by Jessica Brownlow | Jun 17, 2025 | BUZZ, MRO IT
The International Paris Air Show has been the meeting place for global aerospace for over a century. The event gathers manufacturers, airlines, lessors, and more to showcase the latest tech and sign major commercial deals.
This year, Airbus bagged nearly $10 billion in orders within the first day. The Europe-based plane maker secured commitments for up to 238 new aircraft in day one of the seven day show.
Confirmed orders included (132):
- AviLease, the Saudi-backed leasing company, confirmed purchases of 10 A350F freighters and 30 A320neo jets.
- Riyadh Air announced a significant commitment for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
- ANA Holdings (Japan) finalized an agreement for 27 Airbus planes – 14 A321neo for All Nippon Airways (ANA) and 13 narrowbodies (10 A321neo and 3 A321XLR) for its low-cost subsidiary Peach Aviation.
- LOT Polish Airlines (Poland) placed its inaugural Airbus order, securing 40 A220s, split evenly between the A220-100 and A220-300 variants.
Potential orders (106):
- AviLease holds options to scale up its order to 22 A350Fs and 55 A320neos.
- Riyadh Air may double its commitment, with rights to acquire up to 50 A350-1000s.
- LOT Polish Airlines has indicated plans to expand its A220 fleet to as many as 84 aircraft over time.
Speaking specifically on the Riyadh Air partnership, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said:
“We are proud to extend our strategic partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom. As the long-range leader, the A350-1000 will provide unrivalled efficiency, range and passenger comfort, making it the ideal choice to support the airline’s ambitious growth plans and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to enhance global connectivity and economic diversification.”
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by Jessica Brownlow | Jun 11, 2025 | MRO IT
Originally published World Aviation Festival
Delta Air Lines, one of the most profitable airlines in the world, raised concerns about the impact Trump’s tariffs could have on the industry. Late last week, these warnings came to light.
With tariffs of nearly 10 per cent impacting almost all imported planes and parts, Delta warned against the disruptive impact this will have on both airlines and their passengers.
Reuters shared the US carrier’s caution, saying “tariffs on imported airplanes and parts could force the airline to stop buying foreign-made planes and eliminate flights that serve about 10 million customers a year.” Delta’s comments were made as part of a US Commerce Department filing that had previously gone unreported. The airline warned of the impact on ticket prices and supply chains, adding:
“Delta would likely be forced to cancel existing contracts and reconsider contracts under negotiation […] it would also reduce manufacturing in the United States by both Boeing and Airbus.”
Yesterday, a second Reuters article showed five nations (Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, and Switzerland), the European Union, and major airline & aerospace manufacturers have formally urged Trump to abandon the proposed tariffs.
The EU said:
“As reliable trading partners, the European Union and United States should strengthen their trade regarding aircraft and aircraft parts, rather than hinder it by imposing trade restrictions.”
As the industry tackles the uncertainty that comes with these changes, leaders are making it clear, the stability of aviation is imperative and further disruption to the global supply chain will come with severe consequences.
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by Jessica Brownlow | Jun 9, 2025 | Connectivity, Video
At Aerospace Tech Week, Joel Klooster, SVP at Viasat gave his analysis of the industry’s communications infrastructure. The conversation looked at how modernised connectivity can support the industry’s future, especially with air traffic predicted to double within 20 years.
Reflecting on the state of the current communications infrastructure, Klooster explained that foundational technologies were developed and put in place over the last five years. However, the focus must now be on accelerating the pace of adoption. Here, Klooster gave the examples of well developed cybersecurity measures, and the shift from legacy systems like AARS to modern, IP-based protocols like the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network (ATN).
A key focus of the discussion was the movement towards data link communications, supporting real-time transmission of data enhancing situational awareness for both pilots and air traffic controllers. The potential efficiency and accuracy gains of this technology will be fundamental in managing growing air traffic volumes while improving current safety standards through a seamless flow of information:
“We need to maintain and improve the levels of safety […] and that requires situational awareness improvement and information sharing between the pilot and the air traffic controller, making sure they have the exact same information and that this can be exchanged in a timely manner. It can just be loaded directly into the flight management computer that’s connected to the autopilot and flying that aircraft.”
The five-minute discussion also tapped into artificial intelligence (AI) and the safe integration of emerging technologies to advance the industry. Watch the full interview below.
Questions asked include:
- What changes need to happen to the connectivity infrastructure to allow next generation aircraft to be integrated into the airspace with minimal disruption?
- How can higher capacity communications drive operational efficiency in ATM, especially as the industry prepares for the number of aircraft in operation to grow rapidly?
- Where are we seeing AI and other emerging tech make the greatest difference in connectivity, and how can we ensure its integration enhances safety rather than compromises it?
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by Jessica Brownlow | Jun 4, 2025 | Avionics
A new report estimates the avionics market will be worth $82.33 billion in the next five years. Currently sitting at $56.22 billion, the MarketsandMarkets™ report sees this growth stemming from rising aircraft production, technological innovation, and demand for modernised aviation infrastructure.
Released yesterday, the report states:
“The avionics market is thriving due to rapid advancements in digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, which enhance efficiency and safety. The increased demand for connected and autonomous aircraft, along with a focus on sustainability, is driving innovation in avionics systems. Geopolitical shifts and the expansion of emerging markets are also contributing to a strong market outlook. Airlines and manufacturers are prioritizing cutting-edge solutions to meet evolving industry needs, making the avionics market dynamic and poised for sustained growth. This industry is at the forefront of shaping the future of aviation technology.”
In terms of regional leadership and the competitive landscape, Normal America is predicted to have the largest and most mature avionics market. It is home to key players including Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, Garmin, and RTX who are driving innovation and exports. More specifically, the region has displayed leadership with NextGen air traffic systems and cockpit upgrades.
Looking forward, the opportunities ahead include advanced connectivity, emerging markets, and retrofits for aging fleets. Read the full report for more.
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by Jessica Brownlow | Jun 2, 2025 | AI & ML, Innovation, Video
At Aerospace Tech Week, Airbus’ Grzegorz Ombach discussed the next wave of transformative technology. As Group Head of Disruptive Research, Technology & Innovation & Senior Vice President at the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe, Ombach is uniquely well positioned to understand and speculate on cutting-edge breakthroughs and how they will shape the industry for decades to come.
During the interview, Ombach selected and unpacked the three technologies he is most excited by and explained their relevance to the industry: Agentic AI, microfusion energy, and quantum sensors. Speaking on potential use cases of quantum sensors, he explained:
“And the new sensors are coming from the industry like automotive for example. We are talking about radars, lighters and also the one interesting sensor which we see coming as a next, next, next generation is all about the quantum to measure the position of the aircraft in aerospace. If, for example, you don’t have available GPS and you would like to use this sensor for smart automation parallel to the computer vision which is going to be the eyes for the aircraft as well.”
The conversation also touched on Airbus’ ongoing projects as well as the critical industry challenges that they are responding to. For the full conversation, watch below.
Questions asked include:
- You’re at the cutting edge of disruptive tech in aerospace. Where are you seeing the most innovation and how do you think it will reshape the industry in the next decade or so?
- Talk me through some of the ongoing Airbus projects – how are these changing the landscape?
- If you had to pick one, which technology in aerospace excites you the most right now and why?
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