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Toulouse, France: Airbus has significantly revised its long-term aircraft demand outlook projecting a global need for 43,420 new aircraft, both passenger and cargo between 2025 and 2044. This fresh forecast, released just ahead of the 2025 Paris Air Show signals strong confidence in the aviation industry's resilience and the growing global demand for air travel, even amid lingering supply chain challenges and geopolitical uncertainties. Of the total projected deliveries, approximately 39,500 will be passenger aircraft, and 3,920 will be freighters, with 920 of those being newly built cargo aircraft. The rest will come from conversions of existing passenger jets into freighters, a trend driven by the ongoing surge in e-commerce and express delivery demand worldwide. According to Airbus, 80% of all new aircraft will be single-aisle jets such as the A320 family. These aircraft are in high demand across fast-growing domestic and regional aviation markets, especially in countries like India, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines where more people are flying than ever before. These markets are witnessing rapid population growth, an expanding middle class, and improved airport infrastructure, creating conditions ripe for aviation growth. The remaining 20% of aircraft will be wide-body aircraft, which are typically used for long-haul international flights. Demand for these aircraft is expected to come from countries with large international hubs such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore, the United States, Germany, and France. These nations play key roles in global connectivity, acting as transfer points between continents and regions. China is set to dominate the demand, with Airbus projecting the country will need over 9,000 new aircraft by 2044, more than 20% of the global total. This makes China the single largest aviation market outside the U.S., with growth driven by a mix of expanding domestic travel, regional connections, and increasing international operations. India, already among the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, is expected to require more than 2,500 new aircraft over the same period. The Indian government's push to improve regional connectivity through the UDAN scheme, combined with a young population and rapid urbanization, continues to fuel the country’s aviation boom. The Middle East, with ambitious aviation projects like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM airport, UAE’s Al Maktoum International Airport, and Qatar’s long-term expansion plans, will remain a key region for wide-body orders. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are actively investing in new-generation aircraft to support their growing fleets and airline ambitions. In Africa, while demand is smaller in absolute terms, the continent is expected to double its fleet size. Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa are projected to see strong growth, especially in intra-African connectivity, which has been historically underserved. Airbus estimates that the global passenger traffic will grow by 3.6% annually over the next 20 years. This growth is consistent across emerging and developed markets and is driven by a mix of population growth, tourism recovery, business travel, and international trade. At the same time, the total number of aircraft in service worldwide is expected to rise from 24,240 aircraft in 2024 to around 48,230 by 2044. By then, nearly 95% of the global fleet will be comprised of new-generation aircraft, underlining the shift toward more fuel-efficient, quieter, and lower-emission designs. Despite ongoing bottlenecks in engine deliveries, avionics, and cabin interiors, Airbus remains committed to delivering 820 aircraft in 2025. While production has been affected in the short term, the long-term outlook remains optimistic. The company continues to ramp up output, particularly for its A320neo family, which remains a global bestseller. The new forecast from Airbus underscores a global aviation industry that is not only recovering but preparing for its next era of expansion, one that is greener, more connected, and more geographically diverse than ever before. With countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America contributing significantly to future fleet growth, the next two decades could see air travel become even more accessible and essential to economies worldwide.

India, China Lead Airbus’ 2044 Outlook with 43,000+ Aircraft Demand Projected Globally

Aviation Today News Desk / June 16, 2025

Picture Credits: Airbus Toulouse, France: Airbus has significantly revised its long-term aircraft demand outlook projecting a global need for 43,420 […]

Airlines

Singapore-Based Jetstar Asia to Shut Down after 20 Years Amid Heavy Losses

Aviation Today News Desk / June 12, 2025

Picture Credits: Jetstar Asia Singapore: Jetstar Asia, the Singapore-based low-cost airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Qantas Group,

San Diego, United States: A tragic small plane crash off the coast of San Diego has claimed the lives of all six people on board, including the pilot and five passengers. The aircraft, a twin-engine Cessna 414, went down in the Pacific Ocean just minutes after taking off from San Diego International Airport on Sunday afternoon. According to officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft had departed from San Diego shortly after 12:30 p.m. and was reportedly en route back to Phoenix, Arizona. Moments into the flight, air traffic controllers instructed the pilot to climb to an altitude of 4,000 feet. However, flight tracking data revealed that the plane was struggling to gain altitude and remained around 1,000 feet before it rapidly disappeared from radar. Distress calls from the pilot included repeated “Mayday” alerts before the aircraft crashed into the ocean approximately three to five miles off the coast of Point Loma. Witnesses in the area reported hearing the calls over radio transmissions, and authorities confirmed that an emergency was declared shortly before the plane vanished. The U.S. Coast Guard, San Diego Harbor Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and San Diego lifeguards responded immediately to the incident, launching a large-scale search and recovery operation. A debris field was located in waters estimated to be around 200 feet deep. The Coast Guard later confirmed that all six individuals on board were found deceased. The Cessna 414 involved in the crash had previously been registered to Optimal Health Systems, a company based in Arizona. However, the company has stated publicly that it sold the aircraft in 2023 and is no longer associated with its ownership or operation. As of now, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), FAA, and Coast Guard are jointly investigating the cause of the crash. Investigators are reviewing flight data, air traffic control communications, and maintenance records to determine what led to the fatal incident. Recovery of wreckage and any flight recording devices will also play a key role in the ongoing probe. Officials have not yet released the identities of those on board, pending notification of next of kin. This incident adds to a growing number of general aviation accidents reported in recent months across the United States. Aviation safety authorities continue to emphasize the importance of strict compliance with flight planning, maintenance standards, and pilot qualifications, especially in small aircraft operations. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses. Aviation Today will continue to provide verified updates as they are made available by federal and local authorities.

Aircraft Crashes

Six Dead After Cessna 414 Crashes Into Pacific Minutes After Takeoff from San Diego

Aviation Today News Desk / June 10, 2025

Picture Credits: U.S. Coast Guard San Diego San Diego, United States: A tragic small plane crash off the coast of

Bengaluru, India: In a significant milestone for India’s newest airline, Akasa Air has officially inducted its 29th aircraft into its growing fleet. The new Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, bearing the registration VT-YBG, landed at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Sunday. Akasa Air, which began operations in August 2022, has now reached 29 aircraft in less than three years of commercial service. This addition underscores the airline’s accelerated fleet expansion plan, which aims to double its current capacity in the next two years. The latest aircraft is part of Akasa’s large order book of over 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, including both the MAX 8 and the high-density MAX 8-200 variants. The MAX 8-200 aircraft offer increased seating and fuel efficiency, enabling the airline to improve operating economics while maintaining passenger comfort. The airline’s operations team and ground staff welcomed the aircraft with customary water cannon salutes and internal handover protocols. Akasa officials stated that this induction not only marks a numeric achievement but also aligns with the airline’s strategy to increase route frequency and add new destinations across India and abroad. The fleet expansion is crucial to accommodate the rising passenger demand, particularly as the aviation sector sees strong recovery and growth across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Alongside its growing fleet, Akasa is actively preparing for operations out of the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airline’s leadership, including CEO Vinay Dube, confirmed that Akasa plans to operate up to 50 daily departures from the new airport once it becomes operational. Initial schedules are expected to include around 15 domestic and international flights. This move is seen as part of Akasa’s long-term strategy to diversify airport bases and serve emerging passenger corridors beyond existing metros. With consistent aircraft deliveries and a focused route network strategy, Akasa Air continues to position itself as a major player in the Indian aviation sector.

Airlines

Akasa Air Receives 29th Boeing 737 MAX, Plans 50 Daily Flights from Navi Mumbai Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / June 10, 2025

Picture Credits: Akasa Air Bengaluru, India: In a significant milestone for India’s newest airline, Akasa Air has officially inducted its

Airlines

SriLankan Airlines Adds A330-200 to Fleet, Targets New Routes & More Aircraft in 2025

Aviation Today News Desk / June 6, 2025

Picture Credits: SriLankan Airlines Colombo, Sri Lanka: In a significant step toward reviving its long-haul capabilities, SriLankan Airlines has taken

Denver, United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary findings into the dramatic engine fire that broke out on American Airlines Flight 1006 minutes after landing at Denver International Airport on March 13, 2025. The incident involved a Boeing 737‑800 that had departed from Colorado Springs and was originally headed for Dallas-Fort Worth before being diverted to Denver due to engine anomalies. In its preliminary report (DCA25FA159), the NTSB revealed that the fire was triggered by a fuel leak in the aircraft’s No. 2 (right) engine. The cause of the leak has been traced to improper maintenance work, including a part that was installed loosely and in the wrong orientation, and another component that was not securely fastened. These issues likely allowed fuel to escape, which ignited once the aircraft had landed and was taxiing to the gate. This update follows initial reporting by Aviation Today, which covered the incident when it occurred. At the time, passengers were seen evacuating the aircraft via emergency slides, and thick smoke was observed billowing from the right engine. According to the NTSB, 12 passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation. One overwing exit and the jetbridge slide were deployed, while the rear slide failed to function. The remaining 166 passengers and crew exited safely. The fire was extinguished promptly by emergency crews stationed at Denver International Airport. American Airlines has confirmed that it is cooperating fully with investigators and has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety. The airline has not yet issued a detailed statement on the maintenance issues cited in the report. The NTSB emphasized that this is a preliminary report and further investigation is underway. While it includes critical factual information, the final cause and any safety recommendations will be issued in a later phase. Engine fires, though rare, pose significant risk especially if they occur during flight. In this incident, identifying fuel system vulnerabilities and maintenance errors could lead to industry-wide adjustments in inspection protocols.

Investigation

Misinstalled Engine Parts Led to March Fire on American Airlines Flight in Denver: NTSB

Aviation Today News Desk / June 6, 2025

Picture credits: X Denver, United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary findings into the dramatic

Helsinki, Finland: Finland’s flag carrier, Finnair, continues to face serious operational disruptions due to ongoing labor strikes involving its pilots and wider industrial actions across Finland. These strikes have resulted in widespread flight cancellations and travel delays, affecting tens of thousands of passengers. What’s Happening? Finnair has been entangled in two parallel labor disputes over the past few months: Pilot Disputes: The Finnish Airline Pilots’ Association (SLL) has been engaged in a prolonged negotiation with Finnair after their previous collective agreement expired in September 2024. In the absence of a new deal, pilots initiated a series of industrial actions, including short-term strikes, overtime refusals, and stand-by bans. Political Strikes: Separately, larger-scale political strikes in Finland organized by trade unions protesting government labor reforms have also affected Finnair’s ability to maintain regular operations. These strikes are not targeted at Finnair specifically but have had significant knock-on effects on airline services at Finnish airports. Timeline of Major Disruptions December 9 and 13, 2024: Finnair was forced to cancel around 300 flights due to pilot strikes. Approximately 33,000 passengers were affected. Finnair cited difficulties in crew availability as the core issue. February 1–2, 2024: A political strike led to the cancellation of approximately 550 Finnair flights over two days, affecting an estimated 60,000 passengers. May 2, 2025: A four-hour pilot strike once again paralyzed operations, leading to the cancellation of 140 flights and affecting over 12,000 passengers, according to Finnish media outlets and airport operators. June 4, 2025 (Current Strike): Finnair canceled approximately 110 flights due to an industrial action by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) at Helsinki Airport. The strike affected around 11,000 passengers, with disruptions centered on ground services critical to operations. Finnair’s Official Response In a statement issued via its official newsroom, Finnair acknowledged the difficulties and urged passengers to remain informed via their digital channels: “We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers due to these disruptions. Our teams are working around the clock to assist affected passengers and minimize delays. We encourage all travelers to check their flight status on the Finnair mobile app or website before heading to the airport.” — Finnair Press Release, news.cision.com Finnair has also activated customer support resources, including rebooking tools and automatic notifications for affected passengers. Passengers can access the “Manage Booking” section on Finnair’s website for rescheduling or refunds. What Passengers Need to Know Check Flight Status Frequently: Finnair recommends checking for real-time updates through its official mobile app or website. Rebooking and Refunds: Passengers on canceled flights are typically offered alternative flight options or full refunds. Automatic rebooking may apply for some travelers. Compensation Eligibility: Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers may be eligible for compensation if the cancellation is not deemed an “extraordinary circumstance.” In the case of political strikes, airlines are often exempt from compensation duties. For pilot strikes, however, the situation varies based on court precedents. Baggage Delays: Passengers have reported delayed baggage delivery at Helsinki Airport due to reduced ground staff. It is advisable to carry essentials in hand luggage. Why Are These Strikes Happening? Finnair’s challenges are part of broader tensions in Finland’s labor landscape. Trade unions are protesting government-led labor reforms aimed at making employment contracts more flexible. The Finnish Confederation of Professionals (STTK) and other umbrella organizations have staged multiple walkouts in solidarity. On the airline-specific front, pilots are pushing back against what they describe as wage stagnation, increased workload expectations, and reduced job security following the COVID-19 restructuring. Finnair has countered that its current financial position requires "cost-conscious agreements" to ensure long-term viability, especially after the closure of Russian airspace has heavily impacted its Asian routes. No resolution has been formally announced as of early June 2025. Both Finnair management and pilot representatives continue negotiations, but further disruptions cannot be ruled out. Passengers with upcoming travel plans are advised to monitor their booking status closely, opt for travel insurance, and avoid tight layovers or time-sensitive itineraries when flying with Finnair in the coming weeks.

Europe

Pilot and Ground Crew Strikes Force Finnair to Cancel 110 Flights, Affecting Thousands

Aviation Today News Desk / June 3, 2025

Picture Credits: Helsinki Airport Helsinki, Finland: Finland’s flag carrier, Finnair, continues to face serious operational disruptions due to ongoing labor

Air Canada, Air Traffic Controller, Airlines, Pilots

Air Canada Pilot’s Frustration Over ATC Shortage Goes Public During Tarmac Delay

Aviation Today News Desk / May 28, 2025

Picture Credit: Air Canada Vancouver, Canada: A delayed flight, a frustrated pilot, and a candid announcement over the intercom have

Boeing has reached a tentative $1.1 billion agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to settle criminal charges related to the 737 MAX crashes of 2018 and 2019, which killed 346 people. The deal includes financial penalties, a victims' fund, and enhanced oversight measures. Boeing avoids trial but admits to misleading the FAA, drawing criticism from victims' families and sparking debate on corporate accountability

Airplane Crashes, Boeing, Investigation, United States

Boeing Escapes Trial, $1.1B Deal With DOJ Over 737 MAX Crashes That Killed 346 People

Aviation Today News Desk / May 24, 2025

Picture Credits: PK-REN (Flickr) Seattle, United States: In a major legal development, Boeing has reached a tentative $1.1 billion agreement

An IndiGo Airbus A321neo operating as Flight 6E2142 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered a severe hailstorm during descent, resulting in significant damage to its nose cone and onboard weather radar. The aircraft, carrying 227 passengers and crew, landed safely despite the damage. No injuries were reported. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an inquiry into the incident. The flight crew followed standard protocols, and maintenance teams are now assessing the full extent of structural impact.

Incidents, IndiGo

IndiGo Flight Hit by Hailstorm Near Srinagar, Nose Damaged in Mid-Air Emergency

Aviation Today News Desk / May 22, 2025

Picture Credits: X New Delhi, India: An IndiGo flight en route from Delhi to Srinagar was forced to declare an

airline news

India, China Lead Airbus’ 2044 Outlook with 43,000+ Aircraft Demand Projected Globally

Singapore-Based Jetstar Asia to Shut Down after 20 Years Amid Heavy Losses

Six Dead After Cessna 414 Crashes Into Pacific Minutes After Takeoff from San Diego

Akasa Air Receives 29th Boeing 737 MAX, Plans 50 Daily Flights from Navi Mumbai Airport

SriLankan Airlines Adds A330-200 to Fleet, Targets New Routes & More Aircraft in 2025

Misinstalled Engine Parts Led to March Fire on American Airlines Flight in Denver: NTSB

Pilot and Ground Crew Strikes Force Finnair to Cancel 110 Flights, Affecting Thousands

Air Canada Pilot’s Frustration Over ATC Shortage Goes Public During Tarmac Delay

Boeing Escapes Trial, $1.1B Deal With DOJ Over 737 MAX Crashes That Killed 346 People

IndiGo Flight Hit by Hailstorm Near Srinagar, Nose Damaged in Mid-Air Emergency

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