Boeing Secures Major 737-10 Deal, and More

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Here are the important updates for today. Let’s get started.

Pegasus Airlines Expands Fleet with 200 Boeing 737-10 Orders

Pegasus Airlines, Turkey's leading low-cost carrier, has announced a significant agreement with Boeing to acquire up to 200 Boeing 737-10 aircraft. This deal includes a firm order for 100 jets, with options for an additional 100, marking the largest purchase in the airline's history.

Key Points

• Aircraft Model: The Boeing 737-10 is the largest variant in the 737 MAX family, capable of seating up to 230 passengers. It offers enhanced fuel efficiency, consuming 20% less fuel compared to previous-generation aircraft.
• Delivery Timeline: Deliveries of the firm order are scheduled to commence in 2028. The airline will assess market conditions before converting the additional 100 options into firm orders in the future.
• Financial Scope: The total value of the contract for 200 aircraft is approximately $36 billion, based on Boeing's current list prices.
• Strategic Intent: This investment aligns with Pegasus Airlines' growth objectives and its commitment to sustainability, aiming to modernize its fleet with more efficient aircraft.

What It Means

This substantial investment reflects Pegasus Airlines' strategic plan to expand its network and increase capacity in response to growing demand in Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.

Furthermore, this order strengthens the longstanding partnership between Pegasus Airlines and Boeing, potentially fostering new opportunities for collaboration within the Turkish aviation industry.

Other key Aviation and Aerospace Industry updates for today 👇

China Airlines Splits $11.9 Billion Aircraft Deal Between Boeing and Airbus

China Airlines, Taiwan's leading carrier, has announced a $11.9 billion investment to renew its long-haul fleet.

The airline will acquire 10 Boeing 777-9s, 10 Airbus A350-1000s, and four Boeing 777-8 freighters, with deliveries starting in 2029. The A350s will feature Rolls-Royce engines, while the 777-9s will be equipped with GE engines.

Despite Taiwan's complex international relations, China Airlines' Chairman, Hsieh Shih-chien, emphasized that the decision was made without political pressure, focusing solely on the airline's operational needs.

Archer Aviation Completes Georgia Facility, eVTOL Production Starts Early 2025

Archer Aviation has completed its 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, ARC, in Covington, Georgia.

The company plans to begin producing its Midnight eVTOL aircraft in early 2025, aiming to reach a production rate of two aircraft per month by year's end.

Developed in partnership with Stellantis, ARC is expected to scale up to an annual production of 650 aircraft by 2030.

This milestone signifies Archer's transition from research and development to commercialization, with the Midnight aircraft designed to provide sustainable urban air mobility solutions.

British Airways Joins Airlines Using Apple's AirTag for Enhanced Luggage Tracking

British Airways has joined several airlines in supporting Apple's "Share Item Location" feature, enhancing lost luggage tracking for passengers.

This feature, introduced with iOS 18.2, allows travelers to share their AirTag's location with the airline, facilitating quicker recovery of misplaced bags.

The shared location is accessible via an interactive map and expires after seven days or upon retrieval.

This collaboration aims to improve customer service by integrating personal tracking devices into the airline's baggage handling processes.

Chinese Automaker GAC Unveils AirJet eVTOL Aircraft

GAC Group, a Chinese automaker, has introduced its eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) brand, Govy, unveiling the AirJet as its flagship model.

The AirJet stands 2.3 meters tall and features a white, black, and blue color scheme. It is equipped with GAC's proprietary electric drive system and lightweight battery assembly technology, offering a range exceeding 200 kilometers and supporting 30-minute fast charging.

Future models aim to incorporate solid-state batteries to extend the range to over 400 kilometers.

GAC plans to begin airworthiness certification in 2025 and initiate demonstration operations in select Chinese cities by 2027.

Bankruptcy Court Approves Spirit Airlines' $519 Million Aircraft Sale

Spirit Airlines has received approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York to sell 23 Airbus aircraft—comprising 15 A320s and 8 A321s—to GA Telesis.

This transaction, valued at approximately $519 million, is part of Spirit's strategy to optimize its fleet and enhance liquidity amid financial restructuring. The sale is expected to improve Spirit's liquidity by about $225 million through 2025.

Deliveries have commenced and will continue over a specified period, aiding Spirit's efforts to streamline operations during bankruptcy proceedings.

FAA Implements Temporary Drone Ban in 22 New Jersey Cities

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has temporarily banned drone operations over parts of New Jersey from December 18, 2024, to January 17, 2025, due to potential security threats. This restriction affects 22 cities, including Jersey City, Elizabeth, and Camden.

The FAA warns that drones posing an "imminent security threat" may face "deadly force."

Operators violating the ban risk interception, detention, certificate suspension, and possible criminal charges.

This measure follows over 5,000 drone sightings in the tri-state area since November 18, 2024, prompting concerns among residents and lawmakers.

Cessna SkyCourier Receives Canadian Certification for Nationwide Operations

Textron Aviation's Cessna SkyCourier has secured type certification from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), enabling its operation within Canada.

The first Canadian delivery, a freighter variant, is slated for Air Bravo Corporation, an Ontario-based operator specializing in passenger, cargo, and air ambulance services.

The SkyCourier, a twin-engine, high-wing turboprop, offers versatility with both freighter and passenger configurations, making it suitable for diverse missions, including operations in remote regions.

Its design emphasizes performance and cost-effectiveness, appealing to various Canadian aviation needs.

Former Airbus Executives' Startup Vaeridion Raises €14 Million to Develop Electric Microliner

Vaeridion, a Munich-based aviation startup founded by former Airbus managers Ivor van Dartel and Dr. Sebastian Seemann, has secured €14 million in a Series A funding round.

The investment, led by World Fund with participation from Project A Ventures, Vsquared Ventures, Andreas Kupke, Schwarz Holding, and InnovationQuarter, aims to accelerate the development of Vaeridion's electric aircraft, the Microliner.

The Microliner is designed to offer zero-emission regional flights, addressing the need for sustainable travel alternatives and enhanced regional connectivity.

Prototype flights are scheduled to begin in 2027, with commercial operations targeted for 2030.