United Parcel Service (UPS) has exercised all 14 Boeing 747-8 freighter options it had, firming the aircraft for delivery on “an expedited schedule.”

The Airbus’ first A321LR aircraft, MSN7877, completed its maiden flight Jan. 31, 2018, following a 2-hour, 36-minute flight. The aircraft, powered by CFM Leap-1A engines, will now undergo a nearly 100-hour flight test program, including transatlantic flights. It aims to receive EASA and FAA type certification in Q2 2018. Entry into service is targeted for Q4 2018. ATW correspondent Kurt Hofmann was on site in Hamburg, following the flight's progress.

Boeing remains in “active” and “productive” discussions with Embraer and the Brazilian government over a potential alignment of the two aircraft manufacturers, the chief executive of Boeing said Jan. 31.

Boeing expects to easily top the 763 commercial aircraft it delivered in 2017—an industry record—by delivering 810-815 aircraft in 2018.

The A321LR takes off on its maiden flight from Hamburg Jan. 31, 2018. LimelightPlayerUtil.embed({"mediaId":"eb2b6903e29249baa9bb3e7f2350ce9c","playerId":"limelight_player_834811","width":480,"height":321,"playerForm":"Player"});