Chief Executive Olivier Andries, during a half-year briefing on July 31, acknowledged that the company had not yet fully recovered from the strike’s impact but anticipated substantial progress by the end of the third quarter. “By the end of October, we should have completely recovered to avoid further disruption to Airbus’s delivery plan,” Andries stated. Airbus, which targets delivering 820 commercial aircraft in 2024, had completed 306 deliveries by mid-year and is relying heavily on Safran’s ability to meet this timeline to realign its full-year production goals. Clearing the backlog will necessitate a significant ramp-up in Safran’s production capacity alongside enhanced supply chain management. The company continues to face the complex task of making weekly decisions on whether to allocate engines to support the in-service fleet or to aircraft manufacturers. Andries highlighted the operational frustration caused by grounded aircraft awaiting engines, emphasizing that minimizing aircraft downtime remains a top priority. Market Implications and Future Outlook Market responses to Safran’s situation have been varied. While demand for jet engine spare parts has bolstered profits, ongoing delays in engine deliveries risk further impacting Airbus’s production schedules. Competitors such as GE Aerospace and Rolls-Royce may intensify their production efforts to capitalize on the supply challenges and protect their market share. In spite of these difficulties, Safran recently raised its outlook for 2025 following stronger-than-expected mid-year profits, reflecting confidence in its operational resilience. The company’s success in executing its recovery plan will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders and investors alike, as it seeks to stabilize Airbus’s delivery pipeline and maintain its competitive standing in the global aerospace sector.

Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace Division Reports Strong Margins Amid Market Optimism Rolls-Royce’s Civil Aerospace Division has demonstrated a marked improvement in operating margins, driven primarily by robust performance in its widebody jet engine segment. In the first half of the year, the company delivered 122 large civil engines, a modest increase from 120 during the same period last year. Although deliveries of Trent 1000 engines for the Boeing 787 and Trent 7000 engines for the Airbus A330neo declined, production of Trent XWB engines for the Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 variants rose significantly. Financial Performance and Contractual Strategy The division achieved an operating margin nearing 25%, the highest among Rolls-Royce’s business units. Operating profit surged by 63% to £1.19 billion ($1.58 billion), supported by a 17% increase in revenues, which approached £4.8 billion. These gains were attributed to strong aftermarket demand for large engines, improved contractual terms, and enhanced profitability from spare engine sales. In response to shifting market conditions, Rolls-Royce has prioritized renegotiating all original equipment contracts and addressing the most onerous aftermarket agreements. The company anticipates completing the remaining contract renegotiations by 2025-26, expecting these efforts to yield a “significant benefit” to underlying operating profit and cash flow. Market Outlook and Industry Challenges The positive financial results have been well received by investors, propelling Rolls-Royce’s share price to an all-time high following the profit upgrade. The company’s outlook remains optimistic, with total civil engine deliveries for the first half of the year reaching 237, consistent with the previous year. Full-year deliveries are projected at the lower end of the 540-570 range, compared to 529 in 2024. Despite this optimism, the aerospace industry faces potential challenges from rising energy costs, which are influencing strategic decisions across the sector. For instance, competitor Safran recently selected a French site for a new carbon-brake manufacturing plant after evaluating energy expenses. Rolls-Royce has responded by announcing a $75 million expansion of its manufacturing operations in South Carolina, aimed at improving energy efficiency and increasing production capacity. As competitors consider similar investments, Rolls-Royce’s proactive approach to cost management and operational efficiency positions the company strongly within the civil aerospace market. The firm continues to focus on enhancing performance across both widebody aircraft and business aviation contracts, underscoring its commitment to long-term profitability and shareholder value.