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Air China Boeing 747-8 Damaged By Refuelling Truck At JFK, Beijing Flight Cancelled

Air China Boeing 747-8 Damaged By Refuelling Truck At JFK, Beijing Flight Cancelled

Aviation Today News Desk / September 3, 2026

New York, United States: An Air China Boeing 747-8, registration B-2486, was damaged during a ground refuelling operation at John […]

international operations. Beijing, China: Air China’s COMAC C919 completed its first scheduled international passenger service on August 12, 2026, when flight CA723 departed Beijing Capital International Airport at about 3 p.m. for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, marking the first time the Chinese-developed narrowbody aircraft carried passengers on a regular route between China and another country. The aircraft arrived at Chinggis Khaan International Airport at about 4:58 p.m. with 121 passengers onboard. China operates the route daily, with CA723 scheduled to depart Beijing at 3 p.m. and arrive in Ulaanbaatar at 5:15 p.m., while return flight CA724 departs Ulaanbaatar at 6:30 p.m. and reaches Beijing at 8:35 p.m., with all times local. The Beijing-Ulaanbaatar operation marks the latest stage in the C919’s commercial development since the aircraft entered airline service in 2023. The C919 was developed by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the country’s state-owned commercial aircraft manufacturer, as China’s first domestically developed narrowbody mainline jet built to international airworthiness standards. COMAC lists the aircraft’s basic configuration at 158 to 192 seats, with a range of 4,075 to 5,555 kilometers. The programme reached a major milestone on November 2, 2015, when the first C919 completed final assembly and rolled out, followed by its maiden flight on May 5, 2017. The aircraft received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on September 29, 2022, and the first C919 was delivered to launch customer China Eastern Airlines on December 9, 2022. China Eastern subsequently operated the aircraft’s first commercial passenger flight on May 28, 2023, completing the development, manufacturing, certification and commercial-entry stages of the programme. The C919’s international exposure began before Wednesday’s scheduled service. In February 2024, a China Eastern C919 flew to Singapore for the Singapore Airshow, marking the aircraft’s first appearance at the event. COMAC then conducted a series of demonstration flights in Southeast Asia in 2024, including visits to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia, to assess the aircraft’s compatibility with local airports, ground-support equipment and operating procedures. The C919 programme has also expanded beyond the original aircraft configuration. On July 29, 2026, COMAC conducted the first flight of the C919 high-altitude variant at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The aircraft flew for 1 hour and 59 minutes and completed all planned test items. COMAC said the variant incorporates a shortened fuselage and system modifications designed for high-altitude operations. The aircraft remains heavily dependent on an international supply chain. Its LEAP-1C engines are supplied by CFM International, the GE Aerospace-Safran joint venture, while Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, Parker Hannifin, Moog and other Western companies supply systems and equipment. Air Data News reported that this dependence became particularly visible during the 2025 US-China trade dispute, when Washington temporarily suspended export licenses involving technology and engines destined for COMAC before the restrictions were later lifted. The C919’s dependence on foreign technology has also been a factor in China’s efforts to develop domestic alternatives. Replacing established Western systems requires more than manufacturing substitute components, because replacement systems must meet requirements for reliability, weight, fuel efficiency, durability and certification. Production has been another major part of the programme’s development. COMAC delivered 15 C919 aircraft to customers in 2025, well below an earlier target of 75 aircraft. South China Morning Post reported in January 2026 that COMAC was targeting at least 28 deliveries during 2026 and that, if production reached the expected pace, the manufacturer could produce one C919 every 10 to 15 days. The report said two aircraft had already taken shape during the first three weeks of 2026 and were undergoing delivery procedures. COMAC has also been expanding its production infrastructure. ChinaTravelNews reported in July 2026 that deliveries were expected to reach at least 28 C919 aircraft in 2026, with production potentially increasing to one aircraft every 10 to 15 days. The second phase of the C919 final-assembly-line expansion in Shanghai Pudong is expected to take annual production capacity above 100 aircraft, while COMAC has set a longer-term target of 200 aircraft a year by 2029. Earlier production plans were even more ambitious. In March 2025, COMAC raised its planned C919 production capacity for that year to 75 aircraft from an earlier target of 50, while setting a 200-aircraft annual production objective for 2029. The actual 2025 delivery figure subsequently came in at 15 aircraft. The C919’s order book has been concentrated largely among Chinese airlines. By December 2024, Air Data News reported that Air China, China Southern and China Eastern together had ordered 306 C919 aircraft, although only 14 had been delivered to the three carriers at that point. COMAC was simultaneously exploring potential overseas customers in Indonesia, Cambodia and Kazakhstan, while Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia and Brazil’s Total Linhas A

China’s Homegrown C919 Makes International Debut With Air China Flight To Mongolia

Aviation Today News Desk / August 13, 2026

Beijing, China: Air China’s COMAC C919 completed its first scheduled international passenger service on August 12, 2026, when flight CA723

Chinese Airlines Place US$17.8 Billion Order For 95 Airbus Jets, Deliveries By 2032 SEO DES: Air China ordered 15 A350-900s, while Shenzhen and Hainan Airlines each ordered 40 A320neos in a US$17.8 billion deal for 95 Airbus jets SOCIAL: Three Chinese airlines Air China, Shenzhen Airlines and Hainan Airlines have announced orders for a combined 95 Airbus aircraft worth approximately US$17.8 billion at list prices, according to regulatory filings submitted to the Shanghai Stock Exchange on July 17, 2026. The orders include 15 Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft for Air China and 80 Airbus A320neo family aircraft for Shenzhen Airlines and Hainan Airlines. Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2032, with the airlines noting that actual purchase prices will be lower than published list prices due to customary commercial discounts. The acquisitions are aimed at expanding fleet capacity, improving fuel efficiency and supporting future network growth. Beijing, China: Three Chinese airlines have announced plans to acquire a combined 95 Airbus aircraft with a total list price of approximately US$17.8 billion, marking one of the largest commercial aircraft orders disclosed by Chinese carriers this year as they expand capacity and modernise their fleets. The orders were announced on July 17, 2026, through separate regulatory filings submitted to the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) by Air China and Hainan Airlines. Air China's filing also covered an order by its majority-owned subsidiary, Shenzhen Airlines. No separate press release had been issued by Airbus at the time of the announcements. Under the agreements, Air China will purchase 15 Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft, while Shenzhen Airlines will acquire 40 Airbus A320neo family aircraft. Together, the two orders carry a combined list value of approximately US$12.44 billion, comprising US$6.09 billion for the A350-900s and US$6.35 billion for the A320neo aircraft. Separately, Hainan Airlines announced an order for 40 Airbus A320neo family aircraft with a total list price of up to US$5.4 billion. Combined with the Air China and Shenzhen Airlines purchases, the three carriers' commitments amount to 95 Airbus aircraft valued at roughly US$17.8 billion at catalogue prices. According to the exchange filings, deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to take place between 2028 and 2032, although Air China stated that the actual purchase price will be significantly lower than the published list price after customary commercial discounts offered by aircraft manufacturers. Air China said the acquisition would strengthen its long-haul fleet while improving operational efficiency. The airline estimated that, once all aircraft are delivered, the additional capacity would increase its available passenger and cargo capacity by approximately 7.1% compared with its existing fleet. Shenzhen Airlines said its new A320neo family aircraft would support domestic and regional network growth while improving fleet efficiency. The subsidiary expects the purchase to increase its passenger capacity by around 4.3% upon completion of deliveries. The latest commitments continue a broader trend among Chinese carriers investing in fleet renewal despite ongoing financial pressures, including elevated fuel costs. Airbus has secured several significant orders from Chinese airlines this year, reinforcing its position in one of the world's largest aviation markets. Primary Sources: Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/air-china-shenzhen-airlines-order-55-airbus-jets-with-list-price-124-billion-2026-07-17/ Business World: https://www.businessworld.in/article/chinese-airlines-place-order-of-17-8-billion-for-95-airbus-jets-615333

Chinese Airlines Place US$17.8 Billion Order For 95 Airbus Jets, Deliveries By 2032

Aviation Today News Desk / July 18, 2026

Beijing, China: Three Chinese airlines have announced plans to acquire a combined 95 Airbus aircraft with a total list price

Beijing, China China’s three largest state-owned airlines Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines are expected to record combined second-quarter losses of more than RMB 10 billion ($1.48 billion) after a sharp increase in jet fuel prices wiped out profits achieved during the first three months of 2026. The downturn follows a profitable first quarter, when the three carriers collectively earned about RMB 4.8 billion ($710 million), supported by strong Lunar New Year travel demand, recovering international traffic and lower fuel prices. However, rising oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict reversed the recovery during the April-June period. Based on company filings, the three airlines are forecasting a combined first-half net loss between RMB 7.37 billion ($1.09 billion) and RMB 8.97 billion ($1.33 billion). The second-quarter loss is estimated at more than RMB 10 billion ($1.48 billion), effectively eliminating their first-quarter profits. Air China expects a first-half net loss of RMB 2.1 billion to RMB 2.6 billion ($293 million-$363 million). China Eastern Airlines has forecast a loss of RMB 3.5 billion to RMB 4 billion, while China Southern Airlines expects a loss between RMB 2.7 billion and RMB 3.3 billion. The losses mark a significant reversal from the first quarter. China Southern reported a first-quarter net profit of RMB 1.48 billion ($216 million), recovering from a RMB 747 million loss in the same period last year. Air China posted a RMB 1.71 billion profit compared with a RMB 2.04 billion loss a year earlier, while China Eastern recorded RMB 1.63 billion profit after a previous-year loss of RMB 995 million. Fuel costs emerged as the biggest pressure point for the carriers. Jet fuel remains the largest operating expense for airlines, typically accounting for around 30%-35% of total operating costs. The escalation in international crude oil prices pushed domestic jet fuel prices significantly higher, with April prices exceeding the previous record reached in July 2022. May fuel prices were reported to be twice the level recorded during the same period in 2025. The Middle East conflict that began in March triggered a rapid increase in oil prices. Industry executives highlighted fuel exposure as the primary impact on airline operations, with fuel prices in March reportedly rising sharply compared with January and February levels. Unlike many international carriers that use extensive fuel-hedging strategies to protect against price volatility, Chinese airlines hedge only a limited portion of their fuel consumption. This has left the country’s largest carriers more exposed to sudden increases in fuel prices, particularly because of their large fleets and extensive domestic and international networks. The impact has also been amplified by weaker passenger demand. Analysts noted that China’s slowing economic growth, adverse weather conditions and increasing competition from high-speed rail have affected domestic air travel demand. Domestic travel demand reportedly declined 6.2% in May, marking one of the weakest performances among major aviation markets. The difficult environment has also affected expectations for the summer travel season. July and August passenger numbers are projected to decline 3.6% year on year, while average daily flights and economy-class fares are expected to remain under pressure.

China’s Big 3 Airlines Face $1.48 Bn Q2 Losses As Fuel Surge Erases First-Quarter Gains

Aviation Today News Desk / July 17, 2026

Beijing, China China’s three largest state-owned airlines Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines are expected to record

Beijing, China: Air China and Rolls-Royce have completed their USD 315 million engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Beijing, marking a major expansion of Rolls-Royce’s service network in mainland China. The joint venture, Beijing Aero Engine Services Ltd (BAESL), will induct its first engine in December 2025, with full commercial operations scheduled for early 2026. The Beijing site will overhaul Trent 700, Trent XWB-84, and Trent 1000 engines, which power A330, A350 and Boeing 787 fleets operated by Chinese carriers. Rolls-Royce said BAESL is designed as a “digitally enabled, next-generation” shop with advanced tooling and automation. According to official Beijing investment authorities, the facility spans more than 80,000 sq. m and will employ up to 800 staff once fully ramped up. It is expected to reach an annual capacity of 250 engine shop visits by the mid-2030s. This is Rolls-Royce’s first MRO joint venture on mainland China and its fourth globally, complementing HAESL in Hong Kong, SAESL in Singapore, and N3 in Germany. For Air China, the project strengthens domestic overhaul capability for high-thrust wide-body engines, reducing dependency on overseas shops. Air China executives said the facility will support the “industrialisation and localisation” of China’s engine maintenance ecosystem. Rolls-Royce leaders noted that China’s expanding wide-body fleet with nearly 600 Trent engines in service requires long-term, locally available maintenance capacity. BAESL is situated in Shunyi District, inside the Beijing Capital International Airport Economic Zone. Infrastructure includes overhaul bays, advanced engine testing facilities, parts warehousing and digital monitoring centres. With the JV now structurally complete, Rolls-Royce and Air China will begin progressive operational readiness checks before the first Trent engine arrives later this year. The facility is expected to significantly cut turnaround times for Chinese operators and reinforce China’s position as a major MRO hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

Air China And Rolls-Royce Complete $315 Million Engine MRO Facility In Beijing

Aviation Today News Desk / November 25, 2025

Beijing, China: Air China and Rolls-Royce have completed their USD 315 million engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in

Tuva, Russia: An Air China Airbus A350-900 operating as Flight CA967 from Shanghai Pudong to Milan Malpensa was involved in a serious airspace incident over southern Siberia after it climbed through an occupied flight level, coming dangerously close to a cargo aircraft. According to preliminary radar and ATC data, the Air China aircraft began a climb from 34,100 feet to 36,000 feet without receiving explicit clearance from Russian air traffic control. During this unauthorized climb, the aircraft came within approximately 300 to 400 feet vertically of an SF Airlines Boeing 767 freighter cruising at 35,000 feet on a crossing path. The incident occurred over the Tuva region of the Russian Federation at approximately 21:39 UTC. TCAS Resolution Prevents Collision Both aircraft were equipped with functioning Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), which detected the impending conflict and issued resolution advisories. Crews on both aircraft responded promptly to TCAS instructions. No collision occurred, and both flights continued to their respective destinations without further incident. The separation between the two aircraft fell significantly below the minimum vertical separation required under ICAO standards, which is 1,000 feet for aircraft at cruising altitude. Controller-Pilot Communication Discrepancies Cockpit audio recordings released on social media and verified by local media outlets reveal apparent miscommunication between the Air China crew and Russian air traffic control. In the audio, the pilot of the SF Airlines cargo aircraft can be heard questioning the Air China flight’s climb, stating that the aircraft had initiated the climb while only 20 nautical miles ahead and without clearance. The Air China pilot did not confirm that clearance was received and appeared to acknowledge that the climb had not been explicitly approved. Russian controllers can be heard instructing other aircraft in the vicinity to maintain level flight to avoid additional conflict during the incident. Investigation Authorities from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) have launched a joint investigation. Both regulatory bodies have confirmed that standard incident reporting procedures have been initiated and that flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, and ATC logs will be reviewed. Officials are examining possible causes including frequency congestion, language barriers, and incorrect readbacks. The Tuva region lies within a transition area where communication overlaps and limited coverage have previously been noted in operational reports. No passengers or crew were injured during the incident. Flight CA967 continued to Milan Malpensa, arriving on schedule. The SF Airlines Boeing 767 also completed its scheduled route without diversion. Authorities have not yet released the final investigation timeline. Air China has not issued a public statement as of this report.

Air China A350 Breaches Altitude Separation, Near-Miss with Cargo Jet Over Russia

Aviation Today News Desk / July 16, 2025

Tuva, Russia: An Air China Airbus A350-900 operating as Flight CA967 from Shanghai Pudong to Milan Malpensa was involved in

China Suspends Boeing Orders Over US Tariffs, Opens Door for Indian Airlines to Gain. Chinese carriers were set to receive approximately 180 Boeing jets from 2025 to 2027, impacting Boeing's 25% market share in China in 2018, a significant setback | Aviation Today

Air China, Boeing, Chinese Airlines

China Suspends Boeing Orders Over US Tariffs, Opens Door for Indian Airlines to Gain

Aviation Today News Desk / April 16, 2025

Picture Credits: Byeangel CHINA: China has instructed its domestic airlines to halt deliveries of Boeing aircraft, escalating tensions in the