BOC Aviation Places Order for 120 Narrowbody Jets, and More

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BOC Aviation Places Order for 70 Airbus A320neos and 50 Boeing 737 MAX Jets

BOC Aviation has placed a landmark order for 120 narrowbody aircraft, comprising 70 Airbus A320neo family jets and 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, announced on March 31, 2025.

This dual-manufacturer agreement represents the Singapore-based aircraft lessor's largest-ever order and includes conversion rights for both aircraft families, with deliveries scheduled through 2032 for Airbus and 2031 for Boeing aircraft.

Key Points

• The Airbus order increases BOC Aviation's backlog to approximately 200 aircraft, with total Airbus deliveries set to exceed 700 since their first order in 1996

• Boeing order expands BOC Aviation's 737 MAX portfolio to 215 aircraft, creating their largest Boeing orderbook position in company history

• BOC Aviation currently manages a fleet exceeding 800 aircraft and engines, leased to 92 airlines across 48 countries and regions

• The lessor currently has 69 737 MAX airplanes on operating leases serving more than 15 airlines globally

• Single-aisle jets are projected to account for 75% of global deliveries over the next 20 years, with lessors having ordered more than 1,200 737 MAX jets to date

• This order solidifies BOC Aviation's position among the top five global aircraft operating lessors

What It Means

This strategic split order strengthens BOC Aviation's market position while balancing investments between the two major manufacturers.

The significant commitment signals strong confidence in continued air travel growth and increasing demand for fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft.

Other Key Aviation Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. FAA Greenlights United's First Starlink-equipped Aircraft

United Airlines received FAA approval for its first Starlink-equipped aircraft, the Embraer 175, with the inaugural commercial flight planned for May 2025.

The Chicago-based carrier aims to install the high-speed Wi-Fi system on about 40 regional jets monthly, with all 300 planes completed by year-end.

The service will be free for MileagePlus members and deliver speeds up to 250 Mbps.

United is working with SpaceX to secure approval for 16 more aircraft models.

3. Taiwan Carrier Confirms Ten A350-1000s for Intercontinental Routes

China Airlines has finalized a firm order with Airbus for ten A350-1000 aircraft, confirming a commitment announced in December 2024.

The new widebody jets will operate long-haul routes to North America and Europe, complementing the airline's existing fleet of 15 A350-900s with full operational commonality.

The aircraft can fly up to 9,700 nautical miles non-stop, offering superior fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

This order is part of a larger $12 billion deal that also includes Boeing 777 aircraft.

4. Southwest Ends Decades-Long Fuel Hedging Strategy

Southwest Airlines has decided to discontinue its long-standing fuel hedging policy, citing limited benefits over the past decade.

CEO Bob Jordan announced the change on March 11, 2025, noting that hedging premiums have become increasingly expensive.

The move is part of Southwest's broader cost-cutting strategy, which includes recent changes to baggage fees and seating policies.

The airline expects significant savings from eliminating hedge premiums, with CFO Tom Doxey describing it as a step towards transforming the business.

This decision aligns Southwest with other major U.S. carriers that abandoned fuel hedging years ago.

5. GE Aerospace Secures Role in Army's FLRAA Program

GE Aerospace has been awarded a subcontract to design, develop, and deliver avionics systems for the U.S. Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program.

The announcement follows the Army's Milestone B approval, marking the start of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase.

GE will provide the Digital Backbone with Time-Sensitive Networking technology, enabling high-speed data infrastructure and modular open systems approach.

The company will also supply the Health Awareness System for predictive maintenance.

The first FLRAA prototype flight is planned for 2026.

6. Virgin Atlantic's Profit Comeback Shadowed by U.S. Demand Concerns

Virgin Atlantic reported its first profit since the pandemic, with £20 million pre-tax profit for 2024.

However, CFO Oli Byers noted recent signs of slowing U.S. demand, attributing it to consumer uncertainty. The airline still aims to increase U.S. revenue this year.

Despite this, Virgin Atlantic repaid £174 million in pandemic-related debt and ended 2024 with £443 million in cash.

The slowdown echoes concerns from other major European airlines about potential softness in transatlantic travel demand, although current capacity remains strong.

7. Airbus Adapts to Ongoing Supply Chain Challenges

Airbus is improving its management of supply chain disruptions, according to executive VP Benoit de Saint-Exupery.

While challenges persist, particularly with engine availability, the company is applying lessons learned during the pandemic.

Airbus delivered 766 jets in 2024, meeting targets despite ongoing issues.

The A350 production rate remains at six per month for 2025, with the A350 freighter launch delayed to 2027. Despite setbacks, long-term outlook remains positive.

8. EHang Cleared for the World's First Paid Pilotless Air Taxi Service

EHang has achieved a significant milestone as its subsidiaries in Guangdong and Hefei received the first Air Operator Certificates for civil human-carrying pilotless aerial vehicles from China's aviation authority.

This allows EHang to offer commercial flights for tourism and sightseeing in Guangzhou and Hefei using its EH216-S eVTOL aircraft.

EHang is now the first company worldwide to obtain all four key regulatory certifications for eVTOLs, including type, airworthiness, production, and operator certificates.

The company plans to expand operations to more Chinese cities and explore urban commuting services in the future.

9. Airlines Refresh Aging 777s with Premium-Focused Cabin Layouts

Airlines are extending the service life of Boeing 777-300ERs through cabin retrofits, with 98 aircraft updated since 2020.

Premium economy is emerging as the "sweet spot" cabin, with Air France doubling capacity and airlines like Emirates, Korean Air, and American Airlines introducing or expanding this class.

Business class layouts are standardizing to 1-2-1 configurations for direct aisle access.

While American's retrofits have been delayed to late 2025, Emirates' first revamped 777 began service in August 2024, and Air India's upgrades are postponed to 2026 due to supplier constraints.

10. Former L3Harris Aviation Business Rebrands and Launches as Acron Aviation

L3Harris' Commercial Aviation Solutions has officially rebranded as Acron Aviation following its $800 million acquisition by TJC LP.

With 1,400 employees across the UK, US, Thailand, and India, Acron will operate four business segments: avionics, training systems, training services, and flight data intelligence.

CEO Alan Crawford aims to accelerate growth as an independent entity, leveraging their unique position offering both avionics and training solutions to serve commercial, business, military, and advanced air mobility markets.