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Flexjet places historic 300-aircraft order with Otto Aerospace
Private aviation firm Flexjet is officially the first-ever major customer for Otto Aerospace, thanks to a landmark order. This debut deal involves a firm order for 300 Phantom 3500 business jets with additional options. The next-generation Phantom 3500 is a clean-sheet, ultra-efficient aircraft that leverages breakthrough laminar-flow aerodynamics and precision all-carbon-fiber composites to cut fuel burn by over 60 percent. The first flight of the Phantom 3500 is expected in 2027, with deliveries beginning in 2030, and, all told, this agreement represents one of the largest aircraft orders to an OEM in business aviation history. Flexjet chair Kenn Ricci said: “For 30 years, Flexjet has led through innovation opposed to imitation, introducing tomorrow's standards, not reacting to yesterday's expectations. The Phantom 3500 exemplifies that approach perfectly, marking a bold step into a future where an aircraft's efficiency and sustainability stand alongside speed, comfort, and range as defining standards. This collaboration with Otto Aerospace further affirms our leadership role in delivering to fractional aircraft Owners the future of luxury private aviation.” Flexjet is a global fleet operator and leader in private aviation, offering fractional ownership and leasing supported by a fully integrated maintenance and product support ecosystem. Great news for a growing fleet Flexjet plans to integrate the Phantom 3500 into its growing fleet to provide clients with a more sustainable, long-range travel experience, delivered through the same personalized service that defines its brand. That experience begins with access to private terminals and extends to exclusive destinations, premium offerings, and curated events available only to members of its community. Otto Aerospace chief executive Paul Touw remarked: “Flexjet's decision to build their fleet around the Phantom 3500 speaks volumes about where aviation is headed. As one of the largest business jet orders in private aviation history, this marks a turning point in the industry's move toward sustainable and efficient air travel. The Phantom 3500 will redefine private aviation, providing Flexjet with a fleet that dramatically reduces costs while expanding operational capabilities and enhancing the customer flying experience.” Beyond the 300-aircraft order, the agreement also grants Flexjet's in-house maintenance organization the ability to become an Otto authorized service centre.
Vietjet expands fleet with new widebody aircraft
Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet recently welcomed an Airbus A330 widebody, registered as VN-A820. This newest addition brings the airline’s total fleet to 121 aircraft, including those from Vietjet Thailand and Vietjet Qazakhstan. The milestone further underscores the carrier’s sustainable growth strategy and readiness to meet surging travel and trade demand during the year-end peak season. An exemplary new addition Powered by the Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, the A330 delivers fuel efficiency and performance. The aircraft will be deployed immediately on services to Australia, India, Japan, and Kazakhstan, offering passengers enhanced comfort and a modern inflight experience. The aircraft features Vietjet’s signature livery of vibrant red and yellow, highlighted by a flowing golden silk ribbon symbolizing connectivity, cultural exchange, and global integration. With a modern fleet and more than 400 new aircraft on order from Airbus and Boeing through 2030, Vietjet continues to expand its international flight network. Indeed, the Vietnamese carrier continues to embrace advanced technologies, and enhance operational efficiency, whilst delivering safe, memorable journeys for passengers worldwide and long-term sustainable value for its stakeholders.
Korean Air announces plans to augment fleet with 103 Boeing aircraft
Korean Air announced its intent to purchase 103 of Boeing's fuel-efficient family of airplanes earlier today, 26th August. The South Korean carrier seeks to modernise its fleet and support further growth as it fully integrates operations with Asiana Airlines over the next several years. This historic agreement was signed during the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable which centred on Partnership for a Manufacturing Renaissance. Howard Lutnick, US secretary of commerce, and South Korean minister of trade, industry, and energy Kim Jung-kwan presided over the event. Korean Air's commitment will be the airline's largest-ever order and Boeing's largest widebody order from an Asian carrier. A pivotal moment Korean Air chairman and chief executive Walter Cho said of the impending purchase: "This agreement with our long-standing partners, Boeing and GE, marks a pivotal moment for Korean Air. Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernization strategy, delivering significant gains in fuel efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience across our global network.” Cho added that the investment is also a critical enabler for the airline’s future as a merged airline with Asiana, ensuring that the combined entity becomes one of the most competitive airlines in the global aviation sector. What happens now? Upon finalisation, the deal will mark Korean Air's first order for the 777-8F and will support an estimated 135,000 jobs across the United States. The order will be posted to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website once it is completed and includes the following models: 20 777-9s 25 787-10s 50 737-10s 8 777-8 Freighters Korean Air's orders and commitments for Boeing airplanes in 2025 surpasses 150 units, following the airline's incremental order in March for 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s. This moved Stephanie Pope, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes to say: "We are honoured to strengthen our partnership with Korean Air through this landmark agreement, which reflects the value and capabilities of Boeing's market-leading airplane family. As Korean Air transitions to a larger unified carrier, we are committed to supporting the airline's growth with one of the world's most efficient fleets."
Vietjet breaks ground for its aircraft maintenance centre in Long Thanh
Vietjet formally broke ground for its state-of-the-art Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Centre at Long Thanh International Airport. Long Thang is slated to become Vietnam’s most advanced and largest airport upon completion, putting Vietjet’s upcoming facility into a prominent position. The project is one of 80 landmark initiatives inaugurated as a lead-up to the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day on 2nd September. With a total investment of nearly US$100 million, the project includes the development of Hangars 3 and 4 at the under-construction airport. The new centre will feature synchronised, international-standard infrastructure and will be capable of servicing up to ten aircraft simultaneously. Vietjet rising In addition to supporting the maintenance needs of Vietjet’s expanding fleet, the facility is also positioned to serve both domestic and international airlines, thus enhancing Vietnam’s aviation capabilities and supporting future operations at Long Thanh. The launch of the Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Center underscores Vietjet’s long-term strategic vision and commitment to sustainable, future-focused investment. It also highlights the pioneering role of private enterprises in advancing aviation infrastructure and driving national development in an increasingly globalised landscape.
flydubai’s fleet grows to 93 aircraft
These additions form an integral part of the airline’s strategic growth plans, enabling the continued expansion of its network, enhancing operational efficiency and increasing capacity on existing routes. As per a news report in TradeArabia. The seven new aircraft, received between April and August 2025, have seen the flydubai fleet grow to 93 aircraft. Once all 12 aircraft have been delivered this year, flydubai’s fleet will stand at more than 95 aircraft, supporting the carrier’s growing network of more than 135 destinations in 57 countries. This expansion continues to open up underserved markets, creating more travel opportunities and further strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “The arrival of these new aircraft is a testament to our long-term strategic vision and our confidence in the future of air travel. Our fleet investment supports our mission to offer greater choice, enhanced convenience and improved connectivity for our passengers. These deliveries are part of a backlog extensively delayed in recent years, and despite receiving 12 aircraft this year, we remain 20 aircraft behind our original projections.” “The continued interest from our financing partners highlights the strength of our business model and our commitment to contributing to the UAE’s leadership in global aviation. Looking ahead, these aircraft will enable us to unlock new destinations, optimise our operations and play an even greater role in supporting Dubai’s growth as an international aviation hub,” added Al Ghaith.
Emirates launches Aircrafted KIDS initiative in MENA, donating 800 bags in Egypt
Emirates has launched its Aircrafted KIDS initiative in Middle East and North Africa, donating 800 bags to two non-profit organisations in Egypt. The initiative was born from the understanding that while education is one of the greatest engines for societal development and economic empowerment, access to resources is a barrier for children and young people. To help address this, Emirates launched an initiative to donate essential supplies and limited-edition, handcrafted backpacks from its ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection to organisations across Africa and West Asia, and now in the MENA region. Educate Me and Resala serve local communities by creating a nurturing and inspirational space, for financially disadvantaged youths to continue their education. With a longstanding legacy of supporting youth, and a particular focus on education, Emirates aims to support both organisations’ students with their schooling by providing practical, stylish backpacks and stationery supplies. The initiative reinforces the airline’s commitment to ‘connecting communities’ by building enduring relationships and making meaningful differences in the destinations it serves. Abdalla Al Zamani, Country Manager for Egypt, Emirates, said: “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to change society, inspiring and empowering the next generation to build a brighter future. We wanted to support that learning journey by providing the students at Resala and Educate Me with the essential tools for their education, along with a little piece of Emirates’ history, in the form of upcycled backpacks. We have a long and rich history serving Egypt dating back almost four decades, and we remain committed today, not just to scaling our operations but to enriching the surrounding communities too.” To ensure the organisations received exactly what they needed for each and every student, Resala and Educate Me handpicked the specific bags they required from the ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection, accounting for children of all ages. The backpacks were then handmade by the Emirates Engineering team in-house, with materials upcycled from the airline’s iconic A380 and 777 aircraft. "Resala Charity Organization is proud to partner with Emirates Airline in this impactful initiative, empowering 800 children with access to quality education across Egypt. Resala works to support children in underprivileged rural areas through innovative educational programs that combine direct learning, alternative education, and skill development. We sincerely thank Emirates for their support, which brings us closer to our vision of inclusive and equitable education for all," added Adel AbdelFattah, Director of Community Convoys & Volunteering. In addition to the bags, Emirates provided school supplies such as pens, pencils, geometry sets, notebooks and more. The airline also purchased books from local authors, which blend culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities. The books can be swapped and discussed amongst the students, further developing their understanding of the material. The Emirates team based in Egypt visited both Educate Me and Resala to deliver the 800 bags and meet Egypt’s leaders of tomorrow. "We are deeply grateful to Emirates Airline for their generous contribution, which goes far beyond school supplies. At Educate Me, we believe education is a gateway for children to shape a better future for themselves — to not just survive, but dream. This kind of support helps create a more engaging and enriching learning environment, giving students the opportunity to grow, explore, and imagine new possibilities for their lives,” commented Christine Safwat, Executive Director of Educate Me Foundation. Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates has a long history of supporting children’s welfare programmes, and ‘Aircrafted KIDS’ by Emirates is an extension of this work. In total, more than 50,000 kg of materials from 205 aircraft slated to undergo the airline’s interior cabin retrofit programme are expected to be recovered and repurposed. In addition to the donations made in Egypt, Emirates provided organisations in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia with bags, bringing the total donation to 1,239 in Africa alone, with a further 744 donated in Dhaka, Pakistan and India.
July 2025 becomes Etihad’s busiest month for aircraft deliveries
B787 Taking Off Etihad Airways achieved a significant milestone in its fleet expansion programme with July 2025 becoming the busiest month for aircraft deliveries in the airline's 22-year history. Throughout July, Etihad took delivery of five aircraft including its inaugural A321LR, two Boeing 787 Dreamliners, one Airbus A350-1000, and one Airbus A320ceo. This record-breaking month demonstrates the airline's commitment to rapid growth as it works towards its target to carry 38 million passengers annually by 2030. The five aircraft will significantly enhance Etihad's capacity across its expanding global network. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "July has been a remarkable month for Etihad Airways. Taking delivery of five aircraft is our most intensive delivery programme to date and showcases our ambitious growth trajectory. These aircraft will enable us to serve more destinations, offer increased frequencies, and deliver the exceptional experiences our guests expect across our network." A350 Exterior with aircrafts in the background and blue sky. Abu Dhabi. The delivery programme reflects Etihad's strategic approach to fleet modernisation, with each aircraft type serving specific network requirements. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will support long-haul operations to destinations across Asia, Australia, and North America, while the Airbus A350-1000 will enhance capacity on high-demand routes. A particular highlight of July's deliveries was Etihad's first Airbus A321LR, which represents a significant milestone as the airline's inaugural aircraft of this type. T Etihad defines luxury again with a revolutionary cabin configuration to Etihad's narrowbody operations, featuring dedicated First Suites alongside lie-flat Business seats, a first for narrowbody aircraft in the region, and enhanced Economy seating with seatback entertainment - bringing premium in-flight experiences to medium and short-haul routes. The deliveries bring Etihad's total fleet to 106 aircraft. The airline operates one of the world's youngest fleets, with an average aircraft age of 8.7 years, supporting operational efficiency and enhanced passenger experience. The aircraft deliveries support Etihad's recently announced network expansion, which includes 27 new destinations and increased frequencies across existing routes. The airline has experienced remarkable growth, carrying more than 20 million passengers in the last 12 months for the first time in its history, doubling passenger numbers from 2022 levels. Etihad's fleet expansion programme continues beyond July, with 20 additional aircraft per annum expected for delivery throughout 2025 and 2026. By expanding its fleet and network, Etihad Airways is strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub and offering unparalleled travel experiences to millions of passengers worldwide.
Etihad Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A321LR aircraft
Etihad Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR (long range) following ceremony at the Airbus Finkenwerder site, marking a transformational milestone in the airline's fleet expansion strategy. The aircraft brings Etihad's signature widebody experience to short and medium-haul routes, with premium cabins typically found only on long-haul flights. This is the first of 30 A321LR aircraft scheduled to join Etihad's fleet. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "Today marks an extraordinary moment for Etihad as we welcome an aircraft that changes everything we thought possible on a single-aisle plane. The A321LR enables us to serve more destinations with the same premium experience our guests expect across all cabins, perfectly embodying our commitment to delivering luxury at every altitude." Redefining Narrowbody Travel The A321LR features a three-cabin configuration, including Etihad's first-ever narrowbody First Suites - private, enclosed spaces with sliding doors, fully-flat beds, and bespoke design touches normally reserved for long-haul widebody operations. Each window-facing First Suite features a large 20-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and additional space for a companion to sit. The aircraft's 14-seat Business cabin features widebody-style seats in a 1-1 herringbone layout, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and window views. Each Business seat includes a 17.3-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing and wireless charging. In Economy, 144 thoughtfully designed seats offer generous space and comfort, providing an elevated experience for single-aisle travel. Passengers enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen displays, USB charging, and Bluetooth connectivity. These seatback screens bring premium content back to narrowbody travel with over a thousand hours of movies, shows and games. In addition, the cabin features enlarged overhead bins providing significantly more luggage space than traditional narrowbody aircraft. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft Business, commented: “The delivery of Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR is a powerful symbol of innovation and partnership, strengthening the long-standing relationship between Airbus and the UAE. This aircraft sets a new standard for comfort in the single-aisle category and paves the way for increased connectivity as Etihad expands its operations from its Abu Dhabi hub.” Staying Connected Above the Clouds A standout feature of Etihad's A321LR is its high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Viasat's advanced technology delivering speeds of up to 100’s of Mbps. Passengers can enjoy seamless streaming, gaming and browsing throughout their journey, bringing ground-level connectivity to the skies. This gate-to-gate connectivity, where permitted, ensures guests remain productive and entertained whether flying for business or leisure. Wi-Fi service on Asian routes is being progressively rolled out and will be available from September 2025. Expanding Horizons The A321LR supports Etihad's extraordinary expansion momentum, with the airline having launched or announced 27 new routes in a single year as part of its ambitious growth strategy. The aircraft will enter commercial service on 1 August 2025, initially operating between Abu Dhabi and Phuket before serving destinations including Algiers, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Krakow, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Tunis and Zurich. The A321LR delivery supports Etihad's Journey 2030 vision, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global aviation hub. Additional nine A321LR aircraft will be delivered throughout 2025, supporting Etihad's ambitious growth plans as the airline works towards carrying 38 million passengers annually by 2030.
Insect season: an overlooked threat to aircraft efficiency
Research shows that insect accumulation on an aircraft’s laminar flow area and increase fuel consumption by 1.1% to 4.4%, with contamination levels as low as 400 insects creating measurable drag penalties. The hidden costs of contamination During insect season, bug residue tends to build up quickly on the nose, wings, and forward sections of aircraft. Without proper aircraft exterior cleaning, the drag they produce counteracts the force of thrust generated by engines and the lift generated by wings. This increases fuel consumption, creating additional operational expenses for airlines. According to a detailed study by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), insect accumulation on natural laminar flow (NLF) wings can cause significant fuel penalties. The study showed that contamination levels of about 400 insects can increase fuel consumption by roughly 1.1% for shorter flights (~750 km) and up to 4.4% for longer missions. “Given that fuel typically accounts for 25-30% of an airline's total operating expenses, even a 1-4% increase in fuel burn due to insect contamination can cost airlines millions of dollars, especially for fleets with many daily flights,” says Veronika Andrianovaite, Chief Commercial Officer of Nordic Dino Robotics. The insect problem The threat of insect contamination is typically limited to operational phases close to the ground. Even during critical phases of flight, the aircraft speed is high enough to cause a rupture of the insect body. “It is estimated that 50-60 % of the insects are collected during the ground run and the balance at low altitude during climb out, final approach and landing,” Nordic Dino expert explains. “Depending on insect size, impact angle and impact speed, insect residue can account for up to a fourth of an aircraft’s overall contamination.” Insect activity for air travel has distinct regional and seasonal patterns. According to Andrianovaite, it reaches its peak during warmer months: “In Europe, for instance, it’s spring and summer. In many parts of Asia, it is linked to the monsoon season, which typically brings increased rainfall and humidity and can last until October.” A solution that works Given the cost impact of insect contamination, frequent aircraft cleaning becomes critical during peak insect activity periods. With airlines currently in high season across many regions, efficient cleaning solutions are essential for maintaining operational performance. Robotic aircraft cleaning equipment offers a fast and safe solution to remove contaminants, including dead bugs – especially crucial during high-frequency, warm-weather operations when insect buildup accelerates, says Andrianovaite: “Using modern aircraft washing robots, such as the Nordic Dino, can help to reduce aircraft exterior cleaning times by up to 80%,” “For wide-body airliners like the Airbus A330 and the Boeing 777, the time spent on exterior cleaning can be shortened from 8 to 4 hours, and for narrow-body jets like the Boeing 737, the required aircraft-on-ground (AOG) time is reduced from 3 to 1 hour.” Aircraft washing robots eliminate long hours of manual labor-intensive washing procedures. In an industry that requires the highest levels of efficiency, these solutions bring serious long-term benefits – making sure tiny insects don't create big problems for performance and profitability.
Malaysia Aviation Group Acquires 20 Additional A330neo Aircraft
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines, has exercised its purchase rights for 20 additional A330neo aircraft through a direct order with Airbus – reaffirming its commitment to a long-term strategy for fleet renewal and network development. With this latest acquisition, Malaysia Airlines is set to become one of the largest A330neo operators in the Asia-Pacific region – strengthening its position as a leading premium airline in one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets. This new order builds on MAG’s initial commitment in 2022 for 20 A330neo aircraft – comprising 10 directly purchased and 10 leased from Avolon – bringing the Group’s total A330neo commitment to 40 aircraft to date. Deliveries from this additional batch are scheduled between 2029 and 2031. The A330neo remains a cornerstone of MAG’s fleet modernisation programme, enabling the Group to serve high-growth markets more efficiently while enhancing the overall travel experience. The aircraft features the latest cabin design, including an all-suite Business Class with sliding privacy doors, full-flat beds, and direct aisle access. Across all cabin classes, passengers will enjoy refreshed interiors, next-generation seating, and the latest in-flight entertainment system – delivering a consistently premium journey in line with Malaysia Airlines’ service standards. The expanded widebody fleet will enhance connectivity and drive network development across key markets in ASEAN, China, India, and Australasia – strengthening Malaysia Airlines’ position as a leading premium carrier in the Asia-Pacific region. Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of MAG, said, “The A330neo continues to deliver the right balance of operational efficiency, range, and cabin comfort to support our network and growth strategy. With its enhanced fuel efficiency and flexibility across both regional and long-haul routes, the aircraft is a strong fit for our evolving market needs. It also allows us to offer a product that aligns with our premium positioning – streamlined, modern, and designed around passenger comfort and expectations. This additional order reinforces our long-term vision of building a future-ready fleet that supports sustainable growth, delivers consistent value to our passengers, and strengthens our competitiveness in key markets.” Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said, “We are proud to further strengthen our relationship with Malaysia Aviation Group as it expands its A330neo fleet. This repeat order is a strong endorsement of the A330neo’s exceptional performance, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, as well as a testament to the aircraft’s popularity among the world’s premium airlines.” To date, MAG has taken delivery of four (4) A330neo aircraft, currently operating on selected services to Auckland, Melbourne, and Bali. Six (6) more are scheduled for delivery by the end of the year, with the remaining aircraft from the original order set to arrive progressively through to 2028.
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Return To Home5th Civil Aviation South East Asia Summit 2022
The aviation industry in Southeast Asia has recorded significant growth over the past few years. The total seat capacity of Southeast Asia airlines experienced double-digit growth in the four-year period of 2009-2013. It has established itself as one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets – and has huge potential for more rapid growth. Nearly all of the 10 countries that comprise ASEAN have robust economies and expanding middle classes, resulting in a favorable environment for airlines.