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)