Skip to content
The Touch and GoThe Touch and Go
The Touch and Go

Your daily aviation briefing

Aviation news, from every corner of the industry.

Airline news, business aviation, aviation safety, the tech shaping the industry, and more — the news that matters to you, all day long.

Top story

Airbus A320neo taxiing at airport in daylight
General AviationAug 7, 7:23 AM

Airbus delivers 67 jets in July 2026, sales momentum cools but stays strong

In July 2026, Airbus lost some of the momentum it had recently been building on commercial aircraft deliveries, but overall, the planemaker remains ahead of 2025. On August 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed it delivered 67 aircraft in July 2026 to 39 customers. Last year the company announced 67 jets had been delivered in July. The total deliveries for this year rose to 418 against 373 at the same point last year. In June 2026, Airbus delivered 89 planes and in May 2026, 81 aircraft were delivered. The 67 deliveries in July 2026 match exactly where Airbus was in April 2026. Last month, Airbus published its half year and second quarter results , where the company reaffirmed its ambition to deliver around 870 commercial aircraft in 2026. In July 2026, we delivered 67 aircraft to 39 customers and added 204 gross orders to the books, including 100 latest-generation #A320neo Family aircraft to @SMBCAVIATION one of the world's leading aircraft lessors. Read more https://t.co/N405BA8hBD pic.twitter.com/1Qdr4PGFqH — Airbus (@Airbus) August 7, 2026 IndiGo received seven new A320neo family aircraft in July 2026 while China Southern Airlines received four new aircraft, including one through BoCom leasing. Airbus also delivered three A350-900s to Emirates and three A321neos to American Airlines. In terms of orders, Airbus received 418, which included some from the agreements announced at Farnborough Airshow 2026. Among the July 2026 figures are Riyadh Air's confirmation that it would purchase an additional six A350-1000s and SMBC's huge order for 100 new aircraft. China Eastern's order for 25 A330-900s was also listed as was an order for six A321neos from an undisclosed customer. RELATED Airbus profits surge 126% thanks to strong deliveries in second quarter

Top stories right now

  1. 01
  2. 02
  3. 03
  4. 04

Most read this week

  1. 01
  2. 02
  3. 03
  4. 04

More aviation news

RSS
Brussels Airlines Airbus A330 taxiing at Brussels Airport on an overcast day
SustainabilityAug 6, 8:58 PM

Brussels Airlines Pauses Long-Haul Fleet Growth Citing Profit and Geopolitical Strains

Brussels Airlines has decided to freeze its long-haul fleet expansion plans. The Belgian carrier, part of the Lufthansa Group, will not add two Airbus A330 aircraft in 2027. Its long-haul fleet will stay at 11 Airbus A330s. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); The airline cited weaker-than-expected profitability, repeated strikes in Belgium, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty as the main reasons. Discussions with the Lufthansa Group led to this cautious approach for the coming years. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); Financial Pressures Drive the Decision In the first half of 2026, Brussels Airlines reported an adjusted operating loss of €70 million. This marked a 50% decline compared to the same period in 2025. Passenger numbers rose to 4.5 million, up 8%, while revenue grew about 9% to €821 million. Load factors also improved. However, external factors hit hard. Fuel costs jumped by €64 million due to higher oil prices linked to Middle East unrest. An Ebola outbreak in East Africa reduced demand on some routes and complicated crew scheduling. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); Strikes at Brussels Airport and by air traffic controllers added further pressure, costing around €3 million. These challenges prompted the airline to scale back growth plans. Previously, Brussels Airlines aimed to expand its long-haul fleet to support stronger connections, especially to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it holds a key position within the Lufthansa Group. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Photo Credit: Brussels Airlines No Wet-Lease Capacity in Summer 2027 The airline will also end its use of wet-leased aircraft for the 2027 summer season. Four airBaltic planes currently operating for Brussels Airlines until the end of October 2026 will not return next year. This removes seasonal extra capacity that helped during peak periods. Despite these adjustments, the carrier continues to invest in passenger experience. New cabins for Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy on its Airbus A330 fleet remain on track for introduction in 2027. These upgrades aim to improve comfort and competitiveness on intercontinental routes. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Focus on Existing Operations and Recovery Brussels Airlines is shifting emphasis toward optimizing its current fleet rather than rapid expansion. The airline hopes a strong summer 2026 season will help recover results for the full year. Higher production capacity compared to 2025 supports this goal, provided operations remain stable. The decision reflects broader industry pressures. Rising fuel costs, geopolitical risks, and labour disruptions have affected many European carriers. As a Lufthansa Group member, Brussels Airlines benefits from group support but must prioritize sustainable profitability. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); Photo Credit: Brussels Airlines Looking Ahead Looking ahead, the freeze does not signal a complete halt to development. Short- and medium-haul fleet renewal with Airbus A320neo aircraft continues. The airline also maintains its role as a European hub for African routes. Leadership changes are underway, with a new CEO set to take over, focusing on integrated hub operations. This measured strategy aims to build resilience. By holding the long-haul fleet steady and ending temporary wet-lease arrangements, Brussels Airlines seeks to strengthen its core business. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); Passengers can still expect product improvements through the new cabins. The coming months will show whether the summer recovery materializes and supports longer-term stability.

An EasyJet aircraft taxiing at a UK airport under overcast skies.
RegulatoryAug 6, 8:47 PM

EasyJet Agrees to £5.7 Billion Takeover by Apollo Global Management

easyJet has agreed to a £5.7 billion takeover by US private equity firm Apollo Global Management. The deal came after rival bidder Castlelake withdrew from the race. Shareholders will receive £7.15 in cash for each share. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); The agreement marks the end of a weeks-long bidding battle for the low-cost airline. Apollo stepped in with a higher offer after EasyJet had earlier reached a deal in principle with Castlelake. How the Bidding Unfolded Castlelake first approached easyJet in late May and early June 2026. The airline rejected several offers. EasyJet said those bids undervalued the company. In early July the two sides agreed terms at £6.90 per share. That valued EasyJet at about £5.5 billion. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); Apollo then submitted a better proposal. easyJet’s board switched its support. Apollo’s offer valued the airline at £5.7 billion. Castlelake later confirmed it would not make a formal offer. This cleared the way for Apollo. What Apollo Plans for EasyJet Apollo said it is “highly supportive” of easyJet’s current strategy. The firm sees a clear chance to speed up the airline’s operational and commercial goals. Apollo has followed EasyJet for years. It views the carrier as one of the strongest businesses in global aviation. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); The deal includes a cash option and a share alternative. Eligible shareholders can choose to roll some of their holding into the new private company. EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and his family have given strong support. They will keep a significant stake and remain long-term shareholders.EU rules require majority European ownership and control of airlines. Apollo plans to meet this by giving the Haji-Ioannou family and other EU-based investors roughly half the business. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Impact on Staff and Operations Apollo has pledged not to cut jobs for at least 12 months after the deal completes. Some roles linked to stock market listing requirements may go if easyJet becomes a private company. Flights and day-to-day operations will continue as normal. The EasyJet brand will stay in place. Apollo will keep the existing licensing deal with easyGroup, the company controlled by Sir Stelios. Board and Shareholder Views EasyJet chairman Sir Stephen Hester said the board carefully weighed the offer against the airline’s standalone prospects. He noted the proposal gives shareholders clear and attractive value. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Chief executive Kenton Jarvis welcomed Apollo’s aviation experience. He said it makes the firm a strong partner. The transaction still needs shareholder approval and regulatory clearances. Completion is expected in the first quarter of 2027. Once finished, EasyJet will leave the stock market and operate as a private company. Conclusion The takeover ends a period of uncertainty for easyJet. Shares had fallen sharply earlier in the year amid higher fuel costs and market pressures. The bidding process pushed the share price higher again. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); Apollo brings access to capital and long-term flexibility. Private ownership should help easyJet focus on fleet upgrades, ancillary revenue and its holidays business. The airline will keep its low-cost model while gaining a supportive new owner. This agreement delivers certainty for shareholders and a clear path forward for one of Europe’s best-known budget carriers.

An EasyJet Airbus A320 taxiing on runway with terminal in background at daytime
Business AviationAug 6, 1:50 PM

Apollo Agrees £5.7bn Bid to Acquire EasyJet After Castlelake Withdraws

Apollo and Castlelake had both been given a 7 August deadline to firm acquisition interest. US investment firm Apollo Management has agreed to a £5.7 billion ($7.7 billion) recommended offer for EasyJet , shortly after potential rival bidder Castlelake disclosed it would not be making a formal bid for the UK budget carrier. Apollo had appeared in pole position to acquire EasyJet after the latter's board signalled its intent to back the proposed £7.15-per-share acquisition. That came after the carrier had previously outlined its intention to support a potential offer from another US investment firm, Castlelake, based on a £6.90-per-share acquisition. Both suitors were given until 7 August to put forward binding offers and, shortly after Castlelake disclosed it had dropped out of the running, Apollo now says it has agreed a recommended offer for EasyJet based on a price of £7.15 per share. The offer has been made through Eagle Bidco, a company indirectly owned by Apollo Funds and managed by Apollo Capital Management and its affiliates. In a statement outlining the offer, Apollo says it represents an 81% premium on EasyJet's share price of 28 May, and a 22% premium on its highest closing price in the four years before that. "The EasyJet board has carefully evaluated the proposal from Apollo alongside EasyJet’s standalone prospects,” says EasyJet chair Stephen Hester. “While we remain confident in the strength of our business and the opportunities ahead, we believe this offer appropriately recognises the quality of the business we have built and delivers immediate, certain and attractive value for shareholders.” Antoine Munfakh, partner and deputy global head of Private Equity at Apollo, says: “Our partnership with EasyJet will draw upon Apollo’s extensive experience investing in and growing businesses in the airline sector, bringing capital and deep operational and strategic expertise to support the team in generating long-term, sustainable growth. "We are committed to supporting the EasyJet Group in reaching its full potential.” Apollo says it has also secured irrevocable undertakings supporting the offer from Stelios Haji-Ioannou and his family, which together account for over 15% of the carrier's share capital. “I am pleased with Apollo’s strategic intentions for the EasyJet business, which aim to create more growth,” says Haji-Ioannou. “The fact that Apollo, as one of the most well-resourced and experienced institutional investors in the world, has decided to back and grow EasyJet, the leading member of the easy family of brands, is testament to the strength of the Easy brand and the business model of EasyGroup.” Haji-Ioannou adds that he and his family intend to remain invested as “ long-term major shareholders” of EasyJet. Apollo expects the acquisition to complete by the end of the first quarter of 2027. Earlier investment firm Castlelake said it had opted against making a formal offer for the carrier. "Castlelake is very appreciative of the constructive engagement with the EasyJet board and management team, and would like to thank them for their time and consideration of this potential transaction,” it says.

Cebu Pacific passenger aircraft taxiing on airport runway during daytime amid clear skies
AirlinesAug 6, 9:34 AM

Cebu Pacific posts Q2 loss as fuel costs more than double operating expenses

Airline saw fuel expenses more than double during its second quarter. Cebu Pacific swung to the red in the second-quarter as it took a significant hit from heightened fuel prices in what what it terms the "most challenging operating environment post-pandemic". The low-cost operator posted an operating loss of Ps2.7 billion ($44.3 million) for the three months ended 30 June, a quarter that has traditionally been stronger performing. The loss compares to a Ps6 billion operating profit it reported in the year-ago period. Cebu Pacific operating costs rose 41% year on year to Ps37.9 billion, driven by a doubling in fuel expenses during the quarter. Airline chief Mike Szucs says the “extraordinary” spike in fuel costs – its "single largest cost component" – happened very quickly, "outpacing our ability to recover these costs" through "calibrated fare increases" implemented during the quarter. Szucs, speaking at an earnings call on 6 August, adds that the fuel impact "temporarily disrupted the positive trajectory we had seen earlier in the year". Indeed, the spike in operating expenses significantly outpaced a 7% increase in revenue – to Ps35.2 billion – a sign that underlying demand "still remains resilient", notes Szucs. During the quarter, Cebu Pacific slashed capacity, especially on long-haul routes, in response to the increase in fuel prices. The airline "selectively reduced flights to focus on markets with profitable contribution margin" during the quarter, notes airline chief operating officer Xander Lao. The "deliberate capacity reductions" were behind a 2% decline in system-wide capacity, led by a 13% cut in international ASKs. Still, the airline carried 7 million passengers, roughly similar to the year-ago period. The airline has also warned of continued volatility in fuel prices in the near-term. The July-September period is also a "relatively weaker" and loss-making season for the carrier, which has warned that its losses for this third-quarter period could be steeper given the higher fuel costs. Lao, however, says that forward booking data remains strong, with the third-quarter demand shaping up to be better than previous years. The airline's international travel demand is "doing quite well" in the near-term, with domestic demand "already starting to catch up", Lao adds.

Airbus A320neo taxiing on runway with terminal background at daylight
AirlinesAug 7, 7:05 AM

Airbus Surpasses 1,000 Net Orders in 2026 Following Strong July Demand

Airframer nearly halfway to delivery target after handing over 67 aircraft in July. Airbus's net orders for this year have surpassed 1,000 after the airframer added more than 200 to its total during July. It has confirmed China Eastern Airlines' order for 25 A330-900s and Hainan Airlines' agreement for 40 A320neo-family aircraft in the airframer's latest backlog figures. It has listed the Hainan deal as comprising 13 A321neos and 27 A320neos. Airbus's July backlog records the SMBC Aviation Capital order for 65 A321neos and 35 A320neos unveiled at the Farnborough air show . Orders from Saudi Arabian carriers Riyadh Air, for six A350-1000s, and Flynas for five A330-900s and 20 A321neos – both revealed during the show – have also been listed. Airbus's figures for the month show two agreements from undisclosed customers, one for six A321neos, and the other for a single A320neo and A319neo – the first for an A319neo since March 2024. Net orders to the end of July, as a result, reached 1,024. Airbus has also delivered 418 aircraft this year, including 32 A350s, 10 A330s and 326 A320neo-family aircraft, alongside 50 A220s. This total is just under half of the planned full-year target of 870.

easyJet Airbus A320 taxiing at London Gatwick Airport on a bright day
AirlinesAug 7, 3:54 AM

Apollo Global Management Secures £5.7B Takeover of easyJet with No Immediate Job Cuts

easyJet has formally agreed to a £5.7 billion ($7.7 billion) takeover by US private equity giant Apollo Global Management , setting the stage for one of Europe's largest low-cost airlines to return to private ownership. Apollo's firm offer values easyJet at £7.15 ($9.63) per share, an 81% premium to the airline's £3.94 closing price on May 28, immediately before the takeover interest became public. The deal remains subject to shareholder, court, aviation, merger-control and foreign-investment approvals.

Cebu Pacific passenger aircraft taxiing on airport runway during daytime amid clear skies
AirlinesAug 6, 9:34 AM

Cebu Pacific posts Q2 loss as fuel costs more than double operating expenses

Airline saw fuel expenses more than double during its second quarter. Cebu Pacific swung to the red in the second-quarter as it took a significant hit from heightened fuel prices in what what it terms the "most challenging operating environment post-pandemic". The low-cost operator posted an operating loss of Ps2.7 billion ($44.3 million) for the three months ended 30 June, a quarter that has traditionally been stronger performing. The loss compares to a Ps6 billion operating profit it reported in the year-ago period. Cebu Pacific operating costs rose 41% year on year to Ps37.9 billion, driven by a doubling in fuel expenses during the quarter. Airline chief Mike Szucs says the “extraordinary” spike in fuel costs – its "single largest cost component" – happened very quickly, "outpacing our ability to recover these costs" through "calibrated fare increases" implemented during the quarter. Szucs, speaking at an earnings call on 6 August, adds that the fuel impact "temporarily disrupted the positive trajectory we had seen earlier in the year". Indeed, the spike in operating expenses significantly outpaced a 7% increase in revenue – to Ps35.2 billion – a sign that underlying demand "still remains resilient", notes Szucs. During the quarter, Cebu Pacific slashed capacity, especially on long-haul routes, in response to the increase in fuel prices. The airline "selectively reduced flights to focus on markets with profitable contribution margin" during the quarter, notes airline chief operating officer Xander Lao. The "deliberate capacity reductions" were behind a 2% decline in system-wide capacity, led by a 13% cut in international ASKs. Still, the airline carried 7 million passengers, roughly similar to the year-ago period. The airline has also warned of continued volatility in fuel prices in the near-term. The July-September period is also a "relatively weaker" and loss-making season for the carrier, which has warned that its losses for this third-quarter period could be steeper given the higher fuel costs. Lao, however, says that forward booking data remains strong, with the third-quarter demand shaping up to be better than previous years. The airline's international travel demand is "doing quite well" in the near-term, with domestic demand "already starting to catch up", Lao adds.

An EasyJet Airbus A320 taxiing on runway with terminal in background at daytime
Business AviationAug 6, 1:50 PM

Apollo Agrees £5.7bn Bid to Acquire EasyJet After Castlelake Withdraws

Apollo and Castlelake had both been given a 7 August deadline to firm acquisition interest. US investment firm Apollo Management has agreed to a £5.7 billion ($7.7 billion) recommended offer for EasyJet , shortly after potential rival bidder Castlelake disclosed it would not be making a formal bid for the UK budget carrier. Apollo had appeared in pole position to acquire EasyJet after the latter's board signalled its intent to back the proposed £7.15-per-share acquisition. That came after the carrier had previously outlined its intention to support a potential offer from another US investment firm, Castlelake, based on a £6.90-per-share acquisition. Both suitors were given until 7 August to put forward binding offers and, shortly after Castlelake disclosed it had dropped out of the running, Apollo now says it has agreed a recommended offer for EasyJet based on a price of £7.15 per share. The offer has been made through Eagle Bidco, a company indirectly owned by Apollo Funds and managed by Apollo Capital Management and its affiliates. In a statement outlining the offer, Apollo says it represents an 81% premium on EasyJet's share price of 28 May, and a 22% premium on its highest closing price in the four years before that. "The EasyJet board has carefully evaluated the proposal from Apollo alongside EasyJet’s standalone prospects,” says EasyJet chair Stephen Hester. “While we remain confident in the strength of our business and the opportunities ahead, we believe this offer appropriately recognises the quality of the business we have built and delivers immediate, certain and attractive value for shareholders.” Antoine Munfakh, partner and deputy global head of Private Equity at Apollo, says: “Our partnership with EasyJet will draw upon Apollo’s extensive experience investing in and growing businesses in the airline sector, bringing capital and deep operational and strategic expertise to support the team in generating long-term, sustainable growth. "We are committed to supporting the EasyJet Group in reaching its full potential.” Apollo says it has also secured irrevocable undertakings supporting the offer from Stelios Haji-Ioannou and his family, which together account for over 15% of the carrier's share capital. “I am pleased with Apollo’s strategic intentions for the EasyJet business, which aim to create more growth,” says Haji-Ioannou. “The fact that Apollo, as one of the most well-resourced and experienced institutional investors in the world, has decided to back and grow EasyJet, the leading member of the easy family of brands, is testament to the strength of the Easy brand and the business model of EasyGroup.” Haji-Ioannou adds that he and his family intend to remain invested as “ long-term major shareholders” of EasyJet. Apollo expects the acquisition to complete by the end of the first quarter of 2027. Earlier investment firm Castlelake said it had opted against making a formal offer for the carrier. "Castlelake is very appreciative of the constructive engagement with the EasyJet board and management team, and would like to thank them for their time and consideration of this potential transaction,” it says.

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.

Boeing 737 Max taxiing on airport runway under clear skies
Aviation SafetyAug 7, 12:34 AM

FAA mandates inspections on 737 Max door straps and proposes 787 Trent 1000 engine fix

The agency targets a 737 structural concern and an issue that could cause a dual Trent 1000 failure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is taking action to address risks involving Boeing 737 Max door-related structural components and concerns about uncontained failures of 787 Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 turbofans. The agency this week issued two regulatory documents, including an airworthiness directive (AD) responding to the potential for some 737 Max structural fasteners called “bear straps” to develop stress cracks. Affected straps are on the upper corners of 737 Max right-side forward doorframes, the FAA says. While no 737 Max have been found with cracked straps, the problem has for more than a decade been known to affect earlier-generation 737s. The FAA in 2014 required operators to inspect bear straps on 737 Classics for cracking, and Boeing tells FlightGlobal that in 2019 it notified 737NG operators about the issue and provided them with inspection instructions, which the FAA mandated in 2021. Boeing then in December 2024 issued 737 Max operators an Alert Requirements Bulletin, calling on them to inspect fuselage skins and bear straps. The FAA’s latest AD mandates those inspections, saying 737 Max are likely “susceptible to the same crack conditions” due to the variants’ similarities. The cracks can result from “high operating stresses in the fuselage skin and bear strap due to stress concentration at the corner of the door cutout”, it adds. Cracks “may lead to the inability of the principal structural element to sustain limit loads”. “Inspections provide multiple opportunities to identify and correct possible cracking before cracks exceed critical length,” Boeing says, adding that it “conducted engineering analysis to identify root cause and is working through engineering changes that would prevent such cracking.” Separately, the FAA this week issued a proposed rule addressing risks associated with the 787’s Trent 1000 engines. “The FAA has received a report from the manufacturer indicating that the protection system on the left fan cowl of the right engine does not sufficiently cover the components and systems,” the proposed AD states. The risk arises if a 787’s left-side Trent suffers an uncontained failure, in which case debris ejected from that powerplant’s intermediate pressure turbine rotor could strike the right-side Trent, damaging its oil lines or air-pressure sensor, the FAA says. The result could be dual engine failure, it adds. Boeing addressed the risk in January with a Special Attention Requirements Bulletin sent to operators. That document calls on them to inspect Trents and replace fan cowls on right-side engines. The FAA’s proposal would mandate those actions. It applies to only 22 US-registered 787s – a small number because US airlines primarily operate 787s powered by GE Aerospace GEnx turbofans.

A Beechcraft King Air flying over rugged mountainous terrain at dusk
Aviation SafetyAug 5, 3:36 PM

Military GPS Jamming Probed in Fatal New Mexico Medevac Crash Amid Rising Interference Incidents

A military GPS jamming exercise is drawing renewed attention after new reporting suggested it may have contributed to the May accident of a Beechcraft King Air in New Mexico that killed four people. The accident remains under investigation, and no official probable cause has been determined. According to the report, the twin-engine aircraft was flying from Roswell to Ruidoso when it encountered GPS interference during an electronic warfare exercise near White Sands Missile Range. The crew reportedly lost reliable satellite navigation while approaching mountainous terrain at night. Three other aircraft in the area also experienced GPS disruptions during the exercise, suggesting the interference extended beyond a single flight. The report said the loss of GPS left the medevac crew with limited navigation capability during a critical phase of flight. The aircraft subsequently struck a mountainside, killing both pilots and two medical crewmembers aboard. While investigators have linked the GPS outage to the sequence of events, officials have not concluded that military jamming caused the accident. The findings remain preliminary pending completion of the investigation. The accident has also renewed concern over the increasing frequency of GPS interference. Figures cited from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association show reported GPS disruption events in the continental U.S. climbed from four in 2020 to 50 in 2024, with another 40 incidents recorded in 2025.

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.

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.

Embraer C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft parked on a tarmac under daylight
Military/DefenseAug 6, 12:00 AM

Embraer C-390 Emerges as Leading Affordable Western Military Airlifter for Smaller Nations

While Brazil is typically not considered a 'Western' country, its Embraer C-390 Millennium is part of the Western supply chain, and it is marketed to various Western countries as an alternative to the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. It is seen as a geopolitically acceptable military aircraft for NATO allies to purchase in a way that Chinese and Russian military aircraft are not.

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.