The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively addressing concerns related to the LEAP-1B engine, used on the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, through its standard continued operational safety process. The initiative involves close collaboration with key stakeholders, including Boeing, engine manufacturer CFM International, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Copa Airlines (Panama) remains on track to expand its fleet, expecting the delivery of two B737 MAX 8 aircraft by the end of 2024, despite some delays. This addition will bring the airline’s total fleet to 112 aircraft by year-end. Looking ahead to 2025, Copa plans to receive 11 more MAX 8s, culminating in a fleet of 123 aircraft by the close of the year.
American Airlines, one of the leading carriers in the United States, has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a new Boeing 737-8, identified by serial number 44494. The aircraft is powered by LEAP-1B25 engines, known for their fuel efficiency and advanced performance capabilities.
Allegiant (US) has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a Boeing 737-8200, identified by serial number 68005. The aircraft is powered by LEAP-1B27 engines, known for their fuel efficiency and advanced performance capabilities.
Tony Fernandes, co-founder of AirAsia (Malaysia), has expressed skepticism about the practicality of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), calling it an idea that “makes absolutely no sense.” Instead, Fernandes advocates for the aviation industry to focus on adopting new-technology aircraft and engines to achieve sustainability goals.
Phoenix Aviation Capital (Ireland) and AIP Capital (US) have jointly announced the acquisition of a Boeing 787-9, identified by serial number 40646. The aircraft is on a long-term lease with American Airlines (US) and was purchased from ORIX Aviation (Ireland).
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, is set to deliver two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to support the launch of Air Congo, a new joint venture airline in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The new airline is scheduled to begin operations in December 2024.
China Southern Airlines has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified purchasers for the sale of 10 owned Boeing 787-8 aircraft and two GEnx-1B70/P2 spare engines. The aircraft and engines are scheduled for delivery to successful bidders during 2025 and 2026. The deadline for submitting bids is November 25, 2024.
Astral Aviation, a leading cargo airline based in Kenya, has expanded its fleet with the addition of a Boeing 737-400F, identified by serial number 27082. The aircraft is leased from Avmax Aircraft Leasing (Canada) and will bolster Astral’s growing cargo operations across Africa and beyond.
Allegiant Air, the ultra-low-cost carrier based in the United States, has amended its 2021 agreement with Boeing for the acquisition of 50 new B737 MAX aircraft. Under the revised terms, fewer deliveries will occur in 2024 and 2025, with the adjusted timeline scheduling the completion of all deliveries by the end of 2027.
