The satellites will be the vanguard of the Iridium NEXT constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting satellites that will provide space-based coverage of the world’s airspace for the first time.

Rockwell Collins is planning to deliver the final software load to Boeing for 737 MAX cockpit displays in mid-September, followed by initial deliveries of the final hardware components by year-end.

Intelsat has launched Intelsat 33e, the second of seven EpicNG satellites, which will provide some broadband capacity for aeronautical use.

American Airlines retired 20 MD-80s on Aug. 23 as it continues to wind down an aircraft type that was once a fleet workhorse.

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch said it was launching an enquiry into the incident, which happened at about 11 a.m. local time at the vehicle’s home base, RAF Cardington, north of London.