3TOP Aviation Services (UK) has successfully taken delivery of its fourth ex-TAROM Airbus A318, completing the acquisition of a multi-aircraft package. The aircraft, identified as serial 3225, will now proceed for dismantling as part of the company’s asset management strategy.
Air Busan has reported that one of its A321 aircraft, serial 3297, sustained substantial damage following an onboard fire while preparing for departure at Busan-Gimhae International Airport. Fortunately, all passengers and crew safely evacuated without injuries.
JetBlue (US) has outlined its fleet expansion and modernization plans for 2025, expecting to take delivery of 24 new aircraft throughout the year. The airline will receive 20 Airbus A220s and four A321neos, marking a continued transition toward a more efficient and streamlined fleet.
JetBlue (US) is bracing for a peak in aircraft on ground (AOG) levels within the next one to two years as it continues to deal with the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues affecting its fleet. CFO Ursula Hurley has stated that the airline expects the number of grounded aircraft to rise into the mid-to-high teens in 2025, further stressing JetBlue’s operational and financial outlook.
HK Express (Hong Kong) anticipates that ongoing issues with its Pratt & Whitney (P&W)-powered A320neo fleetwill continue to impact operations through 2025. The airline reported that in 2024, an average of 5.6 A320neos were grounded at any given time due to issues with the P&W GTF engines.
FlyCAA (Congo) is set to become the first African airline to operate an A321-200PCF, as serial 808 is scheduled for delivery soon. The aircraft is being leased from Cargo Aircraft Management (US), marking a significant milestone in the African cargo aviation sector.
airBaltic (Latvia) has entered a strategic partnership with SUA Lineas Aereas (Uruguay), expanding its leasing operations into South America. As part of the agreement, airBaltic plans to wet lease up to five Airbus A220-300 aircraft to SUA starting October 2025, marking an important step in its ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leasing strategy.
Air Astana (Kazakhstan) has expanded its fleet with the delivery of a new Airbus A320neo, bearing serial number 12360. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1127G-JM engines, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Airbus has announced a pause in the development of its CityAirbus NextGen electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, citing a reassessment of the business case and technological requirements. The decision marks a strategic shift as the company evaluates the evolving urban air mobility (UAM) market before proceeding with further investments.
Cathay Pacific, the flagship carrier of Hong Kong, has officially launched a bidding process to acquire new widebody aircraft, with the Airbus A350, Boeing B787, and B777X competing for the order. While the final number of jets to be procured has not been confirmed, this development highlights Cathay Pacific’s commitment to modernizing its fleet.
