AAV News in Brief 26 October 2025

BAE Systems, Aviation Concepts renew distribution deal: Aviation Concepts announced the renewal of its International Distributor Agreement with BAE Systems. Under this renewed agreement, Aviation Concepts will continue serving as an authorised distributor for BAE Systems’ aerospace products within the defined territory. This collaboration strengthens Aviation Concepts’ portfolio and expands access to BAE Systems’ trusted technologies and solutions for operators around the world. Through the collaboration, Aviation Concepts will leverage its proven customer support capabilities and global industry relationships to provide enhanced availability of BAE Systems’ products. The agreement builds on Aviation Concepts’ reputation as a trusted partner to commercial, regional, and corporate aviation customers worldwide. “BAE Systems is pleased to renew this distribution agreement, which represents a significant step in expanding market reach and strengthening our joint effort for long- term success,” said Tim Wells, director of asset management and new business programs at BAE Systems. Air Astana expands fleet: Air Astana took delivery of a new Airbus A321neo from the manufacturer’s facility in Hamburg, Germany on 17 October 2025. This is the sixth aircraft of this type to join the Air Astana Group fleet. Air Astana’s fleet now comprises of 62 modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and reliability. Despite ongoing challenges in the aviation industry, the airline continues with the steady renewal of its fleet as part of a sustainable growth strategy. The Air Astana Group plans to increase the fleet to 84 aircraft by 2029. Satair and Mercury Products sign global distribution deal: Satair and Airchair have signed a new five-year global distribution agreement covering Airchair I and Airchair II. This marks the first collaboration between the two companies and reflects their shared commitment to improving the passenger experience for travellers with reduced mobility. Airchair I has been in operation with airlines since 2007; Airchair II has been developed to fully comply with the latest US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations on accessibility. Compact, lightweight and easy to handle, the Airchair enables passengers with reduced mobility to access aircraft lavatories in greater comfort and dignity during flight. By working together, Satair and Airchair are helping airlines worldwide meet evolving accessibility standards while providing a meaningful improvement to the travel experience of passengers with reduced mobility. AerFin completes A320neo teardown, places engines:  AerFin announced the successful completion of a 2017-vintage Airbus A320neo disassembly carried out by SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) at its facility in the Philippines, SIAEP. The project marks a series of industry firsts for the region. Not only is this the first teardown of an A320neo in the Philippines, it is also SIAEP’s first-ever aircraft teardown. Completed nose-to-tail in just 30 days, the disassembly will make high-quality used serviceable parts from the world’s most in-demand narrowbody platform readily available to operators and MROs across Asia-Pacific. The aircraft, powered by PW1100 engines, forms part of AerFin’s growing pipeline of A320neo acquisitions. By partnering with SIAEP to complete the teardown within the region, AerFin is reducing lead times and strengthening supply chains to help customers access serviceable engines and components where and when they need them. AerFin also announced it has successfully placed two PW1100 engines removed from its fifth Airbus A320neo aircraft acquisition. The engines, purchased from EMP Aviation as part of AerFin’s ongoing partnership with a Middle Eastern investor, were removed in the Philippines by SIAEP (Singapore Airlines Engineering Philippines) and subsequently housed in Singapore by B&H Worldwide prior to their placement. Plaza Premium Group unveils lounges at   Techo International Airport: Plaza Premium Group (PPG) announced the opening of Plaza Premium First (PPF) and Plaza Premium Lounge (PPL) at the newly launched Techo International Airport (KTI) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This milestone marks the Group’s continued commitment to redefining airport hospitality worldwide while reinforcing its presence in Southeast Asia. Designed by Foster + Partners, the new airport supports Cambodia’s green energy and sustainable development goals, as it combines modern infrastructure with eco-friendly technologies and energy-efficient design. The opening of Plaza Premium Group’s two new airport lounges in Phnom Penh marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing expansion in Southeast Asia, further strengthening its award-winning hospitality presence and redefining the benchmarks of comfort and cultural immersion for international travellers. As the world’s leading independent airport lounge operator, PPG unites distinctive luxury and an authentic sense of place through its dual brands—Plaza Premium First and Plaza Premium Lounge—both crafted to enhance every moment of the travel experience. Flydubai announces new interline agreements: Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has announced seven new interline agreements, bringing the carrier’s total number of interline partners to more than 40. These strategic agreements give flydubai customers access to more than 30 destinations in Europe through Greece’s flagship carrier, Aegean Airlines, and Italy’s national carrier, ITA Airways. In addition, flydubai passengers travelling to the Far East and South-East Asia can enjoy greater connectivity to more than 90 destinations with Myanmar Airways International and Chinese airlines Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines and Sichuan Airlines. Through these new partnerships, passengers can benefit from a seamless travel experience with single-ticket itineraries and through-checked baggage, reflecting the carrier’s commitment to expanding connectivity and opening up new destinations. Today, flydubai has built a growing network of more than 135 destinations, enabling access to more than 300 destinations through its interline and codeshare partners. Virgin Atlantic renews Osprey Flight Solutions partnership: Virgin Atlantic has renewed its partnership with Osprey Flight Solutions, extending its five-year relationship for a further three years to support safe, efficient and effective global operations. As airlines face evolving operational pressures, from regulatory complexity to shifting geopolitical tensions, intelligence has become an essential tool for maintaining business continuity and mitigating risks. Virgin Atlantic’s daily security process includes the use of Osprey’s platform, enabling its teams to assess risks quickly, adapt flight planning in real time and avoid disruption. Nigel Williams, Global Head of Security, Virgin Atlantic, says: “The growing geopolitical instability has made Osprey’s aviation risk platform a must have for us. As an airline, we have a responsibility to our passengers in ensuring they are protected during their journey. The unrivalled insight Osprey delivers is absolutely vital for running our business securely, giving us the confidence to make timely, informed decisions that keep our operations running smoothly.” Elysian Aircraft and TrueNoord partner on electric aviation: Elysian and TrueNoord announced the signing a collaboration agreement during European Regions Airline Association (ERA) General Assembly in Estoril, to bring together aircraft innovation and leasing expertise in support of the E9X, Elysian’s flagship programme for emission-free short-haul aviation. The partnership will be based around a series of strategic sessions addressing critical topics for financing and leasing such as direct operating costs, residual value and after-sales support for the E9X aircraft. These sessions confirm the interest of TrueNoord to investigate these aircraft and will provide a platform for open dialogue between innovators, financiers, airlines and other stakeholders across the sustainable aviation ecosystem. Anne-Bart Tieleman, CEO of TrueNoord, added: “We are delighted to welcome Elysian to the TrueNoord New Technology Hub. We strongly believe that lessors including TrueNoord are an integral part of the future technology aircraft ecosystem by enabling the provision of optimised leasing solutions for our lessees. This will generate the revenue needed for the new generation of OEMs, including Elysian, to both thrive and reward their investors for the risk they take to develop the new aircraft. The purpose of the TrueNoord New Technology Hub is to ensure that the economics of such aircraft are sufficiently attractive for our customers to make that step.” ATR Calls on EU to protect regional airlines: As Europe faces the dual challenge of reducing emissions while preserving the mobility of its communities and businesses, ATR urges EU policymakers to adopt a proportionate, inclusive, and performance-based approach to regulation – one that reflects the realities of regional operators and supports their vital role in Europe’s mobility network. Regional airlines are the backbone of European connectivity. They serve communities that larger carriers won’t reach, fly where rail won’t go, where ferries are seasonal, and where roads are impractical. They connect students to universities, patients to hospitals, and families to each other. Yet, despite their efficiency and essential role, regional operators are facing increasing regulatory pressure. The ongoing implementation of the Fit for 55 package risks undermining the very operators who are already doing the most with the least. “Regional airlines are more than just carriers, they’re lifelines,” says Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. “They serve the most essential routes and are already leading the way in low-emission aviation. We must protect them, not penalise them.” CPaT Global partners with Avia Solutions Group: CPaT Global announced they have been awarded a new contract with Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI provider. Through this agreement, CPaT will deliver Aircraft Systems, General Subjects, and Safety Courses for Cabin Crew training across Avia Solutions Group’s 12 Air Operator Certificates (AOCs). The partnership will strengthen standardisation and elevate training quality throughout the Group, ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction across all operations. “Partnering with Avia Solutions Group reflects CPaT’s commitment to supporting aviation leaders with scalable and effective training solutions,” said Capt. Greg Darrow, Vice President of Sales. “This agreement provides a strong foundation for standardized training across a global organisation with extensive operational reach.” Avia Solutions Group is based in Ireland, Dublin, and provides aviation services spanning six continents. Avolon signs sale-leaseback with TAAG Angola Airlines: Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, announces the agreement of a sale and leaseback for one new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to TAAG Angola Airlines (‘TAAG’), the national carrier of Angola. This is Avolon’s first aircraft on lease to TAAG and it was delivered at the end of September. Powered by General Electric GEnx engines, the aircraft has a range of over 7,500 nautical miles. It will support the expansion of TAAG’s long-haul connectivity, with the airline’s fleet of 18 aircraft already flying to multiple destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Avolon, said: “We are proud to welcome TAAG Angola Airlines as a new customer and support the growth of their widebody fleet. Africa is expected to be one of the fastest growing regions for aviation over the next twenty years, driven by the rising demand for travel and growing economies. As Angola’s flag carrier, TAAG will play an important role in expanding the route network across the region. We look forward building on our relationship and supporting their continued growth.” Neste expands SAF deal with United: Neste and United Airlines have expanded their existing partnership to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to three new major airports in the United States. The new agreement makes United the first commercial airline to purchase SAF for use on flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington D.C. As part of the agreement, Neste will supply neat Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ to United Airlines. The sustainable aviation fuel will be blended with conventional jet fuel before use to meet jet fuel specifications. Neste began the SAF deliveries to United at George Bush Airport in July and they will continue until the end of October 2025. Deliveries of SAF to Newark Airport and Dulles Airport started in September 2025 and are set to continue until the end of 2025. The fuel is delivered to each airport via existing pipeline infrastructure from Neste’s SAF terminal facilities in Houston. This new agreement builds on the long-term partnership between Neste and United. Neste has been supplying SAF to United at Chicago O’Hare International Airport since August 2024, after the SAF purchase credit was enacted in Illinois, making United the first airline to use SAF at the airport. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel has also been used by the airline at San Francisco International Airport in California, where the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is supporting the use of renewable fuels. Embraer celebrates Fort Worth MRO groundbreaking: Embraer held a groundbreaking ceremony recently to mark the start of construction on its new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for commercial jets at Perot Field Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. The event brought together local officials, Embraer executives, and representatives from partner organisations. This new, state-of-the-art hangar is scheduled for opening by 2027. With the expanded infrastructure, Embraer’s capacity to serve E-Jets customers in the United States will grow by 53%. The investment – expected to reach up to $70 million – is expected to create approximately 250 new skilled aviation jobs in Texas. In collaboration with the City of Fort Worth, Denton County, and the State of Texas, Embraer began operations at Alliance Airport in June at an existing hangar. “We are honoured to be here in Fort Worth, Texas – a city that represents innovation, resilience, and opportunity – to celebrate the groundbreaking of our new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at Perot Field Alliance Airport. This moment marks a new chapter in Embraer’s journey in the United States, a country where we’ve been for over 46 years. With an investment of up to $70 million and the creation of 250 new skilled aviation jobs, this facility is a symbol of our long-term commitment to the U.S. market,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer. The new Fort Worth service center will be part of Embraer’s global network, which includes more than 80 Authorised Service Centres and 13 Embraer Owned Service Centres worldwide. 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