Aviation2Day

Kigali, Rwanda — RwandAir has unveiled ambitious growth plans under the government’s Transport Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029, aiming to expand its fleet from 14 to at least 21 aircraft and more than double its annual passenger traffic to 2.1 million by 2029. The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Fouad Caunhye, told The New Times that the strategy will see the national carrier acquire additional Airbus A330s for long-haul routes, Boeing B737-800s for regional and medium-haul services, and De Havilland DHC-8-Q400s for shorter domestic flights. Fleet Growth and Stabilisation RwandAir is set to reinforce its fleet in 2025/26 with three new aircraft — two B737-800s and one A330-200 — as part of efforts to restore capacity after technical issues sidelined several jets. “These additions will give us the flexibility we need to pursue the route expansions that were previously put on hold,” Caunhye said. It is not yet clear whether these units will be purchased or leased. Currently, the airl...

EAST HARTFORD, Conn.,  Pratt & Whitney, a business under RTX, has been awarded a $2.8 billion undefinitized contract action (UCA) to produce Lot 18 of F135 engines, the powerplant for all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet. The deal covers engines for the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), carrier variant (CV), and short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft operated by the United States and allied customers. In addition to production engines, the contract also includes spares, spare modules, tooling, program management, and engineering support. Christopher K. Johnson, vice president of Pratt & Whitney’s F135 program, emphasized the engine’s role in ensuring operational success: “The combat-proven F135 engine delivers the power, safety, reliability, and low-observability to ensure operators can accomplish their most critical missions. This contract will enable our team to continue providing this critical capability to help t...

Korean Air has announced its largest-ever aircraft order, committing to purchase 103 Boeing jets in a landmark deal that will modernize its fleet and support the airline’s integration with Asiana Airlines. The agreement includes widebody and single-aisle aircraft designed to boost fuel efficiency and expand the carrier’s global network. The commitment, revealed during the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable, comprises 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s, and 8 Boeing 777-8 Freighters . Once finalized, it will be Boeing’s largest widebody order from an Asian carrier and is expected to support approximately 135,000 jobs across the United States. Modernization Strategy and Merger Plans Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air, described the order as a cornerstone of the airline’s modernization efforts: “Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernization strategy, delivering significant gains in fuel efficiency and enhancing the passenger e...

Cathay Pacific  a major international airline based in Hong Kong is doubling down on its commitment to modern, fuel-efficient long-haul travel with a fresh order of 14 Boeing 777-9 passenger jets, boosting its total order book to 35 aircraft. This strategic move cements the Hong Kong-based airline as the largest 777-9 operator in the Asia-Pacific region. The Boeing 777-9, the latest member of the renowned 777 family, is designed to cut fuel consumption and emissions by 20% while reducing noise by 40% compared to the older aircraft it will replace. With a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km), the aircraft will allow Cathay Pacific to connect Hong Kong to key long-haul destinations worldwide with enhanced efficiency and comfort.   “We plan to expand and renew our fleet with the additional 777-9 aircraft, enabling us to continue our rich history of connecting the world with our Hong Kong hub,” said Ronald Lam, Cathay Group CEO . “This order strengthens our partnership with ...

Airbus SE has announced its financial results for the first half (H1) of 2025, posting solid growth in earnings despite continued supply chain pressures and delayed aircraft deliveries. The aerospace giant reported revenues of €29.6 billion , a 3% increase from the same period last year, while EBIT( Earnings Before Interest and Taxes)  Adjusted surged 58% to €2.2 billion, reflecting improved performance in the Defence and Space division and a favorable financial environment. Net income jumped to €1.53 billion, up 85% year-on-year, with earnings per share of €1.93. “The commercial performance in the first half of 2025 has been strong across the Company,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. “While we face persistent engine supply issues, our financials reflect the progress of our transformation, particularly in Defence and Space.”

In professional aviation, time management and efficiency are critical. Pilots are expected to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, from managing flight systems to ensuring accurate documentation. One common situation that arises in both airline and corporate operations is whether the first officer (FO) can safely complete flight logs, load sheets, or other documents before takeoff. At first glance, it may seem like a harmless, time-saving task. But in reality, performing administrative work during the wrong phase of flight can create significant safety risks. This article explores the operational, regulatory, and human factors involved - providing a detailed guide for first officers and flight crews to manage this task without compromising safety.

 On July 26, 2025, an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Flight 3023) caught fire during its takeoff roll at Denver International Airport, forcing the pilots to abort the departure and evacuate everyone on board. The aircraft was scheduled to fly from Denver to Miami. The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. local time when crew members heard a loud pop and saw smoke and flames from the left landing gear area. The pilots acted immediately, bringing the aircraft to a stop on the runway and deploying the emergency slides. There were 173 passengers and 6 crew members onboard. All were evacuated successfully. Six passengers suffered minor injuries, mainly from the evacuation slides, and one person was taken to the hospital for further treatment. No fatalities were reported. Firefighters from the Denver Fire Department arrived quickly and managed to extinguish the fire. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are examin...

 Ethiopian Airlines Group has taken another giant leap forward in solidifying its leadership position in the global aviation market by commissioning a $150 million expansion of its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Addis Ababa. The expansion, inaugurated between July 22 and 25, 2025, represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in African aviation maintenance history. Transforming African MRO Capabilities The latest expansion introduces three advanced facilities designed to set new benchmarks for efficiency and technical capabilities: Two-Bay Maintenance Hangar – Equipped to handle both widebody and narrowbody aircraft, expanding Ethiopian’s in-house airframe maintenance capabilities. Component Maintenance Workshop – Adds over 170 FAA-approved component repair capabilities, including landing gear, avionics, and integrated drive generators, pushing the total approved list beyond 1,200 parts. Automated Central Warehouse – A 15,000 m² storag...

Boeing , one of the biggest airplane manufacturers in the world, has just released a report predicting something massive: the aviation industry will need to hire nearly 2.4 million new people over the next 20 years. That’s right millions of jobs are opening up for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and cabin crew (flight attendants) all over the globe. But what’s causing this huge demand? Let’s break it down.

  How to Practically Implement Outsourcing in Aircraft Maintenance: A Step-by-Step Guide with Examples Outsourcing aircraft maintenance is not about giving up control—it's about gaining operational flexibility and technical expertise . But it must be done strategically. Here's a practical, step-by-step framework airlines can follow to outsource effectively: 1. Identify what to source Start by assessing your internal capabilities and limitations. You don’t have to outsource everything at once. Commonly outsourced maintenance activities: Line maintenance at outstations (where you don’t have a base) Heavy checks (C or D checks) that require special hangars and tools Component repair and overhaul Non-routine tasks like NDT (Non-Destructive Testing), avionics upgrades, or composite repairs Example: An airline based in Nairobi (Kenya) operates flights to Dubai, Johannesburg,  and Lusaka- Since it doesn´t have hangar space or technicians at these destinations, it outsources line...

Gulf Air is set to significantly boost its long-haul capabilities following a newly announced agreement with Boeing for the purchase of up to 18 additional 787 Dreamliners . The deal, unveiled in Washington, includes a firm order for 12 aircraft with options for six more, solidifying Gulf Air’s strategy to grow its international network and modernize its all-widebody fleet. The announcement was made in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope, and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi. Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi,speaking during the press announcement said, "This agreement marks a transformative step in Gulf Air's strategic growth journey," He also highlighted the importance of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on their routes, saying "The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has proven its worth on our long-haul routes with excellen...

Top 3 myths about outsourcing aviation maintenance in Africa In a fast-evolving aviation industry, African airlines are under pressure to reduce costs, improve reliability, and remain competitive on thin margins . One strategy that’s increasingly on the table is outsourcing aircraft maintenance,   but despite its growing global acceptance, it remains a misunderstood subject in many African contexts. Below are 3  common myths that continue to hinder progress,  and why it's time to reframe the conversation. Myth 1: Outsourcing means lower quality maintenance Many airlines hesitate to outsource due to a belief that external maintenance teams may not meet internal safety or quality standards. This is a myth rooted in fear, not facts . In reality, licensed MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul organizations) are often held to international standards, audited by regulators, OEMs, and clients alike. In Africa, several MROs hold approvals from EASA, FAA, and regional c...

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has officially released the preliminary report on the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB.  On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 (registration VT-ANB) operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed just after takeoff, killing all 241 onboard and 19 on the ground. What happened in the next 30 seconds after rotation has stunned even the most seasoned professionals. This was no stall, no bird strike, and no bad weather. This was a dual engine flameout right after liftoff — triggered by both fuel control switches moving to CUTOFF. 🚨 Sequence of Events: Takeoff to Tragedy in 32 Seconds 08:08:39 UTC : Aircraft lifts off Runway 23 at VR (155 knots). 08:08:42 : Max recorded IAS: 180 knots. 08:08:43–44 : Engine 1 and 2 fuel control switches transition to CUTOFF, one second apart. 08:08:47 : Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deploys. Full electrical loss conf...

In an industry where regulatory compliance isn’t just a requirement—but a matter of safety and survival—aviation operators in Tanzania are often burdened with time-consuming, manual checks to stay in line with TCAA regulations. SkyAI: a cutting-edge solution built to revolutionize compliance in the Tanzanian aviation sector

Dar es Salaam, July 1, 2025  In a significant stride toward strengthening bilateral relations and expanding international aviation networks, Tanzania and Hungary have signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). The agreement is aimed at deepening economic, technical, and social cooperation between the two nations through the aviation sector. The formal signing took place at the headquarters of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) in Dar es Salaam. Representing the Government of Tanzania was Mr. Salim Msangi, Director General of TCAA, while Dr. Máté Lőwinger, Director General of the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority, signed on behalf of the Hungarian government. Mr. Msangi emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, stating,  “The BASA between Tanzania and Hungary is a strategic achievement. It will allow Tanzanian airlines to operate direct flights to Hungary, providing access to Central Europe. This expansion will drive economic growth, facilitate tou...