Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet passes 1 billion passengers: Boeing announced the 787 Dreamliner fleet has surpassed 1 billion passengers faster than any widebody commercial airplane in history, accomplishing the feat in less than 14 years since entering service. The global 787 fleet of more than 1,175 airplanes has flown nearly 5 million flights covering more than 30 million flight hours. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet surpassed 1 billion passengers on April 30, 2025, faster than any widebody commercial airplane in history and in less than 14 years since entering service. “This milestone would not have been possible without the trust and confidence of our customers in operating the 787, and we are incredibly grateful for each of them,” said Scott Stocker, Boeing 787 program vice president and general manager. “The 787 Dreamliner family was designed to connect people and places like never before. Flying over 1 billion passengers in this relatively short time is a testament to how the airplane has delivered on its promises to transform air travel with operational versatility, efficiency and comfort. This achievement reflects the dedication, talent and innovation of the teammates and partners who have brought the 787 family to life. To every operator flying the 787 and every one of the 1 billion passengers who have flown on a Dreamliner, thank you.”
ICAO Council condemns radio frequency interference: Through its decision published on 17 April 2025, the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) noted with grave concern the continuing incidents of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) radio frequency interference in the Incheon Flight Information Region (FIR), which have been ongoing since 2 October 2024. The Council noted that these interference incidents, originating from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), continue despite previous Council decisions. These incidents jeopardise the safety of international air navigation and contradict principles enshrined in the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) and its Annexes. The Council strongly urged the DPRK to fully implement those previous decisions and to comply strictly with its obligations under the Chicago Convention. The Council has also reiterated its call to the DPRK to ensure that similar occurrences do not recur in the future. Given the serious and continuous risk to international civil aviation, the Council will shortly consider reporting this matter to the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly to be held in September 2025, in accordance with Article 54(k) of the Chicago Convention. The Council will continue to maintain close oversight of developments regarding this situation.
DXB delivers a strong start to 2025 with 23.4 million guests in Q1: Dubai International (DXB) welcomed 23.4 million guests in the first quarter of 2025, maintaining strong momentum. Traffic was up 1.5% compared to the same period in 2024, despite a record-breaking Q1 last year. January alone saw the highest monthly traffic ever recorded at DXB – welcoming 8.5 million guests – an achievement made possible not just by infrastructure, but by the coordinated effort of thousands of people behind the scenes. India retained its position as DXB’s top destination country, with 3 million guests, followed by Saudi Arabia (1.9 million), the UK (1.5 million), Pakistan (1 million), the US (804,000), and Germany (738,000). At the city level, London led with 935,000 guests, followed by Riyadh (759,000), Jeddah (627,000), Mumbai (615,000), and New Delhi (564,000). Leisure travel also surged during the quarter, driven by a seasonal peak at the start of the year, Eid holidays, and spring break, with double-digit increases in traffic to destinations such as the Czech Republic (+30.6%), Vietnam (+28.6%), and Spain (+20.2%). Cargo volumes registered a minor contraction of 3.6% year-on-year during the first quarter, with DXB handling 517,000 tonnes of cargo. DXB also recorded 111,000 flight movements in Q1, up 1.9% over the same period last year, with an average of 215 guests per flight. Despite the continued growth in guest volumes, DXB sustained high levels of operational efficiency. More than 21 million bags were processed in Q1, with the rate of mishandled baggage reduced to fewer than 1.95 bags per 1,000 guests, translating to a success rate of 99.8%.
ASECNA and Indra modernise African airports: ASECNA and Indra announced the successful completion of a significant project aimed at enhancing landing safety across 17 airports in Africa. This milestone marks the culmination of a contract valued at 15 million euros, awarded to Indra for the renewal of air traffic navigation systems. Within a project timeframe of less than 24 months, Indra has delivered and installed its state-of-the-art Normarc instrument landing systems (ILS) and distance measuring equipment (DME) in 17 airports across 12 countries operated by ASECNA. The project included end-to-end delivery of 12 DMEs, 18 localizers and 14 glide paths. During the project, Indra provided comprehensive technical training to nearly 100 technicians and engineers from ASECNA’s Air Traffic Safety Electronic Personnel (ATSEP).
ACTSI adds GVII-G500 / G600 to its capabilities: ACTSI announced they have recently received approval from the FAA to add the Gulfstream GVII-G500 / G600 airframe and associated engines to their Operations Specifications A003-1 capability. This is in line with ACTSI’s partnership with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to offer warranty work on Gulfstream aircraft further solidifying its position as a premier provider of aviation maintenance services in Asia. Gulfstream aircraft owners and operators can now rely on ACTSI for a wide range of warranty services on Gulfstream G280, G550, G650, and G650ER, G500, and G600 models, including routine maintenance, repairs, and inspections. This is coupled with ACTSI’s current component support services such as Wheel and Tire Services, Battery Repair Services, and Sheet Metal Repair Services.
Qatar Airways Cargo is launch customer for Mammoth Freighters 777-200LRMF: Qatar Airways Cargo has been named launch customer of the Mammoth Freighters 777-200LRMF and has finalised an agreement for five aircraft with Jetran, LLC – a Horseshoe Bay, Texas-based leader in aircraft leasing, sales, and aviation services. Mammoth Freighters also announced the successful completion of the initial test flight of its 777-200LRMF prototype freighter. The prototype aircraft, now registered as N705DN, took to the skies following an extensive and rigorous conversion process at Mammoth’s modification partner facility, Aspire MRO, in Fort Worth, Texas. This achievement demonstrates the advanced capabilities of the Mammoth 777-200LRMF, designed to set new standards for productivity and economy in the long-range widebody freighter market.
Greece orders eight Airbus H215s: Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection for the purchase of eight H215 helicopters (with an option for two additional aircraft) to support the combat of wildfires in the country following a tender conducted by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund (the National Fund of Greece) on behalf of the Ministry. This contract is supported by two European funds and aligns with the Ministry’s Aegis Programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Civil Protection forces. The contract will be based on a “government owned contractor operated” (GO-CO) model for which Airbus Helicopters will be partnering with experienced H215 firefighting operators, Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères, for the technical and operational support. “Wildfires have burned on average three to five million square kilometres globally in recent years with significant environmental consequences. It is an honour to have been selected to support the combat, with our H215 helicopters, that Greek communities face every year,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H215 is used around the world for firefighting missions with its ability to drop more than four tonnes of water at a time. Relying on experienced operators, such as Airtelis and SAF Aerogroup, is exactly what the French Securité Civile does. Airbus Helicopters has been a long-standing provider of helicopters for essential missions in the country and together with our GO-CO partners, we are sure that the H215 will be a vital and reliable asset,” he added.
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