Sailors taxi an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 12, 2025. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Franklyn M. Guage)

A Sailor directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the South China Sea, May 12, 2025. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations on a scheduled deployment, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Franklyn M. Guage)

A U.S. Pennsylvania Air National Guard KC-135 Statotanker aircraft from the 171st Air Refueling Wing out of Pittsburgh provides fuel for U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles, from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 9, 2025. The air refueling mission was part of routine proficiency training. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Master Sgt. George Perkins)


RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and AviLease, a global aircraft lessor headquartered in Saudi Arabia, announced the lessor has placed its first direct order for Boeing airplanes with a firm purchase for 20 737-8 jets and options for 10 more.

The deal enables AviLease to scale up its growing portfolio and provides its customers with the latest generation, fuel-efficient aircraft.

"We are pleased to conclude our first direct Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) order, complementing our growth strategy towards being at the top of the industry," said Edward O'Byrne, CEO of AviLease. "Building on our recently achieved investment grade ratings, this transaction proves our ability to transact across all market channels, including sale and lease-back, secondary trading, M&A and now direct OEM purchasing. These new aircraft will accelerate our growth and enable us to deliver the industry's latest generation, fuel–efficient fleet solutions. We extend our gratitude to the Boeing team for the strong long-term relationship we have built."

The single-aisle order aligns with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. The airplanes will support the country's goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030.

"We are honored to strengthen our relationship with a key Saudi Arabian commercial aviation partner and expand the global 737 MAX fleet," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "The 737 MAX will diversify AviLease's portfolio by delivering unrivalled fuel efficiency and market-leading versatility. It's a powerful combination that will fuel AviLease's profitable global expansion and support their airline customers' business and sustainability goals."

The Boeing 737, with a large global customer base and low operating costs, is a cornerstone of the leasing industry, representing approximately 30% of all financed airplanes.

Four Typhoon FGR4 arrive in Estonia.
Typhoons from Operation Chessman have arrived in Estonia ahead of their national Defence Exercise, Hedgehog 25, lead by Estonian Defence forces.
They will provide Air Land integration, working alongside allied ground forces.
(Photos courtesy of the RAF)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 12, 2025) U.S. Navy catapult officers signal to an F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

An image of a Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-35A during a first-of-its-kind wing removal process. The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and the ROKAF partnered together to salvage an inoperable ROKAF F-35A to be used as a maintenance training platform for ROKAF personnel. Courtesy Image.

James Sutton, 412th Maintenance Instrumentation Squadron flight test instrumentation technician, stands next to F-16C tail number 83-1120 at Edwards Air Force Base, California, May 7. Sutton was a former dedicated crew chief for 83-1120, the third-ever F-16C model ever built, which departed Edwards for the last time enroute to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Generation Group at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. (Air Force photos by Giancarlo Casem)

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 54th Fighter Group wait on a runway after an evening flight at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, May 7, 2025. The 54th FG is responsible for producing a majority of the Air Force’s F-16 fighter pilots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Elijah Strickland)

DOHA, Qatar, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Qatar Airways and Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the carrier will purchase up to 210 widebody jets, which sets new records as the largest widebody order for Boeing, including the largest order for 787 Dreamliners and Qatar Airways largest-ever order. This purchase, which also includes additional orders for Boeing's new 777-9, will support approximately 400,000 jobs in the U.S. and position the award-winning Middle Eastern airline for further international expansion.

The order includes:

130 787 Dreamliners, the long-range, ultra-efficient widebody airplane family that has delivered a 25% fuel-use improvement compared to airplanes it replaces and superior comfort for passengers. Ten orders were previously booked as unidentified.
30 777-9s, the world's largest twin-engine airplane that is designed to set new standards in efficiency by reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces, while elevating the passenger flight experience.
Options for an additional 50 787 and 777X airplanes.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar joined Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer to witness the order signing.

"We are happy to announce our agreement with Boeing and our partnership in the largest aircraft order in our history. A critical next step for Qatar Airways on our path as we invest in the cleanest, youngest and most efficient fleet in global aviation. This so we can meet the strong demand in the airline as we seamlessly connect passengers to the world better than anyone," said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. "After two consecutive years of record-breaking commercial performance and with this historic Boeing aircraft order we're not simply chasing scale, we're building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences. We thank our Boeing partners for answering the call and look forward to a future of continued smart growth together."

"We are deeply honored that Qatar Airways has placed this record-breaking order with Boeing, one that solidifies their future fleet with our market-leading widebody airplane family at its center," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Our team is looking forward to building 787s and 777s for Qatar Airways into the next decade as they connect more people and businesses around the world with unmatched efficiency and comfort."

Qatar Airways currently operates more than 150 Boeing airplanes, including 777 and 787 passenger jets and 777 Freighters. With this purchase, Qatar Airways will become the largest 787 Dreamliner operator in the Middle East.

About Qatar Airways
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the 'World's Best Airline' for the unprecedented eighth time at the 2024 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organization, Skytrax. Qatar Airways has been the World's Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, also taking home, 'World's Best Business Class', 'World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge', and 'Best Airline in the Middle East'. As leaders in industry innovation and digital adoption, Qatar Airways was also recently voted the 'World's Best Airline Website' by World Travel Tech Awards.

Qatar Airways was the first Airline in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of IATA's Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) program, based on recognized environmental management system principles (such as ISO 14001). As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways became the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.

Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the 'World's Best Airport', as voted by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024. In 2024, Hamad International Airport also received the 'Best Airport in the Middle East' accolade for 10 consecutive years, as well as 'World's Best Airport Shopping' for the second year in a row.

About Boeing
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.

Nashville, TN (May 14, 2025) – Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, has signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) with V2X, DigiFlight, Delaware Resource Group (DRG) and TRU Simulation, an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., to begin collaboration on the strategic development of Bell’s offering for the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next program.

Bell and these four companies share a rich history in industrial cooperation and expertise in the various disciplines required to execute a modern, high-tech and rigorous training programs. This collaboration will be critical in delivering a comprehensive training solution to future Army aviators.

“Bell has been a trusted provider of military pilot training since 1946,” said Jeff Schloesser, executive vice president, Strategic Pursuits, Bell. “This group of companies represent a collective commitment to delivering a trusted, high-performing, technologically advanced and low-risk aviator training program to the Army customer that will ensure they are prepared for dynamic and challenging combat environments.”

The Bell 505 is a versatile, five-seat aircraft designed for reliability and efficiency, equipped with the latest technology to meet the demands of modern flight training. The aircraft features a fully integrated Garmin G1000H NXi avionics suite and a Safran Arrius 2R engine with dual-channel FADEC, making it an ideal platform for military training.

U.S. Air Force fighter pilots from the 1st Fighter Wing out of Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia perform refueling operations at the 104th Fighter Wing before taking off, May 14, 2025, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts.
(U.S. Air National Guard Photos by Jay Hewitt)



An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 122nd Fighting Wing from Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base, Indiana, refueled with a KC-135 stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard during a routine training mission, May 14, 2025. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. George Perkins)

An F-35A Lighting II aircraft assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, refueled with a KC-135 stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard during a routine training mission, May 14, 2025. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. George Perkins)

A trio of F-35A Lighting II aircraft assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, fly of the wing tip of a KC-135 stratotanker aircraft, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard during a routine training mission, May 14, 2025. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. George Perkins)

A U.S. Air Force F-15 E Strike Eagle assigned to 335th Fighter Squadron, Seymour-Johnson, North Carolina, taxis on the flight line during Checkered Flag 25-2 and Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 25.04 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 14, 2025. Checkered Flag invests in multi-capable Airmen, empowering agile combat employment and effective operation in diverse, challenging environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lieutenant Lyca Steelman)

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (May 13, 2025) An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles conduct a combat air patrol in the Air Force Central Command area of responsibility, May 7, 2025. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a multi-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. (U.S. Air Force Photos by Staff Sgt. John C.B. Ennis)




A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle returns to combat air patrol after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker while flying over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 6, 2025. The F-15E Strike Eagle’s presence promotes regional stability and security, demonstrating the U.S. commitment to protecting its interests and maintaining a strong defensive posture in the region. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Christopher Lyons)


Europe’s largest Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) exercise has begun at the QinetiQ-operated MOD Hebrides range off the north-west coast of Scotland. Formidable Shield, which started earlier this month at the Andoya Range in Norway before transitioning to Scottish waters, will see 10 NATO nations and Australia demonstrate allied interoperability in a series of live-fire events against aerial and surface targets.

The exercise is being hosted at MOD Hebrides, one of 16 sites that QinetiQ operates under the Long Term Partnering Agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence. During the exercise the range is extended, providing a managed battlespace of 1.1 million km2 - four times the size of the UK - enabling allied forces to test their full capabilities in a safe environment.

QinetiQ’s role includes supporting exercise organisers U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) in the design and delivery of credible and realistic threat scenarios – including utilising QinetiQ’s Banshee and Hammerhead aerial and surface targets – as well as leading the analysis and interpretation of operational data captured, identifying the effectiveness of the capabilities involved.

Since 2015, the biennial Formidable Shield exercise has grown and evolved, providing an increasingly complex set of scenarios for military personnel to practice against, reflecting the ever-changing real-world threats. As well as detecting and destroying subsonic, supersonic and ballistic targets, participants taking part in this year’s exercise will also face swarming drone attacks and have to work as a multi-domain force to fully exercise their air defences.

Will Blamey, Chief Executive of QinetiQ’s UK Defence Sector said: “Exercise Formidable Shield showcases QinetiQ’s role as a trusted and enduring partner to NATO and allied Armed Forces.

“By delivering a secure training environment, realistic threat representation scenarios and expert data analysis, we help to ensure military personnel are prepared to respond decisively to real-world, high-stakes situations, including air and missile attacks.

“MOD Hebrides is one of the few locations in the world capable of supporting such complex, long-range live-fire exercises and QinetiQ is proud to serve as host and technical facilitating partner.”

Formidable Shield runs until Friday 23 May.

WICHITA, Kan. (May 15, 2025) — Textron Aviation today announced a major program milestone for the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 flight test program with the successful first flight of a second test article — P1. Testing on the P1 aircraft will focus on avionics, human factors and interiors. The Citation CJ4 Gen3 business jet is designed to keep pilots a step ahead in the cockpit by offering the next-generation Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics along with the most standard features in its class.

The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company.

“This achievement continues the forward momentum of the CJ4 Gen3 program and reflects the dedication and expertise of our team in designing, certifying and delivering the best aircraft for our customers,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering & Programs. “By adding this test article to our flight test program, we are continuing rigorous testing as we work toward certification.”

Piloted by James Bearman and Corey Eckhart, the three hour and 29-minute initial flight centered on general avionics and system evaluations. The aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet and a maximum speed of 305 knots. Bearman said it performed to program expectations, with a smooth and seamless flight.

The Citation CJ4 Gen3 business jet was announced during the 2024 National Business Aviation Association – Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), and the aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2026. The P1 test aircraft joins the program following the CJ4 Gen3 prototype, which completed its first flight in 2024. As a next-generation business jet, the CJ4 Gen3 builds upon the legendary history of the Citation family, which has long been recognized as the most popular line of business jets worldwide.

About the Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3

The Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen3 is the largest Citation aircraft in the light jet segment. The single-pilot certified aircraft combines superior speed, range and operating economics compared to larger aircraft, making it the ideal platform for owner/operators or corporate missions. The CJ4 is valued by customers around the world for luxury and productivity, as well as a wide range of missions including air ambulance, maritime patrol, search and rescue and aerial survey.

The CJ4 Gen3 brings a new level of expectations to the world of light business jets, with the most standard features in its class. It is the first business jet announced with the inclusion of the all-new Garmin G3000 PRIME next-generation avionics suite. PRIME improves the pilot experience, with streamlined touchscreens and smoother flight deck flow, reducing pilot workload. The advanced avionics hardware provides faster, more responsive processing, and increased connectivity, while software-based updates help owners and operators easily prepare their aircraft for the future. Additionally, the CJ4 Gen3 includes Garmin Autothrottles and Garmin Emergency Autoland, further enhancing operational efficiency.

The Citation CJ4 Gen3 is expected to feature a maximum range of 2,165 nm and a maximum cruise speed of 451 ktas. With seating for up to 11 occupants and a 6,930-pound useful load, the aircraft offers superior performance and versatility.

Two NH90 helicopters and a detachment of 35 servicemen took part in the French naval exercise Squale. From the naval base Hyères they trained in detecting enemy submarines in the Mediterranean.

The exercise is not just about finding submarines, but also training submarines' crews to stay unseen. The French exercise area is perfect for this: in some places the sea is more than three kilometers deep, a lot deeper than the North Sea.

The cooperation with French and American maritime units, including submarines, frigates and Seahawk helicopters, makes this exercise particularly valuable. Squale strengthens the strategic cooperation between the Netherlands and France and contributes to a joint defense against submarine threat in Europe.
(Photos courtesy of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht )