SPECIAL LIVERY - First A330 change to Trinity Airlines: Airbus A330-343 -HL8501

Photo: Mixz
Shenyang-Taoxian - ZYTX, China

AIRPORT - Sabiha Gökçen International Airport - Turkey

Photos: Ilgaz DEGER
 

AIRPORT - Miami International Airport

 Photos: Ronald Vermeulen

KLM Cityhopper Celebrates 60 Years: From Regional Airline to Driving Force of KLM’s European Network

KLM Cityhopper is celebrating its 60th anniversary today. What began in 1966 as Nederlandse Luchtvaart Maatschappij (NLM), with two leased Fokker aircraft and a handful of domestic routes, has grown into an indispensable part of KLM’s network. With 58 aircraft, more than 80 destinations, and over 350 daily flights, KLM Cityhopper connects Europe with the world through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

KLM Cityhopper plays a key role in Schiphol’s hub operations. Each year, it carries around 11 million passengers to destinations across the continent. Passengers from throughout Europe fly with KLM Cityhopper to Amsterdam to connect to KLM’s intercontinental flights. At the same time, travelers from around the world connect through Schiphol to more than 80 European destinations. In this way, KLM Cityhopper contributes to the Netherlands’ global connectivity and KLM’s extensive route network. Destinations added to the network in recent seasons include Biarritz, Exeter, Dubrovnik, Ljubljana, Cork, Jersey, Santiago de Compostela, and Oviedo.

“Sixty years ago, KLM Cityhopper began as a small regional airline. Today, we are an essential part of KLM’s network and play a key role in connecting Europe with the world. This growth is primarily due to the dedication and commitment of our employees. With that same entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, we will continue building the future of regional aviation,” said Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director of KLM Cityhopper.

History

KLM Cityhopper traces its roots to NLM, which was founded in 1966 to provide fast connections between different regions of the Netherlands. Over the following decades, its network steadily expanded to include destinations across Europe. The Cityhopper name was added in 1976, followed by a merger with NetherLines in 1991 and the integration of KLM UK, ultimately creating KLM Cityhopper.

A Testing Ground for Innovation

As a smaller, agile organization, KLM Cityhopper regularly tests innovations for the broader KLM organization. This enables it to play a pioneering role in operational optimization, sustainability, and new ways of working.

One example is the introduction of virtual reality training for KLM Cityhopper pilots—a valuable and sustainable training method that supplements conventional simulator and in-flight training. Another example is OptiClimb, an application that helps reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions during the climb phase of a flight. Based on flight data such as weight, weather conditions, aircraft type, and route, OptiClimb recommends a speed to the flight crew that allows the aircraft to reach cruising altitude as efficiently as possible.

KLM Cityhopper is also taking part in The Aviation Challenge for the fourth year. As part of the challenge, it is testing new solutions involving artificial intelligence, sustainable aviation fuels, weight reduction, reduced food waste, and the electrification of ground operations.

A Quiet, Fuel-Efficient, and Effective Fleet

KLM Cityhopper remains focused on advancing regional aviation. In the coming years, it will concentrate on further optimizing its network, adding new destinations, and maintaining a modern, efficient, and sustainable fleet.

After operating aircraft made by Dutch manufacturer Fokker for several decades, the airline opted for an Embraer fleet in 2008. Today, Embraer aircraft form the backbone of its operations. The latest-generation Embraer E195-E2 is one of today’s quietest, most fuel-efficient, and most effective passenger aircraft.

Photo credits main picture: Mark Wagtendonk 

ANA Group's New Cargo Airline to be Named "ANA Nippon Cargo Airlines"

 ANA HOLDINGS INC. announced that its new cargo airline will be named "ANA Nippon Cargo Airlines Co., Ltd" and will operate under the brand name "ANA Nippon Cargo."

・At its establishment on April 1, 2027, the airline will initially remain the existing corporate name "Nippon Cargo Airlines Co., Ltd." The change to the new corporate name is scheduled for the second half of FY2027 or later.

TOKYO, Sept. 14, 2026 - ANA HOLDINGS INC. ("ANA HD") today announced that its new cargo airline will be named "ANA Nippon Cargo Airlines Co., Ltd." operating under the brand name "ANA Nippon Cargo." The airline will be established on April 1, 2027, through the integration of three ANA Group's cargo businesses: ANA Cargo Inc., Nippon Cargo Airlines Co., Ltd., and NCA Japan Co., Ltd.

◆New Company Name (Scheduled for change in the second half of FY2027 or later*)

English: ANA Nippon Cargo Airlines Co., Ltd.

Japanese: ANA Nippon Cargo Airlines 株式会社

*This remains subject to approval by relevant government authorities.

◆New Brand Name (Scheduled for a change on April 1, 2027)

"ANA Nippon Cargo"

The new company and brand names reflect the unified identity of the ANA Group, pride in the "Nippon Quality" behind its service standard, and a commitment to building trust and expertise of the three merging cargo businesses. The inclusion of "Cargo Airlines" also makes it clear that this is a dedicated cargo airline operating its own fleet with direct responsibility for safety and service quality. Moving forward under this unified name and brand, the three companies will operate as one to deliver a more reliable, more responsive air freight service to customers worldwide.

Further details regarding the new brand will be announced closer to the airline's launch.

ANA

Japan's First: JAL and Donecle Launch Joint Verification for Fully Autonomous Drone Aircraft Exterior Inspections

― Enhancing maintenance efficiency, ensuring mechanic safety, and elevating aircraft quality ―

Tokyo, JAPAN - Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "JAL") and Donecle (hereinafter "Donecle"), a French manufacturer specializing in aircraft maintenance drones, announced the launch of Japan's first joint project utilizing fully autonomous drones approved in aircraft manufacturer's maintenance manuals for exterior aircraft inspections at JAL's hangars. This initiative is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of aircraft maintenance operations.

The project aims to significantly reduce inspection time and enhance the safety of maintenance work by replacing traditional manual visual inspections with drone technology. Furthermore, reallocating the time saved to predictive maintenance is expected to further enhance aircraft quality.

 Visual inspections of aircraft exteriors traditionally require mechanics to spend extensive time checking the massive airframes, often involving working at heights, which poses safety challenges. To address these issues, JAL is working to establish a workflow where drones capture high-resolution images of the exterior for mechanics to review and inspect. Since the end of June 2026, JAL has been conducting comparisons between conventional visual inspections and drone-captured images to verify the effectiveness of drone technology in aircraft maintenance.

The "Iris GVI" drones used in this project, developed by Donecle, are highly reliable and approved for use in aircraft manufacturers' maintenance manuals. Equipped with obstacle detection capabilities, these drones can fly autonomously without contacting the aircraft, ensuring consistent operation independent of operator skill and capturing high-resolution images under uniform standards. Moreover, image analysis technology enables precise mapping and measurement of defect areas.

Drone Model Used: Iris GVI

Manufacturer	Donecle (France)
Dimensions	Length 855mm × Width 855mm × Height 245mm
Weight	3,700g (including battery)
Operation Mode	Fully autonomous flight

 Future Outlook

While the project is currently focused on operational demonstration tests within hangars, future phases aim to expand the scope--such as minimizing flight delays through faster unscheduled lightning strike inspections and regular monitoring of aircraft paint conditions--in continued collaboration with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), aiming for further improvements in punctuality and aircraft quality.

Through this partnership, JAL and Donecle are committed to pioneering drone integration in global aviation maintenance, driving innovation to support safe, secure, and reliable air travel.

About Japan Airlines:

Japan Airlines (JAL) was established in 1951 as Japan's first private airline. Today, as a member of the oneworld® Alliance, the airline operates a fleet of 234 aircraft (as of March 2026) throughout an extensive domestic and international network, serving 413 airports in 71 countries/regions together with other JAL Group and partner airlines. The airline has been the proud recipient of many accolades for its exceptional service, including recognition as a 5-Star Airline by Skytrax and "World Class" by APEX. Under its brand slogan of Soaring Together, JAL strives to awaken senses, lift spirits and inspire, and make meaningful connections for its customers and stakeholders throughout society. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide.

NEW AIRLINE - Southern Vision Investment Becomes Strategic Investor in AVi8 Airways

Long-term strategic partnership to build AVi8 into Southeast Asia’s dedicated ACMI-Charter platform. Investment terms will be disclosed in official fillings at a later time.

HO CHI MINH CITY, VN / ACCESS Newswire / AVi8 Airways, a startup ACMI and charter airline serving the Asia-Pacific region, today announced that Southern Vision Investment (SVI) has become a strategic investor in the company, forming a long-term partnership to support AVi8’s growth across Southeast Asia.

The investment establishes SVI as a committed, long-horizon financial partner as AVi8 builds toward the launch of operations. Full terms of the investment, which allows for certification will be disclosed later in official filings.

AVi8 is building a dedicated ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) and charter airline, operating Airbus A320-family aircraft for passenger and charter services and A321F and A330F freighters for its cargo operations, serving customers across one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

“We are proud to walk alongside AVi8 Airways for the long term,” said Le Yen Thi, Managing Director of SVI Group. “This is not a short-term position - it is a commitment to accompany the company through every stage of its journey. We believe in the team, in the ACMI and charter model, and in the long-term future of aviation across Southeast Asia.”

This partnership reflects a shared, long-term ambition: to build enduring aviation infrastructure for Southeast Asia, combining AVi8’s ACMI and charter capabilities with SVI’s conviction and financial strength.

“With the support of SVI Group, AVi8 Airways will have the strong financial preparation it needs to pursue a genuinely long-term plan - one measured in years, not quarters,” said Minh Nguyen, Managing Director of AVi8 Airways. “Our ambition is clear: to build AVi8 into the leading ACMI and charter platform for Southeast Asia. Having a strategic investor of SVI’s caliber and conviction beside us gives us the stability and the confidence to execute that vision - aircraft by aircraft, and partnership by partnership.”

The ACMI and charter model is prized for its flexibility and capital efficiency, allowing airlines to add capacity during peak seasons - from Lunar New Year, Golden Week, and Songkran to the summer holidays and Hajj and Umrah - and to serve cargo flows that traditional scheduled models cannot address efficiently. AVi8 intends to sit at the center of this demand as a dedicated, airline-to-airline capacity provider.

With SVI’s backing, AVi8 plans to introduce Airbus A320-family aircraft, alongside A321F and A330F freighters for its cargo operations, toward a commercial launch in 2027 - beginning with cargo before expanding its passenger charter and ACMI services - and to grow its fleet steadily as it establishes itself as a trusted capacity partner across the region.

About AVi8 Airways

AVi8 Airways is a Singapore-structured airline backed by AVi8 Air Capital, an aviation investment fund founded by Ed Wegel, one of the industry’s most experienced airline entrepreneurs. Over nearly four decades, Wegel has helped found and build five airlines across multiple markets, with deep experience in airline start-up, fundraising, operations, and growth.

AVi8 Airways is building a dedicated ACMI and Charter platform for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, providing aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) capacity to airline partners while serving passenger charter and cross-border cargo demand. As part of its strategy, AVi8 plans to apply for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Cambodia and to establish an operational hub in Phnom Penh, leveraging the country’s strategic location to optimise its network and connect key markets across the region.

FLEET - Red Sea Airlines (Egypt) has agreed to lease two new B737-8 from (Ireland) as the carrier plans to expand its fleet to 14 aircraft by 2028

 Delivery is set for July and August 2027. 

Red Sea will also receive a B737-800 from Aergo Capital (Ireland) by the end of 2026 and is negotiating with lessors for another seven aircraft.

FLEET - flydubai (UAE) has announced the next phase of its growth strategy, expanding its fleet beyond 100 aircraft and launching a new cabin retrofit program in September 2026.

 The airline will take delivery of 11 additional aircraft in 2026, including seven B737-9 and four B737-8.

SPECIAL LIVERY - Countdown takes flight as Emirates’ new Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 livery lands in Sydney

The specially adorned A380, A6-EVH, touches down in Sydney for the first time, beginning a year-long journey across the Emirates global network ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027


The bold orange design marks Emirates' 5th consecutive Rugby World Cup livery, celebrating Australia as host nation

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 16 September 2026 – As rugby fans around the world begin their countdown to Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027, Emirates has touched down in Sydney with its striking new Rugby World Cup livery adorned on one of its flagship A380 aircraft, A6-EVH.

Operating as EK412, the aircraft arrived in Sydney today before continuing on to Christchurch, New Zealand - visiting two of rugby's most passionate nations on its very first flight in its new colours.

Drawing inspiration from the official Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 logo, the bold orange design features a large rugby ball at its centre, capturing the energy and passion of the game while celebrating Australia's role as host nation.

This marks Emirates' 5th consecutive Rugby World Cup livery, continuing a proud tradition that began in 2011. A6-EVH will now carry the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 colours across Emirates' global network for a full year, bringing the excitement of the tournament to rugby fans in destinations around the world ahead of its arrival in Australia.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said: “Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 is coming to Australia, and we are thrilled to mark that occasion by bringing our Rugby World Cup livery to Sydney for the very first time. Emirates has been a passionate supporter of rugby for nearly four decades. As we celebrate 30 years of flying to Australia, this livery is a symbol of everything we stand for: a love of sport, a passion for connecting people, and a steadfast commitment to Australia.” 

Emirates is among rugby's most significant commercial supporters worldwide. The airline's involvement began in 1987 as Title Sponsor of the Emirates Dubai Sevens, making it the longest-running sponsorship in the airline’s sports portfolio.

In 2025, Emirates renewed its partnership with World Rugby through to 2035, becoming the first organisation in World Rugby's history to hold Platinum Partner status. The agreement covers Men's Rugby World Cups in 2027, 2031 and 2035, Women's Rugby World Cups in 2029 and 2033, and qualifying rounds for all tournaments. Emirates has been a worldwide partner of every Rugby World Cup since 2011 and also sponsors World Rugby's referees and match officials. In 2027, the airline will mark 20 years of supporting Rugby World Cup tournaments.

About Emirates and rugby

Emirates' rugby investment spans from grassroots development to elite competitions. The airline owns and operates The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, a world-class facility that hosts international tournaments while also serving as a hub for community rugby programmes and grassroots development.

Emirates also sponsors World Rugby’s referees and match officials, whose Emirates kits give the airline a distinctive presence at the heart of Rugby World Cup tournaments and international fixtures.

 EMIRATES

FLEET - Cessna Grand Caravan Ex Chosen To Support Cape Air's Montana Network

Order of eight aircraft will help strengthen regional air service with greater flexibility, capacity and reliability

The legendary Cessna Grand Caravan EX single-engine turboprop has been selected by Cape Air for a fleet order of eight aircraft to support the airline's regional passenger operations, further strengthening its ability to connect the communities it serves.

Cape Air plans to introduce the Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprops into its Montana network beginning in 2027, transitioning regional operations to the proven turboprop platform. The airline selected the aircraft for its reliability, performance and increased cargo capacity, helping support the dependable air service communities throughout the region rely on every day.

“Operators around the world continue to choose the Cessna Grand Caravan EX because it delivers the dependability and operating flexibility needed to perform day after day,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston & Utility aircraft sales at Textron Aviation. “The high-wing, single-engine turboprop is a natural fit for Cape Air’s mission, providing the versatility needed to efficiently move passengers, baggage and cargo while maintaining the reliability their customers depend on.”

Founded in 1989, Cape Air is one of the largest regional airlines in the United States, serving 34 cities across the United States and the Caribbean. Headquartered in Hyannis, Massachusetts, the employee-owned airline operates more than 300 flights per day and provides essential connectivity for communities throughout its network.

"The communities we serve in Eastern Montana are unique, and we're proud to continue investing in air service that meets their needs," said Mike Migliore, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cape Air. "The Grand Caravan is a proven, dependable aircraft that will provide additional flexibility for passengers traveling with baggage, sporting equipment, work gear, and other essential items. It is a great fit for our Montana operation and reinforces our long-term commitment to the communities we serve.”

2026 ROUTES

TransNusa (Indonesia) will begin flights between Melbourne and Bali on 19 October 2026, with A320.

Indonesian carrier TransNusa will become the sixth airline on the Melbourne–Denpasar route when it launches four weekly A320 200 round-trips in October. The new service will add more than 70,000 annual seats to one of Australia’s busiest and most fiercely contested international routes.

IrAero (Russia) schedules Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky – Harbin on 24 October 2026, with SSJ100.

Air Premia (South Korea) plans Seoul Incheon – Sapporo New Chitose flights on 02 December 2026, with B787-9.

Wizz Air (Hungary) schedules five new routes from Pristina to Berlin, Hahn, Hamburg, Malmo and Trieste beginning December 2026. It is also adding a second based aircraft.

West Air (China) plans Taiyuan – Nanning – Yangon flights on 25 September 2026, with A320.

Chongqing Airlines (China) plans to resume services to Bangkok and Penang from Chongqing on 25 October 2026, with A321neo and A320neo.

Wizz Air (Hungary) is restoring some of its Middle East network for the 2026/27 winter season, bringing back 12 routes connecting European cities with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Amman.

Jetstar Japan announced the launch of Okinawa – Kaohsiung route on 24 August 2026, with A320.

Israir (Israel) schedules Tel Aviv – New York JFK on 16 September 2026, with A330-200.

Air Algerie no longer plans to operate the Algiers – Delhi flight with A330-900, effective 25 October 2026.

Please confirm all flights with your airline.

ORDER - BERMUDAIR Becomes The Second Embraer E-Freighter Operator

Leased by Regional One, the aircraft will be the first one operating in the Americas

Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ; B3: EMBJ3) and Regional One announced today that BermudAir has become the second operator worldwide of the Embraer E-Freighter. The airline will operate one E190F leased from Regional One, marking the first E-Freighter deployment in the Americas.

Since the launch of the E-Freighter program, Regional One has placed five firm orders for the E190F. Two converted aircraft have already been delivered and have entered successfully into service.

BermudAir currently serves ten destinations across the Caribbean, the United States and Canada with a fleet of two E175s and two E190s. The addition of the E190F expands the airline’s capabilities and reinforces the versatility of the E-Jets platform.

"Cargo is a natural next step for us," said Adam Scott, Founder & CEO of BermudAir. "We've built a reliable, right-sized operation connecting Bermuda and the Caribbean to North America, and the E190F lets us put that same network to work moving express cargo, supporting local businesses, e-commerce and time-sensitive freight across the islands we serve. It's an exciting expanded line of business for BermudAir, and one that builds directly on the operational strengths we've already established.”

“We are excited to welcome BermudAir as the second operator of the Embraer E190F and the first E-Freighter operator in the Americas. As an innovative and rapidly growing airline, BermudAir is an excellent partner to help showcase the versatility and value of the E-Freighter platform. This milestone represents another important step in the continued growth of the E190 P2F program, and we look forward to expanding the global operator base and bringing these highly capable aircraft to customers in markets around the world,” said George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer of Regional One.

“BermudAir’s selection of the E190F marks an important milestone for the E-Freighter program as the aircraft enters service in North America and the Caribbean for the first time. As one of the region’s fastest-growing airlines, BermudAir is expanding beyond passenger operations and unlocking new opportunities in the air cargo market. The addition of another operator underscores the strong value proposition of the E-Freighter, which was designed to address a unique gap in the cargo market with the right combination of payload, volume, range and efficiency,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.

Built on the proven E-Jets platform with decades of operational success, the E-Freighter is designed to meet the fast-evolving demands of the express air freight industry, which requires fast deliveries and decentralized operations to high yield markets. Combining the lower and upper decks, the E190F offers more than 100 m³ of cargo volume and up to 13.5 tons of payload, enabling the cost-efficient transport of express cargo.

The next generation of E-Freighters was developed to fill the gap between turboprops and larger narrowbodies and to replace older, less efficient models. Compared with classic narrowbodies, E-Freighters deliver 30% lower operating costs with similar cargo volume and range, while offering 35% extra volume capacity and more than three times the range of large cargo turboprops. The E190F is the quietest and greenest jet freighter, redefining efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability in air cargo.

ORDER - Korean Air Commits to Record Purchase of 103 Boeing Jets to Modernize Fleet

South Korea's flag carrier intends to buy 777-9s, 787-10s, 737-10s and 777-8 Freighters to optimize fuel-efficiency across global network

- Commitment will be the largest for the airline, adding to its March 2025 order for 40 Boeing widebody jets


WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE:BA] and Korean Air announced today the airline's intent to purchase 103 of Boeing's fuel-efficient family of airplanes to modernize its fleet and support the carrier's growth as it fully integrates operations with Asiana Airlines over the next several years.

Korean Air's commitment will be the airline's largest-ever order and Boeing's largest widebody order from an Asian carrier. When finalized, the deal will mark Korean Air's first order for the 777-8F and will support an estimated 135,000 jobs across the United States. The order will be posted to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website once it is completed and includes:

20 777-9s
25 787-10s
50 737-10s
8 777-8 Freighters

"This agreement with our long-standing partners, Boeing and GE, marks a pivotal moment for Korean Air," said Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air. "Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernization strategy, delivering significant gains in fuel efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience across our global network. This investment is also a critical enabler for our future as a merged airline with Asiana, to ensure that our combined carrier is one of the most competitive airlines in the industry."

Today's agreement was signed during the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable "Partnership for a Manufacturing Renaissance," and presided over by Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Kim Jung-kwan, South Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE).

Korean Air's orders and commitments for Boeing airplanes in 2025 surpasses 150 units, following the airline's incremental order in March(opens in a new tab) for 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s.

"We are honored to strengthen our partnership with Korean Air through this landmark agreement, which reflects the value and capabilities of Boeing's market-leading airplane family," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "As Korean Air transitions to a larger unified carrier, we are committed to supporting the airline's growth with one of the world's most efficient fleets."

Key facts:

The 777-9 can seat 426 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles) and will reduce fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it will replace.
The 787-10 can carry up to 336 passengers with a range of 11,730 km (6,330 nautical miles).
The 737-10, the largest model in the 737 MAX family, can carry as many as 230 passengers with a range of up to 5,740 km (3,100 nautical miles), while reducing fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces. The airplane's efficiency and flexibility will enable Korean Air to serve more passengers on more routes with the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane.
The 777-8 Freighter will be the world's largest and most capable twin-engine freighter, offering the highest payload and lowest operating cost per tonne of any large freighter and 30% better fuel efficiency and emissions than the airplanes it will replace.
Korean Air currently operates 108 Boeing airplanes including 737s, 747s, 777s and 787s. With 72 Boeing jets on order; the carrier's order book will grow to 175 airplanes once the deal is finalized.

Korean Air's Aerospace Division supplies components for the 787 Dreamliner, including its unique raked wingtip, and produces parts for Boeing's 737 MAX, 767 and 777 family of airplanes.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Boeing, American Airlines Complete First 737 MAX Landing Gear Exchange

Milestone achievement confirms the program's effectiveness and the quality standards operators expect.

As Boeing expands global exchange availability, customers benefit from reduced AOG risk and improved maintenance predictability.

PLANO, Texas - PRNewswire-- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and American Airlines announced the successful completion of the first landing gear exchange for a 737 MAX, marking a key milestone as the company extends its longstanding Landing Gear Exchange Program to the MAX platform. The exchange validates Boeing's ability to deliver fully overhauled, Boeing‑certified main and nose landing gear assemblies that arrive ready to install — reducing aircraft on‑ground time and easing spare‑parts burdens for operators.

The Landing Gear Exchange Program has long provided customers with a practical alternative to buying and warehousing expensive spare gear. This first 737 MAX swap with American Airlines demonstrates the program's proven model — overhaul, certification and delivery of ready‑to‑install assemblies — is effective for the newest generation of Boeing single‑aisle aircraft.

An American Airlines 737 MAX on takeoff. Global Services recently completed the first landing gear exchange for a MAX airplane.

"This milestone reinforces what our customers have known for years: Boeing's Landing Gear Exchange capability delivers predictable, safe and cost‑effective outcomes," said William Ampofo, senior vice president, Parts & Distribution and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services. "Extending the program to the 737 MAX gives operators another proven tool to shorten downtime, manage costs and align heavy maintenance with operational needs."

For the completed 737 MAX exchange Boeing supplied an overhauled and certified landing gear assembly with installation kit. The swap validated the end‑to‑end process — from technical overhaul and paperwork through delivery — and proved the approach can be applied consistently to the MAX fleet.

Boeing is also increasing global overhaul capacity and coordinating with certified MRO partners to expand geographic availability and shorten lead times. Near term priorities include enlarging 737 MAX‑capable exchange inventory, adding forward‑exchange slots close to customer operations, and tracking operational metrics to quantify downtime and cost benefits as the program scales.

By enabling a forward exchange of certified assemblies, Boeing's solution helps airlines avoid lengthy in‑place overhauls and the risk of extended groundings. Operators can shift from holding high‑cost spare inventories to reserving forward‑exchange slots, freeing working capital and improving fleet predictability. Boeing manages the technical overhaul, incorporation of applicable service bulletins, certification and supplier coordination, transferring inventory and obsolescence risk away from operators.

For the completed 737 MAX exchange Boeing supplied overhauled and certified main and nose landing gear assemblies with installation kits (wheels, tires and brakes excluded). The swap validated the end‑to‑end process — from technical overhaul and paperwork through delivery — and proved the approach can be applied consistently to the MAX fleet.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.  

 

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

    

Paul Bannwarth