Deliveries of China's C919 narrowbody airliner, intended to compete with Boeing and Airbus, are reportedly delayed. Only three units were shipped to Chinese carriers in the first quarter of 2026.

Vietnamese budget carrier VietJet Air has agreed to lease as many as 10 Chinese-made C909 regional passenger jets, giving a lift to their manufacturer’s goal of vying with Airbus and Boeing in…

A discussion has emerged in Europe questioning why the continent is not developing a new large-scale project akin to Airbus, suggesting that others currently hold a significant advantage. This reflects a debate on industrial strategy and competitiveness.

Amparo Moraleda from Spain is set to become the first woman and the first non-French or German individual to chair the European aerospace and defense giant Airbus, effective October.

Russia has showcased a small model of its proposed Tu-454 long-range passenger aircraft, intended to compete with the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, despite the full-scale jet not yet existing.

Airbus announced that it logged 331 orders and delivered 60 jets during the month of March.

An Airbus aircraft was forced to return to London-Gatwick shortly after takeoff due to a strong smell of fire detected by the crew. Investigations revealed that an e-cigarette was the cause of the incident.

Airbus is investing in helicopter capabilities for the development of future war drones, anticipating their role in tomorrow's conflicts.

Novi satelitski snimci koje je Airbus dostavio CNN-u prikazuju ostatke uništenog američkog aviona E-3 Sentry za rano upozoravanje i kontrolu (AWACS) nakon iranskog napada na zračnu bazu Prince Sultan…

Airbus has successfully conducted the first flight of its new autonomous interceptor drone, named 'Bird of Prey,' designed to combat 'kamikaze drones,' marking a significant step in anti-drone efforts.

United Airlines is preparing to launch its new ultra-premium Airbus A321XLR long-haul jet this summer, which will feature amenities such as sliding doors and a walk-up snack bar, and is expected to replace its Boeing 757 fleet.

The CEO of Airbus Helicopters anticipates that the current oil rally will accelerate the comeback of its H225 model, Reuters reports.

In March 2015, a Germanwings Airbus A320 crashed in the French Alps, resulting in the deaths of all 150 passengers and crew. Investigations revealed the co-pilot intentionally locked the captain out of the cockpit and crashed the aircraft.

German group Liebherr is investing 90 million euros in a new production and warehouse facility near Plovdiv, Bulgaria, to manufacture aviation components for Airbus and Embraer.

Two civilian aircraft, an Emirates Airbus A380 and a Saudia Airbus A321, sustained damage at Dubai International Airport during Iran-linked attacks early in the conflict.

Three flight attendants were hospitalized after a Delta Airbus A350 experienced severe turbulence during its descent into Sydney Airport, injuring several people onboard.

Ex-SriLankan CEO claims he was threatened to involve Mahinda and Namal’s names  Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka

Airbus is deploying six new Beluga XL giant transporters to transport parts across Europe, replacing smaller predecessors to enhance efficiency in air freight operations.

Aircraft lessor AerCap has placed an order for 100 Airbus A320neo jets, signaling continued demand in the aviation sector.

The Czech Police's Air Service will receive 11 new helicopters from Airbus Helicopters Deutschland, with the Ministry of Interior signing a contract worth approximately 4.1 billion Czech crowns.

NASA has set April 1st as the target launch date for the Artemis II mission to the Moon, having resolved previous issues. A Spanish company, Airbus Crisa, is providing a critical thermal control system for the Orion spacecraft, marking the first time NASA has entrusted such a system to a Spanish firm.

CROATIA Airlines nastavlja obnovu flote dolaskom osmog novog Airbusa A220.

A Lufthansa Airbus A380 has been removed from service and is now being used as a source for parts, indicating its retirement from active flight.

Qantas is preparing to launch its Project Sunrise flights next year, offering non-stop services from Sydney to London and New York, covering over 10,000 miles in approximately 22 hours using specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft.

Airbus has reportedly teamed up with Rheinmetall and OHB for military satellite projects, as reported by Bloomberg News.

A Czech military airbus landed in Prague, repatriating Czech citizens from Muscat, Oman, who were affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Swiss International Airlines will help stranded travellers in the Middle East return home by operating an Airbus A340 flight from Oman to Zurich.

The CEO of Dassault has publicly accused Airbus of sabotaging a European aircraft project, sparking a corporate dispute.

Chief executive Éric Trappier blames German arm of Airbus for blocking progress

O situaci na Blízkém východě v pondělí ráno jednala Bezpečnostní rada státu. Premiér Andrej Babiš po jednání řekl, že Česko vyšle jeden svůj armádní Airbus do egyptského Šarm aš-Šajchu a jeden do…

An Emirates Airbus A380, like the one that returned to Auckland. Mike Campbell/NurPhoto via Getty Images Strikes on Iran disrupted one of the world's busiest flight corridors. Two jets returned to…

The Airbus Academy is set to establish a pilot training program at the Ponte de Sor airfield in Portugal. Local authorities view this partnership as a significant achievement for the region, expecting it to attract young people, create jobs, and stimulate investment.

German official Merz states that Germany and China must work together to overcome existing trade disparities.

The future of the 100 billion Euro FCAS (Future Combat Air System) defense project is uncertain as calls for an end to ongoing disputes grow louder, with the Airbus works council urging political action.

The German Chancellor announced that Chinese leaders will order up to 120 aircraft from Airbus, signaling a significant aviation deal.

Turkish Airlines put 100,000 faces on an Airbus A350 to celebrate its 500th aircraft. Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines recently put 100,000 faces on a new Airbus using hundreds of pounds of stickers. Airlines use aircraft liveries as a flying billboard. The job can cost six figures, with painted liveries being heavier and more expensive. From tail stripes to full-body wraps, airlines have long turned their planes into flying billboards to showcase their brand, culture, and identity in the ...

Airbus views the SAFE program as ideal for its ambitions in the Polish market, particularly for military supplies, following its A220 tender win for LOT.

Airbus Hits Out at Pratt & Whitney Over Engine Shortages  The Wall Street Journal

Airbus Hits Out at Pratt & Whitney Over Engine Shortages  The Wall Street Journal

Airbus Hits Out at Pratt & Whitney Over Engine Shortages  The Wall Street Journal

American Airlines has chosen CFM International to supply the engines for its upcoming fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Plane maker Airbus on Thursday said it’s having trouble sourcing enough engines as it outlined guidance that disappointed investors.

An aviation upcycling company is offering a unique piece of an Airbus A380, providing enthusiasts with a special item from the iconic aircraft.

An SAS Airbus A320neo flight from Stockholm to Spain's Costa del Sol was forced to turn around after a rodent was spotted on board.

Qantas is preparing to launch the world's longest direct flight, connecting Sydney and New York in 22 hours using a new Airbus aircraft.

An Airbus A350 moved backward at Melbourne Airport on Tuesday after landing, tearing the passenger bridge partially from the front door. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the incident is under investigation.

Amparo Moraleda, a Spanish executive, has been appointed as the new chairwoman of the Airbus board of directors following the company's annual shareholder meeting in Amsterdam.

Portugal's aeronautics, space, and defense (AED) sectors are estimated to achieve 10% growth in 2025, building on a €2.1 billion turnover from the previous year, with components for Embraer, Airbus, and Boeing manufactured in the country.

A Beijing Capital Airlines opera já a única rota direta Portugal-China, Lisboa-Hangzhou. A nova ligação a Pequim, com Airbus A330, dura cerca de três meses.

Airbus's 'Bird of Prey' drone, armed with eight micro-missiles from Estonian startup Frankenburg, successfully shot down a kamikaze drone, marking a significant development in air defense against Shahed-type threats.

Dassault Aviation has warned that only 'weeks' remain to salvage the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, a flagship joint effort by France, Germany, and Spain to build a next-generation combat aircraft, which has faltered due to persistent disagreements between Dassault and Airbus.

The head of Airbus Helicopters has called for European unity on defense matters, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the continent's security.

Canada has awarded $1.5 billion in aircraft-support contracts to L3Harris and Airbus, aiming to bolster its aviation capabilities.

Wizz Air, the Hungarian airline, has announced it will begin the gradual withdrawal of 41 Airbus A321ceo aircraft from its fleet. The first aircraft, delivered in 2016, is among those slated for retirement as the company updates its fleet.

China Eastern Airlines has placed an order for 101 Airbus aircraft, valued at approximately $15.8 billion.

Finnair is easing its reliance on Airbus by placing a landmark jet order with Embraer, signaling a strategic shift in its aircraft fleet.

Finnair is renewing its European narrow-body fleet by ordering 18 new aircraft and acquiring used Airbuses, with the first new planes expected to arrive next year.

Carolina Martinoli, president of Vueling since 2024, faces the significant challenge of leading the airline's transformation and a multi-million dollar investment to switch its entire fleet from Airbus to Boeing.

Airbus is reportedly seeking damages from engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney due to ongoing delays in engine deliveries, according to sources familiar with the matter.

AerCap, a leading aircraft leasing company, has placed a significant order for 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, further expanding its narrowbody fleet.

China’s leading planemaker is seeking to replicate the C909 regional airliner’s success in Laos, drawing on the experience as it steps up its sales pitch in Southeast Asia – a vital step in its effort to eventually rival Boeing and Airbus. The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has ambitious plans in the region and beyond and is laying the groundwork through technical adjustments and regulatory adaptations, according to a company document seen by the South China Morning Post. To...

Kratos and Airbus have formed a significant partnership to develop AI-powered 'wingman' technology, aiming to revolutionize future aviation capabilities.

A co-pilot averted a potential air disaster in Brussels by stopping an Airbus A320neo from attempting to take off from a taxiway near fuel depots, according to a preliminary report.

Airbus is preparing Kratos drones for upcoming flight tests as part of the development of a new European combat system.

An Emirates Airbus A380 prepares to land in Dubai. AFP via Getty Images Some flights from the Gulf have restarted, but passengers worldwide face complications. The Iran war is leading to rising…

The top executive of the aerospace giant advocates for a path of mutual cooperation and maintains that the company is prepared to lead the project for the new European fighter jet

Airbus Teams Up with Rheinmetall, OHB For Military Satellites  Bloomberg

The Ghana Air Force has received its first Airbus H175 helicopter from France, marking a major step in modernising its operational fleet.

Tensions are rising in the FCAS defense project as Airbus and Dassault deepen their disagreements, leading to a battle of narratives over previous agreements.

Η ελβετική αεροπορική εταιρεία Swiss International Airlines ανακοίνωσε πως θα πραγματοποιήσει αύριο μία πτήση με ένα Airbus A340 από το Ομάν. H πτήση θα πραγματοποιηθεί προκειμένου να βοηθήσει…

The head of Dassault Aviation warns that the European fifth-generation fighter jet project is currently 'dead' due to Airbus's refusal to collaborate.

Czech repatriation flights for citizens abroad have been rescheduled, with an army airbus now picking up Czechs in Amman, Jordan, on Tuesday instead of Monday, and another flight to Oman instead of Egypt, due to airspace closures.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing on 24 February for a two day visit focused on trade, Ukraine and shifting global power balances. He travelled with more than 30 senior executives from Volkswagen, BMW, Siemens and Airbus. The trip marked his first to China since taking office in May 2025 and came amid strain in transatlantic trade relations.

Sevenair's technical excellence is deemed essential for its integration into Airbus, with an investment in Ponte de Sor demonstrating a positive impact and solidifying Portugal's role as a strategic hub in Airbus's global ecosystem.

German Chancellor Merz is on an inaugural visit to Beijing, where China plans to purchase 120 Airbus aircraft. His visit continues with a stop at Siemens.

The former chief of Airbus, Tom Enders, has stated that Germany's decision to collaborate with France on a fighter jet project was a 'mistake,' warning of potential resource misallocation.

A summary of top global business stories for the week highlights notable companies such as Rio Tinto and Airbus, indicating their involvement in significant developments.

I flew an Airbus A350 flight simulator and experienced extreme conditions from turbulence to low-visibility landings. Taylor Rains/Business Insider I flew an Airbus A350 simulator at Turkish Airlines' training center in Istanbul. It mimicked anomalies like wind shear, extreme turbulence, and traffic avoidance. Simulators let airlines safely train pilots for rare but high-risk scenarios they may face. It takes airline pilots years to go from their first discovery flight to sitting in the coc...

Airbus Hits Out at Pratt & Whitney Over Engine Shortages  The Wall Street Journal

Airbus Hits Out at Pratt & Whitney Over Engine Shortages  The Wall Street Journal

Airbus has publicly criticized engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney regarding ongoing engine shortages, which are impacting aircraft production and delivery schedules.

Airbus Hits Out at Pratt & Whitney Over Engine Shortages  The Wall Street Journal

Airbus SE shares experienced a significant drop in Paris trading following the release of a disappointing delivery outlook.

Airbus Warns of Hit to A320 Production From Pratt & Whitney Engine Shortage  The Wall Street Journal

European stock markets are anticipated to open mixed as investors await upcoming earnings reports from major companies like Nestle and Airbus.

Discussions are underway regarding the necessity for Europe to create its own integrated payments system, similar to an 'Airbus for Payments'.

Lufthansa's new Allegris business class has faced certification issues on the Boeing 787. It appears to have fixed the problem. MICHAELA STACHE/AFP via Getty Images Lufthansa's Boeing 787 business class debacle is almost over after a yearslong certification delay. The airline has been flying some Dreamliners with only four of the 28 high-dollar seats sold. Lufthansa expects to boost the number of sellable 787 business-class seats to 25 by mid-April. Lufthansa can finally start making money on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners after a certification debacle left one of its most lucrative cabins largely empty for months. The German flag carrier said on Monday that it will begin selling tickets for its Allegris business class on the 787. Allegris, Lufthansa's signature cabin concept, spans economy, premium economy, business, and first class, but the business class rollout has been particularly tricky. The program first launched on the Airbus A350 in May 2024, with the cabin spanning the entire plane. The first Allegris-equipped 787 followed in October 2025, but certification of business class dragged on due to the cabin's complexity: there are five staggered seat configurations in a single airplane cabin — some with doors or more legroom, others with extra-long beds. The middle front-row suite can be combined into a double bed. The first-row window seats have extra workspace. Lufthansa This is because the Dreamliner's geometry — including a slightly tighter usable footprint and different fuselage contouring compared to the A350 — made it harder to demonstrate to regulators that passengers could evacuate quickly from every seat, whether staggered, partially enclosed, or fully cocooned, in an emergency. The result? For months, only four of the 28 business class seats could be sold — the front-row Business Class Suites — leaving the remaining 24 empty. Business class is a cash cow for airlines, and by flying most of the cabin empty as competitors pour investments into their own premium seats, Lufthansa was essentially leaving money on the table. It has been a particularly costly headache for a carrier in the midst of a multi-year turnaround plan to restore profitability after years of financial pressure from frequent maintenance, aircraft shortages, rising operating costs, and labor strikes. Lufthansa even opted for an already-certified business-class seat to retrofit onto its Airbus A380s rather than risk another prolonged and costly certification process. But the saga is nearing the finish line. Beginning April 15, Lufthansa plans to carry passengers in 25 business-class seats on its 787s, with three remaining blocked in the second row of the cabin. Bookings are open, though it's unclear whether the news indicates the seats have been fully certified or if that's just Lufthansa's expected timeline. Lufthansa said "Classic" seats — one of the Allegris categories available — are free to secure with the premium fare. The others require an extra fee: this includes the first-row suites, the "Privacy" seat next to the window, the "Extra Space" seat with more legroom, and the "Extra Long Bed" with an over seven-foot sleeping surface. The three second-row seats that are blocked — and not yet available for booking — are two privacy seats and an extra-legroom seat. Some Allegris seats can be fully enclosed with extra workspace; others can combine into a double bed. LUKAS BARTH/AFP via Getty Images Lufthansa flies eight Allegris-equipped Dreamliners and expects to have 29 by the end of 2027. They are set to first fly from Frankfurt to Rio de Janeiro, Bogota, Cape Town, Shanghai, Hyderabad, Hong Kong, and Austin; New York-JFK and Los Angeles join the roster in June, followed by Delhi in July. As part of Lufthansa's greater multibillion-dollar fleet overhaul plan, Allegris is also being fit onto the airline's existing A350s and Boeing 747-8s, as well as its future, yet-to-be-certified Boeing 777Xs. A similar spacing issue on the 747 double-deckers' upper level means it will have a split business class: the lower deck will have Allegris, while upstairs will feature the plane's original cabin. Read the original article on Business Insider

Air France has revived a tradition of naming its aircraft after French towns, with its latest Airbus A220 being named after a commune in Loire-Atlantique known for its salt production.

Airbus shareholders have voted to back proposed changes to the company's board, with the succession plan for the chair position set for October.

Wizz Air announced an important change for passengers, equipping its new Airbus A321neo fleet with a new model of seats designed to provide more knee room.

The backlogs for aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus have surged, leading to significant benefits for dedicated parts makers, such as those producing wheels and brakes.

Airbus has suggested that a surge in oil prices could lead airlines to purchase new jets.

A Swiss Airbus en route from London to Zurich made an unscheduled landing in Brussels on Monday evening after an unusual smell was detected on board.

The first Irish Air Corps Airbus C295 flight into Beirut completed its mission with a rapid 30-minute tarmac turnaround, with the pilot, Capt Lauren Cusack, highlighting careful consideration given to route selection and threat assessments.

The future of Airbus's defense division is uncertain, with significant personnel questions looming and increasing pressure surrounding the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project.

An analysis suggests that the recent increase in oil prices could lead to a revival for the Airbus Super Puma helicopter and stimulate expansion within the offshore industry.

An Air India Airbus A350 flight bound for London was forced to divert and return to Delhi after seven hours in the air due to recurring issues with excessive noise and turbulence in its belly hold, marking the second such incident in ten days and prompting an investigation.

Romania's IAR Brașov is exploring industrial cooperation with Airbus regarding the H225M multi-role helicopter, signaling potential defense industry collaboration.

Maidenhead-based Ultra Cyber, a UK defense business with over 200 employees, is set to be acquired by the US aerospace giant Airbus, marking a significant consolidation in the defense sector.

Finnair has chosen Embraer over Airbus for the renewal of its narrow-body aircraft fleet, a significant decision for the airline's future operations and aircraft procurement strategy.

Mercedes and Airbus have introduced a new luxury helicopter, described as being akin to a Maybach, with an estimated price tag well over ten million dollars.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced mediation efforts to resolve disagreements between France's Dassault Aviation and Airbus, aiming to salvage the FCAS program, a flagship joint European effort to build a next-generation combat aircraft.

A Sri Lankan court is scheduled to hear evidence on March 24 regarding a warrant request in connection with the ongoing Airbus bribery case.

Aircraft leasing company AerCap has placed an order with Airbus for 100 aircraft, comprising 77 A321neo and 23 A320neo models, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2034.

French and German leaders are meeting to discuss the future of the FCAS combat aircraft project, which is threatened by a dispute between France's Dassault and Airbus over project control.

Biggest Boeing 747 User Makes First Airbus Order for Freighters  Bloomberg.com

A 2020 Airbus A320 crash in Pakistan, which killed 97 people, was attributed to pilot overconfidence and ignorance, according to a new report.

Kratos and Airbus are advancing preparations for the inaugural flight of two Valkyrie drones, which will be equipped with a new European mission system, marking a significant step in defense technology.

Airbus has secured a deal with Garuda Aerospace for the supply of Flexrotor drones, which will be integrated into Garuda's global fleet and offered to customers through both dry and wet lease operational models.

Hungary Airlines is expanding its global cargo market presence with a second Airbus A330 cargo aircraft, scheduled to fly five times a week between Hungary and China for logistics giant ZTO Express starting in April.

Airbus is collaborating with Germany's Rheinmetall and OHB to develop military satellites, according to a Bloomberg News report.

Critical technologies in every Airbus aircraft and helicopter will be designed and developed by Indian engineers at this centre in Bengaluru which is Airbus’s largest digital and engineering centre outside Europe

The European Space Agency, with the assistance of Airbus, has achieved significant results in the field of laser communication, developing an internet technology that surpasses China's current capabilities.

The Franco-German-Spanish FCAS fighter jet project is on the verge of collapse due to ongoing disputes between project partners Airbus and Dassault, with Dassault CEO Trappier escalating the conflict.

Kako su mediji već prenijeli, 14 hrvatskih državljana, od kojih su neki bili u Tel Avivu, a neki u Jeruzalemu, u utorak je “izvučeno” iz ratnog područja, odnosno iz Izraela, i zrakoplovom Airbus A320…

France's Dassault Aviation on Wednesday accused Airbus, which represents Germany and Spain in the multibillion-euro Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet program, of see...

Delta Airlines is continuing its fleet renewal program by placing an order for an additional 34 Airbus jets, expanding its modern aircraft lineup.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has concluded his first visit to China, hailing the “good cooperation” with Beijing as Berlin seeks to rebalance ties with its largest trading partner amid the unpredictability of the Trump administration. Merz characterised the visit as “worthwhile”, noting that China would buy up to 120 additional aircraft from Airbus SE. The company operates two assembly lines in the northern port city of Tianjin that primarily produce A320 jets for Chinese carriers. In his...

Friedrich Merz announced in Beijing that the Chinese will purchase 120 new Airbus aircraft.

Kottur Manjunath, Kolar Congress MLA, has threatened to cut power supply to the recently-inaugurated Tata-Airbus helicopter assembly unit in Vemagal, if it doesn’t draw power from a separate industrial feeder

The German Bundeswehr is planning a new satellite system, SATCOMBw 4, estimated to cost up to ten billion euros. Airbus is vying for the contract, proposing to establish a new final assembly facility in Germany.

The CEO of Airbus has asserted that the company possesses the capability to independently develop a fighter jet, as tensions deepen regarding the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project.

Airbus has secured numerous aircraft orders, but is encountering difficulties with engine availability.

Airbus Hits Out at Pratt & Whitney Over Engine Shortages  The Wall Street Journal

Airbus Hits Out at Pratt & Whitney Over Engine Shortages  The Wall Street Journal

Airbus Hits Out at Pratt & Whitney Over Engine Shortages  The Wall Street Journal

Aerospace firm proposes two separate warplanes amid dispute over who leads €100bn project Airbus has suggested splitting Europe’s faltering future fighter jet programme into two separate warplanes, amid a dispute between manufacturers over who leads the €100bn (£87bn) project. The company’s defence arm – which represents Germany and Spain – and the French partner, Dassault Aviation, are locked in a battle over the jet part of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a wide-ranging project that will also include autonomous drones and a futuristic “combat communications cloud”. Continue reading...

Airbus has issued a warning that its A320 production will be negatively impacted by a shortage of Pratt & Whitney engines.

A US startup wants to lure customers with lucrative cargo space unavailable on today's narrowbodies. Natlius US startup Natlius unveiled plans for a dual-deck blended-wing jet with a level for passengers and another for cargo. It's a familiar setup, but the ultra-wide jet would hold more freight than existing narrowbodies. The smaller, cargo-heavy plane could be built as a designated freighter and replace the Boeing 757. Airbus' CEO recently said the future of flying is a B2-bomber-shaped "blended-wing body" plane with passengers housed inside the plane's one giant wing for maximum efficiency. Aleksey Matyushev, the CEO of the US aerospace startup Natilus, told Business Insider that his company has taken that vision one step further by redesigning its proposed blended-wing plane, Horizon, with plans to offer more lucrative cargo space while still delivering the 50% lower operating costs and up to 250 seats previously promised. Instead of the single-deck seating layout originally planned, the newly unveiled Horizon Evo — which the company expects to enter service as soon as the early 2030s — reimagines what cargo-heavy passenger jets can look like by adding a "dual-deck" layout. So far, Natilus' blended-wing vision is just a sketch on paper, and a mini-sized prototype it's been flying; actually developing and certifying the new plane type and getting it into the air is a much longer road. The dual deck design would have cargo sitting below the passengers, as is the case with traditional airplanes. Natilus Still, the dual-deck idea should be familiar to regulators and airlines, as it is the configuration of traditional tube-and-wing jets where passengers sit in a single level above the cargo hold. When installed on an ultra-wide blended-body, it results in a very cargo-heavy plane. Evo is expected to boast 2,600 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space on the lower level. For context, most Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s, which are at least 10 feet longer but have a cabin roughly half as wide despite similar wingspans, offer between roughly 1,300 and 1,800 cubic feet of belly cargo space. This cargo focus comes at a time when belly freight has become one of the most reliable money-makers in aviation (e-commerce helped keep airlines afloat during the pandemic). The lure could help break the Airbus-Boeing duopoly while also addressing a projected shortfall of roughly 15,000 narrow-body aircraft over the next two decades. "The market has gravitated toward a single-deck [blended-wing] layout because it's simpler to design and build in many ways, but I just don't see it as operationally better," Matyushev said. Natilus said its futuristic Evo jet will fit into existing airport infrastructure. Natilus California-based competitor JetZero, for example, is developing a single-deck version. Company leaders have previously said there is a lower deck for the landing gear and some cargo containers, but it could move that floor up to create more space. Making a dual-deck layout in a blended-wing aircraft is challenging. Unlike conventional jets, the design spreads volume horizontally rather than vertically, and stacking passengers above a cargo deck in this uniquely triangular-shaped airframe requires careful structural and engineering solutions. Evo's cargo economics could shake up the market for freight-reliant carriers. With roughly 11,000 cubic feet of cargo space across its two levels, Matyushev said Evo could serve as a dedicated freighter — potentially replacing planes like the Boeing 757. "There's a huge product gap left behind by the 757; companies like UPS and FedEx heavily rely on that configuration," Matyushev said. "Evo has the same volumetric capacity as a 757 but in a smaller airframe." Beyond cargo, Matyushev said the plane's unique geometry would similarly enhance the customer experience: airlines could fit the wide upper level with unique living spaces, such as a playroom or mini-offices. Natlius envisions a 12-abreast economy cabin with the potential to also install unique spaces that are not practical on traditional jetliners. Natilus He added that the economy cabin would feature more overhead bins and three aisles for better comfort, door access, and safety during evacuations: "It'd have four sets of three seats across, which is close to the A380," Matyushev said, referring to the superjumbo's possible 11-abreast seats." We're thinking about it like a widebody layout in a narrow-body type of footprint." Matyushev also said that Evo would have windows — something Airbus' top executive warned could be absent from some blended-wing designs. A windowless passenger jet could create a claustrophobic environment, and flight attendants may struggle to see outside as easily during an emergency. Natilus doesn't have a prototype of Evo, but a subscale model of its blended-wing cargo plane, called Kona, has been test-flying since 2023. Kona has secured orders from companies like US-based Ameriflight and Canada-based Norlinor, while Indian carrier SpiceJet has signed a conditional deal for 100 Evos. The above rendering shows Natilus' proposed "privacy pods" onboard the wide BWB jetliner. Natilus Natilus has raised $28 million in Series A financing to support its first full-scale Kona prototype and further development of Evo. It typically costs billions of dollars to develop passenger-ready commercial jetliners, and Natilus has a long way to go. The 737 Max cost around $2 billion to develop (before safety issues and the subsequent global grounding forced Boeing to redesign the plane). It was built on an older airframe that cost around $1.1 billion, in inflation-adjusted dollars, to develop. Meanwhile, the Airbus A320neo cost just over $1 billion to develop; it was also built on an older airframe, that originally cost around $3 billion to develop. Natilus isn't the only company betting on a Jetsons-like blended-wing aircraft. United Airlines has tentatively committed to buying up to 200 of JetZero's "Z4," which it previously described to Business Insider as a "living room in the sky." Airbus has also been developing a commercial flying wing since 2017 as part of its ZEROe program, which aims to build zero-emission airlines powered by hydrogen rather than traditional jet fuel. That project flew a demonstrator in 2019 but has since been delayed at least a decade from its initial 2035 timeline. Read the original article on Business Insider

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated an assembly line for the production of Airbus H125 helicopters in Vem.

United Nigeria Airlines experienced a bird strike involving an Airbus A320 during takeoff from Asaba Airport, marking the third such incident for the carrier.