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SpeedNews - April 17, 2026

April 17, 2026

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Aerospace

LUFTHANSA TECHNIK

Apr 13, 2026

LUFTHANSA TECHNIK unveiled The BOW modular narrowbody VIP cabin concept in partnership with DESIGNWORKS.

SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWER

Apr 13, 2026

SAFRAN ELECTRICAL & POWER was selected by H55 to supply the EASA-certified Safran ENGINeUS electric motor for the electric propulsion system powering the Bristell B23 Energic aircraft starting in 2027.

SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES

Apr 13, 2026

SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES is investing €150m to add 30,000-tonne hydraulic press at Gennevilliers for manufacturing strategic engine parts (14,000 per year at full production) to support LEAP/GE9X production as well as military engines.

GKN AEROSPACE

Apr 13, 2026

GKN AEROSPACE launched $8.4m TITAN-AM program in partnership with USAF to industrialize titanium additive manufacturing for large aerostructures, focusing on Laser Metal Deposition with Wire (LMD-w) technology.

TEXTRON AVIATION DEFENSE

Apr 13, 2026

TEXTRON AVIATION DEFENSE has 5-year, $150m contract to provide SEPM (Sustaining Engineering and Program Management) services for fleet of USAF, US Navy and US Army T-6As, T-6Bs and T-6Ds (Beechcraft T-6 Texan IIs).

SCOTTISH LEATHER GROUP (SLG)

Apr 13, 2026

SCOTTISH LEATHER GROUP (SLG) opened 75,000 sq ft facility in Glasgow to design/manufacture BioPRO protein-based, recoverable moulded foam.

SWISSLOG

Apr 13, 2026

SWISSLOG was selected by Satair to deploy an AutoStore system at its facility in Singapore for high‑density, goods‑to‑person automation.

COLLINS AEROSPACE

Apr 14, 2026

COLLINS AEROSPACE was selected by Air Canada to supply Aurora business class suites and Meridian+ main cabin seats for 30 A321XLRs on order under airline's Glowing Heart cabin concept (ACUMEN is Air Canada's design partner).

RAVE AEROSPACE

Apr 14, 2026

RAVE AEROSPACE was selected by China's Hainan Airlines as launch customer for 4K RAVE Ultra IFE system for A321neos.

THALES

Apr 14, 2026

THALES launched FlytEDGE Aura IFE system with optimized seatback architecture and 4K HDR10+ Tandem OLED displays.

PANASONIC AVIONICS

Apr 14, 2026

PANASONIC AVIONICS launched eXNeo seatback monitor retrofit solution for legacy cabins for 2027

RAVE AEROSPACE AND SAFRAN

Apr 14, 2026

RAVE AEROSPACE and SAFRAN teamed to develop Origin seating/IFE premium suite with Immersive Display Concept.

LOCKHEED MARTIN VENTURES

Apr 14, 2026

LOCKHEED MARTIN VENTURES is increasing its fund by 250% from $400m to $1b to mature critical technologies for national security. It has invested >$500m in >120 companies (60 have become suppliers) since startup in 2007.

ACRON TECHNOLOGIES

Apr 14, 2026

ACRON TECHNOLOGIES has acquired Austin, Texas-based ALEREON (semiconductors for defense electronics market).

TESTEK SOLUTIONS

Apr 14, 2026

TESTEK SOLUTIONS, MI launched ADAS 2.0 data acquisition platform for testing hydraulic aircraft components.

KEPPLAIR EVOLUTION

Apr 14, 2026

KEPPLAIR EVOLUTION, France has LOI from Amelia to convert two ATR 72s to multi-role water bombers from 2027.

BOEING

Apr 14, 2026

BOEING delivered 46 airliners (33 737 MAXs; 737NG; 767-2C; 767-300F; three 777Fs; seven 787s) in March 2026 vs 41 (33 737 MAXs; four 777Fs; four 787s) in March 2025; it delivered 143 aircraft in 1Q26 vs 130 in 1Q25. It also announced unidentified orders for 20 MAXs, five 737-800As and eight 787-9s, ending quarter with 6,726 unfilled orders.

ALARIS AEROSPACE SYSTEMS

Apr 14, 2026

ALARIS AEROSPACE SYSTEMS consolidated its four US aftermarket parts warehouse locations into single 129,603 sq ft facility in Jupiter, FL.

MAGNIX

Apr 14, 2026

MAGNIX launched magniAIR electric engine for general aviation, initially targeting aircraft for recreational flying and flight training; first engine is being integrated as part of full magniX powertrain in a Van RV-10 for first flight in 2H26.

SES

Apr 14, 2026

SES was selected by Japan Airlines to supply its multi-orbit electronically steered antenna (ESA) system for 20 A350-900s (linefit by Airbus), 10 787-9s (linefit by Boeing) and 11 787-9s (retrofit); linefit deliveries are slated to begin in '28.

ALOFT AEROARCHITECTS

Apr 14, 2026

ALOFT AEROARCHITECTS, DE has STC for multi-aircraft cabin interior retrofit on 737s (first installation of Spectrum Networks smart outlet), advancing its MOSAIC concept, modular and certifiable approach designed to reduce lead times.

DONECLE

Apr 15, 2026

DONECLE, France raised €10m capital investment from IRDI Capital Investissement and SWEN Capital Partners, alongside GSO Innovation and ARIS Occitanie, to scale up its drone- and AI-based aircraft inspection solutions.

BUCHER GROUP

Apr 15, 2026

BUCHER GROUP was selected by Airbus to supply customized SFE galleys and stowages for A320 Family aircraft.

COLLINS AEROSPACE

Apr 15, 2026

COLLINS AEROSPACE was selected by three international airlines to supply Helix main cabin seat for ~200 A320s/737s.

GEVEN

Apr 15, 2026

GEVEN, Italy was selected by flyadeal, Saudi Arabia to supply Comoda AQ premium economy seats (14 per shipset) for 10 A330-900s on order. China's JIATAI was selected to supply the economy class seats (406 per shipset).

SATAIR

Apr 15, 2026

SATAIR was named by Schroth Safety Products exclusive distributor for IPSB (cockpit secondary barrier) system for A320neo/A350 in North America.

AAR

Apr 15, 2026

AAR has $305m follow-on contract to provide contractor logistics support for US Navy/Marine Corps C-40As.

THINKOM

Apr 15, 2026

THINKOM was approved by SES for its ThinAir Ka2517 terminal for the SES Open Orbits network satellite fleet; certified terminal is part of an integration package from RAVE AEROSPACE that includes ModMan with dual modem capabilities.

TCI AIRCRAFT INTERIORS

Apr 15, 2026

TCI AIRCRAFT INTERIORS (as primary system integrator), TÜRKSAT and NEO SPACE GROUP signed tri-party agreement to establish a collaborative framework for next-gen inflight connectivity, initially for Turkish aviation market.

SIGNIA AEROSPACE

Apr 15, 2026

SIGNIA AEROSPACE acquired AEROX AEROSPACE GROUP, FL (aviation oxygen systems), advised by Alderman & Company.

AMAZON LEO

Apr 15, 2026

AMAZON LEO introduced gigabit-speed internet antenna to enable commercial airliners to connect to its network. It expects to start service (1 gigabit/second download and 400-megabit/second upload) with JetBlue Airways in 1H27.

PANASONIC AVIONICS

Apr 15, 2026

PANASONIC AVIONICS was selected by Air Canada to supply Astrova IFE solution for retrofit on 19 A321s (first install completed) in addition for line-fit on 67 aircraft on order: 23 A220-300s, 30 A321XLRs and 14 787-10s.

EMBRAER

Apr 15, 2026

EMBRAER recognized its best suppliers for 2025: SAP (Indirect Supplies); DIEHL (Interiors); HEXCEL (Hardware & Raw Material); GLOBO USINAGEM (Subcontractor); FACC (Structures); ASE (New Developments); GARMIN (Electronics); MOOG (Mechanical Systems); FOKKER SERVICES (Services & Support); and PRATT & WHITNEY (Collaboration).

JETTAINER

Apr 17, 2026

JETTAINER was extended by Cebu Pacific for ULD management/MRO.

AMAZON

Apr 17, 2026

AMAZON agreed to acquire GLOBALSTAR for $11.6b to expand LEO satellite network with direct-to-device (D2) services.

GENERAL ATOMICS AEROTEC SYSTEMS (GA-ATS) AND SVP AEROSPACE

Apr 17, 2026

GENERAL ATOMICS AEROTEC SYSTEMS (GA-ATS) and SVP AEROSPACE teamed to enhance mission equipment capabilities for the Do228 NXT special mission aircraft.

Air Transport

DELTA

Apr 13, 2026

DELTA unveiled next-gen Delta One suite for A350-1000s and A330-200/300s, focusing on increased personal space and modern tech with longer lie-flat beds and 24-inch 4K QLED screens, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and USB-C ports.

GATE GOURMET

Apr 13, 2026

GATE GOURMET acquired TAP Air Portugal's 51% stake in CATERINGPOR

ROYAL AIR MAROC

Apr 13, 2026

ROYAL AIR MAROC leased ex-Xiamen Airlines 787-8 (41542) with GEnx-1Bs from CCB Financial Leasing.

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES

Apr 13, 2026

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES leased new 737-8 (66419) from CDB Aviation on top of two A321neos leased in 2025.

BOC AVIATION

Apr 13, 2026

BOC AVIATION executed 36 transactions (10 aircraft deliveries) in 1Q26 vs 158 (11) in 1Q25, ending quarter with owned/managed/committed fleet of 813 aircraft/engines vs 829 a year ago. It raised US$2.5b of debt financing

KOREAN AIR

Apr 13, 2026

KOREAN AIR had US$160.4m net income for 1Q26 (vs $127.7m in 1Q25) on 14% higher revenues; it has 166 aircraft.

DELTA

Apr 13, 2026

FLYADEAL

Apr 13, 2026

FLYADEAL began daily Dubai-Riyadh/-Jeddah (A320).

QANTAS

Apr 13, 2026

QANTAS says its first A350-1000ULR was rolled out in Toulouse in preparation for two-month flight test campaign.

AWESOME CARGO

Apr 13, 2026

AWESOME CARGO, Mexico took delivery of its third A330-200P2F (1225; ex-Alitalia) following conversion to freighter.

GATE GOURMET

Apr 13, 2026

GATE GOURMET acquired TAP Air Portugal's 51% stake in CATERINGPOR.

LONDON HEATHROW

Apr 13, 2026

LONDON HEATHROW handled 6.6m pax in March, up 6.9% vs March '25.

AERO CAPITAL SOLUTIONS

Apr 14, 2026

AERO CAPITAL SOLUTIONS purchased 737-900 (37363; leased to SMARTWINGS) from Aergo Capital.

T'WAY AIR

Apr 14, 2026

T'WAY AIR, South Korea leased second new 189-seat 737-8 (66420) from CDB Aviation.

IATA

Apr 14, 2026

IATA said 6,500 airline routes operated in 2024 were discontinued in 2025; 76.4% offered

QANTAS GROUP

Apr 14, 2026

QANTAS GROUP announced given continued volatility in fuel prices and the global economic conditions, it has reduced domestic capacity in 4Q26 by around 5 percentage points. It has has hedged ~90% of its 2H26 exposure in crude oil.

AIR PEACE

Apr 15, 2026

AIR PEACE plans in mid-2026 to begin Iperu, Nigeria-London Gatwick/-Heathrow (777).

BARON AVIATION SERVICES

Apr 15, 2026

BARON AVIATION SERVICES launched FedEx feeder flights in US with new Cessna 408 SkyCourier (0061).

CONDOR

Apr 15, 2026

CONDOR wet-leased A319-100 (4691) with CFM56s from Fly Air41, Croatia.

TURKISH AIRLINES

Apr 15, 2026

TURKISH AIRLINES took delivery of new 737-8 (66310) on lease from Jackson Square Aviation for AJET.

BOC AVIATION

Apr 15, 2026

BOC AVIATION became signatory to Aircraft Leasing Ireland's Sustainability Charter that includes environmental, social, governance, and climate‑aligned principles for leasing companies to support pathway to net zero by 2050.

CSTPL (CAE/INTERGLOBE)

Apr 15, 2026

CSTPL (CAE/InterGlobe) opened 44,000 sq ft training facility in Mumbai with single A320 full-flight simulator (second due in 2H26); facility adds capacity for six FFSs to network that includes in Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Bengaluru.

NOVUS AVIATION CAPITAL

Apr 17, 2026

NOVUS AVIATION CAPITAL launched TAMWEEL AVIATION FINANCE III closed end fund, co-sponsored between Airbus, Development Bank of Japan and Novus, for financing Airbus aircraft. TAF II has now fully committed its allotted funds.

ALLEGIANT AND SUN COUNTRY

Apr 17, 2026

ALLEGIANT and SUN COUNTRY secured US DOT approval to continue to operate independently following closure of proposed merger in mid-May (last remaining regulatory approval-related condition for transaction), preserving their unique business models, route networks, and customer experiences while advancing toward a single operating certificate.

EASYJET

Apr 17, 2026

EASYJET expects pretax loss of £540m-£560m for first half of FY26, citing result is in line with expectations, excluding £25m of additional fuel costs due to Middle East conflict and £30m net increase in legal provisions.

SAS

Apr 17, 2026

SAS took delivery of new LEAP-powered A320neo (13113) on lease from CMB Financial Leasing.

MY FREIGHTER

Apr 17, 2026

MY FREIGHTER, Uzbekistan leased ex-Cargojet 767-300ERBDSF (27597) with PW4060s from CAM.

EASYJET

Apr 17, 2026

EASYJET opened base in Marrakech with three A320s and six new routes (SPNWS; October 17).

GREENLAND

Apr 17, 2026

GREENLAND opened new airport in Qaqortoq (South Greenland) with 1,500-meter runway able to accommodate Dash 8s. Air Greenland expects to operate twice-daily to/from Nuuk and Icelandair plans four-times-weekly to/from Keflavik.

EL AL

Apr 17, 2026

EL AL says it plans to order six more 787s and option six, increasing its firm orderbook to four 787-10s and five 787-9s.

TERRA AVIA

Apr 17, 2026

TERRA AVIA, Moldova acquired ex-Air New Zealand 777-200ER (29403) with Trent 800s from Jet Midwest.

AIRBALTIC

Apr 17, 2026

AIRBALTIC sold new A220-300 (55436) to Macquarie AirFinance and leased it back (SPNWS; April 3).

AZORRA

Apr 17, 2026

AZORRA says in 1Q26 it signed lease agreements for eight aircraft, delivered six, purchased 12, plus 20 engines/three airframes, and sold one Dash 8, ending quarter with current/committed fleet of 205 aircraft/88 engines/16 airframes.

STRATOS

Apr 17, 2026

STRATOS, Monaco was mandated by undisclosed airline to source two A350-900s or A330-900s for lease from 2027.

Business Aviation

SKYTECH AERO

Apr 13, 2026

SKYTECH AERO, RI was named by Piper Aircraft as Northeast US authorized dealer for aircraft sales/service coordination.

TEXTRON AVIATION

Apr 13, 2026

TEXTRON AVIATION is adding suite of enhancements for its Cessna piston lineup (Skyhawk, Skylane, Turbo Skylane and Turbo Stationair HD) to include Garmin G1000 NXi System Release 7 avionics upgrade and Lycoming dual EIS.

AIRHART AERONAUTICS

Apr 13, 2026

AIRHART AERONAUTICS, CA completed first test flight of its fully integrated avionics platform on a Sling TSi.

WHEELS UP

Apr 14, 2026

WHEELS UP plans April 24 to complete a 1-for-20 reverse stock split to normalize its share count.

PIPER AIRCRAFT

Apr 14, 2026

PIPER AIRCRAFT announced EASA certification for 7-bladed prop, developed by MT-PROPELLERS, for the M700 FURY.

COLUMBIA AIR

Apr 14, 2026

COLUMBIA AIR, CT was selected by Daher as sales/support dealer for the Kodiak in addition to the TBM aircraft.

BLACKHAWK

Apr 14, 2026

BLACKHAWK completed its first Vy Engine+ Upgrade (PT6A-42A) on a Cessna Grand Caravan operated by the Colombian National Police, with a second aircraft nearing completion and expected to return to service in early May.

VISTA

Apr 15, 2026

VISTA took delivery of its first Global 8000 (upgraded Global 7500); it plans to upgrade full fleet of 18 by end 2026.

QATAR EXECUTIVE

Apr 15, 2026

QATAR EXECUTIVE took delivery of its 10th G700 from Gulfstream, completing order announced in October 2019.

MRO

FL TECHNICS WHEELS & BRAKES

Apr 13, 2026

FL TECHNICS WHEELS & BRAKES received UK CAA Part-145 approval.

FL TECHNICS

Apr 14, 2026

FL TECHNICS inducted its first 737 MAX at Vilnius for heavy check under EASA Part-145 approval from May 2025.

PANASONIC TECHNICAL SERVICES

Apr 14, 2026

PANASONIC TECHNICAL SERVICES was selected by Air India to provide IFE Total Care Package for 74 aircraft.

ACTIVE PARTNERS

Apr 15, 2026

ACTIVE PARTNERS was selected by Enter Air Services as partner to support development of 737 maintenance services.

RAMCO SYSTEMS

Apr 15, 2026

RAMCO SYSTEMS announced successful go-live of its aviation suite at Korean Air's Engine Maintenance Center to provide future-ready, scalable platform designed to streamline complex operations, boost productivity, and support expansion.

HESTON MATERIALS

Apr 15, 2026

HESTON MATERIALS, Lithuania has acquired ex-Jeju Air 737-800 (30695) for teardown.

EXECUTIVE JET SUPPORT (EJS)

Apr 15, 2026

EXECUTIVE JET SUPPORT (EJS) acquired CF6-powered A330-200 (682) from KLM for disassembly.

LUFTHANSA TECHNIK CANADA

Apr 17, 2026

LUFTHANSA TECHNIK CANADA is now fully operational at interim LEAP-1B MRO facility in Calgary with eight engine bays after completing its first engine event; it is planning to start building its permanent 150,000 sq ft facility in 2Q26.

EXECUJET MRO SERVICES MALAYSIA

Apr 17, 2026

EXECUJET MRO SERVICES MALAYSIA (Dassault Aviation) was approved by Vietnam for G650ER line/base maintenance.

GA TELESIS

Apr 17, 2026

GA TELESIS began parting out of what is says are two youngest (

ALASKA AIRLINES

Apr 17, 2026

ALASKA AIRLINES has invested in TAILSIGHT, TX under partnership to develop/deploy an AI-powered maintenance planning/optimization platform.

LIEBHERR AEROSPACE SALINE

Apr 17, 2026

LIEBHERR AEROSPACE SALINE, MI has Envoy Air contract for E175-E1 landing gear overhaul/system maintenance.

ANTAVIA (AMETEK MRO)

Apr 17, 2026

ANTAVIA (AMETEK MRO) was named by Héroux‑Devtek as authorized landing gear repair center for Legacy/Preaetor.

AMTRA AERO COMPONENT SOLUTIONS

Apr 17, 2026

AMTRA AERO COMPONENT SOLUTIONS, OK acquired ex-New Pacific 757-200 (27810) for part out at Mojave, CA.

Who’sNews

WHO'SNEWS: HOWMET AEROSPACE

Apr 13, 2026

Jonathan Arena to Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, and Secretary of Howmet Aerospace, Pittsburgh.

WHO'SNEWS: DAE

Apr 13, 2026

Ali Al Derazi to Senior Vice President-Sales of DAE.

WHO'SNEWS: HOWMET AEROSPACE

Apr 13, 2026

Jonathan Arena to Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, and Secretary of Howmet Aerospace, Pittsburgh.

WHO'SNEWS: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA

Apr 13, 2026

Kumar Kumarasingam to President of Pratt & Whitney Canada, succeeding retiring Maria Della Posta.

WHO'SNEWS: JET AIRCRAFT PARTS

Apr 13, 2026

Jason McNutt to Southwestern US Regional Sales Manager-Business Jet Aircraft Parts, based in Colorado, of C&L Aerospace.

WHO'SNEWS: DAE

Apr 13, 2026

Ali Al Derazi to Senior Vice President-Sales of DAE.

WHO'SNEWS: AERFIN

Apr 13, 2026

Shaun Coleman to Vice President Development-Asia Pacific of AerFin.

WHO'SNEWS: TURKISH AIRLINES

Apr 13, 2026

Ahmet Olmuştur to Chief Executive Officer of Turkish Airlines.

WHO'SNEWS: TURKISH AIRLINES

Apr 13, 2026

Prof. Murat Şeker to Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines.

WHO'SNEWS: SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS

Apr 13, 2026

Matshela Seshibe was appointed Interim Group CEO of South African Airways after Prof. John Lamola resigned.

WHO'SNEWS: STANDARDAERO

Apr 13, 2026

Danielle Vardaro to Vice President of Sales and Business Development-Americas, Component Repair Services, of StandardAero.

WHO'SNEWS: STANDARDAERO

Apr 13, 2026

Ron Gillette to Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing and Customer Experience-Business Aviation of StandardAero.

WHO'SNEWS: COLTALA AEROSPACE

Apr 14, 2026

Phil Bathurst to President of Coltala Aerospace, TX.

WHO'SNEWS: AERGO CAPITAL

Apr 14, 2026

Paul Sheridan to Chief Executive Officer of Aergo Capital (effective June 2).

WHO'SNEWS: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

Apr 14, 2026

Sabrina Callahan to Chief Digital and Marketing Officer of Southwest Airlines.

WHO'SNEWS: ATR

Apr 15, 2026

Damien Proust to Senior Vice President-Engineering and Head of Design Organization of ATR (effective May 1).

WHO'SNEWS: AEOLUS ENGINE SERVICES

Apr 15, 2026

Clare Maloney to Senior Vice President-Operations of Aeolus Engine Services, Ireland.

WHO'SNEWS: AEOLUS ENGINE SERVICES

Apr 15, 2026

Ibrahim Abushattal to Corporate Strategy & Development Officer of Aeolus Engine Services, Ireland.

WHO'SNEWS: TRUEAERO

Apr 15, 2026

Toby Page to Senior Vice President-Head of Technical of TrueAero, TX.

WHO'SNEWS: AERCAP

Apr 15, 2026

Doug Parker to Non-Executive Director of AerCap.

WHO'SNEWS: BOLIVIANA

Apr 17, 2026

Eduardo Alejandro Valdivia Medling to Chief Executive Officer of Boliviana.

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