Delivery of a new Airbus A320neo for SAS

Aviation Capital Group LLC, the premier global full-service aircraft asset manager, announced the delivery of one new Airbus A320neo aircraft on long-term lease to Scandinavian Airlines (“SAS”). Featuring CFM International LEAP-1A engines, this is the tenth aircraft scheduled to deliver to the airline as part of a multiple-aircraft sale-leaseback transaction between ACG and SAS.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs

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Improved load factor and on-time performance reports icelandair

Icelandair boosting passenger numbers

In March 2024, Icelandair transported 297,552 passengers, which represents a 25% increase in passenger traffic as measured by Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK) on a capacity increase of 22% compared to March 2023. During the month, 39% of passengers were travelling to Iceland, 19% from Iceland, 34% were via passengers, and 8% were travelling within Iceland. Load factor was 83.1% and on-time performance was 88.5%, increasing by 4.7 ppt from the already solid performance in March 2023.

Now is a great time to go birdwatching in Iceland,

 see below for more details

Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair president and CEO said:  “We continue seeing strong traffic numbers, with 25% increase in passenger traffic as compared to March last year. The traffic figures are impacted by an unusually early Easter traffic. During the month, we saw 50% increase in the number of via passengers and 13% increase on the from market while the number of passengers on the to market grew by 4%. These figures underscore the flexibility of our route network, allowing us to align capacity to developments in demand and, in this case, focus our capacity and sales efforts on the via and from markets where the demand was stronger.

Furthermore, we maintain our strong on-time performance and consistently high load factor despite a 22% capacity increase. This success is thanks to the excellent performance of our employees.”

See below for more figures....

SKY Airline gets a new Airbus A321neo jet on long-term lease

Aviation Capital Group, a global full-service aircraft asset manager, confirmed the delivery of one new Airbus A321neo aircraft on long-term lease to SKY Airline. This jet features CFM International LEAP-1A engines and is the second of two aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the airline.

ACG specializes in commercial aircraft leasing and aviation finance. In addition to aircraft leasing services, we provide aircraft asset management solutions tailored to meet our customers’ fleet management needs. 

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UK first as electric aircraft helps turn Moray Flying Club green

RAF Lossiemouth’s Moray Flying Club has begun flying a new electric aircraft, putting it on track to become the UK’s first recreational flying club to offer direct carbon emission-free initial pilot training.
The new Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft - callsign ‘MORAY 01 ELECTRIC’ - took to the skies on Sunday 24 March 2024 for its first training flight. 
Moray Flying Club (MFC) recently leased the aircraft from electric-flying specialists NEBOair, as part of a drive to reduce the environmental and noise impact of their flying. The aircraft is powered by electricity from the grid, like an electric car.
The innovation will mean that students can reach their first solo flight without direct carbon emissions.

Other green-minded moves have enabled MFC to further cut emissions, with the use of a NEBOair-supplied Virtual Reality simulator cutting down on the overall number of flying hours needed to achieve a full private pilot’s licence.
The Club has also replaced two older aircraft with Rotax-engine aircraft that use lower-lead fuel and are much quieter.
MFC estimate that the new innovations will slash their emissions by around 30%, which they say is just the start.

Squadron Leader David Taudevin, Officer-in-charge, Moray Flying Club.  "As the RAF seeks to achieve Net Zero by 2040, ahead of the UK’s 2050 target, our recreational flying clubs need to play their part and so we’re delighted that our electric aircraft has taken to the skies.
This is a momentous occasion for us as a club and represents a big leap forward into a new world of sustainable aviation, helping Moray Flying Club’s students learn to fly in a cleaner, greener way.
While these innovations are already helping our Club significantly reduce its environmental and noise impact, cutting our direct emissions is only the first step. We hope that by sharing our experience with other military and civilian flying clubs we can help drive the recreational flying sector towards Net Zero."

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Ever wondered how much fuel RAF aircraft use?......................RAF Energise

When you think of the cost of filling up your car, and how far you will get on a full tank, have you ever wondered how much fuel RAF aircraft use?

During a recent Exercise in France, personnel from RAF Global Enablement Support Force distributed over 500,000 litres of aviation fuel.

L'armée de l’air (France) invited RAF Atlas aircraft to this international Air Livex, Exercise Volfa 24, based in France, with other participating nations – Canada, Greece, Italy, Spain and the UAE.

Alongside aircraft, Global Enablement’s No. 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron, 5001 Squadron Engineers and No. 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron specialists were also asked to participate in Exercise Energise Volfa. The aim was to train together as a coalition in a complex air environment facing a high-level near peer threat. By building on Tactical Aviation refuelling capability, the RAF will remain ready to fly and fight across the globe 24 hours a day.

This was a French Service de l’Énergie Opérationelle (SEO) exercise running alongside the wider Exercise Volfa, with collaboration from the UK Operational Energy Authority (OEA). UK participation was under the auspices of the Franco-British Fuels Co-operation agreement, set up by DSFA (now the OEA) with the French SEA (now the SEO) and run actively by those organisations. The UK participation was a trial, and it's hoped that lessons identified can be used to inform the NATO Modular Combined Petroleum Capability (MCPC) Co-ordination Board, which the UK is Chair of.

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Avolon and Cebu Pacific agree sale and lease back deal on four Airbus A330neo jets....

This deal supports Cebu’s expansion and transition to a new fleet

Widebody delivery slots expected to be sold out to 2030 by year-end

 

One of the leading global aviation finance companies, Avolon confirmed this week that it has done a sale and leaseback deal with the Philippines low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific for four new Airbus A330neo aircraft.

The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2024 with the final delivery planned in 2026. The new aircraft will support Cebu’s expansion of its route network in Asia and the Middle East and its goal to transition to a fuel-efficient, new technology fleet with lower carbon emissions. Compared to the previous generation A330ceo, the A330neo has an increased range of range of over 13,300km (7,200 nautical miles) and 25% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Cebu has been an Avolon customer since 2012 and Avolon already has 11 aircraft on lease to the airline: five A320ceos, three A320neos, and three A330neos.

Avolon continues to experience strong customer demand for its aircraft and orderbook given the undersupply of new aircraft. The widebody production recovery is lagging behind narrowbodies resulting in a tighter market and longer wait times for twin-aisle aircraft. Avolon’s 2024 Outlook: New Horizons paper forecasted that the remaining delivery slots from manufacturers for widebody aircraft will be sold out to 2030 by the end of this year.

Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon commented: “The Cebu team is doing a fantastic job expanding the airline’s operations and we are delighted to use our balance sheet to support the addition of four new A330neos to their fleet. With the continuing recovery of air travel in Asia we look forward to further opportunities to support customers on sale and leaseback transactions, or through our order book, as the availability of widebodies out to 2030 continues to tighten.”

Alex Reyes, Chief Strategy Officer, Cebu Pacific commented: “These new A330neos support our goal of transitioning to a more fuel-efficient fleet and will support our continued expansion of routes both in and to the Middle East. We appreciate Avolon’s continued support of our growth strategy as we further strengthen our position as one of Asia Pacific’s leading low-cost carriers.”

 

Korean Air completes order for 33 Airbus A350s

                                                        Korean Air has become a new customer for the A350 Family following the signature of a firm order with Airbus for 33 aircraft. The order covers 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s. 

Offering the longest range of any aircraft, the A350 will be able to operate any of the airline’s current intercontinental routes with a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous generation aircraft. The additional range of the A350 will also enable the carrier to evaluate new long haul destinations. 

“The A350’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it a great fit for our global network,” said Jason Yoo, Chief Safety and Operating Officer and EVP at Korean Air. “We are confident that the introduction of the A350 to our fleet will drive operational efficiencies and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers.”

Benoit de Saint Exupéry, EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft, Airbus said: “This order from Korean Air is another major endorsement for the A350 as the world’s long range leader. The airline will benefit from new levels of efficiency across its operations, with significantly reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The A350 will also be the perfect platform for the carrier to take its in-flight product and world class service to new heights. We thank Korean Air for its ongoing confidence in Airbus and its products, and look forward to seeing the A350 flying in the carrier’s iconic livery.”

The A350 Family is the world’s most modern widebody product line and is firmly established as the world’s long range leader, with passenger versions able to fly up to 9,700 nm / 18,000 km non-stop. Powered by latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the airframe uses 70% advanced materials such as composites, titanium, and modern aluminium alloys to create a lighter and more cost-efficient aircraft. All of which results in an average reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of around 25% compared with similar sized previous generation aircraft.

At the end of February, the A350 Family had won 1,240 orders from 59 customers worldwide.

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Bombardier’s Global 7500 jet sets over 30 speed records

Record-setting flights include Farnborough to Muharraq and Phoenix to Paris which took place on Feb 28 and March 6

Records set as Global 7500 aircraft are actively flying worldwide on customer and demonstrations missions, showcasing this immaculate jet to the public

The Global 7500 business jet fleet has surpassed more than 100,000 flying hours and has celebrated more than 165 deliveries 

With an impressive top speed of Mach 0.925 and a range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 km), the Global 7500 business aircraft continues to push the boundaries of business travel

Bombardier has celebrated more impressive speed records on the Global 7500 aircraft, this week,  bringing the total to more than 30 and counting. The most recent records, including travelling from Farnborough to Muharraq and Phoenix to Paris, mark the latest accomplishment for the Global 7500 business jet, the undisputed leader in the ultra-long-range class – the most luxurious, reliable and productive business jet in the skies today. 

These records – pending approval by the FAI, the World Air Sport Federation – build on earlier speed and distance records already bestowed on this truly remarkable business jet, including an 8,225 nautical mile flight in October 2019 from Sydney, Australia to Detroit, Michigan – the longest-range flight ever in business aviation. The Global 7500 also set more than 20 new flight records (1) in the fall of 2023, including routes from Singapore to Anchorage, Alaska and Montreal to Geneva.

“The Global 7500 aircraft is in a class by itself when it comes to performance – an immaculate business jet that was made to set and shatter records,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Executive Vice President, Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Defense. “With its impeccable design attributes and technological advancements, the Global 7500 aircraft offers customers precisely what they need to enhance their operations – unmatched reliability, productivity and style.”

With a top speed of Mach 0.925 and an industry leading range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 km), the Global 7500 aircraft features outstanding performance capabilities. Its Smooth Flĕx Wing is designed with a sophisticated slats and flap system that generates exceptional lift on takeoff and approach, maximizing aerodynamic efficiency and boosting performance while improving safety and offering a smoother, more restful ride. It also reduces fuel burn and lowers emissions and produces excellent short-field and high-speed performance.

Britten-Norman secures new investment

Britten Norman has secured new investment from a group of investors led by 4D Capital Partners LLP (“4D”), a Private Equity firm that focuses on operational improvement and business transformation. The new investors are making funds available to Britten-Norman to fund working capital and to drive successful long-term growth.

Britten-Norman Chief Executive, William Hynett OBE, commented: “The board has been in an extended process to secure the right investment that would allow Britten-Norman to deliver its plans to scale up output to meet demand. Britten-Norman is a brand with a rich and entrepreneurial aviation heritage which takes great responsibility in playing a vitally important role in supporting its world-wide customer base. These customers are the bedrock of their societies, often providing critical infrastructure or life-critical services such as maritime search and rescue and medical evacuation. Following a great deal of interest in the business, we are pleased to have identified a new investor that shares our vision and strategy.”

Alex Silk, founder of 4D, said:  “From the outset we saw the latent value in Britten-Norman, which has been underperforming since the pandemic. In addition to bringing working capital, our team will work closely with management to help the company ramp up production to meet the exciting demand for its sought after Islander aircraft”.

Britten-Norman is the original equipment manufacturer for the Islander, the world’s most iconic commercial light twin aircraft. In 2024 the company will be celebrating 70 years since it was first established at Bembridge Airport on the Isle of Wight, UK.

We would like to thank Chris Pole and Will Wright from Interpath Advisory for their support in securing the investment through the sale of the business and assets of Britten-Norman.

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Two new Airbus A320neo aircraft for flynas

The two Airbus A320neo aircraft arrived in Riyadh on 7th March and 14th March and will operate flights on the carrier's international and domestic route network. Six A320neo new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to flynas during 2024 which will further enhance the airline's schedule.

This growth in the number of new aircraft and increasing the seat capacity is part of flynas new strategic plan "We Connect the World to the Kingdom", which along with the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP). Times Aerospace reports the aims of these plans is to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques and the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting Saudi Arabia with around 250 International destinations. 

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SAS and the Norwegian armed forces signs new agreement for strategic evacuation

The Norwegian Armed Forces have on March 4 signed a new agreement with SAS for strategic air evacuation. The agreement ensures continued capacity for strategic air evacuation using SAS’ latest Airbus A320neo aircraft. This will follow the phase-out of the current aircraft and transition to the new agreement will take place in 2025.

The agreement between Norwegian Armed Forces and SAS consists of two parts: a cooperation agreement to design a A320neo based solution and an agreement covering operational assignments.

“We are honoured that the Norwegian Armed Forces have selected SAS for future evacuation missions, building on several years of joint assignments across the world. While the currently used aircraft has served us well, it is now time for the next-generation, lower-emission A320neo to continue these proud assignments together with our highly skilled and dedicated staff. Contributing to the safe transport of citizens across the world when crisis strikes is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we are grateful for the trust placed in us by the Norwegian Defense through this work,” says Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS.

The A320neo is a regular passenger plane and – once the new design is finalized – can be converted into a flying hospital, with medical equipment and hospital beds. SAS’ Airbus A320neo has around 18% lower CO2 emissions compared to the aircraft it replaces. Additionally, there is 30% less noise in these aircraft, creating a more favourable environment for evacuees and crew on board.

SAS has a 25-year history of taking part in evacuation assignments, with missions such as the tsunami in Thailand, and evacuation missions from Afghanistan, Moira refugee camp and Ukrainian patients.

Boeing warns airlines to check 787 flight deck seat switches following LATAM mishap.

The U.S. planemaker Boeing has warned all customer airlines flying its 787 Dreamliners to check flight deck crew seat switches following the sudden mid-air fall by a LATAM Airlines 787 jet that resulted in over 50 people injured.

Boeing and regulators are investigating the incident on LATAM flight 800 flying between Sydney and Auckland where it appears that a flight attendant accidentally hit a switch on the pilot’s seat while serving their meal. The switch powers the pilot's seat movement and on this occasion pushed him into the controls of the jet leading to a devastating plunge which caused more than 50 people to be injured. 

This incident has forced Boeing to warn airlines they should check the crew seats in the cockpits of 787 aircraft for loose covers on switches. The seats are supposed to have a spring-loaded seat back switch guard which may jam or become loose and activate the rocker switch, resulting in seat movement.

Boeing said today that it was taking the precautionary measure of alerting customer airlines of the issue and reminding them of a 2017 service bulletin which has details of how to inspect and maintain the flight deck seat switches. "We are recommending operators perform an inspection at the next maintenance opportunity," Boeing said.

Boeing's records of who worked on the doorplug that blew off an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX jet deleted

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy has written a letter to a Senate committee that is investigating the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX doorplug blow out on 5th January, informing them of Boeing's lack of records.

Homendy stated that the NTSB doesn’t know who worked on the panel that blew off a 737 MAX 9 because Boeing’s CEO told her that he couldn’t provide the information because the company has no records about the job.  “The absence of those records will complicate the NTSB’s investigation moving forward,”

Homendy told senators last week that the NTSB asked Boeing for security camera footage that might help identify who worked on the panel in September, but was told the video was overwritten after 30 days — months before the blowout. Boeing delayed weeks before providing the names of 25 employees that work on doors at the manufacturer's Seattle facility, only handing over the information after Homendy had started giving her statement.  

Former Boeing whistleblower found dead

Police are still investigating the death of a former Boeing employee and whistleblower, John Barnett. Initial reports indicated that Barnett had died from what appeared to be "self-inflicted" gunshot wounds on 9th March.  

UK's Civil Aviation Authority proposes streamlined licensing system for General Aviation Pilots

General Aviation Pilots will soon find it easier to gain and maintain a licence when proposals put forward by the UK Civil Aviation Authority are implemented.

The regulator is working to simplify the licensing process for the general aviation community as part of its General Aviation Pilot Licensing and Training Simplification project.

The proposals set out in a consultation published today by the UK Civil Aviation Authority will see changes to a wide range of issues.

These include consolidating the number of licences on offer, reducing the number of examinations for the gaining of licences and changes to the class rating structure including requirements for maintenance of competence.

General Aviation Pilot Licensing could be simplified and rationalised under new proposals.

The proposals cover the potential changes to pilot licensing for aeroplanes, sailplanes, helicopters, gyroplanes and balloons and airships.

Follows extensive work by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to consider the general aviation community views on licensing.

Proposals cover licensing for aeroplanes and microlights, sailplanes, helicopters, gyroplanes and balloons and airships.

Reform of the system was a high priority for the general aviation community when asked by the UK Civil Aviation Authority and this signals a major step closer to delivering on those wishes.

Michael Macdonald, Head of General Aviation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“To all pilots, the licence they hold is incredibly important. We’re looking to simplify the system to make it easier for new pilots to choose their path in aviation, and for existing pilots to maintain and upgrade their licences, all whilst maintaining the UK’s world-class level of safety.

“Experts from the community have been involved throughout the development process of these measures, which we feel will really benefit those looking to gain licences in the UK.”

The consultation will be open for 10 weeks and will close on the 22 May 2024

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Airlines try to leverage Boeing woes despite lack of alternatives

Airline executives are frustrated with Boeing as its safety crisis has upended their business plans. But in a tight market for large aircraft supplied by two companies, they have little choice but do business with the U.S. planemaker, reports Rajesh Kumar Singh from Reuters.

Despite some public displays of alarm - United Airlines  CEO Scott Kirby flew to France to talk with Airbus as Boeing's latest crisis erupted - carriers are still negotiating new plane orders, looking to leverage Boeing's delays to secure better terms.

Boeing's delivery schedule faces extended delays following a Jan. 5 mid-flight cabin blowout that exposed problems with safety and quality control in its manufacturing processes. But rival Airbus already has a backlog of orders that makes shifting over a non-starter.

Instead, airlines are adopting a variety of strategies to try to stay in the game with Boeing, using orders of one type of plane as a placeholder to possibly take deliveries of a different model. They also are negotiating harder, looking to use production delays to get discounts from the planemaker on new orders and compensation for financial losses.

"Boeing customers don't have much option but to stick with Boeing whether they like it or not," said Scott Hamilton, managing director at aviation consulting firm Leeham Company.

Kirby has been among the most vocal in expressing frustrations with Boeing. He met with Airbus after regulators grounded all of United's Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet and put a big question mark over certification of the larger variant MAX 10, which was due for deliveries this year and was to be the cornerstone of United's fleet.

U.S. approve full speed production of F-35 fighters.

The Pentagon has finally approved the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter for full-rate production, five years later than originally anticipated reports Breaking Defense. 

The U.S. Defense Department acquisition chief Bill LaPlante signed off on the “milestone C” decision earlier this week, a crucial moment signifying the department’s confidence in the performance of the aircraft and maturity of Lockheed Martin’s production system — though the plane has already been in service in the US and with friendly foreign nations for years and has suffered a vast number of mechanical and practical issues that have resulted in an aircraft that is 80% fit for use, according to some RAF personnel working on the aircraft.   

“This is a major achievement for the F-35 Program,” LaPlante said, according to a Pentagon news release. “This decision — backed by my colleagues in the Department — highlights to the Services, F-35 Cooperative Program Partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers that the F-35 is stable and agile, and that all statutory and regulatory requirements have been appropriately addressed.”

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Sentient Jet unveils 2024 exclusive benefits guide

Leading private aviation company and inventor of the jet card category, Sentient Jet launches its highly anticipated 2024 Exclusive Benefits Guide, providing Jet Card Owners increased opportunities to maximize their membership with Sentient Jet with 12 new partners. 

As Sentient Jet celebrates its legacy of loyalty and commitment, the updated benefits guide reaffirms the brand’s unwavering dedication to enhancing the travel experience for Jet Card owners. In its eleventh edition, the new benefits guide builds on the value that Sentient Jet already offers and incorporates more partnerships to meet Card Owners where they are spending today.

Through its Exclusive Benefits Guide, Sentient Jet demonstrates its reach, well-earned reputation as a trusted travel utility and the relationships it has fostered for 25 years. New partnerships this year include:

- Etereo, Riviera Maya, Auberge Resorts

- Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts

- L’Ermitage Hotel, Beverly Hills

- The Boca Raton Resort & Beach Club

- Castle & Key Distillery, Lexington, KY

- Worth Avenue Yachts

- Human Longevity Wellness & Medical Service

- The Ranch Wellness Retreats

- Ghurka Luxury Leather Goods & Accessories

- Solstice Sunglasses

- Theorem Vineyards

- SkyView Sunlight Lamps

“As Sentient Jet looks ahead to the next chapter, we remain deeply grateful for the loyalty and trust of our valued Card Owners over the past 25 years,” said Andrew Collins, Co-CEO of Flexjet, Sentient Jet’s parent company. “Each year, we are able to enrich the membership experience by evolving our benefits guide to focus on where travellers are vacationing, dining and the events they are attending. We are committed to exceeding expectations and delivering unparalleled value - both on and off the aircraft. We understand that a private flight is just one part of the journey. Excellence, service and customer satisfaction remain pivotal, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the years to come.”

Each thoughtfully sourced benefit aligns with Sentient Jet’s core brand tenets, including:

Service

Known for providing exceptional service, Sentient Jet's relationship with its trusted partners provides its Card Owners with exclusive benefits that they can't find anywhere else. Select benefits range from exclusive offers from Flexjet Helicopters, Exclusive Resorts, Auberge Resorts, Human Longevity Wellness & Medical Testing, and PS aka Private Suite, to name a few.

"Our collaboration with Sentient Jet has been remarkable, thanks to their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to their Card Owners. Together, we have seamlessly integrated our offerings, creating unique opportunities for Sentient Jet Card Owners who join Exclusive Resorts. This collaboration not only highlights our shared commitment to excellence but also sets the stage for continued innovation in luxury travel," said James Henderson, CEO of Exclusive Resorts.

Card Owners who take full advantage of Sentient Jet’s Exclusive Benefits Guide can experience benefits with a value of approximately $225,000.

RAF Voyager operates with Swedish and US fighters over Scandinavia.

Royal Air Force Voyager tanker has successfully refuelled Swedish Gripen fighters taking part in NATO’s biggest exercise in decades.

The tanker was operating from RAF Lossiemouth in northern Scotland when it rendezvoused with the Swedish jets and United States Marine Corps F-35Bs, over the Arctic Circle.

Normally based at RAF Brize Norton, the Voyager flew sorties from Lossiemouth on Exercise Nordic Response, part of Exercise Steadfast Defender.

The Royal Air Force and Swedish Air Force have been increasing cooperation in recent months. This latest exercise saw dogfighting fighters refuel over Sweden, in the run-up to the country’s NATO accession. Steadfast Defender is demonstrating NATO’s ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area during a simulated emerging conflict across the maritime, land, air, space and cyber domains.

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Voyager is the RAF’s sole air-to-air refuelling (AAR) tanker and also operates as a strategic air transport.  The aircraft is in service as the Voyager KC.Mk 2, equipped with two underwing pods for refuelling fast jets, and as the Voyager KC.Mk 3, with an additional centreline hose for use by large aircraft. 

United turning its back on Boeing's 737 MAX 10 jets.

United Airlines has told Boeing to stop making the 737 MAX 10s the U.S. mega-carrier ordered from the manufacturer, as it moves away from those aircraft and heads for the MAX 9 variant.

Bloomberg has reported that United's CEO Scott Kirby made the revelation at the JPMorgan conference.  "We’ve asked Boeing to stop building Max 10s, which they’ve done, for us and start building Max 9s. - It’s impossible to say when the Max 10 is going to get certified."

Kirby continued:  "We are in the market for A321s, and if we get a deal where the economics work, we’ll do something," however, there was no guarantee a deal could be struck with Airbus.  "If we don’t, we won’t and will wind up with more Max 9s." 

Boeing failed 33 of 89 audits in FAA investigation: report | Fox Business

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BBN Airlines Indonesia Secures Additional AOC, Boosts Passenger Flight Operations

BBN Airlines Indonesia, a part of Avia Solutions Group, the world's largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, has recently obtained an additional Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for commercial passenger flights from the Indonesia DGCA. This certification reaffirms the airline's readiness to operate aircraft for commercial purposes, solidifying the company's commitment to meeting the needs of the Indonesian public by providing safe, reliable, and efficient air travel services.

Martynas Grigas, Chairman of BBN Airlines Indonesia, stated, “With the issuance of this AOC, BBN Airlines Indonesia aims to bring more capacity to the region, and deliver a high standard of safety and service in the air travel experience.”

According to Martynas, this certification marks the initial step for BBN Airlines Indonesia to meet the substantial demand for flights, particularly during major holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and the holiday season in Indonesia.