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:
Norse Atlantic Airways, Norway’s low-cost long-haul airline, has announced it will operate weekly Boeing 787 flights from Manchester to Barbados as well as additional flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Antigua and Barbados during the winter season. These flights, scheduled between November 2024 and March 2025, are being operated on behalf of P&O Cruises,…
