Air Astana Group, the national airline of Kazakhstan, has confirmed that the delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 has been pushed to the second half of 2026, marking a delay from the previously expected timeline. The move comes amid broader adjustments to fleet schedules as the carrier aligns its long-haul strategy with updated operational forecasts and capacity planning.
Virgin Atlantic has officially joined the Boeing Landing Gear Exchange Program, a move that reinforces its long-term maintenance strategy for the B787-9 Dreamliner fleet. The agreement will ensure the UK-based carrier has access to 17 fully overhauled and certified landing gear assemblies, with support set to begin in 2026.
United Airlines has announced plans to retire 21 aircraft earlier than scheduled in early 2025 as part of a broader cost-saving strategy. This decision follows internal projections of lower-than-anticipated Q1 profitability, prompting the airline to optimize its operations and preserve cash. While specific aircraft types have not been disclosed, the move is expected to be cash-positive in the current fiscal year.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson announced plans to complete upgrades of all legacy widebody aircraft by mid-2027. Additionally, repainting and refurbishing of Vistara aircraft are expected to conclude within the next 1.5 years.
British Airways is currently facing operational challenges as four of its Boeing 787 aircraft remain grounded due to ongoing issues with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. These engine problems have led to significant disruptions in the airline’s flight schedules.
Rolls-Royce (UK) has welcomed the arrival of the first Trent 1000 engine at its state-of-the-art MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility in Dahlewitz, Germany. This milestone signifies the beginning of Trent 1000 maintenance operations at the facility, further strengthening Rolls-Royce’s global MRO capabilities.
Flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s low-cost airline, is evaluating its options for introducing widebody aircraft into its fleet. CEO Steven Greenway has indicated that a decision will be made by the end of 2024. The airline is considering new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, new Airbus A330neos, or used B787-9s already available within the Saudia Group.
El Al (Israel) has secured a $120 million loan from a financing consortium led by Hapoalim (Israel) to fund the purchase of its 17th Boeing 787. This financing milestone reflects El Al’s continued commitment to modernizing its fleet with advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft.
Thai Airways International is taking significant steps to simplify and modernize its fleet, focusing on operating three widebody aircraft types and a single narrowbody family in the medium term. This strategy reflects the airline’s efforts to enhance efficiency, reduce operational complexity, and align with its growth objectives.
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has announced an ambitious expansion plan for 2025, adding ten new destinations to its network. Starting next year, Etihad will connect Abu Dhabi with cities across Africa, Asia, and North America. The newly introduced routes are:
