Emirates Signs Deal With Airbus for Real-Time Fleet Monitoring Software, and More

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Emirates Adopts Airbus Digital Fleet Monitoring System

Emirates has signed an agreement with Airbus to implement Skywise Fleet Performance+ (S.FP+) software and Core X3 analytics platform for its A350 and A380 fleets.

This advanced predictive maintenance and fleet health monitoring solution will enable Emirates Engineering teams to monitor real-time aircraft performance, identify potential issues during flight, and determine maintenance actions during turnarounds.

Key Points

• The software features automated pre-departure monitoring of cabin temperatures, operations, and key systems, powered by advanced analytics

• Engineering teams will have access to real-time alerts, predictive diagnostics, and comprehensive status insights through an enhanced user interface

• The Core X3 analytics platform will help manage vast amounts of data, connecting different systems for single-source, up-to-the-minute insights

• Emirates currently operates 118 A380s and 3 A350-900s, with 62 more A350s (total 65) on order

• The implementation aligns with Emirates' broader digital transformation, including drone-assisted inspections and virtual/augmented reality maintenance tasks

What It Means

The real-time monitoring capabilities and predictive maintenance features should significantly enhance fleet reliability while reducing operational costs and improving customer experience.

Other Key Aviation and Aerospace Industry Updates for Today 👇

2. Boeing Holds Off India Assembly Plans Until Market Grows

Boeing's India chief, Salil Gupte, says that the company needs substantially more aircraft orders before establishing a final assembly line in India, despite India's PM Modi's hopes for local manufacturing.

While Indian carriers have 1,800 planes on order and expect 130 deliveries this year (including other manufacturers), Boeing emphasizes that final assembly represents less than 10% of an aircraft's value.

Boeing currently sources $1.25 billion in products annually from 300+ Indian suppliers and employs 7,000 people in India.

3. A350F Order Book Hits 63 Aircraft in Jan 2025

Airbus's A350F freighter program has gathered momentum, with 63 aircraft orders from multiple carriers as of January 2025.

The customer list includes major players like Starlux Airlines (10 aircraft), CMA CGM Air Cargo (8), Singapore Airlines Cargo (7), and Etihad Cargo (7).

The manufacturer secured eight new A350F orders in January alone, including five from Starlux and three from an undisclosed customer.

Final assembly of the A350F is set to begin this year, with the aircraft offering a 111-tonne payload capacity.

4. TUIfly Belgium Exits Long-Haul Market

TUIfly Belgium will end all long-haul operations by winter 2025-2026, retiring its last Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from Brussels Airport.

Managing Director Arjan Kers explained that operating with just one long-haul aircraft isn't sustainable.

The airline will discontinue routes to Punta Cana, Cancun, and Curaçao, focusing instead on medium-haul flights with Boeing 737s and Embraer E195-E2s.

This strategic shift aligns with TUI Group's broader plan to consolidate long-haul operations at other hubs.

5. Three New Airlines Set to Join Indian Aviation in 2025

Three new airlines are set to launch in India in 2025: Shankh Air from Lucknow, Air Kerala, and Alhind Air from Kerala.

Shankh Air plans to operate five A320-200s by May, backed by a $250 million investment.

Air Kerala and Alhind Air will begin with ATR 72-600 aircraft and ATR 72-500 aircraft respectively, focusing on regional connectivity.

Air Kerala targets mid-2025 launch from Kochi, while Alhind Air plans seven aircraft in its first year, initially serving South Indian routes before expanding to Gulf destinations.

6. Riyadh Air Signs Ten-Year IFE Deal With Panasonic Avionics

Panasonic Avionics will provide in-flight entertainment (IFE) maintenance support for Riyadh Air's fleet of 32 Boeing 787 Dreamliners over the next decade.

The deal includes establishing a dedicated maintenance station in Riyadh with specialized technical teams.

The partnership builds on their earlier collaboration, where Riyadh Air selected Panasonic's Astrova IFE solution featuring 4K OLED HDR screens and USB-C charging capabilities.

The airline is preparing for passenger operations in late 2025.

7. GE Aerospace Expands Middle East Engine Support Network

GE Aerospace is investing $10 million in its Dubai and Doha facilities through 2025 to boost engine service capabilities.

The investment focuses on supporting CFM Leap 1A and 1B engines, with 750 currently operating across 20 airlines in the Middle East and CIS regions.

The expansion includes new tooling, equipment, and a 30% staff increase.

The facilities will also prepare for GE9X engine support for the Boeing 777X, while implementing infrastructure improvements through GE's Flight Deck operating system.

8. Air New Zealand Becomes AAPA's Latest Member

Air New Zealand has joined the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) as its 18th member, following Qantas Airways' recent addition in January 2025.

CEO Greg Foran noted that membership will enable knowledge sharing with regional counterparts.

AAPA Director General Subhas Menon welcomed Air New Zealand's participation, highlighting the airline's role in connecting New Zealand globally and strengthening regional airline advocacy.

9. Ryanair Plans Major Engine Maintenance Investment

Ryanair plans to invest up to $600 million in two engine maintenance facilities, with one in Eastern Europe and another in Western Europe.

CEO Michael O'Leary says it would take "three or four years to build and open those engine shops" after announcing them, which is expected "in the next 12 or 18 months".

He also explained that with 200 engines constantly under repair and a growing fleet targeting 800 aircraft, bringing engine maintenance in-house makes financial sense.

Each facility will cost $250-300 million and will primarily service CFM56 and LEAP engines powering their Boeing 737 fleet.

10. Tata Boeing Hits 300 Apache Fuselage Milestone

Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited has delivered its 300th AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselage from its Hyderabad facility.

The 14,000-square-meter facility serves as the global sole source supplier for Apache fuselages, with over 90% of parts manufactured through 100+ Indian MSMEs.

The joint venture employs 900+ engineers and supplies to worldwide customers, including the US Army and Indian Army, while the Indian Air Force operates 22 AH-64E Apaches.