AviationOutlook Newsletter - Jan 9, 2025
Dear readers,
Welcome to AviationOutlook Newsletter, your one-stop source for the most relevant Aviation & Aerospace news briefs and industry insights (minus noise).
Here are the important updates for today. Let’s get started.
Airbus Secures Additional A350F Order from STARLUX Airlines
Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines has placed a firm order for five additional Airbus A350F freighters, doubling its total commitment to ten aircraft.
This decision builds on its initial order from February 2024, reflecting STARLUX’s growing focus on the cargo market.
The A350Fs, set to operate on major global freight routes, offer a 40% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to older models.
Deliveries will begin in 2027, aligning with STARLUX’s strategy to expand its eco-efficient, all-Airbus fleet and meet future cargo demand.
Other key Aviation and Aerospace Industry updates for today 👇
Airbus CEO Warns of Rising U.S. Protectionism Under Trump
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury has warned of "very strong" U.S. protectionism under President-elect Donald Trump, raising concerns for European aerospace firms.
Trump’s policies may prioritize American interests through tariffs and reshoring initiatives, potentially disrupting global supply chains still recovering from the pandemic.
While demand for commercial aircraft and defense spending remains strong in Europe, challenges like overcapacity and financing shortages persist.
Faury emphasized the need for government support in emissions research and cautioned against repeating past industrial policy mistakes.
Winter Storm Grounds Nearly 1,000 Flights at Dallas Airports
Nearly 1,000 flights were canceled at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field on January 9, 2025, due to a severe winter storm.
Airlines like American, Southwest, and Frontier reported significant disruptions, with some canceling nearly all flights.
Both airports issued advisories urging passengers to check flight statuses and allow extra time for travel. Airlines are waiving change fees for affected travelers
VX4 eVTOL Completes Piloted Thrustborne Flight
Vertical Aerospace successfully completed its first piloted thrustborne flight maneuvers with the VX4, becoming only the second company globally to achieve this milestone using a full-scale vectored thrust eVTOL aircraft.
Approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to expand its Permit to Fly, the tests included roll, yaw, and spot turn maneuvers.
This marks significant progress toward Vertical’s Flightpath 2030 strategy, with the next phase focusing on wingborne flight.
This milestone shows advancements in stability, battery efficiency, and control systems under real-world conditions.
GE Aerospace to Supply 210 Engines for Poland’s Apache Fleet
Poland has ordered 210 T700 engines from GE Aerospace to power 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters, enhancing its defense capabilities.
The deal, part of a 2024 agreement, includes maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support by Military Aviation Works in Dęblin and technician training by the Military University of Technology in Warsaw.
This collaboration strengthens Poland’s self-reliance in military aviation and expands its GE-powered fleet, which also includes Black Hawks and Leonardo helicopters.
The engines will be supplied through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.
Beta Technologies Adds 30 New Charging Sites for Electric Aircraft
Beta Technologies, a Vermont-based electric aerospace company, expanded its electric aircraft charging network significantly in 2024, adding 30 new sites and nearly doubling its total to 46 locations across 22 U.S. states.
The chargers, designed for both electric aircraft and ground vehicles, use the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) and are interoperable.
With 23 additional sites in development, Beta aims to support the growing Advanced Air Mobility industry.
The company plans further U.S. expansion and international growth in 2025.
Standardaero Gains CAAC Approval for Leap Engine MRO Services in China
StandardAero’s engine overhaul center in San Antonio, Texas, has received approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for CFM International’s LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines.
This enables StandardAero to support over 1,200 LEAP engines operating in China, primarily on Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
As a CFM Premier MRO provider, StandardAero continues expanding its LEAP capabilities, including component repair services and technician training programs.
AI-Powered Flight Tech Gains Momentum With Honeywell-NXP Collaboration
Honeywell and NXP Semiconductors have expanded their partnership to advance autonomous flight and AI-driven aviation technologies, announced at CES 2025.
The collaboration integrates Honeywell’s Anthem avionics system with NXP’s high-performance computing architecture to enhance flight planning, operational efficiency, and cockpit displays.
Key developments include thinner, high-resolution cockpit screens and streamlined transitions to advanced avionics.
This partnership also adapts NXP’s automotive-based autonomy architecture for aviation, supporting the industry's shift toward safer, smarter, and more autonomous systems.
BAE Systems to Supply 200-KWh Packs for Airbus Hybrid Aircraft
BAE Systems has partnered with Airbus to supply advanced energy storage systems for Airbus' microhybridization demonstration project, aimed at enhancing sustainability in commercial aviation.
The 200-kilowatt-hour energy storage packs will support electric propulsion during critical flight phases like takeoff and climb, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Work will be conducted at BAE’s Endicott, New York facility.
This collaboration leverages BAE’s expertise in electrification and safety-critical systems to advance hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for greener aviation.
Embraer Achieved 206 Aircraft Deliveries in 2024 Amid Industry Challenges
Embraer delivered 206 aircraft in 2024, a 14% increase from 181 in 2023, despite industry-wide supply chain challenges.
The total included 73 commercial jets, such as E190-E2s and E195-E2s, and 130 executive jets, including Phenom and Praetor models. The company also delivered three C-390 Millennium transport aircraft.
A strong fourth quarter with 75 deliveries helped Embraer meet its guidance range of 197-215.
