Air Canada has taken delivery of one new Airbus A220-300, identified by serial number 55332, as part of its ongoing narrowbody fleet modernization program. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1521G-3 engines, known for their fuel efficiency and low environmental impact.
Vietnam Airlines has disclosed in its 2024 consolidated financial report that it received a $4.1 billion loan from HSBC Vietnam Bank, with an interest rate of 7%. The loan reflects a significant financial move by the flag carrier as it continues efforts to recover from the pandemic’s long-term effects and stabilize its operations.
Czech Airlines has taken delivery of a new Airbus A220-300, bearing serial number 55368, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1524G-3 engines. The aircraft is operated by Smartwings, marking a further step in the post-restructuring integration of ČSA’s brand and assets within the broader Czech aviation group.
Thai Airways International is moving forward with a significant investment in a new aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) center to be established at U-Tapao Airport, Thailand. The project, valued at approximately $307 million, is scheduled to commence in late 2025 and will be operated under a private-sector lease model, opening the door to broader investment and commercial partnership opportunities.
Qatar Airways has expanded its widebody fleet with the delivery of an Airbus A330-300, bearing serial number 1582, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 772B-60 engines. The aircraft will support the airline’s continued growth across its regional and long-haul network, particularly amid strong demand during peak travel seasons.
Oman Air is actively seeking to expand its narrowbody fleet in preparation for planned network growth in 2026 and 2027. The airline is currently evaluating the aircraft leasing market for available units and is also exploring the possibility of placing direct orders with manufacturers, signaling a dual-path strategy for capacity expansion.
Macquarie AirFinance, based in Ireland, has delivered a new Airbus A320neo to Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) under a long-term lease agreement, marking the first of three A320neo aircraft it will supply from its existing orderbook. This transaction supports SAS’s ongoing fleet renewal strategy focused on environmental efficiency and standardized operations.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has taken delivery of a new Boeing 737-8, bearing serial number 62461, powered by LEAP-1B28 engines. This delivery marks another step in the airline’s strategy to modernize its narrowbody fleet and enhance capacity on regional and medium-haul routes across Africa and beyond.
Austrian Airlines is evaluating the expansion of its wet-lease arrangements as a temporary solution to ongoing delivery delays of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The airline is also reacting to broader operational challenges linked to geopolitical instability in the Middle East, which has placed additional pressure on fleet planning and scheduling flexibility.
Vietnam Airlines has outlined an ambitious fleet restructuring plan that includes the retirement of 12 aircraft in 2025, as well as the acquisition of 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled from 2030 to 2035. The airline is also actively pursuing additional widebody aircraft for delivery before 2030, as it aims to expand and modernize its fleet to meet long-term demand.
