Airbus has completed the first test flight of its A350-1000ULR aircraft developed for Qantas' Project Sunrise programme, a milestone in the airline's plans to introduce the world's longest non-stop commercial passenger services.

The aircraft departed Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in southern France at 7:33 a.m. local time on Thursday and landed in Melbourne on Friday after covering nearly 17,000 kilometres (10,560 miles) in approximately 19 hours without stopping.

The flight represents the first full-scale operational test for Project Sunrise, under which Qantas plans to launch direct flights from Sydney to London and New York in 2027.

Airbus said the aircraft had already completed an earlier certification flight before beginning a two-month test campaign designed to validate a series of modifications for ultra-long-haul operations.

Among the key upgrades is an additional rear centre fuel tank that extends the aircraft's range by around 1,000 nautical miles, enabling flights of up to 22 hours. The manufacturer will also certify a lighter galley cooling system while assessing cabin ventilation and temperature management during extended flights.

Once introduced, the Sydney-London route is expected to become the world's longest non-stop commercial passenger service, surpassing Singapore Airlines' New York-Singapore flight, which covers approximately 15,349 kilometres (9,537 miles) in about 18 hours and 40 minutes.

Unlike Singapore Airlines' A350-900ULR, which is configured with only business and premium economy seating to reduce weight, the Qantas A350-1000ULR will feature a four-class cabin and accommodate significantly more passengers.

French broadcaster BFM TV reported that around 2.7 million people followed the Toulouse-to-Melbourne flight live on flight-tracking platform Flightradar24.

Only nine people were on board the aircraft, including four Airbus test pilots and five flight-test engineers. The aircraft also carried five tonnes of specialised testing equipment to monitor performance, onboard systems and fuel consumption throughout the journey.

Following the completion of the test programme, Airbus will install Qantas' commercial cabin before delivering the aircraft. Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULR aircraft for Project Sunrise, alongside 12 standard A350-1000s for its long-haul fleet.

Source: QCAA

Aerolíneas Argentinas has announced plans to add 20 new aircraft to its fleet, launching its largest fleet renewal programme in a decade as the state-owned airline seeks to modernise its operations.

The carrier said the expansion, scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2031, will be financed entirely through its own resources. The programme is expected to renew around a quarter of the airline's total fleet and approximately 60% of its long-haul aircraft.

At the Farnborough International Airshow, Aerolíneas Argentinas formalised leasing agreements for 14 aircraft, comprising six Airbus A330neo widebody jets and eight Boeing 737 MAX 10 narrowbody aircraft.

The remaining six aircraft in the programme will be Boeing 737 MAX 8s. Two have already been contracted, while agreements for the other four are currently being finalised.

The first aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, is expected to join the fleet in early 2027, with deliveries of the Airbus A330neo scheduled to begin in the first half of 2028.

Chief Executive Officer Fabián Lombardo said the agreements signed at the Farnborough Airshow demonstrate the aviation industry's confidence in the airline.

He added that the fleet renewal plan reflects a long-term strategy focused on improving operational efficiency, strengthening profitability and supporting the carrier's future growth.

Source: QCAA

Boeing finished ahead of Airbus in aircraft orders announced at this year's Farnborough International Airshow, although overall deal activity remained subdued as manufacturers concentrated on easing production constraints and delivering record order backlogs.

According to a Reuters tally, Boeing recorded 173 firm and provisional aircraft orders during the event, while Airbus secured 154 commitments, giving the two manufacturers a combined total of 327 aircraft.

After excluding transactions that had already been included in manufacturers' order books without initially identifying customers, including Boeing's share of a major lessor agreement, the adjusted total stood at 218 aircraft.

The figures broadly matched industry expectations of just over 300 orders but fell well below some forecasts that had projected as many as 800 aircraft. Although slightly higher than the total announced at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, the order volume remained far below the 1,109 aircraft recorded at the 2018 event.

Analysts said the quieter order activity reflects a changing industry landscape, with manufacturers focusing on increasing production rather than pursuing large order announcements.

"I didn't have high expectations of big commercial orders at the show, not particularly because of the current macro or geopolitical climate, but because a lot of large orders are already out there," airline analyst John Strickland said.

Airbus and Boeing continue to grapple with supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and manufacturing challenges that have pushed delivery schedules well into the next decade.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Stephanie Pope said customer demand remains strong, noting that production capacity, rather than demand, is the industry's biggest challenge.

Airbus used the event to showcase its A350-1000 as it studies a potential stretched version of the aircraft to compete with Boeing's delayed 777X programme. Boeing, meanwhile, did not display any of its main commercial aircraft models, three of which are currently undergoing certification.

The largest commercial transaction announced during the airshow came from SMBC Aviation Capital, the world's second-largest aircraft lessor, which placed an order for 200 single-aisle aircraft equally split between the two manufacturers. The company ordered 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 100 Airbus A320neo Family jets.

The agreement highlighted continued strong demand for narrowbody aircraft despite limited delivery slots and ongoing supply chain bottlenecks. Other notable deals included widebody aircraft purchases by Riyadh Air and Philippine Airlines from both Airbus and Boeing, while leasing company AerCap expanded its Boeing 787 order book.

Brazilian manufacturer Embraer also secured orders for 50 aircraft, including 20 freighters.

Beyond aircraft sales, CFM International announced a record order for more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 500 Airbus aircraft previously ordered by IndiGo, underscoring sustained demand for next-generation engines.

The global engine manufacturing sector continues to face pressure from spare parts shortages and extended maintenance times following years of rapid fleet growth. However, both CFM International and Pratt & Whitney said industrial conditions are steadily improving as supply chains recover.

Source: Reuters

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, as its next Director General, according to an internal memo.

Zahidi is set to assume the role on November 1, succeeding Willie Walsh, who is leaving the airline industry body to join Indian carrier IndiGo.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for IATA, the global trade association representing airlines worldwide, as Zahidi takes over at a time when the aviation industry continues to navigate fleet shortages, supply chain constraints and sustainability challenges.

Source: ZAWYA

Oman's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved Air Tanzania's launch of scheduled direct passenger flights between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Republic of Tanzania.

The new service will connect Muscat International Airport with Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, providing travellers with a nonstop link between the two countries.

Air Tanzania, the national carrier of Tanzania, will operate the route three times a week.

The inaugural flights are scheduled to begin on July 25, marking a new milestone in strengthening aviation links and enhancing travel connectivity between Oman and Tanzania.

Source: ZAWYA

Saudi Arabian low-cost airline flynas has confirmed the purchase of 25 Airbus aircraft, comprising five A330neo widebody jets and 20 A321neo aircraft, as it continues to expand its fleet and route network.

The latest agreement increases the airline's confirmed Airbus orders to 235 aircraft from a total orderbook of 280. It also raises flynas' confirmed orders for the A330neo to 20 aircraft, while its A320 Family commitments now total 215 aircraft.

Flynas said the additional aircraft will support the continued expansion of its six operating bases across Saudi Arabia and strengthen operational capabilities for its newly launched flynas Syria operations.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bander Almohanna said the expanded fleet will enable the airline to enter new markets, reinforce its role as a logistics partner and support Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a global tourism and travel hub.

He added that the additional aircraft will also contribute to the Kingdom's Pilgrim Experience Program by improving access to the Two Holy Mosques and increasing the capacity of the national aviation sector.

According to Almohanna, expanding confirmed Airbus orders to 235 aircraft will enhance flynas' long-term growth strategy and position the airline to support Saudi Arabia's economic transformation, major tourism developments and upcoming international events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.

Source: ZAWYA