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Boeing 777 freighter taxiing at a misty airport runway at night.
CargoAug 5, 9:52 AM

National Airlines Executes Record-Setting 19.5-Hour Nonstop 777F Flight from Scotland to Australia

What do you do when your Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has been broken for nearly two weeks, and you need a spare part that is currently only in stock from a single facility on the other side of the world? Well, you charter a cargo plane to operate what is believed to be the longest ever flight by a Boeing 777 freighter aircraft. On August 4, that’s exactly what happened when National Airlines, a specialist cargo carrier based in Orlando, operated a 9,849 nautical mile flight from Prestwick in Scotland to Melbourne, Australia, in one non-stop flight that took around 19 and a half hours. The longest ever Boeing 777F flight in the world. The 777F (the suffix stands for Freighter) had only been delivered to National in early June, fresh from the Boeing assembly line in Everett, Washington, when a third-party cargo charter company made a booking for something they needed transported as quickly as possible. The original client is believed to be Australia’s low-cost carrier Jetstar, which has had one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners stranded in Melbourne since July 25. In order to get it back in the air, the plane needs new thrust reversers for its huge GEnx jet engines, but availability for these parts is in short supply. The most reliable source was GE’s own maintenance and overhaul facility, based, of course, in Prestwick, Scotland. Of course, both National Airlines and Golden Aviation are limited to what they can say about this record-breaking flight due to client confidentiality, but in a statement posted to its official X account, National Airlines commented: “We are proud to have achieved what is believed to be the world's longest commercial B777F flight for another airline, operating nonstop from Prestwick to Melbourne.” Rumours has it that it was delivering new thrust reversers for Jetstar B787-8 (VH-VKF) that's been AOG at Melbourne since 25 July! Prestwick hosts a major GE engine overhaul facility for the GEnx engines! https://t.co/mVh7NXvEnG — Analytic Flying (@analyticflying) August 4, 2026 The aircraft (registration: N792CA) departed Prestwick just before 1 am on August 4, heading south across Europe, before threading the needle through Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, north Afghanistan, and Pakistan to avoid conflict zones across the Middle East. From there, the brand new 777F continued across India, the Bay of Bengal, Malaysia, Indonesia, and then across Melbourne, where it landed just before 5 am on August 5. The flight would have been operated by at least four pilots who would have taken turns at the controls, with two working and two sleeping in special bunks at any one time. It appears that National Airlines is well-versed in transporting engine parts, given that the plane has already visited Prestwick on several occasions since it has been with the carrier for a short amount of time. Although this is the longest ever flight of a Boeing 777F, this extraordinary flight pales in comparison to the 12,560 nautical mile journey recently completed by Airbus from Melbourne to Toulouse, France, to test the new A350-1000ULR. With a flight time of 24 hours and 24 minutes, the Airbus test pilots were putting the aircraft to the ultimate test ahead of its delivery to Australian flag carrier Qantas. The plane’s remarkable range is possible due to an additional center fuel tank that has been fitted to enable non-stop flights from Sydney to London, Paris, and New York.

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Cathay Pacific aircraft at Hong Kong airport preparing for departure during the day
AirlinesAug 5, 5:35 AM

Cathay Pacific Group Posts 27% Operating Profit Rise and Stays on Track for 10% Capacity Growth

The group saw a 27% increase in its half-year operating profit, while net profit was up 71% year on year. Cathay Pacific Group is maintaining its full-year capacity growth guidance, with near-term demand "looking strong", and as its half-year profit improves. The Hong Kong-based airline group "remains on track" to reach its passenger capacity growth target of 10%, says Cathay chair Guy Bradley. "We remain cautiously optimistic for the rest of the year, subject to developments in the Middle East situation and other macroeconomic factors," Bradley, who was appointed airline chair in May, adds. The group, comprising mainline operator Cathay and low-cost unit HK Express, expects the "impact of elevated fuel prices" to continue for the rest of the year. Nonetheless – and if "market conditions are favourable" – the airline group is targeting to operate to 150 international points in 10 years, with 150 new aircraft set to join its fleet. For the six months ended 30 June, Cathay Group saw a 27% jump in its operating profit to HK$7.5 billion ($961 million). This was despite half-year expenses climbing 27% to HK$61.4 billion, led by a spike in fuel-related costs. Bradley notes that the group's fuel expenses close to doubled between the January-March and April-June quarters, underscoring the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel costs. Group revenue was up 25% to HK$68 billion, on the back of strong travel demand on mainline operations, as well as significant operational improvements from HK Express. "Having got off to a strong start in the first quarter, we faced a more challenging second quarter due to the situation in the Middle East and the resulting significant increase in jet fuel prices," states Bradley. The group posted a net profit of HK$6.2 billion, a 71% jump from the year-ago period. During the period, Cathay took on non-recurring gains of around HK$1 billion, from the reduction of its shareholding in Air China in June this year.

Jetstar Japan Airbus A321neo on runway at Japanese airport during daytime
AirlinesAug 5, 2:16 AM

Qantas to Sell Entire Stake in Jetstar Japan by Mid-2027 for $52 Million

Deal expected to be completed by June 2027. The Qantas Group has signed a binding agreement to divest its entire shareholding in low-cost operator Jetstar Japan, in a deal valued at around Y8.2 billion ($52 million). The agreement sees Qantas sell its 33.3% stake in Jetstar Japan through a share buyback, with the Development Bank of Japan entering as a new shareholder. Majority shareholder Japan Airlines will retain its 50% shareholding, as will financial services firm Tokyo Century. The share buy-back transaction is expected to be completed by June 2027, states Qantas. Jetstar Japan will "refresh" its brand from Jetstar to a new brand, and will transition to a "Japanese capital-led ownership structure". The group notes there will be "no impact" on the existing international operations between Australia and Japan operated by mainline carrier Qantas and low-cost airline Jetstar Airways. "The transaction will allow the Qantas Group to redirect capital investment towards Qantas and Jetstar's domestic and international operations in Australia," it adds. The deal was first announced in February this year, when Qantas and JAL signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for the transaction. Jetstar Japan began operations in 2012 as one of several international Jetstar units. It currently has a fleet of Airbus A321neos and A320s.

London Gatwick Airport with runway and terminal buildings in daylight
SustainabilityAug 4, 6:58 PM

London Gatwick's second runway expansion gets green light after legal challenge fails

UK hub to expand capacity after attempt to overturn judicial review rejection fails. London Gatwick's planned expansion, which will include a second runway, is set to proceed after a legal appeal against the development failed. In a ruling issued on 4 August by the Royal Courts of Justice in London, judges dismissed applications to appeal by two parties including Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions. The parties had sought a judicial review of the UK transport secretary's decision, in September last year, to make a development consent order authorising improvement of Gatwick's northern runway, and lifting restrictions so that both the northern and southern runway can be operated as a dual system. Permission for a judicial review was denied in June, after a hearing in January, and the parties sought permission to appeal, on several grounds, at a subsequent hearing on 27-28 July. But the application to appeal has failed. "We conclude that each of the grounds of appeal raised by each appellant is unarguable," says the ruling. "Neither appeal has a real prospect of success. We also consider that there are no other compelling reasons for either appeal to be heard." London Gatwick chief Pierre-Hugues Schmit says the judges "comprehensively" rejected the challenges of the two campaign groups, showing that the approval decision for the runway project was taken "properly and lawfully". “This final ruling means that we can now press on with the important job of bringing this exciting project to life and move forward into the design and delivery phase," he adds.

Airplane cabin showing contrast between spacious premium seats and compact economy seating
AirlinesAug 4, 6:00 PM

Airlines Abandon Middle Tier as Premium and Ultra-Budget Classes Dominate Market

Across the airline industry, it seems that the traditional middle tier of commercial air travel is on its way to the history books. It has always been common to see legacy carriers and low-cost airlines alike depend on a standardized main cabin product to generate steady baseline revenue. Today, that undifferentiated middle is rapidly disappearing as commercial aviation splits into two profitable extremes: high-yield premium cabins at one end and unbundled ultra-budget fares at the other.

Wide aerial view of Chicago O'Hare International Airport showing multiple runways and aircraft movements.
AirportsAug 4, 5:30 PM

Chicago O'Hare Tops North America in Flight Movements, Atlanta Leads in Seat Capacity

Just like airlines around the world, airports are also extremely competitive when it comes to being the best, the largest, the busiest, and more, and this article looks at which airport is the busiest in the North American region. Since there are multiple metrics that can be used to determine what makes an airport the busiest, this article will look at the busiest airport in North America in terms of capacity and number of flights available.

Boeing 737 MAX 7 taxiing on airport tarmac during daylight
Aviation SafetyAug 4, 9:47 AM

Boeing 737 MAX 7 Secures FAA Certification After Lengthy Development Delay

Just over 13 years ago, Boeing and Southwest Airlines came together to launch the 737 MAX 7, the third and smallest member of the 737 MAX family. In May 2013, Boeing was riding high and, alongside its launch customer Southwest , predicted that the Dallas carrier would receive its first 737-7 delivery in 2019. In the following years, the dynamics shifted significantly for Boeing with two fatal Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashes between 2018 and 2019. The worldwide Boeing MAX fleet was grounded, and confidence in the company's manufacturing and quality controls diminished. In November 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finally gave Boeing 's 737 MAX the go-ahead to fly commercially again, but the impact on the 737-7 development had been significant. Original artwork from 2013 (Boeing) Plans for the 737-7's entry into service were rescheduled and even when Boeing thought they were nearly there, further complications arose during the certification process. However, on August 3, 2026, Boeing finally announced the news it had been waiting to deliver for several years, confirming that the MAX 7 had secured type certification from the FAA. "This important certification validates the rigor of our airplane's design and recognizes the determination and resilience of our 737 MAX development team," Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said. Since the test program began in 2018, the 737-7 has completed more than 1,000 hours of flight and ground evaluation and conducted extensive system safety analysis and human factors reviews. During the program Boeing also updated the engine anti-ice system to address a potential condition that was discovered during flight testing. The Federal Aviation Administration has certified the 737-7! This milestone for the longest-range 737 MAX validates the rigor of the design and testing and recognizes #TeamBoeing 's determination and resilience. Certification includes more than 1,000 hours of flight and ground… pic.twitter.com/0S45IjqL3u — Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) August 3, 2026 Boeing said that the regulatory approval "caps a multi-year certification effort" in which the company "demonstrated through comprehensive testing and analysis that the airplane meets all commercial aviation regulations". "Our team of dedicated engineers and test experts worked through challenges, an extended pandemic, and the transition to new certification processes," Pope added. "Through it all, our team stayed focused on completing all requirements and delivering a safe and more capable airplane to our customers." The FAA on 737-7 certification process The FAA issued Boeing an amended type certificate for the new 737-7 and a Production Limitation Record (PLR). In a statement explaining the aircraft's certification process, the FAA said the approval followed almost a "decade of extensive review". The FAA said its work involved resolving complex technical issues and completing a thorough review of the aircraft's design and supporting safety analyses. "Throughout the process, the FAA performed or directly reviewed significant work involving flight controls, system safety assessments, human factors, flightcrew alerting, and other novel, complex, or safety-critical areas, while also requiring testing, design changes, and additional analysis where necessary," the FAA stated. The FAA required Boeing to "incorporate key improvements" that address requirements in the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act and recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Anna Zvereva / Creative Commons These included updates to the flight-control software, flightcrew alerting system, and a redesigned engine anti-ice system. "These changes provide pilots with clearer information and warnings and prevent the engine inlet from overheating and potentially weakening the surrounding structure," the FAA said. FAA safety inspectors will remain present at Boeing sites across the US to oversee the manufacturing process and assess the planemaker's Safety Management System (SMS) and safety culture. "Our Boeing team held regular and detailed discussions with the FAA to ensure Boeing understood the requirements and provided transparency of our progress," said Mike Sinnett, Senior Vice President of Product Strategy, Product Development and Development Programs. "With this certification program, Boeing has developed a clearer understanding of the latest regulatory requirements, which is expected to accelerate future airplane development with a renewed emphasis on human factors, safety and quality." Focus moves to Boeing's 737-7 airline customers Focus will now begin to move to Boeing's airline customers that ordered 737-7 aircraft, namely Southwest Airlines, which has purchased around 250 jets. In response to news of the latest certification, Southwest said it was "pleased with the FAA's certification of the Boeing 737-7 aircraft, and we look forward to the plane entering service in the coming months." "Certification is an important step toward continuing to modernize our all-Boeing 737 fleet with upgraded interiors and more fuel-efficient aircraft to fit our customers' preferences and demand patterns," Southwest Airlines added. According to ch-aviation data, there are around 28 assembled 737-7s destined for Southwest currently in storage. The US carrier plans to introduce the aircraft in 2027. Boeing In the most up to date ch-aviation data available, China's Ruili Airlines has ordered two 737-7s, as had Ukraine's SkyUp Airlines. There in an order on the database for a single 737-7 from Indonesia's Jhonlin Air Transport. Luxair, the European launch customer, also ordered four 737-7s at Paris Air Show 2023. WestJet canceled its orders for Boeing's smallest MAX jet as did the now defunct Canada Jetlines. Turkmenistan Airlines also canceled an order for three 737-7s. With MAX 7 type certification now secure it remains to be seen whether more customers will be willing to purchase the aircraft. RELATED Little and large: Boeing rounds off 737-7 and 737-10 certification flight tests

Airlines

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An Alaska Airlines aircraft on the runway at sunset, preparing for international flight
AirlinesAug 5, 9:46 AM

Alaska Atmos Rewards Launches Monthly Global Getaways Sale with Up to 50% Off Economy Awards

Alaska Atmos Rewards offers the Global Getaways promotion, whereby members can save on award tickets in select regions. While this promotion used to be quarterly, it's now offered monthly, so there are more frequent offers, but with a shorter booking window. Atmos Rewards launches this promotion on the first Wednesday of each month (which the program calls "Atmos Members Day"), so we just saw the one for August launched. Let's go over the opportunities, as you can save up to 50% on award tickets. There are some cool markets in which you can save miles, though unfortunately only economy travel qualifies. Save on Atmos Rewards awards to select destinations For the new Alaska Atmos Rewards Global Getaways promotion , you can save up to 50% on award travel to half a dozen destinations, with the following restrictions: This is valid for bookings made between August 4 and August 8, 2026 This is valid for specific travel dates, though they vary by destination — I'll note those dates below (typically they're the same for all destinations, but not this time around) This is valid specifically for redemptions in economy, and not for travel in first class, business class, or premium economy You can receive discounts as long as you're traveling to one of the eligible destinations and are originating in the United States; while discounts aren't 100% consistent, they are generally valid for travel on all partner airlines when there's saver level award availability These awards have the same change and cancelation policies as all other Atmos Rewards awards, so they're refundable at no cost, minus the partner award booking fee ( which it's even possible to get waived ) The theme for this Global Getaways promotion is "start the year somewhere new," with the idea being that "from historic cities to island escapes, August's destinations spotlights places worth experiencing after the holiday crowds have gone home." With this sale, you can save on one-way redemptions to the following destinations (these savings are up to 50%, but not always that high): Budapest, Hungary (BUD), for travel January 5 through February 28, 2027; now starting at 25,000 points Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI), for travel January 5 through February 28, 2027; now starting at 20,000 points Hong Kong (HKG), for travel January 5 through February 28, 2027; now starting at 34,000 points Madrid, Spain (MAD), for travel January 5 through February 28, 2027; now starting at 20,000 points Nadi, Fiji (NAN), for travel January 5 through February 28, 2027; now starting at 30,000 points Osaka, Japan (KIX), for travel August 1 through November 18, 2026; now starting at 27,500 points Papeete, Tahiti (PPT), for travel November 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027; now starting at 25,000 points Rome, Italy (FCO), for travel August 1 through October 23, 2026; now starting at 25,000 points Sydney, Australia (SYD), for travel August 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027; now starting at 35,000 points The current Atmos Rewards Global Getaways promotion My take on Alaska's Global Getaways promotion I very much appreciate Alaska Atmos Rewards' creativity with this promotion, as nowadays it's pretty rare to see programs offer award sales that are also valid for travel on partner airlines. Now, admittedly I wish there weren't quite as many restrictions in terms of the booking window, travel period, the class of service limitations, and the one-way discount, but still, there will be value here for some, and it's better than nothing. If you're simply looking for the lowest cost award, some of these award prices are very tough to beat. For example, getting from the United States to many points in Europe for 20,000-25,000 points in economy without paying high carrier imposed surcharges is quite a value. Keep in mind that with Atmos Rewards, award flights even earn status points , so could help you qualify for status. Travel to several destinations with a huge discount I do hope that over time we see some first and business class award sales as well (it's probably not happening, but we can dream, right?). Many of us have historically loved the program for the value it offers for premium cabin travel, so this promotion doesn't help us much with that. This is basically Alaska's version of Air France-KLM Flying Blue Promo Rewards or Singapore KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes , except it applies for travel on partner airlines (rather than just for travel on the program's airline), and is exclusive to economy (while the other promotions are mixed). Save on Atmos Rewards awards to select destinations Bottom line Alaska Atmos Rewards has launched its latest Global Getaways promotion, which is a monthly redemption deal offering up to a 50% discount on awards. This time around, you can save points on economy redemptions to select destinations. You need to book by August 8, 2026, and most destinations are valid for travel in early 2027. While this won't be useful for everyone, I imagine some people will get value from this. What do you make of Alaska's Global Getaways promotion?

Cathay Pacific aircraft at Hong Kong airport preparing for departure during the day
AirlinesAug 5, 5:35 AM

Cathay Pacific Group Posts 27% Operating Profit Rise and Stays on Track for 10% Capacity Growth

The group saw a 27% increase in its half-year operating profit, while net profit was up 71% year on year. Cathay Pacific Group is maintaining its full-year capacity growth guidance, with near-term demand "looking strong", and as its half-year profit improves. The Hong Kong-based airline group "remains on track" to reach its passenger capacity growth target of 10%, says Cathay chair Guy Bradley. "We remain cautiously optimistic for the rest of the year, subject to developments in the Middle East situation and other macroeconomic factors," Bradley, who was appointed airline chair in May, adds. The group, comprising mainline operator Cathay and low-cost unit HK Express, expects the "impact of elevated fuel prices" to continue for the rest of the year. Nonetheless – and if "market conditions are favourable" – the airline group is targeting to operate to 150 international points in 10 years, with 150 new aircraft set to join its fleet. For the six months ended 30 June, Cathay Group saw a 27% jump in its operating profit to HK$7.5 billion ($961 million). This was despite half-year expenses climbing 27% to HK$61.4 billion, led by a spike in fuel-related costs. Bradley notes that the group's fuel expenses close to doubled between the January-March and April-June quarters, underscoring the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel costs. Group revenue was up 25% to HK$68 billion, on the back of strong travel demand on mainline operations, as well as significant operational improvements from HK Express. "Having got off to a strong start in the first quarter, we faced a more challenging second quarter due to the situation in the Middle East and the resulting significant increase in jet fuel prices," states Bradley. The group posted a net profit of HK$6.2 billion, a 71% jump from the year-ago period. During the period, Cathay took on non-recurring gains of around HK$1 billion, from the reduction of its shareholding in Air China in June this year.

Jetstar Japan Airbus A321neo on runway at Japanese airport during daytime
AirlinesAug 5, 2:16 AM

Qantas to Sell Entire Stake in Jetstar Japan by Mid-2027 for $52 Million

Deal expected to be completed by June 2027. The Qantas Group has signed a binding agreement to divest its entire shareholding in low-cost operator Jetstar Japan, in a deal valued at around Y8.2 billion ($52 million). The agreement sees Qantas sell its 33.3% stake in Jetstar Japan through a share buyback, with the Development Bank of Japan entering as a new shareholder. Majority shareholder Japan Airlines will retain its 50% shareholding, as will financial services firm Tokyo Century. The share buy-back transaction is expected to be completed by June 2027, states Qantas. Jetstar Japan will "refresh" its brand from Jetstar to a new brand, and will transition to a "Japanese capital-led ownership structure". The group notes there will be "no impact" on the existing international operations between Australia and Japan operated by mainline carrier Qantas and low-cost airline Jetstar Airways. "The transaction will allow the Qantas Group to redirect capital investment towards Qantas and Jetstar's domestic and international operations in Australia," it adds. The deal was first announced in February this year, when Qantas and JAL signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for the transaction. Jetstar Japan began operations in 2012 as one of several international Jetstar units. It currently has a fleet of Airbus A321neos and A320s.

Business Aviation

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Embraer E195-E2 jet taxiing on runway with mountains in the background under sunny sky
Business AviationAug 3, 12:30 AM

Embraer E2 Jets Gain Ground in South America Against Airbus A220

The market for small narrowbodies has traditionally been smaller than the one for mainline aircraft, but it's still a space with significant demand. Embraer has long been a dominant player, with its E-Jet family having received nearly 2,000 orders since its launch. Still, the company's refreshed E2 family has sold in relatively low numbers, as the Airbus A220 (formerly the Bombardier C Series) has been grabbing market share.

An Airbus A321 taxiing on a Vietnamese airport apron under overcast sky, illustrating Bamboo Airways' limited active fleet situation.
Business AviationAug 2, 6:00 AM

Bamboo Airways Suspends Scheduled Flights Amid Tax and Fleet Troubles

Bamboo Airways now owes more than VND440 billion (about US$16.8 million) in unpaid taxes. Vietnam’s Gia Lai Provincial Tax Department has warned it may impose a temporary travel ban on the airline’s beneficial owner if the debt is not paid. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); Tax Pressures and Route Cuts This tax problem arrives at a difficult time. The carrier has progressively cut operations after years of restructuring. From 1 August 2026, Bamboo Airways suspended its Hanoi–Lijiang charter flights. Officials said the route was no longer commercially viable. The airline apologised to passengers and travel partners affected by the cancellation. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); More significantly, the carrier has now stopped selling tickets for domestic scheduled flights from 1 August 2026. Its website and booking systems show no available options on major routes such as Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi–Da Nang and Hanoi–Quy Nhon. The last scheduled service is set for 22 August. Bamboo is operating only limited charter services with a single active Airbus A321 (registration VN-A227). Once flying up to 44 aircraft, the airline now lists just three on its books, with two parked. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); Image Credit: Boeing Fleet Collapse and Daily Disruptions By the end of 2025 Bamboo still had eight aircraft. Today only three Airbus narrowbody jets remain on paper. In practice, just one flies regularly. The reduction stems from ongoing talks with lessors over delayed payments and outstanding debts. These constraints force the airline to maximise every available plane. On 28 July 2026, a single Airbus A321 (registered VN-A227) handled a six-sector rotation linking Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Macau. Delays built up through the day. Five of the six flights arrived between nearly two and almost three hours late as problems cascaded along the itinerary. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Planespotters.net data shows only one of Bamboo Airways’ two leased Boeing aircraft was operational at the time. Limited fleet availability has driven poorer performance. Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority reported the airline’s on-time rate at 66.8 percent in June 2026, well below the industry average of 75.7 percent. Bamboo Airways has apologised for the disruptions and introduced a refund process for affected passengers. It acknowledged that high request volumes may slow processing times. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); A Turbulent History These troubles have deep roots. Bamboo Airways launched in 2019 under the FLC Group, founded by Trịnh Văn Quyết. It grew quickly and once held around 20 percent of Vietnam’s domestic market. The carrier operated nearly 30 aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and served dozens of routes. Everything changed in 2022. Authorities arrested Quyết on stock-manipulation charges. FLC’s financial crisis hit the airline hard. Bamboo recorded a record after-tax loss of VND17.6 trillion that year. Accumulated losses pushed equity negative. Photo Credit: Melv_L – MACASR, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons In 2023 a new investor group, linked to Him Lam and led by Lê Thái Sâm, took control. They injected capital and tried to restructure. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); Yet the debt burden stayed high. An independent audit in July 2025 showed more than VND9,000 billion owed to suppliers, banks and other creditors. The biggest single creditor is Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) with roughly VND2,600 billion. Sacombank holds nearly VND4,000 billion. By September 2025 the new owners handed operational control back to FLC. At that point the airline had only seven aircraft and 12 domestic routes. The recovery that followed proved short-lived. Lessors reclaimed planes after payment delays. The fleet shrank further. Many domestic schedules for August 2026 simply disappeared from booking systems, culminating in the near-complete halt of scheduled services. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); Looking Ahead Despite the crisis, Bamboo Airways still talks of recovery. Management aims to add eight to ten aircraft each year from 2026 to 2030 and rebuild the fleet to around 40 jets. Talks have taken place with Boeing, Eastbridge Partners and South Korea’s RAKSO Holdings. Most of these plans remain early proposals. For now the outlook stays highly uncertain. With scheduled flights effectively suspended, heavy legacy debt, a tiny active fleet and ongoing tax pressure leave little room for error. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(133); }); Passengers face disruptions while the airline fights to stay aloft through limited charters. The coming weeks will show whether Bamboo Airways can stabilise, resume regular operations, or must shrink even further.

De Havilland DHC-515 water bomber undergoing assembly at Calgary facility
Business AviationJul 27, 2:48 PM

De Havilland to begin final assembly of DHC-515 water bomber with 2028 delivery target

Assembled in Calgary, the DHC-515 is a modernised variant of the prior CL-415 water bomber. De Havilland Canada is marching toward an expected 2028 delivery of its first DHC-515 water bomber, with much of the aircraft already manufactured and final assembly expected to start this year. “The mid…and the forward fuselage [sections] have been put together,” De Havilland vice-president of corporate affairs Neil Sweeney said on 21 July at the Farnborough air show. “It’s on track for delivery in 2028.” Also on that day De Havilland released a video showing major airframe components being assembled at the company’s Calgary site. Workers have joined the first aircraft’s cockpit to its hull (forming the forward fuselage), and the mid-fuselage “is now being integrated with the forward fuselage”. De Havilland has also completed production of the first DHC-515’s 28.6m (93.8ft)-span wing box. “It’ll be moved over to final assembly, I think, by the end of the year, and then we’ll start to do test flights next year,” Sweeney says. The twin Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW100-powered DHC-515 is an update to the prior CL-415, itself a sibling in a CL-series product line starting with the 1960s-era piston-powered CL-215. Long-defunct Canadair launched the programme before it was taken over by Bombardier, which produced the CL-415 in Montreal until shuttering the line in 2015. Then in 2016, Viking Aircraft – a subsidiary of Longview Aviation Capital, which also owns De Havilland – acquired the CL programme. Longview later moved the programme from Viking to De Havilland, which set up a DHC-515 assembly site in Calgary. Development is several years behind an original schedule but De Havilland has since 2024 been working toward the 2028 first-delivery goal. Roughly 80 of the prior variant CL-415s remain in service, according to fleet data provider Cirium. Source: De Havilland Canada The DHC-515 differs from the CL-415 in having modern Garmin G300 avionics, a new “water-drop control system”, improved corrosion protection and a new air conditioning system, the company has said. It will cruise at up to 187kt (346km/h), carry up to 6,140 litres (1,620gal) of water and be capable of filling its tanks within 12sec by performing an in-flight scooping manoeuvre over lakes and other water bodies. Alternatively, the DHC-515 can carry 680 litres of firefighting foam. De Havilland has also pitched the aircraft as suitable for surveillance, maritime patrol and medevac missions. The company holds orders for 38 of the aircraft, says Sweeney. That figure is up from about 20 two years ago. Buyers include state authorities in Croatia, Greece, France, Indonesia, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Aviation Safety

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Marine One helicopter lifting off near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport with commercial jets visible on the runway
Aviation SafetyAug 5, 9:12 AM

FAA Probes Separation Breach After Marine One and Envoy Air Jet Departured One Minute Apart at DCA

The Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) is investigating an incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on Tuesday afternoon, after the presidential helicopter Marine One and a departing regional jet appeared to have lost separation. The helicopter, carrying President Donald Trump, lifted off near the White House at around 2:33 PM local time, just a minute before an Envoy Air Embraer E170 departed from DCA.

Boeing 737 MAX 7 taxiing on airport tarmac during daylight
Aviation SafetyAug 4, 9:47 AM

Boeing 737 MAX 7 Secures FAA Certification After Lengthy Development Delay

Just over 13 years ago, Boeing and Southwest Airlines came together to launch the 737 MAX 7, the third and smallest member of the 737 MAX family. In May 2013, Boeing was riding high and, alongside its launch customer Southwest , predicted that the Dallas carrier would receive its first 737-7 delivery in 2019. In the following years, the dynamics shifted significantly for Boeing with two fatal Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashes between 2018 and 2019. The worldwide Boeing MAX fleet was grounded, and confidence in the company's manufacturing and quality controls diminished. In November 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finally gave Boeing 's 737 MAX the go-ahead to fly commercially again, but the impact on the 737-7 development had been significant. Original artwork from 2013 (Boeing) Plans for the 737-7's entry into service were rescheduled and even when Boeing thought they were nearly there, further complications arose during the certification process. However, on August 3, 2026, Boeing finally announced the news it had been waiting to deliver for several years, confirming that the MAX 7 had secured type certification from the FAA. "This important certification validates the rigor of our airplane's design and recognizes the determination and resilience of our 737 MAX development team," Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said. Since the test program began in 2018, the 737-7 has completed more than 1,000 hours of flight and ground evaluation and conducted extensive system safety analysis and human factors reviews. During the program Boeing also updated the engine anti-ice system to address a potential condition that was discovered during flight testing. The Federal Aviation Administration has certified the 737-7! This milestone for the longest-range 737 MAX validates the rigor of the design and testing and recognizes #TeamBoeing 's determination and resilience. Certification includes more than 1,000 hours of flight and ground… pic.twitter.com/0S45IjqL3u — Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) August 3, 2026 Boeing said that the regulatory approval "caps a multi-year certification effort" in which the company "demonstrated through comprehensive testing and analysis that the airplane meets all commercial aviation regulations". "Our team of dedicated engineers and test experts worked through challenges, an extended pandemic, and the transition to new certification processes," Pope added. "Through it all, our team stayed focused on completing all requirements and delivering a safe and more capable airplane to our customers." The FAA on 737-7 certification process The FAA issued Boeing an amended type certificate for the new 737-7 and a Production Limitation Record (PLR). In a statement explaining the aircraft's certification process, the FAA said the approval followed almost a "decade of extensive review". The FAA said its work involved resolving complex technical issues and completing a thorough review of the aircraft's design and supporting safety analyses. "Throughout the process, the FAA performed or directly reviewed significant work involving flight controls, system safety assessments, human factors, flightcrew alerting, and other novel, complex, or safety-critical areas, while also requiring testing, design changes, and additional analysis where necessary," the FAA stated. The FAA required Boeing to "incorporate key improvements" that address requirements in the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act and recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Anna Zvereva / Creative Commons These included updates to the flight-control software, flightcrew alerting system, and a redesigned engine anti-ice system. "These changes provide pilots with clearer information and warnings and prevent the engine inlet from overheating and potentially weakening the surrounding structure," the FAA said. FAA safety inspectors will remain present at Boeing sites across the US to oversee the manufacturing process and assess the planemaker's Safety Management System (SMS) and safety culture. "Our Boeing team held regular and detailed discussions with the FAA to ensure Boeing understood the requirements and provided transparency of our progress," said Mike Sinnett, Senior Vice President of Product Strategy, Product Development and Development Programs. "With this certification program, Boeing has developed a clearer understanding of the latest regulatory requirements, which is expected to accelerate future airplane development with a renewed emphasis on human factors, safety and quality." Focus moves to Boeing's 737-7 airline customers Focus will now begin to move to Boeing's airline customers that ordered 737-7 aircraft, namely Southwest Airlines, which has purchased around 250 jets. In response to news of the latest certification, Southwest said it was "pleased with the FAA's certification of the Boeing 737-7 aircraft, and we look forward to the plane entering service in the coming months." "Certification is an important step toward continuing to modernize our all-Boeing 737 fleet with upgraded interiors and more fuel-efficient aircraft to fit our customers' preferences and demand patterns," Southwest Airlines added. According to ch-aviation data, there are around 28 assembled 737-7s destined for Southwest currently in storage. The US carrier plans to introduce the aircraft in 2027. Boeing In the most up to date ch-aviation data available, China's Ruili Airlines has ordered two 737-7s, as had Ukraine's SkyUp Airlines. There in an order on the database for a single 737-7 from Indonesia's Jhonlin Air Transport. Luxair, the European launch customer, also ordered four 737-7s at Paris Air Show 2023. WestJet canceled its orders for Boeing's smallest MAX jet as did the now defunct Canada Jetlines. Turkmenistan Airlines also canceled an order for three 737-7s. With MAX 7 type certification now secure it remains to be seen whether more customers will be willing to purchase the aircraft. RELATED Little and large: Boeing rounds off 737-7 and 737-10 certification flight tests

Malaysia Airlines aircraft at Kuala Lumpur International Airport with security personnel near boarding gate
Aviation SafetyAug 3, 3:00 AM

Malaysia probes airport security after pilot caught smuggling drugs on Malaysia Airlines flight

Malaysia's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM) has opened a regulatory investigation into airport security procedures following the arrest of a Malaysia Airlines pilot in Indonesia on alleged drug smuggling charges, marking the latest development in a case that has prompted parallel investigations in both countries. The regulator announced the probe on August 2, saying it will examine whether all aviation security requirements were fully complied with before the pilot departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The review will assess airline compliance with aviation security regulations as well as airport screening procedures carried out before the flight leaves Malaysia. The investigation follows an incident that began on July 28, 2026, when Indonesian customs officers detained a Malaysia Airlines pilot after the arrival of flight MH727 from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). Authorities allege they discovered approximately 25 kilograms of ecstasy pills and methamphetamine, equivalent to more than 70,000 capsules, concealed in the pilot's luggage. Indonesian officials estimate the seized drugs have a street value of around $10.5 million. On August 1, Malaysian police confirmed they had launched a parallel criminal investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and baggage screening records at KLIA while cooperating with Indonesian authorities. Investigators are also examining whether the case is linked to a wider cross-border drug trafficking syndicate and whether aviation routes were exploited for smuggling operations. CAAM Chief Executive Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud said the regulator's review will determine whether all applicable security measures were followed before the aircraft's departure. He stressed that flight crew are not exempt from airport security screening and must undergo the same screening procedures as other individuals entering security-restricted areas, including X-ray inspection of cabin baggage and personal belongings, in accordance with Malaysia's Civil Aviation Security Regulations 2019 and the National Civil Aviation Security Program. The authority added that it is collecting evidence and will take enforcement action within its jurisdiction should any breaches of aviation regulations or security requirements be identified. Malaysia Airlines has said it is fully cooperating with the Indonesian investigation while conducting its own internal review.

Flight Training

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Modern Spirit Airlines corporate headquarters campus in Dania Beach with adjacent residential units and parking
Flight TrainingAug 1, 9:04 PM

Spirit Airlines' $250M Dania Beach Campus Faces $88M Bankruptcy Bid

Spirit opened its new $250 million "Spirit Central" corporate campus in 2024, complete with training facilities, employee housing, and space for more than 1,000 workers. Now, in bankruptcy, a stalking horse bidder is offering just $88 million for much of the nearly brand-new headquarters complex — an extraordinary markdown for a project that symbolized how far the airline had drifted from its ultra-low-cost roots.

United Airlines Boeing 777 parked at an international airport with crew boarding
Flight TrainingJul 29, 2:11 PM

United Flight Attendants Can Now Use Secret Crew Bunks During Non-Rev Travel

A few weeks ago, it emerged that flight attendants at United Airlines who are using their ‘non-rev’ staff travel privileges might soon be able to occupy one of the most comfortable flat beds on board the Chicago-based carrier’s international widebody aircraft fleet. And, no, we don’t mean a Polaris Business Class seat. We’re referring to something far more comfortable and spacious… the secret crew bunks, or what is officially called the ‘Overhead Flight Attendant Rest’ or OFAR on Boeing 777s and 787 Dreamliners. The idea behind the policy is that non-rev flight attendants who have been left with a jumpseat because every seat is otherwise occupied by a fare-paying passenger will now be able to get some rest during a long-haul flight – something that is almost otherwise impossible if you’re stuck on a pull-down jumpseat. While some other U.S. airlines, including non-unionized Delta Air Lines, have allowed their non-rev jumpseating flight attendants to use crew bunks for several years, the opportunity has only now been opened up to United Airlines flight attendants following an agreement between the carrier and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) as part of the successful conclusion of very lengthy contract negotiations. But there was a delay in actually implementing the benefit because the union needed to lock down a policy to make it as fair as possible. Thankfully, that policy has now been agreed. Here’s how it will work: The crew bunks (or crew rest seats on aircraft without bunks) will only be offered to flight attendants who have been assigned a jumpseat. If a non-rev passenger has been assigned any type of passenger seat, that’s where they have to stay. The bunks will only be available for use by United Airlines flight attendants. If a flight attendant for another airline is jumpseating, then they can’t use the crew bunks, even if they are trained on that aircraft type. Dependent on the aircraft type and the number of crew actually working the flight, there may or may not be a spare bunk that can be used. And no, flight attendants can’t share bunks. If there is more than one non-rev jumpseater, then use of the bunks will go in seniority order. The bunks can only be occupied when the aircraft is at an altitude of at least 15,000 feet on Boeing 787s and 25,000 feet on Boeing 777s. For taxi, takeoff, ascent, descent, and landing, non-rev crew have to be in their jumpseat. Non-rev flight attendants need to be careful not to disturb the working crew when they are taking their assigned breaks. United Airlines managers, even those who have gone through flight attendant training, aren’t allowed to occupy the bunks as part of this policy. Even when there aren’t enough crew rest seats or bunks available for non-rev flight attendants when the working crew is taking their breaks, that doesn’t mean they can’t still be used. A non-rev traveler could use the bunks during the first and second meal service, and then sit on their jumpseat during the assigned crew breaks. Every flight attendant who works on widebody aircraft will have their favorite bunk, so you can probably imagine there being some type of coordination with the international purser over which bunks the non-rev travelers are allowed to occupy, so as not to annoy the working crew. The bunks of the Boeing 777-300 are generally regarded as one of the best OFAR facilities, with every bunk being equal in the amount of space available and the threat of noise disturbance from the cabin. In contrast, the Boeing 787 has some bunks that are slightly more private, and one bunk that is slightly roomier… but additional space comes at the expense of peace as it is located right above the galley area. While not a concern for United’s flight attendants, one of the most hated crew bunks are one the Airbus A380, and, specifically, a module that was built in the cabin on the main deck. These bunks are not only pretty cramped, but they also carry every bit of sound from within the cabin.

Military/Defense

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Embraer KC-390 Millennium aircraft on tarmac at Embraer facility during daytime
Military/DefenseAug 5, 7:40 AM

Colombia orders two Embraer KC-390 Millennium airlifters for fleet modernization

Embraer announced on August 4, 2026, that the Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana (FAC) has signed a contract for two KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, making Colombia the first Latin American customer for the type outside Brazil and the 13th nation to order it. The FAC put the value of the contract at $366.4 million at fixed prices, with execution spread over four years. The package covers the two aircraft, mission equipment, initial training for pilots, maintenance technicians and mission support personnel, ground support equipment, and 24 months of integrated logistics support. Embraer said the deal also includes an offset program structured to meet Colombian regulatory requirements. Deliveries are scheduled for 2029 and 2030, with the first aircraft to be ferried from Embraer's Gavião Peixoto plant to CATAM air base in Bogotá. Replacing an aging Hercules fleet The purchase falls under the FAC's heavy tactical military transport requirement, part of a modernization plan the force ties to its Air and Space Development Strategy 2042 (EDAES 2042), formulated in 2019. Colombia's tactical airlift currently rests on a small fleet of Lockheed C-130B and C-130H Hercules, operated since the late 1960s and supplemented over the years by second-hand US transfers. That fleet came under scrutiny after a C-130H registered FAC-1016 crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Leguízamo on March 23, 2026, killing 70 of the 126 people on board. The decision was not entirely free of controversy. President Gustavo Petro directed the FAC to conclude negotiations with Embraer in July 2026, according to Infodefensa , before the force had completed a technical comparison that also included the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and Airbus A400M. The FAC nevertheless maintained that its selection followed technical, legal and financial analyses conducted by its own personnel. Tanker role and Gripen interoperability Two Brazilian Air Force F-39E Gripen fighters refuel simultaneously from an Embraer KC-390 Millennium. (Credit: Embraer) Embraer said the aircraft will be delivered with connectivity allowing them to operate alongside the 17 Gripen E/F fighters Colombia ordered from Saab in November 2025 under a €3.1 billion contract. The KC-390 can be fitted with removable air-to-air refueling equipment, allowing it to serve as either tanker or receiver. Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the company was "honored by the FAC's decision to select the KC-390 Millennium," pointing to a relationship dating back more than 35 years to Colombia's purchase of the EMB-312 Tucano and later the A-29 Super Tucano. Embraer says the KC-390 carries up to 26 tons of payload at speeds of up to 470 knots and can operate from short or unpaved strips. Beyond Brazil, the type has been selected by Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia and Lithuania [though the latter postponed the procurement – ed. note]. The Czech Air Force received its first aircraft on July 16, 2026.

RAF F-35B Lightning II jets taxiing on runway at RAF base under overcast sky
Military/DefenseAug 3, 5:00 AM

UK delays delivery of expanded F-35 fleet until early 2030s amid strategic and logistical challenges

Due to severe worldwide backlog pressures within the F-35 Joint Program Office and a strategic procurement delay by the Ministry of Defense, the United Kingdom will not receive any new Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II jets from its enlarged fleet order until the early 2030s. The upcoming batch introduces the F-35A variant to the UK fleet for the first time, intended to fulfill NATO nuclear-sharing missions.