T hree Airbus A321neo aircraft currently being built for Turkish Airlines (THY) have been spotted at Airbus’s Hamburg facility. The A321neo with registration TC-LPU has begun its test flights, while TC-LRA has completed painting and is now undergoing engine installation. Another newly assembled, yet-to-be-registered A321neo for THY was seen entering the paint hangar. The aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, are configured with 16 Business Class and 174 Economy Class seats. Turkish Airlines has a total order of 238 A321neo aircraft.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) has opened its second hangar at Teesside International Airport through its subsidiary, Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL). The £13.5 million (US$18 million) twin-bay facility, completed in October 2025, can accommodate Boeing 737 and Airbus A320-family aircraft, expanding WLFC’s MRO capacity and services. As the largest private investment at Teesside in decades, the new hangar boosts the airport’s role as a key aviation hub while creating skilled jobs and strengthening the local economy. This expansion reinforces WLFC’s commitment to technical excellence, customer service, and sustainable operations in the global aviation industry.

Turkish aircraft engine manufacturer TUSAfi Engine Industries (TEI) has developed more than 20 original super and titanium alloys for use in fighter jet and helicopter engines. TEI General Manager Prof. Dr. Mahmut Faruk Akflit stated that the company has established a fully integrated domestic production chain from raw materials to finished engines, marking a critical milestone for Turkey’s defense industry. The developed alloys are already being used in Aksungur, Anka, and TB3 UAVs, while production preparations for the T625 Gökbey helicopter engine have been completed, and the TF6000 fighter jet engine is currently in testing. Akflit emphasized that Turkey has now achieved self-sufficiency in engine technologies.

The MRO provider has signed two long-term agreements covering the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 fleets, significantly expanding its strategic footprint in the Asia-Pacific market. Turkish Technic, a leading global provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, has signed two significant long-term agreements with Garuda Indonesia, the flag carrier of Indonesia. The contracts cover comprehensive landing gear maintenance services for the airline’s Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 fleets Company officials stated that the agreements not only expand the scope of cooperation but also reinforce the mutual trust and strong collaboration built between the two companies. As part of this cooperation, Turkish Technic’s expert maintenance teams will service the landing gear for Garuda Indonesia’s wide-body fleet, adhering to the highest possible safety and quality standards. These agreements are highlighted as being of strategic importance, enabling Turkish Technic to meet the growing demand in the highly competitive Asia-Pacific aviation market and solidify its presence in the region. Mikail Akbulut, CEO and Board Member of Turkish Technic, commented on the partnership: “We are very pleased to strengthen our long-term cooperation with Garuda Indonesia. Our expert teams will continue to provide maintenance services to the Garuda fleet without compromising on aviation safety and quality standards.” These deals stand out as a significant indicator of Turkish Technic’s ongoing objective to expand its global customer portfolio and cement its position as a key MRO player in the Asia-Pacific.

Honeywell and ITP Aero have inaugurated a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Madrid, establishing the first authorized service center in Europe for the F124-GA-200 engine. The new center is now operational at ITP Aero’s Ajalvir facility. This strategic move provides localized support to European operators, aiming to significantly shorten repair turnaround times and reduce the logistical burdens associated with servicing the engines. The inauguration follows months of close cooperation and comes just one year after ITP Aero was officially granted the F124 license. The fully-equipped facility is now prepared to offer comprehensive repair and overhaul services for the more than 150 F124 engines currently in operation across Europe. This milestone is a key part of ITP Aero’s growth strategy and reinforces Spain’s role in supporting NATO-aligned defense capabilities.

The Dubai-based MRO has significantly expanded its Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) certificate, adding new base maintenance capabilities, wheel shop services, and NDT testing. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has granted Falcon Technic approval to conduct 120-month base maintenance inspections on Bombardier BD-700 Global Express and Global 5000 jets at its Dubai facilities. The company announced the major expansion of its Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) certificate last week. This new approval covers all essential maintenance tasks and detailed inspections required after an aircraft reaches 120 months of service or 4,500 flight hours. Falcon Technic was previously certified and successfully conducting 60-month maintenance checks on Bombardier aircraft, including the Global Express XRS.

The new partnership authorizes ACC Columbia Jet Service to deploy mobile teams, offering rapid and eco-friendly engine core wash services across Germany and the wider European continent. Lufthansa Technik is expanding the availability of its innovative Cyclean Engine Wash solution across Europe through a new cooperation agreement with ACC Columbia Jet Service. Effective since August, ACC Columbia Jet Service now provides authorized engine core wash services via mobile teams, serving customers throughout Germany and greater Europe. The Cyclean technology is celebrated for its significant operational and environmental benefits. It is proven to enhance engine performance, which in turn reduces fuel consumption. The system is also highly sustainable, cutting water usage by 50% and reducing the total wash time to under 45 minutes.

HAECO has entered into a significant three-year base maintenance agreement with Brussels Airlines, covering the carrier’s Airbus A330 wide-body fleet. The contract, which commences in September 2025 and runs through 2028, will encompass comprehensive C checks, including C1 and six-year inspections. This new partnership underscores the trust placed in HAECO’s extensive EASA-approved A330 capabilities by a prominent Lufthansa Group member. The agreement highlights Brussels Airlines’ confidence in HAECO’s ability to enhance the operational performance and reliability of its wide-body fleet. For HAECO, this contract reinforces its global reputation for safety, quality, and competitive turnaround times, which are key factors in attracting leading international airlines to its service network in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Europe, and the Americas.

Trax and Aeroxchange have announced a new agreement aimed at significantly bolstering the integration between their respective industry-leading software solutions. This initiative builds upon a long-standing collaboration, with the primary goal of engineering a more unified, end-to-end digital workflow for aviation maintenance and supply chain management. As a result of this expanded partnership, users within the Trax environment will gain direct, native access to Aeroxchange’s extensive network of suppliers for parts, repair services, component pooling, and consignment. The enhanced interoperability is expected to yield significant operational gains, including reduced aircraft downtime, more rapid troubleshooting, and streamlined implementation processes, ultimately driving greater efficiency and superior value for users. This agreement is a key component of Trax’s strategy to deliver a fully integrated digital ecosystem. The partnership is designed to offer enhanced supply chain flexibility, unlock new process automation opportunities, and allow mutual customers to maximize the combined value of their investments in both platforms. By synchronizing their technology roadmaps, the two companies will also accelerate the delivery of new features and innovations. This proactive alignment will better equip airlines, MROs, and their suppliers to stay ahead of evolving industry demands.

Airbus has inaugurated a second final assembly line (FAL) for its A320neo family in Tianjin, China, in a strategic move to meet surging global demand for narrow-body aircraft. This new facility is the company’s tenth FAL worldwide and its second in China. This strategic expansion is critical to Airbus’s goal of reaching a production rate of 75 A320-family aircraft per month by 2027. The company currently produces approximately 60 aircraft per month. The Tianjin opening closely follows the recent launch of a second FAL in Mobile, Alabama (USA). By increasing capacity simultaneously in both the US and China, Airbus is seen as balancing its global manufacturing footprint and mitigating geopolitical risks.The new Tianjin facility, which will focus on the best-selling A320neo and A321neo models, is expected to be fully operational by early 2026.

The approval from India’s aviation authority is timed perfectly with the first delivery of the long-range business jet to an operator in the country. ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East has received authorization from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India to conduct heavy maintenance checks on Dassault Falcon 6X business jets. The DGCA approval comes at a strategic moment, coinciding with the delivery of the first Falcon 6X aircraft destined for India; a second aircraft is expected to be delivered to the country before the end of the year. The Falcon 6X is rapidly gaining popularity in the Indian market due to its exceptionally wide cabin, impressive short-field landing and take-off capabilities, and extensive long-range performance. With a range of 10,186 km (5,500 nm), the aircraft can fly non-stop from hubs like Mumbai to numerous destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This new certification from India adds to an already comprehensive list of approvals for the Falcon 6X at the Dubai-based facility. ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East is also authorized to service the aircraft by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Joramco, the Amman-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider operating as the engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), demonstrated a strong presence at MRO Europe 2025, held in London from October 15-16. As a main sponsor of the event, which convened over 11,500 aviation professionals and more than 500 exhibitors, Joramco hosted an interactive booth that attracted significant attendee interest. The company utilized this platform to showcase its newly operational Hangar 7 facility and highlight its expanding technical capabilities. The exhibition served as a venue for significant commercial announcements by Joramco. The company expanded its portfolio by signing new agreements with mas, the Mexican cargo airline, and World Star Aviation, a global aircraft leasing company. Joramco also reinforced its existing business by renewing and expanding long-term maintenance contracts with key incumbent partners, including TUI and MNG Airlines.These new and expanded agreements are seen as a reflection of the company’s technical expertise and its growing role in the global airline and leasing markets. MRO Europe, one of the industry’s most significant annual gatherings, once again proved to be a critical platform for senior decision-makers to explore innovations and opportunities within the global MRO sector.

Safran has upgraded its full-year financial guidance for 2025 following a third-quarter performance that exceeded expectations. The strong results were primarily driven by a significant surge in LEAP engine deliveries and robust, high-margin revenue from the civil engine aftermarket. The company reported Q3 2025 revenue of €7.85 billion, an 18.3% increase year-over-year, which surpassed analyst consensus. For the first nine months of the year, total revenue climbed 14.9% to 22.62 billion. The Propulsion division was the standout performer, with its revenue climbing 25.6%. This growth was fueled by two key areas: Original Equipment: LEAP engine deliveries saw a remarkable 40% year-over-year jump, reaching 511 units in the quarter. Aftermarket: Civil engine spare parts sales (for CFM56 and high-thrust engines) and service revenue continued their strong momentum, underpinning the company’s profitability.

Veryon, a key provider of aviation software and information services, has launched Veryon AIRE, a new AI-powered data intelligence platform set to transform aircraft maintenance by boosting availability, airworthiness, and reliability. By utilizing the industry’s largest de-identified dataset, Veryon AIRE integrates data science with deep aviation expertise. It offers predictive, agentic, and conversational AI capabilities designed to convert unplanned maintenance events into predictable, scheduled outcomes. This approach empowers maintenance teams with enhanced foresight and greater efficiency. Key benefits for operators include: Accelerated Repairs: The platform suggests the most probable solutions to improve first-time fix rates and provides technicians with direct access to specific troubleshooting steps. Intelligent Fleet Operations: Automation streamlines routine tasks, lowers maintenance costs, and optimizes inventory management for critical operations. Predictive Reliability: Advanced insights identify chronic issues and component degradation trends early, helping to prevent costly aircraft-on-ground (AOG) situations.

A United Airlines flight diverted to Salt Lake City last week after an object struck the plane’s windshield at 36,000 feet, causing it to crack and injuring the pilot, according to the airline and officials. Amid the mystery of what could have hit the plane’s windshield, on Monday night, WindBorne Systems, a long-duration smart weather balloon company, released a statement saying the object that hit and cracked United flight’s windshield may have been a weather balloon from the company. The company said it is working with FAA and the NTSB on the investigation.The windshield is being transported to the National Transportation Safety Board’s laboratory as the investigation continues. Data from flight tracking website Flight Radar24 shows the plane was 36,000 feet in the air when an object hit the windshield. The flight then descended to a lower altitude, following standard protocol, before making an emergency landing at Utah’s Salt Lake City International Airport. Aircraft windshields are designed with multiple layers to be able to sustain damage caused by things like a bird strike, weather or even debris, but experts say it’s rare for it to be a bird strike that high in the sky.

The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has formally signed a letter of intent on October 16, 2025, to enter the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Program led by the United States Air Force. This move places the Netherlands at the forefront of trans-Atlantic cooperation in autonomous combat aircraft development The CCA initiative aims to develop autonomous “loyal wingman” drones capable of flying alongside manned fighters like the F 35 Lightning II. These drones are designed to extend sensor reach, augment weapons systems, and take on high-risk missions in contested airspace while being faster and more cost-effective than traditional aircraft. With this agreement, the Netherlands not only secures a strategic seat in a key defence programme but also commits to strengthening its high-tech industrial base. A parallel deal with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Dutch contractor VDL Groep envisions the development of smaller ISR drones entering service as early as 2026.

StandardAero has completed a significant expansion of its business aviation MRO facility in Augusta, Georgia, adding 80,500 sq. ft. of new space an increase of approximately 60% in capacity. The project aims primarily to boost the company’s Honeywell HTF7000 engine maintenance and overhaul operations. StandardAero remains the exclusive independent overhaul provider for this engine type, which powers several Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer, and Gulfstream aircraft. The $33 million investment includes new hangars, engine shops, and customer service areas designed to support larger business jets and accommodate increasing service demand. This expansion will not only enhance operational efficiency but also create around 100 new skilled jobs in the Augusta region. Once fully operational, the facility will strengthen StandardAero’s position as a leading global provider of business aviation maintenance solutions, delivering faster turnaround times and broader service capabilities.

Pegasus Airlines has expanded its network through a new codeshare partnership with Iberia Airlines. With this agreement, Pegasus passengers can now access Spain, Portugal, and Latin America more easily. In addition to Pegasus’ current direct routes from Turkey to Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Seville, and Lisbon, the new partnership enables connections via Madrid to: 11 destinations in Spain (including Málaga, Tenerife North, Palma de Mallorca, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, A Coruña, Asturias, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Vigo, and Seville), Lisbon in Portugal, and São Paulo in Brazil. Meanwhile, Iberia passengers can reach Turkey directly via the Madrid–Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen route, and connect through Pegasus’ domestic network to major Turkish cities such as Izmir, Ankara, Antalya, Kayseri, Dalaman, Bodrum, and Adana.

On the morning of August 31, 2025, two small aircraft collided midair near Fort Morgan Municipal Airport in Colorado. One pilot aboard an Extra EA-300 aircraft tragically lost their life, while a passenger in the same plane and two individuals in a Cessna 172 sustained minor injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. Following the midair collision, one aircraft was completely engulfed in flames, while debris from the other scattered across the runway area. According to the International Aerobatic Club (IAC), the accident occurred during an aerobatic event held in Fort Morgan, which also served to honor a pilot who had passed away the previous year. Reports from CNN and the Aviation Safety Network (ASN) highlight the incident’s impact on the aviation community, emphasizing the inherent risks associated with small aircraft and aerobatic flights. This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety procedures in aviation operations.

An Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 747-481 freighter operating flight EK9788 from Dubai veered off the runway and skidded toward the sea while landing at Hong Kong International Airport on the morning of October 20, 2025. During its landing roll, the aircraft struck an airport security vehicle, killing two ground personnel inside. All four crew members onboard escaped unharmed. The incident occurred at 03:53 local time, and according to initial statements, the aircraft operated by Turkish carrier ACT Airlines on behalf of Emirates was not carrying any cargo at the time. Authorities have officially classified the event as a runway excursion, but the root cause remains under investigation. Witnesses reported that the plane drifted sharply to the left during the final moments of landing, while surface conditions on Runway 07R were suspected to be slippery. The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD), working in coordination with ICAO experts, has launched a full-scale investigation to determine whether factors such as runway contamination, crosswind influence, braking system malfunction, or directional control issues played a role. Preliminary findings indicate that no distress call was made before touchdown, and weather conditions were calm at the time. Emirates has confirmed that a detailed technical analysis is underway, while experts emphasize that despite major technological advances in modern aviation, the landing phase continues to be one of the most critical and vulnerable moments of flight operations.

Joby Aviation has successfully completed its first piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flight between two U.S. airports, Marina (OAR) and Monterey (MRY), California. The 12-minute flight demonstrated vertical takeoff and landing, integration into controlled airspace, and full ground support operations, marking a key milestone toward commercial air taxi service. Didier Papadopoulos, Joby’s Aircraft OEM President, said the flight validated the aircraft’s performance and readiness for public service, highlighting progress in safety, operations, and FAA certification. Joby plans to begin commercial service in Los Angeles and New York City following final certification.

The aerospace company Sikorsky Aircraft has developed the U-Hawk an uncrewed cargo version of the venerable UH 60L Black Hawk helicopter. By removing the cockpit and crew stations, the U-Hawk gains approximately 25 % more internal cargo space. Key Specifications & Capabilities Internal cargo payload: ~3,175 kg (7,000 lb) External sling-load capacity: ~4,082 kg using cargo hook Combined internal + external load: up to ~4,536 kg Can carry up to four standard Joint Modular Intermodal Containers (JMICs), compared to two for a standard UH-60. Self-deployment range: up to ~1,600 nautical miles (~2,963 km), or loiter time up to ~14 hours without refuelling. Entry into autonomous operation enabled by the company’s MATRIX™ autonomy suite and complete fly-by-wire conversion. Why It Matters The U-Hawk offers a cost-effective way to leverage the existing UH-60 Black Hawk logistics and maintenance infrastructure while upgrading for unmanned cargo missions. Its enhanced payload capacity and autonomous capability position it for roles in contested environments, logistics support, and new mission sets including deployment of “launched-effects” payloads like small drones or UGVs from its cargo bay.

Unidentified drones spotted near Munich International Airport on the night of October 2, 2025, caused major disruptions to air traffic. Following reports from witnesses and radar detections, air traffic control temporarily suspended all departures and arrivals for safety reasons. Seventeen departing flights were canceled, while fifteen inbound flights were diverted to other airports. Around 3,000 passengers were directly affected. A similar incident the following night increased the number of impacted passengers to approximately 6,500. German police launched a large-scale search operation to locate the drones, but no physical devices have been recovered so far. Authorities are investigating whether the incident was a deliberate act. The event has sparked renewed debate over the adequacy of current drone detection and response measures at major airports across Europe. Munich Airport is one of the busiest in the region, and this disruption highlights the growing security risks posed by unauthorized drones.

Airports Council International (ACI) World forecasts that global air passenger traffic will reach 9.8 billion in 2025, representing a 3.7% increase compared to 2024. International travel is expected to account for 4.3 billion passengers, while domestic traffic is projected at 5.5 billion passengers. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to have the highest traffic, with 3.6 billion passengers, driven by growth in South and Southeast Asia. In Europe, passenger numbers are projected to reach 2.5 billion, with international flights leading growth while domestic traffic grows more slowly due to competition from rail transport.

On the night of October 2, 2025, a major explosion triggered a significant fire at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery, specifically in the Isomax 7 jet fuel production unit. The blaze was swiftly contained, and fortunately, no injuries were reported all refinery personnel were accounted for. The refinery plays a critical role in supplying Southern California: approximately 20% of motor fuel and 40% of the region’s jet fuel come from this facility. Several processing units were taken offline due to the fire, though the main crude distillation units remained operational. Officials noted that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) hasn’t experienced direct disruptions to its operations. Local authorities urged residents to stay indoors while air quality is monitored. The incident has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of fuel supply in California, especially given the state’s isolated fuel market. Analysts warn that jet fuel prices may spike, and the time required to restore full production may intensify market pressure.

A Boeing 747-400 cargo plane took off from Al Maktoum International Airport near Dubai and landed at its destination, Hong Kong International Airport, at around 3:50 a.m. It then veered off the runway and entered the sea. After landing, the aircraft suddenly veered off the runway while taxiing. It collided with a security patrol vehicle on the left side of the runway, and both vehicles were swept into the water. Two ground personnel in the patrol vehicle were killed in the incident; four crew members on the aircraft were rescued with injuries. It was announced that weather and runway conditions were “operationally suitable” at the time of the accident. Authorities launched an investigation into numerous aspects, including the flight system, landing gear, brakes, and maintenance history. This accident is considered one of the most serious incidents at the airport, which has been known for its safety in the region for many years.

Miami-based Aeronautical Engineers Inc. (AEI) has begun a project to convert Boeing 737-900 aircraft into freighters, known as the 737-900 Extended Range Special Freighter (B737-900ERSF). The company plans to obtain FAA certification by early 2029, followed by EASA and CAAC approvals.As a Boeing-licensed third-party STC provider, AEI has the authorization to perform these conversions under its existing agreement with Boeing. Although AEI had been researching the project for years, Boeing’s internal setbacks especially the 737 MAX grounding and the January 2024 Alaska Airlines door-plug incident had delayed progress. The conversion will include a large cargo door (86 x 137 inches) on the aircraft’s left side and a Class E main deck cargo compartment. The freighter will be able to carry 12 full-height containers or pallets plus one smaller container, achieving a main-deck payload capacity of up to 26,170 kg (57,700 lb) higher than AEI’s 737-800SF model. The design will also include a reinforced floor, 9g barrier, and an optional 180-minute ETOPS rating for extended operations. AEI’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Robert Convey, described the initiative as a strategic response to rising global demand for larger narrowbody freighters, particularly driven by e-commerce and express delivery growth. Once operational, the 737-900ERSF will be AEI’s largest and most capable narrowbody freighter, offering superior payload, volume, and operating economics.

Aims Community College has announced the opening of its new aircraft maintenance training center at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport in Loveland. The 60,000 sq. ft. facility features fully equipped aircraft repair hangars, classrooms, and specialized laboratories for avionics, hydraulics, and electronics. It also includes dedicated shops for composites, brakes, tires, paint, and parts, providing students with a comprehensive hands-on learning environment.Classes are scheduled to begin in January 2026, with the program designed to address the growing demand for skilled aircraft maintenance technicians in the aviation industry. The new training center reinforces Aims Community College’s commitment to workforce development and positions Northern Colorado as an emerging hub for advanced aviation education and technical training.

Hangar at Teesside Airport later this year. The new facility will accommodate narrowbody aircraft such as the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737 MAX, significantly expanding the company’s capacity to serve both commercial and private aviation clients. This development follows the successful opening of Airbourne Colours’ first Teesside hangar in October 2024, which marked the company’s strategic expansion into northern England. The second hangar will enhance operational flexibility by allowing for simultaneous projects. This investment also strengthens Teesside Airport’s growing role as a regional aerospace hub and supports continued growth in the UK’s aviation maintenance and refurbishment sector.

On September 5, 2024, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an emergency directive requiring inspections of the fuel manifold hoses on Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines installed on Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. This action followed an incident involving a Cathay Pacific A350-1000, which experienced a fuel leak in one of its engines and had to return safely to Hong Kong on September 2, 2024. Investigations revealed that the leak originated from a damaged fuel manifold hose in the Trent XWB-97 engine. Under the directive, airlines operating the A350-1000 are required to inspect these hoses and carry out any necessary repairs. The issue has not only affected Cathay Pacific but also had global implications for A350-1000 operators, with Malaysia Airlines identifying a similar problem on its A350-900 fleet. This incident serves as a significant reminder of aviation safety priorities and highlights EASA’s commitment to continuously updating and enhancing industry safety standards.

Boeing has been granted approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to boost its 737 MAX production from 38 to 42 aircraft per month. The increase comes after previous production limits, imposed following the January 2024 Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 incident where a cabin door panel detached mid-flight, were lifted. The FAA conducted a detailed review of Boeing’s manufacturing processes and safety protocols before authorizing the higher rate. Boeing has finalized supply chain and workforce preparations to meet the new production target. The FAA reiterated that safety remains the highest priority and will continue to closely oversee Boeing’s operations.