A French Navy AS365 Dauphin helicopter conducts landing and takeoff evolutions on the Coast Guard Cutter Calhoun. The U.S. Coast Guard works with partner nations in numerous forums to address shared regional concerns including maritime law enforcement and search and rescue.
(Photo by Cmdr. Krystyn Pecora)

Airmen and several A-10 Thunderbolt II’s from the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho Air National Guard, prepare to leave for a deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility March 29, 2025. The deployment is supported by more than 300 Airmen. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Mercedee Wilds)

An F-35A Lightning II, known as “Frankenjet” and assigned to the 4th Fighter Generation Squadron, 388th Fighter Wing, returns to Hill Air Force Base on March 26, 2025. The aircraft previously underwent final maintenance at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas, before reentering operational service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Nathan Poblete)

SEATTLE, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and BOC Aviation have announced a new, firm order for 50 737-8 jets, expanding the lessor's 737 MAX portfolio to 215 737-8s and 737-9s.

BOC Aviation will increase its Boeing order book to 139 unfilled orders.
BOC Aviation currently has 69 737 MAX airplanes on operating leases to more than 15 airlines worldwide.

"Our strong partnership with Boeing has led to this 50-aircraft order for the fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft. With this transaction, we have commitments to purchase over 140 of these aircraft, which is the largest Boeing orderbook position in our history," said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. "This order will enable us to continue providing our airline customers with technologically advanced aircraft for their future fleet growth."

With single-aisle jets projected to account for 75% of global deliveries over the next 20 years, lessors are looking to build their order books to support airlines' fleet growth plans and replace less-efficient older jets. To date, lessors have ordered more than 1,200 737 MAX jets as they seek to replace up to 300 Next-Generation 737s per year that are set to retire from passenger operations by the end of the decade.

"BOC Aviation's latest investment in the 737-8 demonstrates the confidence lessors have in this airplane to meet continued air travel demand and improve fuel efficiency," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "The 737-8 is much sought after by airlines due to its unmatched versatility, generating significant operational savings because of lower fuel consumption."

The 737-8, seating 162 to 210 passengers depending on configuration and with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), is the market's most versatile single-aisle airplane, capable of operating profitably on short- and medium-haul routes.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Toulouse, France, 31 March 2025 – BOC Aviation, one of the world’s leading aircraft lessors, has placed a firm order with Airbus for an additional 70 A320neo Family aircraft. With this order, BOC Aviation’s backlog of aircraft to be delivered becomes the largest in its history with Airbus.

“This transaction will lift our remaining Airbus orderbook to around 200 aircraft and takes our total Airbus aircraft deliveries to over 700 (including purchase and leasebacks) since our first order in 1996,” said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. “This order solidifies our position as one of the top five global aircraft operating lessors and provides us with a strong delivery pipeline into the next decade. We look forward to providing more airline customers with this popular fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft.”

Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said, "This new major order by BOC Aviation, is a testament to its enduring confidence in the A320 family – the world's most successful single-aisle aircraft. This significant investment makes BOC Aviation one of the largest Airbus customers and highlights the strong and continued market demand for our fuel-efficient aircraft and their long-term value. The A320 family delivers exceptional benefits to operators, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with BOC Aviation, providing airlines with cutting-edge fleet solutions."

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single aisle aircraft having won more than 19,000 orders globally. The Family includes the largest member, the A321neo offering unparalleled range and performance. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky.

The A320 Family can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) today and up to 100% by 2030.

Toulouse, France, 31 March 2025 – China Airlines of Taiwan has signed a firm order with Airbus for ten A350-1000s, finalising a commitment announced by the airline in December 2024.

The new A350-1000s will fly long-haul routes to North America and Europe, and will provide full operational commonality with the airline’s existing A350-900 fleet, ensuring seamless integration and efficiency.

Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of China Airlines, said: “Our investment in the A350-1000 supports our international growth strategy and reflects our commitment to improving the travel experience for our passengers. We are confident that the A350-1000, with its superior range, fuel efficiency and comfort, will play a key role in transforming our long-haul operations.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said: “We welcome China Airlines to our fast-growing family of A350-1000 operators. As an early adopter of the A350-900, China Airlines has played a pioneering role in embracing cutting-edge aviation technology. By choosing the A350-1000 Long Range Leader, the world's most advanced long haul aircraft, China Airlines continues to elevate its fleet, bringing superior efficiency and comfort to the forefront of long-haul travel.”

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. It offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today. Powered by versions of the latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft is capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, using 25% less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

The A350 Family has received more than 1,360 orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 640 aircraft currently in the fleets of 38 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes.

China Airlines operates various Airbus aircraft types on its full service network. The airline already operates a fleet of 15 A350-900s on long haul routes to Europe and the US, as well as on selected services to destinations in Asia and the Pacific. In addition, it operates 15 A321neo and 16 A330s on services in the region.

Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) delivered the first C909 aircraft to Lao Airlines on March 30th, 2025. This is the first time for a China-made passenger jet to enter the Lao market, marking a new step in the international development of China's commercial aircraft.

This C909 aircraft has a registration number of RDPL-34229, and has a 90-seat all-economy class layout. The interior and exterior identifications and placards are in Laotian, the exterior painting is custom-designed, and the tail is printed with Champa flower, the national flower of Laos. It is delivered to Lao Airlines on a lease basis, and will enter into route operation after a series of preparatory work is completed in Laos.

C909 aircraft is a turbofan regional jet independently developed by China. It has a range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers, and is capable of operating on most domestic routes in Laos and surrounding international routes. In addition, C909 aircraft has good high-temperature performance and can take off and land on short and narrow runways, showing strong adaptability to the operating environment in Southeast Asia. Up to now, a total of 162 C909 aircraft have been delivered, which have accumulatively served in 645 routes in 158 cities, and safely carried more than 20 million passengers.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Laos issued an Aircraft Type Acceptance Certificate (ATC) for the C909 aircraft to COMAC on March 18th, 2025, indicating that the aircraft has met the basic conditions for commercial operation in Laos. COMAC has set up a special team to assist Lao Airlines with preparatory tasks, including manual preparation, personnel training, aviation material support, and maintenance capacity building. COMAC has also dispatched a support team of professionals from the flight, cabin crew, operation control, maintenance, and other areas to fully ensure the safe and efficient operation of the C909 aircraft in Laos.

After months of academic and simulation training, the first flight took place for the first two pilots destined directly to the Florennes Air Force Base. This brings the total number of Belgian F-35 pilots in training to six.
Two pilots are now starting the instructor training. Soon they will transfer their knowledge in the BEL F-35 Conversion Unit.
(Photo courtesy of the Belgian Air Force)

The Red Arrows flying over the Alps
En route to Croatia for an exercise, they took a refuel stop in France
Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the RAF.
(Photos courtesy of NATO)

04.01.2025
The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and Norway, an F-35 Lightning II partner nation, have achieved a major milestone with Norway receiving its final two F-35As April 1.
(Lockheed official photo)

This delivery makes Norway the first F-35 partner nation to complete its full fleet of the aircraft, bringing the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s (RNAF) operational F-35 fleet to a total of 52 aircraft.

“The F-35 is a powerful tool for strategic deterrence, enhancing alliance-based security and discouraging potential aggression,” said RNAF Col Egil Soerstroenen, the F-35 JPO Norway National Deputy. “Receiving all our 52 F-35 aircraft thus represents a huge milestone for Norway. We highly value the solid and successful partnership with government and industry in the F-35 program, and we will continue to evolve Norway’s F-35 capability in strong cooperation with the other F-35 partner nations.”

The advanced 5th-generation capabilities of the F-35 platform and now with a full fleet of F-35 aircraft, Norway will be able to enhance its military capabilities to secure its sovereignty and protect its interests in the High North, as well as support NATO in critical missions.

“The F-35 is a fundamental capability for Norway and the Norwegian Armed Forces,” said Soerstroenen. “The cooperative nature of the F-35 program expands on our partnership with key allies enabling us to support the important mission of maintaining control of our area on NATO’s Northern flank. The F-35’s ability to operate nearly autonomous in a contested environment makes it a truly remarkable weapon platform.”

This milestone reflects F-35 program’s strength of international cooperation. As the first partner nation to complete its full fleet, Norway sets a precedent for operational readiness and long-term commitment to collective defense.

The F-35 is the multi-mission strike fighter of choice for 20 allied nations and routinely demonstrates its unmatched capabilities at the hands of joint and international warfighters. The continued success of the global F-35 enterprise – through shared investment, innovation, and interoperability – demonstrates how allied nations are uniting to ensure security, stability, and peace in an increasingly complex global environment.
(Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair)

A Romanian air force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during air refueling operations in exercise Ramstein Flag 25 over the North Sea, March 31, 2025. Ramstein Flag 25 enhances U.S. readiness to respond rapidly and maintain strategic advantage through joint, multi-domain training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Campbell)

A Turkish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during air refueling operations in exercise Ramstein Flag 25 over the North Sea, March 31, 2025. Ramstein Flag 25 is a demonstration of lethal Integrated Air and Missile Defense capabilities to protect U.S. and allied forces and ensure air superiority. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Campbell)

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” fly in a formation over a B-52H Stratofortress during the 2025 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 30, 2025. The Thunderbirds perform flying formations to symbolize the precision and training of the Air Force pilots, in addition to the versatility of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Hill)

The B-25J Mitchell ‘Yellow Rose’ taxis to partake in the 2025 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 28, 2025. The B-25 served in every theater of World War II, and remained in service for four decades. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Hill)

A BAC Jet Provost lands and taxis for the 2025 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., March 27, 2025. The BAC Jet Provost is a British jet trainer aircraft that was in use with the Royal Air Force from 1955 to 1993. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Hill)

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets, assigned to the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, flie a mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 14, 2025. The HSTCSG is ready, if called upon, to execute the full spectrum of carrier operations essential to U.S. national security, including the defense of U.S. and partner forces and freedom of navigation to ensure maritime security and stability in the AOR. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Jackson Manske)


A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing conducts aerial practices at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 28. The F-22 is a multi-capable aircraft with the ability to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, harnessing the full potential of the fifth generation aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tala Hunt)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 1st, 2025 – Sweden officially committed to acquiring from Embraer (NYSE: ERJ/ B3: EMBR3), a global leader in the aerospace industry, four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, securing the necessary production slots. The official announcement of this commitment took place during LAAD Defence & Security 2025 in the presence of Peter Sandwall, State Secretary to Minister for Defence from Sweden and Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. This announcement follows the recent official signing of an agreement that stipulates that Sweden joins the Netherlands and Austria in the C-390 program.

“We are proud to take a significant step towards the acquisition of this next generation NATO interoperable aircraft. The ability of the C-390 to perform its missions in challenging environments anytime, anywhere, will be a welcome upgrade for Sweden’s defense, ensuring effective operations for the decades to come” said Peter Sandwall, State Secretary to Sweden’s Minister for Defence.

“Sweden's commitment to acquiring four C-390 Millennium aircraft marks a significant advancement in enhancing the Swedish Air Force's operational capabilities. These next-generation aircraft will not only boost Sweden's military transport efficiency but also leverage existing European synergies in interoperability, training, and life cycle support. Embraer remains dedicated to fulfilling Sweden's requirements by delivering top-tier military transport aircraft, ensuring the Swedish Air Force can execute its most demanding missions with excellence.", said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

The C-390 Millennium is considered as a true game changer by its operators, redefining the concepts of versatility, reliability, operational efficiency and cost effectiveness. The aircraft has been acquired by eight countries: Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and an undisclosed customer. It has also been officially selected by Sweden and Slovakia to modernize their air forces. The C-390 represents the next generation of military airlift with multi-mission capability and interoperability built by design.

Since entering operation with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and, most recently with the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the C-390 has proven its capability, reliability, and performance. The current fleet in operation has demonstrated a mission capability rate of 93% and mission completion rates above 99%.

The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide range of missions, such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel.

The aircraft configured with air-to-air refueling equipment, with the designation KC-390, has already proven its aerial refueling capacity both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case by receiving fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.

NATO officially signs off RAF and Flygvapnet operating from Poland to conduct Air Policing under their command.

A first for the Swedish Air Force, and the first time the UK have conducted Air Policing with Swedish Forces: NATO’s newest member. This deployment highlights the UK’s dedication to supporting NATO allies, and promoting the collective security of Europe.
(Photo courtesy of the RAF)

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Official) and RAF are commemorating the late John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC, the last Battle of Britain Pilot, by adding his name to Hurricane LF363, believed to be the last Hurricane to enter service.

His name was added below the cockpit of this iconic aircraft, the type he flew during the Battle of Britain.

Paddy Hemingway, one of ‘the Few’, played a crucial role in British aviation history, defending the United Kingdom during the summer of 1940.
(Photo courtesy of the RAF)