Airbus A350F freighter successfully performs its maiden flight

The A350F freighter (MSN 700), the first of two test aircraft, has completed its first flight. The aircraft, fitted with special flight test instrumentation, flew for 4 hours 10 minutes reaching an altitude of 25,000 feet. The aircraft was flown by a dedicated Airbus Flight Test crew.

"This maiden flight is a major milestone for the A350F and for our customers worldwide. As thelatest development of our highly successful A350 platform, the A350F is a true game-changer for the air cargo market, combining unmatched operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, and range," stated Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “I am immensely proud of the extraordinary dedication and hard work of all the teams who have made this achievement possible.” 

The second A350F prototype (MSN 701) is now at an advanced stage of final assembly and will enter the paint shop in the next few weeks.

During this inaugural flight, the crew carried out tests focused on verifying the basic airworthiness, fundamental flying qualities, and ensuring basic systems perform as predicted. This marks the start of an over 9 months flight test campaign.

Designed to be the world's most advanced cargo aircraft, the A350F meets the evolving demands of the global air freight market. Thanks to a range capability of up to 8,700 kilometres and a payload of up to 111 tonnes, it will allow operators to deploy it on international long-haul routes. Made of over 70% advanced materials, the A350F is resulting in a 46 tonnes lighter maximum take-off weight (MTOW) compared to competitor aircraft.

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 40% compared to competitor aircraft with a similar payload-range capability. It is the first new freighter to fully meet the latest ICAO's CO₂ emission standards. At the end of August 2026, the A350F had already recorded 115 orders from 14 disclosed customers and it had captured up to 59% market share in the large freighter category.

The aircraft was flown by Captain & Test Pilot Bernardo Saez-Benito, First Officer and Experimental Test Pilot Sylvain Guiraud, together with Test Flight Engineer Ludovic Girard. In addition, Lead Flight Test Engineers Laurent Bussiere and Jaime Angoloti were onboard.
Airbus / Photos: A380_TLS_A350

SPECIAL LIVERY - Iberia unveils centenary livery

On 23 September 2026, Iberia unveiled its special centenary branding, including a special livery. The date wasn't chosen at random as it was exact 100 days to go for its 100th birthday.

The special livery is featuring large "100"-titles on the forward fuselage and the red of the tail continuing onto the bottom of the aircraft. It's unclear how many aircraft will receive the livery.

Iberia is also planning to add smaller old company-logo's to some of its aircraft, highlighting the development of the brand over the century.

Illustration by Iberia.
 

FLEET - Africa World Airlines receives first E190

The first of two E190s, long-range variant, which Ghana's Africa World Airlines (AWA) has bought from fellow Fangda Aviation subsidiary Urumqi Air, was delivered to Accra on September 19, 2026, with the second expected before Christmas, the airline confirmed to ch-aviation. 9G-FDA (msn 19000426), formerly B-3179 operated by fellow Fangda carrier GX Airlines (GX, Nanning), was ferried from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev via Yerevan and Tunis to Accra over two days, according to ADS-B data. The 15.3-year-old airframe had been stored at Haikou since July 28. AWA plans to expand its fleet to up to ten E190s over the next 18 to 24 months.
CH Aviation

HAINAN AIRLINES / Airbus A330-900 / F-WWCK msn 2128

Alain Charpentier
 

ORDER - FLYONE Armenia orders two Airbus A321neo

FLYONE Armenia, the country's largest carrier, has finalised an order with Airbus for the acquisition of two A321neo aircraft. The agreement was first announced as a Memorandum of Understanding during French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Yerevan on the 5th May 2026.

The two A321neo aircraft, representing FLYONE Armenia’s first direct order from Airbus, will be powered by CFM International’s LEAP engines. Configured with a 239-seat all-economy layout, these aircraft are central to the carrier’s strategic fleet enhancement and represent a key milestone in its ambitious route network expansion. Established in 2021, the airline currently operates a fleet of 11 A320 Family aircraft.

“Our first direct order with Airbus marks an important and symbolic milestone in FLYONE Armenia’s development. Having two new A321neo aircraft built by Airbus specifically for our airline reflects our continued commitment to fleet modernisation and long-term growth. We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Airbus and are confident that this investment will support not only FLYONE Armenia’s future development, but also the continued growth of Armenia’s civil aviation sector and its international cooperation,” said Aram Khachatryan, CEO of FLYONE Armenia.

“This first direct order from FLYONE Armenia underscores the airline's commitment for operational excellence and enhanced passenger comfort as it continues to expand its A320 Family fleet,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “We are very happy to welcome FLYONE as a new member of the Airbus family and we look forward to a deep and fruitful collaboration together to support their strategic growth plans.”

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft, having won more than 20,000 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.

 

MILITARY - Embraer Delivers First C-390 Millennium To The Uzbekistan Air Force

•  The delivery of the first next-generation aircraft is part of Uzbekistan's ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance its operational capabilities
• 
  
• • Uzbekistan becomes the first C-390 Millennium operator in Central Asia

Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ/ B3: EMBJ3) has delivered today the first C-390 Millennium multi mission transport aircraft to the Uzbekistan Air Force during an official ceremony held at Embraer's facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, which was attended by major general Akhmad Jamolovich Burkhonov, Commander of the Air Force and Olimkhon Bakiyevich Rustamov, Director of the State institution "O‘ztextreyd" representing the Republic of Uzbekistan. The contract, signed at the end of 2024, also includes a comprehensive training and support package, as well as the supply of spare parts.

Uzbekistan becomes the first operator of the C-390 Millennium aircraft in Central Asia, marking an important milestone in the country's efforts to modernize and strengthen its air mobility capabilities.

"The delivery of the first C-390 Millennium represents a significant step forward for the modernization of the Uzbekistan Air Force. The aircraft's exceptional performance, versatility and multi-mission capabilities will enable us to execute a broad range of missions with greater efficiency and readiness. We look forward to introducing this state-of-the-art platform into service and further strengthening our operational capabilities," said major general Akhmad Jamolovich Burkhonov, Commander of the Air Force of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

"We are honored to deliver the first C-390 Millennium to the Uzbekistan Air Force and welcome Uzbekistan to the growing community of C-390 operators worldwide," said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. "The selection of the C-390 confirms its status as the most advanced air mobility solution available today. This delivery reinforces our commitment to supporting Uzbekistan with unmatched capability, and operational flexibility for decades to come."

With this first delivery, Uzbekistan joins a growing group of nations operating the C-390 Millennium, reinforcing the aircraft's position as the new standard in medium tactical airlift.

The C-390 Millennium, built and designed in the 21st century, is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class. It can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft, flying faster (470 knots) and farther. It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, equipment and personnel airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR), firefighting, and humanitarian missions, operating from temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft, when configured with quick-installation air-to-air refueling equipment (AAR), can operate both as a tanker and as a receiver.

In addition to the Brazilian Air Force, this next-generation multi-mission aircraft has been selected by the air forces of Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, Colombia and Lithuania. The C-390 Millennium delivers unmatched capability, reliability, versatility, and performance to meet the tactical and strategic needs of air forces worldwide with seamless interoperability.

ORDER - Biman Bangladesh Airlines Orders 11 More Boeing Jets to Expand Fleet

 Airline's second purchase this year grows its order book to 25 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX jets

Bangladeshi flag carrier advancing fleet modernization and international growth strategy

NEW YORK, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced today the national carrier placed an order for 11 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to grow and renew its fleet. The purchase, which includes five 787-10 and six 737-8 jets, builds on the airline's largest‑ever order for 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes(opens in a new tab) earlier this year.

Government leaders celebrated the signing by Boeing and Biman on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, including:

• Bangladesh Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat
• State Minister of Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir
• Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun
• Advisor to the Prime Minister Madhi Amin
• U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick
• U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau

"Today's supplemental agreement is an important step in Biman's ongoing fleet renewal and network expansion. This order responds to specific requirements in our fleet plan. Our team's working relationship with Boeing over the years has given us confidence in the delivery and support arrangements," said Mr. Rumee A Hossain, chairman of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. "As the national flag carrier, we remain committed to developing Biman's network and capabilities in a manner that responds to the connectivity needs of the people of Bangladesh, our expatriate community, business and tourism. This agreement is one part of a broader, carefully considered plan to strengthen the country's international connectivity in the years ahead."

Biman currently operates 787, 777 and 737 Next‑Generation airplanes across its international network, connecting Bangladesh with major hubs in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Europe. The 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX families deliver 20-25% more fuel efficiency compared to the airplanes they replace, supporting the airline's strategy to modernize its fleet and expand global connectivity.

"Biman's follow-on order reflects its strategic approach to fleet renewal and capacity growth, and underscores the strength of our long-standing partnership," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "These additional 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes will deliver the efficiency, versatility and reliability Biman needs to support Bangladesh's growing role in global aviation."

The addition of the 737‑8 and 787‑10 strengthens Biman's established Boeing fleet, ensuring seamless commonality across operations. The 737‑8 brings greater range to the airline's single‑aisle network, while the 787‑10 adds higher capacity to complement Biman's 787‑9 and 787‑8 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.  

SPECIAL STICKER - Cambodia Airways (ARKIA Flight) / A320-214 / XU-761

Paul Bannwarth
 

FLEET - Panorama Aviation is proud to announce the addition of a brand-new aircraft to its fleet

The arrival of the ATR 42 marks a major milestone for the company, which will now be able to expand its range of charter and cargo services.

Photo: kierago

Calgary Int'l Airport - CYYC - Canada

 

SPECIAL LIVERY - Air Canada Jetz / A320-211 / C-FNVV - With Special Jetz 25 Years Tail Design

Photo: Mark Bess

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

 Paul Bannwarth

AIRPORT - Miami International Airport

Ronald Vermeulen
 

SPECIAL LIVERY / AIRCRAFT - Airbus A350-1041F / F-WXLD / MSN: 700

 Photos: A380_TLS_A350 

SPECIAL LIVERY - CEBU PACIFIC / A330-900NEO /F-WWYB

Photo: A380_TLS_A350 
 

FLEET - Sun Phu Quoc Airways receives its first Airbus A330 aircraft.

VN-A969, an A330-200 that American retired in 2020 and left parked for six years in Roswell and Marana, landed in Seattle on the first leg of its ferry flight to Vietnam, where it will become the first of eight widebodies for Sun PhuQuoc Airways.

Photos: Sun Phu Quoc Airways

SPA bought eight A330-200s from that batch (all ex US Airways / American, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 772B-60 engines) to have its own widebody capacity while it waits for the Boeing 787-9s. The Dreamliner order, for up to 40 aircraft, was announced in February 2026; deliveries are not expected before 2031
 

FLEET - Alaska Airlines to start B737-800 Hawaiian ops in early 4Q26

Starting October 3, 2026, Alaska Airlines (AS, Seattle Tacoma International) will introduce a B737-800 daily on select Honolulu-Kahului flights, supplementing subsidiary Hawaiian Airlines’ Neighbour Island capacity, which is currently served with the carrier’s B717-200 fleet.

This is the first step in Alaska Airlines’ plan to retire Hawaiian’s B717 fleet in 2028 and transition to a B737 island service.

“The additional B737 flights between Honolulu and Kahului will provide more passenger and cargo capacity while helping maintain the frequency, reliability, and connectivity,” Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

ch-aviation fleets data shows Alaska Air Group operates nineteen B717-200s, with an average age of 24.7 years. It is one of two operators of the type globally, the other being Delta Air Lines. Alaska Airlines operates fifty-nine B737-800s, aged 18.5 years on average.

CH Aviation

FLEET - Pakistan International Airlines have approved leasing five aircraft, including two B787s on wet lease from Norse Atlantic (Norway) and three aircraft on dry lease, while directing the procurement of spare parts.

Photo: Duncan Stewart - LAX

FLEET - Sun PhuQuoc Airways (Vietnam) took delivery of its 20th aircraft, an A321LR, serial 13020.

The remaining eight A321LR aircraft are expected to join the fleet soon.

Photo: Sun PhuQuoc Airways

AIRLINE - Rayani Air (Malaysia) has announced its return under new management, with a new business model focusing exclusively on hajj and umrah charter flights from 2027 with A330-300.

Rayani Air

2026 ROUTES

Jubba Airways (Somalia) resumed flight domestic and international operations, following the recent delivery of one B737-300 QC, serial 26851.

Enugu Air to Launch First International Service to DoualaAirlines Nigeria  

Enugu Air, the Enugu State government-backed Nigerian carrier, will inaugurate its first international route on Wednesday September 23, 2026, with twice-weekly nonstop flights between Enugu and Douala, Cameroon, the airline said.

© Photo : Enugu Air

Riyadh Air (Saudi Arabia) plans Riyadh – Milan Malpensa flights on 16 December 2026, with B787-9.

Saudi's Riyadh Air targets 100 global destinations by 2030

Riyadh Air (RX, Riyadh) intends to expand to more than 100 international destinations by 2030 in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification programme, according to CEO Tony Douglas. The plan is underscored by the airline's recent order with Boeing for 28 incremental B787s, including eight B787-9s and twenty B787-10s, plus six incremental A350-1000s. 

The latest routes out of Riyadh include Manila Ninoy Aquino International, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Islamabad International, Lahore International, Mumbai International, Dhaka, and Kuala Lumpur International.
Full Story : Boeing Investors PR

Edelweiss Air (Switzerland) is suspending the Zurich – Tampa service during spring 2027, which is flown by A350-900.

Vietnam Airlines plans Hanoi – Ahmedabad route on 25 October 2026, with A321 aircraft

Sun PhuQuoc Airways (Vietnam) plans to add A330-200 aircraft on the Hanoi – Phu Quoc route from 25 October 2026.

Norse Atlantic (Norway) suspends service to New York JFK from both London Gatwick and Rome, during winter 2026/27.

Parata Air (South Korea) secures operating rights for Shanghai and Hangzhou from Seoul Incheon and Yangyang.

DHL Express (Germany) operated the first direct DHL flight between Bahrain and Johannesburg, with B767F.

Air Travel (China) plans winter 2026/27 flights on the Changsha – Jinghong – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi route from 25 October 2026, with A320.

AJet (Turkiye) plans flights to Almaty and Astana from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen in early January 2027, with B737-800 from parent Turkish Airlines.

Please confirm all flights with your airline.

SPECIAL LIVERY Star Alliance - CROATIA AIRLINES / A220-300 / 9A-CAS

Croatia Airlines
 

ORDER - Malaysia Airlines nears B787-10 order

Illustration of Malaysia Boeing 787-9 & Boeing 737-8, © Boeing

Malaysia Aviation Group is closing in on an order for around ten B787-10s for Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International), Bloomberg reported on September 18, 2026, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Deliveries would begin in 2031, with the aircraft replacing the carrier's seven leased A350-900s and providing additional growth capacity.

Boeing has reportedly moved ahead of Airbus after offering earlier delivery slots, while General Electric's engine proposal was said to offer better terms than Rolls-Royce's. The report said MAG has been considering replacing the A350s partly because of high lease rentals.

MAG previously confirmed to ch-aviation in November 2025 that it planned to issue a request for proposals for new widebodies to replace its long-haul fleet. It then expected to complete the selection process in the first quarter of 2026, with deliveries beginning in 2031.

In June 2026, MAG said it had yet to make a decision and expected to conclude the review in the fourth quarter. CEO Nasaruddin Bakar later said the group was considering more than seven aircraft to provide both replacement and growth capacity.

Malaysia Airlines previously pursued the Boeing widebodies in 2017 through a memorandum of understanding covering eight B787-9s, but the provisional agreement lapsed in 2018. In March 2025, it ordered an incremental eighteen B737-8s and twelve B737-10s with a further 30 options for undisclosed B737 MAX variants to complete a narrowbody fleet renewal by 2030.

Malaysia Airlines operates a fleet of 93 aircraft, comprising three A330-200s, three A330-200Fs, thirteen A330-300s, ten A330-900Ns, seven A350-900s, nineteen B737-8s, and thirty-eight B737-800s, ch-aviation data shows.

CH Aviation

ORDER - Boeing and Turkish Airlines Finalize Order for up to 150 737 MAX Jets

Airline's largest Boeing single-aisle order follows record 787 Dreamliner purchase

737 MAX will strengthen Turkish Airlines' short- and medium-haul network

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines today announced an order for up to 150 737 MAX airplanes, concluding the discussions initiated in 2025 and supporting the flag carrier's expansion goals.

The agreement for the 737 MAX order was finalized in the presence of His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, president of the Republic of Türkiye.

Boeing and Turkish Airlines Finalize Order for up to 150 737 MAX Jets.

Prof Murat Şeker, Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and the executive committee; His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, president of the Republic of Türkiye; and Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, mark the signing of Turkish Airlines' order for up to 150 737 MAX airplanes.

Turkish Airlines purchased 100 737-8 airplanes and secured options for 50 more 737 MAX jets, making this the airline's largest Boeing single-aisle order. The agreement includes substitution rights for the 737-10, the largest 737 MAX variant, so Turkish Airlines can comfortably serve more passengers on more routes to meet growing demand.

"This agreement marks another significant step in the continued expansion of our fleet. The new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will bring greater efficiency and flexibility to our operations, supporting the extensive network we serve from our hub in Istanbul," said Prof Murat Şeker, Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and the executive committee. "We are pleased to build on our longstanding cooperation with Boeing through an agreement that also supports Türkiye's aviation ecosystem."

Turkish Airlines (including AJet) operates a fleet of more than 200 Boeing airplanes, including the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, 777, 737 Next-Generation and 777 Freighter. By adding more 737-8 jets to its fleet, the airline will leverage the airplane's range, payload flexibility and fuel efficiency to serve high-demand domestic and international routes.

"This order reflects the trust and shared vision that have defined our long-standing partnership with Turkish Airlines," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We're proud to continue our support of Türkiye's aviation ecosystem and Turkish Airlines as it grows its Istanbul-based network, connecting more people and destinations worldwide."

The 737 MAX family reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes they replace, enabling lower operating costs and supporting the airline's growth strategy to meet rising travel demand.

Turkish Airlines' 737 MAX purchase builds on its 2025 order for up to 75 787 Dreamliners as part of the global carrier's investment in fleet and network expansion. The agreement is also accompanied by industrial participation, under which Boeing continues its commitment and support of the Turkish aviation ecosystem.