Air Canada announced plans to acquire 26 A321XLR aircraft, updating its long-haul offerings. The aircraft will be used for flights within North America, as well as some Transatlantic markets, pending approval from Transport Canada regulators.
Airbus
Gilat’s ESA shows promise with successful Ka-band test
Gilat’s newest ESA is ready to take to the skies. The company announced a breakthrough in electronically steerable antenna (ESA) technology for in-flight connectivity (IFC) with the conclusion of flight tests conducted by Airbus Defence and Space.
Breeze adds Hartford base, with A220 focus
Getting in and out of Connecticut this summer will be perhaps easier than ever, thanks to new airline options. Breeze Airways announced this week it will make Bradley International Airport (BDL) outside Hartford a base and increase the number of flights and routes served.
JetBlue boosts A220 order book, E190 retirements
JetBlue upped its order book on the A220 to 100 frames, converting 30 options from its existing portfolio. Under the expanded order book the carrier will now take delivery of 92 new A220-300s through the end of 2026.
Inflight connectivity soars higher than ever
When the Airbus Perlan Mission II takes flight later this year it will soar higher than ever. And it will do so with a new in-flight connectivity link on board.
KLM, Transavia tap Airbus for single-aisle refresh
Chalk up another 100 aircraft order for Airbus (plus 60 options). Air France-KLM announced a firm order to refresh the KLM, Transavia, and Transavia France fleets with A320neo family aircraft.
Qantas picks Airbus for fleet refresh
The next several decades will see a lot of Airbus planes in the skies over Australia. Qantas announced its intention today to renew its single-aisle fleet with a mix of up to 134 A220 and A320neo family aircraft.
OneWeb signs Airbus for military, government services contract
Airbus will distribute connectivity services from the OneWeb low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation for military and government customers. The distribution agreement signed this week allows Airbus to add the LEO capacity to its existing portfolio and offers a hint of what the products might look like for the commercial segment.
Vaayu secures A320 P2F deal, expects early 2022 EIS
The first A320 freighter conversion took flight this week, a major milestone in the project as it moves towards entry into service in the first half of 2022. Vaayu Group expects to take delivery of the first plane early next year, part of a five plane deal announced during the Dubai Airshow last month.
Norwegian brings back the MAX 8, with a twist
Norwegian agreed to lease a pair of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, bringing the type back into service at the carrier. The two planes will join the carrier’s operations “shortly” with a focus on meeting the Summer 2022 goal of serving approximately 270 routes.