Airbus has flagged 2014 as a pivotal year for its Airbus A350 XWB program, as it ramps up its flight test program ahead of the -900’s entry into service with Qatar Airways later this year.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is sending an investigator to Japan to assist with the probe into the Japan Airlines (JAL) Boeing 787-8 battery incident that occurred Jan. 14 at Tokyo Narita Airport.

Airbus president Fabrice Brégier has again lashed out at Boeing, criticizing its rival for receiving subsidies for the Boeing 777X program despite a previous World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling.

Boeing has started high-speed wind tunnel tests for the 777X in the manufacturer’s Transonic Wind Tunnel in Seattle, Wash.

Embraer delivered 90 commercial aircraft in 2013, compared to 106 in 2012, including 32 commercial jets in the fourth quarter.

Japan Airlines (JAL) said a “main battery failure occurred” on one of its Boeing 787-8s parked at Tokyo Narita Airport on Tuesday. The airline reported that “white smoke” was seen in the incident, which resulted in no injuries.

Alaska Airlines has firmed an order for two additional Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, in a deal worth $192 million at current list prices.

A biofuel supply sufficient to meet up to 1% of aviation’s fuel needs could be available “instantly,” and at a price competitive with petroleum jet fuel, if green diesel is approved for use in aircraft, according to Boeing. The company is working with partners to gain approval by the end of 2014.