Farnborough International Airshow 2026 - De Havilland Canada and Widerøe Sign Agreement for Dash 8-400 A-Check Escalation Program

New maintenance program will allow Widerøe’s Dash 8-400 aircraft to spend more time flying and less time in maintenance.

July 20, 2026 (Farnborough, United Kingdom) — De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) today announced that Widerøe, Scandinavia’s largest regional airline, has signed an agreement to implement De Havilland Canada’s new Dash 8-400 A-Check Escalation Program across its fleet of 17 aircraft.
Under the agreement, Widerøe will become the first Dash 8-400 operator to adopt the new maintenance program, which extends the interval between scheduled A-Checks from 800 to 1,200 flight hours. By reducing the number of routine maintenance inspections required, the program allows aircraft to spend more time in service while maintaining the highest standards of safety and airworthiness.
Implementation of the program is now underway and is expected to be completed over the next 12 months.
The longer maintenance interval will help Widerøe reduce aircraft downtime, increase fleet availability, and lower the labour and material costs associated with scheduled maintenance.
“We’re continually looking for ways to help our customers improve fleet performance,” said Rob Mobilio, Chief Commercial Officer for De Havilland Canada. “This new program will reduce maintenance costs and allow operators to spend less time in the hangar and more time in the air, while maintaining the high safety and reliability standards the Dash 8 is known for. We’re pleased that Widerøe is leading the way as our launch customer.”
De Havilland Canada’s confidence in the program builds on its longstanding relationship with Widerøe. In 2021, the two companies successfully introduced similar maintenance interval extensions for Widerøe’s Dash 8-100, -200 and -300 aircraft, increasing the time between both A-Checks and C-Checks while maintaining the same high standards of safety and reliability.
The agreement reflects De Havilland Canada’s ongoing commitment to developing practical maintenance solutions that help operators improve fleet availability, reduce operating costs, and maximize the value of their Dash 8 aircraft.

 

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 - Boeing and Philippine Airlines Announce Commitment for up to 20 787 Dreamliner Jets

Philippines flag carrier will grow its regional network with the 787-10

Airline to place its largest ever widebody order to support fleet modernization

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Philippine Airlines today announced the flag carrier has committed to order up to 20 787 Dreamliner jets. Once finalized, the agreement for 15 787-10 airplanes, with opportunity to purchase five more, will support Philippine Airlines' fleet modernization and expansion plans.

"This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines and the continued growth of air travel. The Boeing 787-10 will strengthen our medium and long-haul fleet, allowing us to provide an even better travel experience for our customers while improving operational efficiency and supporting our long-term sustainability goals," said Lucio C. Tan III, president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings, Inc. "As Asia's first and longest serving airline, we proudly celebrated our 85th anniversary earlier this year. An equally meaningful milestone that we celebrate this year is 80 years of partnership between Philippine Airlines and Boeing."

Boeing and Philippine Airlines today announced at the Farnborough Airshow the flag carrier has committed to order up to 20 787 Dreamliner jets.

The 787-10 will complement PAL's fleet of 10 777 jets by expanding operational flexibility across the airline's medium- and long-haul route network. Delivering unmatched fuel efficiency with the lowest operating cost per seat of any widebody jet, the 787's composite design yields 25% less fuel use than the airplanes it typically replaces.

"Philippine Airlines' selection of the 787 Dreamliner marks an important step forward in our partnership, one that spans 80 years," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We're grateful for PAL's trust in Boeing, and our team looks forward to delivering advanced-technology airplanes that deepen connections across the Philippines, Asia and beyond."

As the largest variant of the 787 family, the 787-10 can fly 300-375 passengers up to 13,890 km (7,500 nautical miles), enabling PAL to meet rising travel demand. Passengers travel in enhanced comfort with the 787's design features, including the largest dimmable windows of any commercial jet, higher cabin humidity for less-dry air and technology that helps reduce turbulence for a smoother journey.

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 - SMBC Aviation Capital Orders 100 Boeing 737 MAX Jets

Agreement includes SMBC Aviation Capital's first-ever 737-10 order

737-10 order is single largest by a lessor

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and SMBC Aviation Capital today announced that the global aviation finance platform and lessor has ordered 100 737 MAX airplanes, including 60 737-10 and 40 737-8 jets.

The 737-10 order represents SMBC Aviation Capital's first purchase for the 737 MAX family's highest capacity variant. With this order, SMBC Aviation Capital increases its owned, managed and committed to portfolio for the 737 MAX family to 450 jets.

Boeing and SMBC Aviation Capital today announced that the global aviation finance platform and lessor has ordered 100 737 MAX airplanes, including 60 737-10 and 40 737-8 jets.

"This transaction represents a significant milestone for SMBC Aviation Capital and will ensure our airline customers have access to a long-term pipeline of new technology aircraft," said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital. "Our partnership with Boeing spans over two decades and this order reflects market dynamics as our airline and investor customers look to upgauge to the 737-10. This order will support their growth ambitions well into the next decade and reflects our strong confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX and sustained demand for fuel-efficient, technologically advanced narrowbody aircraft."

The 737-10 has the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane, seating up to 230 passengers with a range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km). By selecting the 737-10, SMBC Aviation Capital will be able to meet strong market demand for larger single-aisle jets, diversify its asset mix and capture a new customer base.

"We are honored that the new and expanded team at SMBC continues to place its trust in Boeing and the 737 MAX family," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This commitment, including SMBC's first 737-10 order, reflects the strong demand we are seeing for the 737 MAX family's efficiency, reliability and versatility."

As global passenger traffic is forecast to grow 4% annually over the next two decades, lessors are increasingly looking to grow and diversify their single-aisle portfolios to provide airlines with more fuel-efficient jets capable of operating across a variety of route networks. Lessors have ordered more than 1,450 737 MAX jets, representing 20% of the 737 MAX backlog. 

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 - Riyadh Air Commits to Purchase 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Adds 787-10 to Future Fleet

Saudi carrier will exercise options for 28 787 Dreamliner jets from 2023 order and convert 20 options to largest 787 Dreamliner variant 

Riyadh Air has taken delivery of six 787-9 jets and currently serves six cities 

Agreement reaffirms Riyadh Air's plan to operate to over 100 global destinations by 2030, powered by a growing next-generation fleet  

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that the airline is exercising options for 28 more 787 Dreamliner jets as part of its growth plan. The agreement to exercise most of the options from Riyadh Air's 2023 order also includes the conversion of 20 airplanes to the larger 787-10 variant.

The announcement includes a previously unidentified purchase of 11 of the ultra-efficient widebody jets. Once the remaining 17 airplanes are finalized, Riyadh Air's firm order count will grow to 67 787 Dreamliners.

Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Boeing today announced that the airline is exercising options for 28 more 787 Dreamliner jets as part of its growth plan.

"The commitment to firm up an additional 28 787 Dreamliners and introduce the 787-10 marks another significant milestone in Riyadh Air's journey towards over 100 international destinations by 2030, a key part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 ambitions," said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. "Following the recent launch of full operations, guests have been hugely impressed with the Riyadh Air experience onboard our current fleet of six Boeing 787 jets. The addition of the 787-10 strengthens our ability to accommodate growing passenger and cargo demand while providing the operational flexibility required to support our ambitious network plans."

By operating the 787-9 and 787-10, Riyadh Air will benefit from fleet commonality, including shared flight deck systems, maintenance procedures and pilot training, helping deliver operational efficiencies while ensuring a consistent, premium guest experience across its network.

The 787 Dreamliner family features the largest windows of any commercial airplane, higher cabin humidity, lower cabin altitude pressurization and advanced turbulence-sensing technology, all designed to enhance passenger comfort.

"We are delighted to see Riyadh Air flying their new 787 airplanes in commercial service and we are deeply honored they are placing orders for additional 787 Dreamliner aircraft to support their future," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787-10 will be a great complement to Riyadh Air's growing fleet and advance the airline's mission to be a world-class airline that delivers an exceptional passenger experience."

The addition of the 787-10 reflects Riyadh Air's commitment to operating one of the world's most modern, efficient and sustainable fleets. As the largest member of the 787 Dreamliner family, the 787-10 will boost Riyadh Air's capacity with 50 more seats than the 787-9, while reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.

The expanded Boeing fleet will help Riyadh Air grow its network and add the capacity needed to ensure Riyadh, a G20 capital city, is fully connected to 100 global destinations realizing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

As a wholly owned company of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air acts as a key catalyst for Saudi Arabia's economic diversification strategy. By expanding its global reach, the airline expects to generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute over $20 billion (SAR 75 billion) to non-oil GDP growth by 2030.

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 - SMBC Aviation Capital orders 100 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft

SMBC Aviation Capital, a leading global aviation finance platform, has placed a firm order for an additional 65 A321neo and 35 A320neo aircraft. The agreement was finalised at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Farnborough, United Kingdom, 20 July 2026 - SMBC Aviation Capital, a leading global aviation finance platform, has placed a firm order for an additional 65 A321neo and 35 A320neo aircraft. The agreement was finalised at the Farnborough International Airshow.

"This significant new order will give our airline customers access to a continuous delivery pipeline of the latest technology A320neo family aircraft into the mid-2030s," said Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital. "We are pleased to build on the deep partnership we have established with Airbus over the last 25 years, and this latest order reflects our confidence in the long-term demand for the A320neo family. Today's announcement reflects SMBC Aviation Capital’s long-term commitment to supporting our airline customers, positioning us as the leading global aviation finance platform, ready to meet their ever-evolving needs."

“Our partnership with SMBC Aviation Capital goes from strength to strength. We are honoured to stand with SMBC Aviation Capital as they place this order for additional A320neo family aircraft - the world’s most leased and most traded aircraft making it the benchmark for airlines, lessors and investors alike”, said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “SMBC Aviation Capital’s investment reflects the global market appetite for the A320neo Family for the years to come as customers select the latest generation and most efficient aircraft to grow and renew fleets.”

SMBC Aviation Capital is already one of the largest customers for the A320 Family and together with its parent company Sumitomo Corporation, accounts for over 900 total commitments directly from Airbus for all Airbus aircraft types.

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft, having won more than 20,200 orders globally. The Family includes the largest member, the A321neo, offering unparalleled range and performance. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky.

 

Farnborough International Airshow 2026 - Riyadh Air firms up order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft

Farnborough, United Kingdom, 20 July 2026 – Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has firmed up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total firm commitment for the type to 31 aircraft.

The agreement forms part of the airline's original commitment for up to 50 A350-1000s announced in 2025. Riyadh Air will become the first airline in Saudi Arabia to operate the A350-1000 and will use the aircraft to support its international growth ambitions and the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives.

"The firm-up of these additional aircraft reflects Riyadh Air's continued confidence in its growth trajectory and in the future of Saudi Arabia's aviation sector," said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air. "Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030 while delivering a premium guest experience."

"We are proud to deepen our partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “This additional A350-1000 commitment reflects the airline's confidence in the aircraft's exceptional efficiency, range and passenger appeal. As Riyadh Air advances its ambitious growth plans, the A350-1000 will play an important role in supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives and helping position the Kingdom as a leading international aviation hub."

The A350 is the world’s most modern widebody aircraft, designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, setting new standards for intercontinental travel. The aircraft includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its latest generation Rolls-Royce engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A350’s unique Airspace cabin offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience.

At the end of June 2026, the A350 Family had won 1,595 firm orders from 68 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.
 

AIRPORT - Rio de Janeiro Galeão–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, Brasil

Photos: Daniel Carneiro

VINTAGE Aircraft - SYRIAN AIR / Boeing 727-294(Adv) / YK-AGB - msn 21204 / 1194

Flyingphotos - Lisboa - 2001
 

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - Armavia was Armenia's flag carrier that existed between 1996 and 2013.

Flyingphotos-Lisboa - Armavia-B737-300-4L-TGL-

IATAU8

ICAORNV

CallsignARMAVIA

Full Name Armavia Airline Company Limited

Country Armenia

Founded 1996

Ceased operations 1 Apr 2013

Headquarters Yerevan

Main Hub Yerevan Zvartnots International (EVN / UDYZ)

ATR 42 / 72 - 2

Airbus A319 - 3

Airbus A320 - 6

Boeing 737 - 4

Boeing 737-300 - 1

Boeing 737-500 - 3

Bombardier CRJ-100 Series - 4

Sukhoi Superjet 100 - 1

Armavia was Armenia's flag carrier airline between 1996 and 2013. It was based at Zvartnots International Airport in Zvartnots, Armenia. Armavia was founded in 1997 as a joint venture between Armenian organisations and Russia's Sibir Airlines, eventually becoming Armenia's national airline.

The airline primarily focused on charter flights, later expanding to scheduled services from Zvartnots International Airport - some of its destinations were within Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

In the late 2000s, Armavia faced increasing competition from low-cost carriers and rising fuel costs. Unfortunately, a fatal plane crash in 2006 resulted in the image of Armavia being tarnished and a decrease in customer confidence. In 2013, Armavia experienced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy, ceasing all operations.

Alternative / Flyingphotos

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - Air Bucharest was a Romanian charter airline founded in 2010 that specialized in holiday flights to Mediterranean and North African destinations

Flyingphotos-Lisboa-Air Bucharest-B737-300-YR-TIB

After suspending operations in October 2022 and shelving subsequent relaunch plans, the company filed for insolvency in March 2024 and is no longer an active carrier

Destinations: Holiday hotspots including Hurghada (Egypt), Antalya (Turkey), and various minor airports across Europe and the Middle East.

ICAO - BUR
Callsign - AIR BUCHAREST

Fleet:

Boeing 737-300 - 2

Boeing 737-400 - 1

 

SPECIAL LIVERY - ETIHAD AIRWAYS / B787-9 / A6-BND - Manchester City c/s

Ton Jochems - BRU

SPECIAL LIVERY - AIR CHINA / A330-300 / B-6101 - Star Alliance

Ton Jochems - BRU
 

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - The original Cyprus Airways (1947–2015) was the historic flag carrier of Cyprus, operating from a primary hub at Larnaca International Airport

Following a European Commission ruling that ordered the carrier to repay over €65 million in illegal state aid, the airline declared voluntary liquidation and ceased all flights on January 9, 2015. The brand name was later acquired and relaunched by Charlie Airlines in 2017

5B-DAQ-A310-200 - Flyingphotos-LHR

Founded in September 1947 as a joint venture between the British Colonial Government, British European Airways (BEA), and private investors.Fleet: 

Over its nearly seven decades in operation, it flew aircraft including the Douglas DC-8, Hawker Siddeley Trident, Airbus A310, and Airbus A330

5B-DAV-A320-200 - Flyingphotos - CGD

5B-DCF-A319-100 - LHR

5B-DAU-A320-200 - LHR

5B-DBT-A330-200-LHR

Fleet - 

Airbus A310 - 4

Airbus A319 - 4

Airbus A320 - 14

Airbus A321 - 2

Airbus A330 - 2

BAC 1-11 - 6

Boeing 720 - 3

Bristol 175 Britannia - 2

Canadair CL-44 - 2

Douglas DC-8 - 3

Hawker Siddeley HS-121 Trident - 5

McDonnell Douglas DC-9 - 2

IATA - CY

ICAO - CYP

Callsign - CYPRUS

Full Name - Cyprus Airways Public Limited

Country - Cyprus

Founded - 24 Sep 1947

Ceased operations 9 Jan 2015

Headquarters - Nicosia

Main Hub - Larnaca International (LCA / LCLK)

Focus Cities - Paphos International (PFO / LCPH)

VINTAGE Aircraft - MARTINAIR / B767-300 / PH-MCL, PH-MCV, PH-MCM

 

PH-MCL

PH-MCL - Martinair - Feb 1992

N326MP -  Residco - Dec 2011

PH-MCV

PH-MCV - Martinair - Nov 1995
5Y-QQQ - East African Safari Air - May 2003 

PH-MCV - HollandExel Sep 2004
PH-MCV - ArkeFly - Apr 2005
PH-MCV - bmi British Midland - Feb 2006
PH-MCV - ArkeFly - Jun 2007
PH-MCV - bmi British Midland - Sep 2007
PR-VAE - Varig - Jan 2008
N281LF - ILFC - Apr 2009
EI-EED - Blue Panorama Airlines - Apr 2009
N195AT - ILFC - Dec 2013
VP-BFI - VIM Airlines - Sep 2014
N662GT - Boeing 767-300

PH-MCM

PH-MCM - Martinair Feb 1992 
N328MP - Residco Dec 2011
SX-BPN - SkyGreece Airlines Dec 2013
N328MP - Residco Nov 2015
N328PM incorrectly applied to airframe
FAB2900 - Força Aérea Brasileira (Brazilian Air Force) Jul 2016
N328MP - Residco Jul 2019

Flyingphotos - Lisboa

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

Paul Bannwarth
 

FLEET News - GOL eyes doubling of widebody fleet

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes (G3, São Paulo Congonhas) is considering at least a doubling of its planned widebody fleet as it prepares to launch a broader long-haul network beyond the five A330-900Ns it has already committed to leasing from Avolon.

Chief executive Celso Ferrer said the Brazilian carrier is looking to expand its future widebody fleet to "at least a low double-digit number" as it accelerates its transformation from a predominantly domestic airline into a long-haul operator, according to comments made during an event in New York following the launch of the carrier's first long-haul service.

"We are looking for more planes to play with soon," Ferrer said, adding that the airline's long-haul ambitions are only the "beginning" for GOL and parent Abra Group.

The airline launched nonstop flights between Rio de Janeiro International and New York JFK on July 8 using a wet-leased A330-200 from sister carrier Wamos Air (EB, Madrid Barajas). The aircraft, EC-NBN (msn 818), arrived in GOL's livery shortly before the route's inauguration and is configured with 280 seats.

The wet lease bridges the gap until GOL begins taking delivery of its five leased A330-900Ns from Avolon, with the first aircraft expected by the end of 2026. The carrier plans to use the fleet to operate to JFK, Lisbon, Orlando International, and Paris CDG.

According to Ferrer, all five A330-900Ns will be required to operate those four routes, meaning additional aircraft will be necessary to support any further long-haul expansion.

GOL has not disclosed whether it is seeking additional A330-900Ns or another widebody type. Within Abra Group, avianca airlines operates both A330s and B787s, while Wamos Air also flies A330s.

The Brazilian airline currently operates a fleet of 144 aircraft comprising twelve B737-700s, fifty-seven B737-8s, sixty-six B737-800s, and nine B737-800(BCF)s. Its entry into the widebody market marks a significant shift from its historical all-B737 strategy as it seeks to compete more directly with LATAM Airlines Group and Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras on long-haul international routes.

CH Aviation / Image: Flyingphotos AI

HiSky Europe reactivates A321LR after engine fixes

HiSky Europe (H4, Iasi) has returned the second of its A321-200NX(LR)s to service after a 1.5-year-long grounding caused by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine issues. 

YR-WIN (msn 10948) had been parked at Bucharest Baneasa since January 6, 2025, and was repositioned to Bucharest Henri Coanda on July 12, 2026, before restarting revenue operations with a flight to Hurghada later on the same day. 

The return of the aircraft enabled the airline to reposition the other unit of the type, YR-WOW (msn 10928), to Chisinau International, where it remains based.

CH Aviation / Photo: Hisky