Airbus Updates No.4738

 

Cathay Group orders 11 Airbus A330-900 and 3 Airbus A321-200NX jets

Cathay Group has exercised purchase rights for 14 additional Airbus aircraft, comprising eleven A330-900Ns for Cathay Pacific (CX, Hong Kong International) and three A321-200NX for low-cost subsidiary HK Express (UO, Hong Kong International), the group announced on November 11, 2026.

The order increases Cathay Pacific's firm commitment for the A330-900N to 41 aircraft, following its 2024 order for thirty aircraft with purchase rights for another thirty. The eleven additional widebodies are scheduled for delivery between 2031 and 2035.

Cathay chief operations and service delivery officer Alex McGowan said the order would provide "greater flexibility to operate longer flights." ch-aviation data shows that Cathay Pacific currently operates forty-three A330-300s averaging 18.2 years old.

The three additional A321-200NX build on the group's 2023 order for thirty-two A320neo family aircraft and will support HK Express' expansion on mainland Chinese and other short-haul routes. The low-cost carrier currently operates seventeen A321-200NX, with eight more awaiting delivery before the latest commitment, ch-aviation data shows.

Cathay Group said the latest orders bring its total planned aircraft deliveries from 2026 onwards to 120. As ch-aviation previously reported, the group is targeting a fleet of approximately 300 aircraft by 2036, with 150 new aircraft planned for growth and replacement, subject to favourable market conditions.

Airbus Updates No.4737

 

US's Magnifica Air orders 10 ACJ220-300s

Magnifica Air (Orlando International) has placed a firm order with Airbus Corporate Jets for ten ACJ220-300s, Corporate Jet Investor has reported.

The deal aligns with plans outlined by Magnifica Air CEO Wade Black in an exclusive interview with ch-aviation during NBAA-BACE 2025 in Las Vegas, United States, when he revealed that the company was in advanced talks with Airbus regarding an aircraft order. The order was already listed as undisclosed in the OEM's order book.

The ACJ220-300s will feature a 54-seat configuration and a private suite. Magnifica Air plans to launch a request for proposals (RFP) for the completion work on the newly ordered aircraft. Magnifica Air's fleet is expected to comprise 17 aircraft, including three ACJ321neo and fourteen ACJ220 aircraft.

In the 2025 interview, Black said Magnifica Air had secured six A220-300s, with four expected to enter service by the company's planned launch in the third quarter of 2027. Comlux Completion, based at Indianapolis International, had been contracted to perform the cabin completions.

Azorra, which was to lease the first two aircraft, confirmed that the agreement with Magnifica Air was terminated in October 2025 and that it is no longer involved in the transaction. Air Lease Corporation was to provide the remaining four.

The initial delivery schedule called for the aircraft to arrive in December 2025, undergo cabin completion, and subsequently support the certification programme with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which Magnifica Air expected to complete by the end of 2026.

The company further plans to operate VIP-configured A321-200Ns, with deliveries scheduled for 2027 and entry into service the following year, after cabin completion. Air Lease Corporation was named as the lessor for two aircraft.

In early 2026, Magnifica Air took delivery of an A321-200NX, which is undergoing cabin completion at Comlux Completions' facility in Indiana. The company appointed Skytech-AIC to source three new or nearly new A321-200Ns and at least two Pratt & Whitney PW1133G engines for lease.

Airbus Updates No.4736

 

Discover Airlines to debut A350-900s in late 2Q27

Discover Airlines (4Y, Frankfurt International) will introduce its first A350-900 in June 2027, the company confirmed in a statement. The aircraft will initially be deployed on high-frequency short-haul routes for training purposes, before moving on to transatlantic routes, most likely connecting Frankfurt to Edmonton International or Orlando International.

With the planned addition of a second A350 to the fleet in December 2027, further destinations will be added, the company said. Starting December 14, 2027, Discover Airlines will take over the route from Frankfurt to San José Juan Santamaría, currently operated by Lufthansa.

Two of the six weekly flights to San José will be operated as triangular routes with onward travel from the Costa Rican capital to Belize City International, a new addition to the leisure airline’s flight schedule. It will also be Belize's first-ever transatlantic route, ch-aviation previously reported.

The third and fourth A350s are scheduled to join Discover Airlines’ fleet in the summer of 2028, after which nine deliveries of the aircraft will remain.

Discover Airlines operates a fleet of 33 aircraft, comprising eighteen A320-200s and fifteen A330-300s. It recently retired its last three A330-200s in a bid to reduce operational complexity.

By mid-2028, the carrier's long-haul fleet is expected to grow to a total of 20 aircraft, including the four A350s currently operating for Lufthansa out of Munich.

Airbus Updates No.4735

 

IndiGo expects to receive first Airbus A350s in 2Q28

IndiGo Airlines (6E, Delhi International) expects to receive its first A350-900s from the second quarter of 2028, pushing back a previous 2027 estimate.

Speaking to media in New Delhi on November 2, 2026, CEO Willie Walsh said the carrier would continue operating its A321-200NY(XLR)s on flights to Amsterdam Schiphol to retain airport slots until the arrival of the A350s.

In an effort to extend its appeal beyond the low cost carrier model, IndiGo also plans to introduce a three-class cabin for the first ten Airbus widebodies, Bloomberg reported, adding that the configuration will include 16 lie-flat seats in business class, alongside premium economy and economy cabins.

An airline spokesperson confirmed to ch-aviation that the first A350s are due to arrive at IndiGo in 2028. The carrier had previously expected the first deliveries in 2027, it said in a June 2025 press release.

International growth

Walsh has previously noted that the A350-900s will be critical for the airline to expand its international operations. The company has sixty of the variant on order, with purchase rights for another 40.

IndiGo had previously used B787-9s damp leased from Norse Atlantic Airways for its long-haul services, although it has since decided to discontinue those operations.

The airline operates 416 aircraft, namely twenty-six A320-200s, one hundred fifty-nine A320-200Ns, three A321-200(P2F)s, 180 A321-200NX, four A321-200NY(XLR)s, and forty-four ATR72-600s.

Meanwhile, along with the A350s, its order book comprises 218 A320-200Ns, 520 A321-200NX, and sixty-five A321-200NY(XLR)s.

Airbus Updates No.4734

 

Atlas Air unveils options for 20 more Airbus A350Fs

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings has added 20 conditional purchase rights to its A350F order placed earlier this year, increasing the size of the deal from 40 to up to 60 of the widebody freighter type, chief strategy and transformation officer Martin Drew recently disclosed. The order, announced on March 16, 2026, made Atlas Air (5Y, New York JFK) the larger customer for the new type and marks a pivot away from an all-Boeing fleet, with deliveries scheduled to take place between 2029 and 2034.

Airbus Updates No.4733

 

Faroes' Atlantic Airways orders two more A320neo aircraft

Atlantic Airways (RC, Faroe Islands Vágar) has placed a firm order with Airbus to purchase two additional A320-200N aircraft, in line with the Faroese national carrier's plans to transition to an all-A320neo fleet, the parties announced in a joint statement on October 27, 2026.

The airline currently operates four A320 family aircraft, comprising two A320-200N (one owned and one dry leased from Avolon), plus two A320-200s dry-leased from Air Lease Corporation, according to ch-aviation data.

The additional aircraft will support fleet renewal and simplify maintenance and operations, the airline said.

"Our ambition is to operate an exclusively A320neo aircraft fleet in the near future, and this agreement marks a significant step towards achieving that goal," commented chairman Niels Mortensen. "This investment will help ensure the continuous renewal of our fleet while supporting efficient operations."

The airline did not disclose a delivery schedule for the two aircraft.

CEO Jóhanna á Bergi previously told ch-aviation that Atlantic Airways plans to operate six A320-200Ns by the end of the decade. She said the airline ruled out converting its A320neo orders to the larger A321-200N as Faroe Islands Vágar's 1,800-metre runway and winter operating conditions would limit the aircraft's performance despite its lower cost per seat.

Airbus Updates No.4732

 

airBaltic wet leases five A220s to Lufthansa Group in winter

airBaltic (BT, Riga) will provide five A220-300 to Lufthansa Group airlines under wet-lease agreements in winter 2026/27, amid its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States.

An Austrian Airlines (OS, Vienna) spokesperson told ch-aviation the Latvian carrier had confirmed it would deliver the agreed capacity as planned.

"This may include up to 21 additional fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300 aircraft in summer 2026 and five aircraft of this type in winter 2026/27, to be deployed across various Lufthansa Group hubs. This arrangement enables the Lufthansa Group to respond flexibly to additional customer demand. Planning for summer 2027 is still ongoing," the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, airBaltic is seeking US bankruptcy court approval to assume an October 2026 wet-lease agreement with Austrian Airlines, together with related amendments and other commercial agreements with Lufthansa Group. The court has scheduled presentation of the proposed order for November 4, according to a filing seen by ch-aviation.

The proposed order would allow airBaltic to assume the agreements under Section 365 of the US Bankruptcy Code, deem existing defaults cured, and prevent Lufthansa Group counterparties from demanding deposits or other security from the carrier. It would also authorise airBaltic to continue fulfilling its contractual obligations in the ordinary course of business.

According to ch-aviation data, of airBaltic's fleet of fifty-four A220-300s, thirty-two are currently wet leased to Lufthansa Group airlines, including sixteen to Swiss, nine to Austrian Airlines, two to Lufthansa, and five to Brussels Airlines.

Austrian Airlines has previously terminated wet-lease partnerships swiftly when operators encounter financial difficulties, as was the case for Sweden's BRA - Braathens Regional Airlines.

The wider Lufthansa Group is also reducing its reliance on ACMI, with fewer wet-leased aircraft planned for summer 2027. The shift comes as higher fuel costs threaten demand and airlines anticipate needing less capacity.

The European ACMI market has contracted sharply since the post-pandemic boom, with some providers already withdrawing aircraft because they cannot secure contracts.

Airbus Updates No.4731

 

Avolon orders 35 Airbus A330-900 and 75 A320neo Family aircraft

Toulouse, France, 09 October 2026 - Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, has placed a firm order for 110 Airbus aircraft, comprising 35 A330-900 and 75 A320neo Family aircraft. This incremental order takes Avolon’s total for the A330-900 to 114 aircraft and the A320 Family to some 650.

"We continue to see strong demand for new aircraft, and this order further strengthens our long-term delivery pipeline. This positions us to support our airline customers' fleet growth and replacement requirements well into the next decade. We expect demand for both the A330neo and A320neo to remain strong given the long-term growth trajectory of the aviation sector, and we are delighted to further expand our longstanding partnership with Airbus through this agreement,” said Andy Cronin, Avolon CEO.

“This is a major order for both the A330neo and the A320neo Family and we thank Avolon for its repeated endorsement of our products,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “With this acquisition, Avolon confirms its position as the leading lessor for the A330-900, having purchased 114 of the type from Airbus. It is also another demonstration of the strong demand for the A330neo and A320neo from the lessor community, who clearly value the broad market appeal and flexibility these two products offer in the market space from domestic to regional to long haul routes.” 

Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo is designed to fly up to 8,100 nautical miles / 15,000 kilometers non-stop and reduces fuel burn, CO₂ emissions and operating cost by 25% compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo unique Airspace cabin offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience.

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft, having won more than 20,400 orders globally. The Family includes the largest member, the A321neo, offering unparalleled range and performance. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky. 

Airbus Updates No.4730

 

Biman Bangladesh Airlines places firm order for A350-900 and A321neo Airbus aircraft

Toulouse, France, 7 October 2026 – Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national flag carrier of Bangladesh, has signed a firm order for 10 latest-generation Airbus aircraft. The order includes four A350-900 widebody and six A321neo single-aisle aircraft, marking a significant step in the airline's fleet modernisation strategy and its ambition to expand its international network.

Operating from its primary hub in Dhaka, the airline will leverage the latest-generation aircraft's exceptional range, efficiency and operating economics to strengthen its network. The aircraft will support Biman Bangladesh Airlines' plans to serve North America, along with key destinations across Europe and the Middle East.

Bangladesh is experiencing a significant demographic dividend that reinforces its medium-term economic trajectory. This economic momentum directly catalyses demand across the aviation industry. Additionally, a vast overseas diaspora, particularly across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, continues to maintain high baseline demand for international routes, while growing foreign trade will drive commercial air cargo needs that Airbus’ latest generation products are well placed to support.

“Bangladesh is a dynamic nation of 200 million people, backed by a resilient economy and a rapidly growing travel market. We are uniquely supported by a deeply connected global diaspora of 15 million people. In this context, our planned fleet expansion represents a measured and reasonable ambition,” said Rumee A. Hossain, Chairman, Board of Directors, Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

"This order marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, as it embarks on this important phase of fleet modernisation. Together, the A350 and A321neo form the perfect fleet strategy for Biman as it spreads its wings to new international destinations, catering to the growing demand across its network,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Airbus Commercial Aircraft business. “Airbus’s aircraft will provide the airline with the efficiency, range and versatility needed to connect Bangladesh to key markets across the globe, while delivering an exceptional experience to its passengers.”

The A350 is the world’s most modern widebody aircraft, designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, setting new standards for intercontinental travel. The aircraft includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its latest generation Rolls-Royce engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A350’s unique Airspace cabin offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience.

The A321neo, the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offers segment-leading operating economics and extended range, enabling airlines to serve regional and medium-haul routes with greater flexibility. Compared with previous-generation aircraft, the A321neo delivers lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of at least 20%.

Airbus Updates No.4729

 

Rumour - Kalitta Air Orders Eight Airbus A350F Freighters in Major Fleet Shift

Aviation News – United States military and commercial freight contractor Kalitta Air has ordered eight Airbus A350F freighters, marking a significant strategic pivot away from its long-time supplier Boeing to tap European capacity for the first time. Three people familiar with the transaction confirmed the milestone order.

​European aerospace manufacturer Airbus, which declined to comment on ongoing commercial discussions, quietly logged the transaction as a firm contract in a recent orders update without officially identifying the buyer. The deal represents a major development in the cargo aviation sector as Kalitta Air diversifies its heavy-lift capabilities. Industry sources indicate the selection occurred following a rigorous internal fleet evaluation aimed at modernizing operations and capturing advanced market capacity.

​The Airbus A350F program provides state-of-the-art widebody capability built upon advanced composite materials that significantly lower operating weight, fuel burn, and carbon emissions compared to older generation freighters. This technical efficiency delivers vital operational advantages for high-demand global freight contractors managing extensive commercial and military logistics. By integrating these next-generation jets, Kalitta Air enhances its long-haul payload capacity and operational resilience.

​Industry observers note that diversifying aircraft portfolios allows major freight carriers to optimize performance across demanding international routes while mitigating supply chain bottlenecks.

​As cargo demand evolves globally, this procurement positions Kalitta Air to leverage cutting-edge aviation technology and maintain a competitive edge in the heavy freight market. Fleet modernization efforts will likely accelerate as the European manufacturer progresses toward final aircraft certification and upcoming delivery milestones.

Airbus Updates No.4728

 

Crown Airlines to acquire A320-200 from Avolon

Crown Airlines (FQ, Tripoli Mitiga) is to acquire an A320-200 it previously dry leased from Avolon, the carrier announced on social media.

Representatives from both companies signed the agreement on October 3, 2026, the airline said, adding that it had also firmed up plans at the same time to acquire a second A320-200 from the same lessor for delivery in 2027.

The aircraft in question, 5A-TAJ (msn 4023), has been on a long-term dry lease to the Libyan carrier, starting November, 2022, ch-aviation data shows.

The unit is currently parked at Vilnius, having been ferried there from Tripoli Mitiga on July 28, according to ADS-B data. Neither company immediately responded to queries from ch-aviation on when the jet is expected to restart revenue operations, or on the identity of the second A320.

The 17.1-year-old narrowbody was first delivered to Cathay Dragon in July 2010. It is equipped with International Aero Engines V2500 engines and configured with 12 business class seats and 138 seats in economy.

Crown Airlines launched operations with 5A-TAJ in 2023. The aircraft was later at the centre of a dispute between the airline and its then-lessor Aerovista. The Dubai-headquartered company issued a grounding notice in December 2023, alleging the airline had failed to resolve defaults on the lease.

The airline said at the time it had refused Aerovista's proposal for an early lease termination, adding that its payments to the lessor had always been made on time.

From its base at Tripoli Mitiga, Crown Airlines currently operates to four destinations: Benghazi, Cairo International, Alexandria International, and Istanbul Airport.

Airbus Updates No.4727

 

United takes first GTF Advantage-powered Airbus A321XLR

United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) has taken delivery of its first A321-200NY(XLR) extra long-range aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF Advantage engines, marking the first delivery of an aircraft equipped with the upgraded engine variant.

A spokesperson for United Airlines confirmed to ch-aviation that N64322 (msn 12820) delivered on September 23, 2026, is the airline's first XLR with the Advantage engine. ADS-B data show it entered service on September 30 between Tampa International and Amarillo Rick Husband International.

In a statement on September 24, Pratt & Whitney said the GTF Advantage offers 4-8% more takeoff thrust than the current PW1100G-JM, supporting additional range capability on the A321XLR. It is also designed to provide up to twice the time on wing of the current GTF engine.

The GTF Advantage is fully interchangeable and intermixable with the existing GTF engine, allowing airlines to operate both variants within the same fleet. Pratt & Whitney plans to transition its entire PW1100G-JM production line to the Advantage specification by 2028.

Pratt & Whitney said existing PW1100G-JM operators can also upgrade their engines through the GTF Hot Section Plus (HS+) programme, which is expected to become available during maintenance visits from early 2027.

United Airlines took delivery from Hamburg to Tampa of its first A321-200NY(XLR), N64321 (msn 12581), on June 3, 2026. According to ADS-B data, the first unit entered service domestically on August 2 between Chicago O'Hare and Denver International. It operated its first intercontinental flights from New York Newark to Paris CDG on August 18 and to Dublin International on September 3, as tracked on ADS-B data.

The airline awaits delivery of 48 more A321-200NY(XLR) units. It already operates 74 standard long-range A321-200NX variants, with 129 more to be delivered, according to ch-aviation data.