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Drone Forge places inaugural order of Airbus Flexrotor
Australian aerospace start-up Drone Forge and Airbus Helicopters have signed an agreement to purchase six Flexrotor uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) comprising 17 aircraft, making it the single largest order for the Flexrotor to date. The mission-ready Flexrotor systems will be configured to meet a broad range of operational requirements in the Asia-Pacific region, spanning littoral surveillance and high-altitude inland missions, to infrastructure monitoring and maritime environment assessment. Each UAS will feature a heavy fuel engine optimised for maritime operations, ensuring greater safety, fuel availability, and interoperability with naval assets. It will also incorporate Starlink connectivity, enabling beyond-line-of-sight operations and real-time situational awareness. Additionally, the Flexrotor will be equipped with PT-6 imaging technology, providing stabilised, high-resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for efficient wide-area maritime monitoring. “We are fully convinced that the Flexrotor, built on a strong engineering heritage, will allow us to tap into new markets with a proven solution where real-time intelligence, mission flexibility and reliability matters,” said Thomas Symes, Chief Executive Officer of Drone Forge. “We look forward to integrating and commercialising the Flexrotor systems in the region.” “The landmark order opens a new chapter in our partnership with Drone Forge, reinforcing our shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities to Asia-Pacific operators,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters. “With strong confidence in the Flexrotor’s efficiency and reliability, this force multiplier will drive operational excellence in defence and security applications.” The agreement followed closely from a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed recently between Airbus and Drone Forge, where the two companies collaborate on the deployment and operational integration of the Flexrotor UAS. The Flexrotor, is Airbus’ newest addition to its UAS portfolio. A modern Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft with a maximum launch weight of 25 kg (55 lbs), it has been designed for ISTAR missions for more than 12-14 hours in a typical operational configuration. It can integrate different types of payloads including an electro-optical system and advanced sensors to suit customers’ unique mission needs. With the ability to autonomously launch and recover from either land or sea requiring only a 3.7 by 3.7 m (12 by 12 ft.) area, the Flexrotor is ideal for expeditionary missions requiring minimal footprint.
Vietjet announces large-scale orders with Airbus and Rolls-Royce
Vietjet announced a major order for 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft with the potential to add another 50 in the future. The Vietnamese airline made the announcement at the ongoing Paris Air Show at Paris’ Le Bourget Airport. As part of its wider expansion strategy, the airline is also enhancing its engine capacity through the purchase of 40 Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. These landmark agreements mark a significant step in Vietjet’s growth strategy as a multinational aviation group, while also strengthening economic ties between Vietnam and France. It should also be noted that this latest order comes in the wake of Vietjet’s recent commitment for 20 additional A330neo aircraft, bringing its total widebody aircraft on order to 40. Turning Vietnam into a hub for regional aviation Vietjet chair Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao declared at the signing that she has a vision and the determination to make Vietnam a regional aviation hub for passenger transportation, technical services, logistics, training, research, global supply chains, and aviation infrastructure. Nguyen said: “We will continue to develop a robust and modern fleet to support that goal. Today’s agreement with Airbus is more than a commercial contract—it is a significant milestone that marks the beginning of Vietjet’s new journey: a journey of global expansion, new growth drivers, enhanced connectivity, and the development of a sustainable aviation ecosystem powered by ambition and transformation.” Airbus executive vice-president for sales of commercial aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry added that this new agreement comes just weeks after the airline placed an additional order for A330neo widebody aircraft. Saint-Exupéry said: “Together, the A321neo and A330neo will be perfect partners for Vietjet to continue to spread its wings, efficiently matching capacity more closely to demand across its network. The airline will also benefit from the high levels of technical commonality that are unique to latest generation Airbus aircraft.” The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering exceptional range and performance. Equipped with new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo ensures 50 percent noise reduction and over 20 percent in fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. As with all in-production aircraft, the A321neo can operate with up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target to increase to up to 100 percent SAF capability by 2030. A landmark agreement with Rolls-Royce As stated above, Vietjet also placed an order for 40 additional Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. The deal reinforces Vietjet’s commitment to building a next-generation widebody fleet, doubling its total order to 80 following an initial agreement at the 2024 Singapore Airshow. Exclusively powering the Airbus A330neo, the Trent 7000 is the latest member of the Rolls-Royce Trent family and has clocked over three million flight hours, demonstrating exceptional reliability, efficiency, and performance. The engines will be maintained under Rolls-Royce’s comprehensive TotalCare service which will help maximise fleet availability and optimise long-term performance. Vietjet currently operates a modern fleet of over 120 new-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft, with more than 400 additional aircraft on order. As its passenger volumes continue to grow, the airline is actively expanding its global flight network while advancing fleet modernisation through the international strategic partnership.
ANA Holdings finalises order with Airbus
All Nippon Airways (ANA)’s parent company ANA Holdings finalised an agreement with Airbus by signing a firm order for 24 single-aisle A321neo and three A321XLR. The announcement was made at this year’s Paris Air Show through a signing ceremony with ANA Holdings president and chief executive Koji Shibata and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus’s executive vice-president for sales of commercial aircraft This firm order covers 14 additional A321neo for All Nippon Airways (ANA) as well as 10 A321neo and three A321XLR for its group airline Peach Aviation, to upgrade the group’s current fleet. Shibata said of the agreement: “We are delighted to have signed the firm order for the introduction of additional A321neo and first A321XLR into our group airlines. We believe that this additional introduction of Airbus aircraft will further deepen our relationship. We will accelerate the introduction of state-of-the-art and fuel-efficient aircraft to provide our passengers with excellent service and to reduce CO2 emissions.” For his part, Saint-Exupéry declared: “From its first order in 1987 to an order book now approaching 100 aircraft, ANA has been a long-standing customer for the A320 Family. The exciting addition of the A321XLR for Peach Aviation further underscores ANA's innovative spirit and trust in the A320 Family's unrivaled capabilities. We are committed to providing our full support to ANA and Peach Aviation as their growing fleet is deployed on more routes across their networks.” The first in Japan ANA Holdings’ low-cost carrier (LCC) Peach Aviation will become the first Japanese airline to operate the A321XLR, which has the longest range of any single aisle aircraft, flying up to 4,700nm / 8,700 km non-stop. The A321XLR sits side by side with widebodies in an airline’s fleet. It introduces the flexibility to add capacity, to open new routes, or even to continue operating existing ones when demand is variable. This is all while burning 30 percent less fuel per seat than previous generation competitor aircraft. The A321XLR’s new Airspace cabin will provide passengers long haul comfort in all classes. Currently, ANA operates 33 A320 Family aircraft while Peach Aviation operates 36 A320 Family planes. The A321neo is part of the A320neo Family, incorporating the latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets, and cabin efficiency enablers, which together deliver more than 20 percent fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft. To date more than 7,000 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.
Vietnam’s FPT signs five-year agreement with Airbus
Vietnam-based global IT firm FPT recently boosted its long-standing partnership with Airbus by signing a new five-year Master Supply Agreement (MSA). Under the precepts of the agreement, the French aerospace company officially recognises FPT as its strategic global IT partner. The agreement was signed yesterday, 11th June, at the Vietnam–France Business Forum in Paris and witnessed by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during his official visit to France. According to Airbus’ international executive vice-president Wouter van Wensch: “This milestone highlights the growing potential of our partnership with FPT. It is also a strong recognition of FPT’s technical expertise and maturity, and Airbus’ continued confidence in the company as a trusted and capable partner.” For her part, FPT Software chair Chu Thi Thanh Ha declared: “Throughout our operations, we at FPT have played an active role in promoting the collaboration between Vietnam and Europe’s leading enterprises, particularly in the IT sector. Our partnership with Airbus stands as a strong testament to this commitment. Backed by strong ties with more than 100 aviation partners and a highly skilled global workforce, FPT will continue to partner with Airbus and contribute to the digital transformation of the aviation industry.” Advancing cooperation This agreement marks a significant advancement in the cooperation between the two companies, positioning FPT among Airbus’ top-tier global IT vendors. The MSA, effective through 2029 with a potential extension, enables FPT to participate in Airbus’ global IT projects in key domains such as customer services, big data, and cloud software engineering. The upgraded partnership likewise builds upon more than a decade of successful cooperation. In 2017, FPT became one of the first IT partners to help Airbus launch its Skywise ecosystem in APAC. Skywise is Airbus’ open aviation data platform, which includes data integration from airlines and the development of tailored training programmes for users. In 2023, Airbus streamlined its vendor list of strategic IT partners, with FPT among those trusted. A trusted partner worldwide FPT has solidified the position of a trusted technology partner in the global aviation industry, building an extensive network of partnerships with over 100 airlines, airports, cargo operators, and aircraft manufacturers across Europe, the US, and APAC. In addition to the partnership with Airbus, FPT also recently joined forces with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to explore cutting-edge aviation technologies of the future. The company has also actively expanded its operations and collaboration in the French market. In 2023, FPT acquired a majority stake in French IT consulting firm AOSIS, enhancing its local delivery capabilities. To deepen cultural and professional ties, FPT also established the FPT Francophone Association to nurture a French-speaking talent pool. Most recently, FPT was the only Vietnamese company to participate in the Choose France Summit in Paris and joined the inaugural Vietnam–France Leaders Forum in Hanoi, reinforcing its role in strengthening bilateral business relations.
Airbus expands its helicopter training academy in Malaysia
Airbus reinforces its commitment to aviation safety with the expansion of the Airbus Helicopters Training Academy in Malaysia. The company also augmented its on-site training equipment via the addition of a third full-flight simulator (FFS) in Subang, Malaysia. Set to be operational in the second half of 2026, this investment will support the growing training needs in the region, demonstrating Airbus’ commitment to customer proximity. Bringing in new technologies The first of its kind to be used outside of Europe, the new H175 simulator joins existing H225 and AS365 simulators to offer an advanced learning experience when paired with digitised classrooms and virtual trainers. These expanded capabilities will support pilot type rating, recurrent training, and mission training, ensuring operational proficiency for critical flight scenarios. According to Airbus Helicopters’ executive vice-president for customer support and services Romain Trapp: “This latest investment underscores our dedication to aviation safety and customer proximity. By expanding our training capabilities in Malaysia, we are ensuring that pilots and mechanics in Asia-Pacific have access to world-class facilities designed to enhance safety and readiness.” At present, Airbus Helicopters’ simulator centre in Malaysia has provided over 21,000 training hours to some 2,600 pilots. With the new H175 FFS, the company is poised to increase its capacity and further contribute to the region’s aviation safety. At the same time, this expanded training centre will offer cutting-edge simulation technology, including Level D training capabilities, the latest Helionix avionics system, and OEM data packages that ensure an accurate reproduction of helicopter performance, all aimed at elevating pilot proficiency and operational safety.
IndiGo signs MoU with Airbus
IndiGo announces further strengthening of its fleet by signing an MoU with Airbus to enlarge its wide-body aircraft order by converting 30 aircraft of its purchase rights for 70 aircraft into a firm order. This is yet another step in defining the airline’s long-term plans of international expansion. Last year in April 2024, IndiGo took the strategic decision to induct widebody aircraft in its fleet by placing a firm order for 30 A350-900 aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional 70 aircraft. The original order’s deliveries are expected to start in 2027. This strategic move will enable IndiGo to spread its wings further and expand its long-haul international network, connecting Indian metros to different parts of the world. With this, it will create more travel options for its customers to new international destinations and also enable more flights to the hubs of its partner airlines. IndiGo’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce’s Trent XWB engine. The mission capability of this aircraft, coupled with the efficiency of the Trent XWB engine, will offer IndiGo unprecedented optionality and reach as it embarks on the next stage of its wonderful journey of addressing the rapidly evolving needs of the Indian market and our nation. In March 2025, IndiGo began preparing for its long-haul operations with the introduction of six temporarily leased wide body aircraft, deliveries of which will be concluded by 2026. India is the world’s third largest aviation market today. With the Government’s commitment to ensure India comes into her own on the world stage of aviation leadership by building cutting-edge infrastructure and developing the country into a global aviation hub, the opportunity is one of enormous growth.
Vietjet Doubles A330neo Orders with Airbus
Vietjet has placed a new order with Airbus for 20 widebody A330-900 aircraft to support strategic expansion over the next decade. The agreement was signed in Hanoi by Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Wouter van Wersch, President Airbus International. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and French President Emmanuel Macron, during the French Head of State’s official visit to Vietnam. This long-term order will support Vietjet’s ongoing international flight network expansion, enabling the airline to increase flights on high-capacity routes across the Asia-Pacific region, including key markets such as Indiaand to launchfuture long-haul services to Europe. Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said: “These modern Airbus aircraft, with the latest levels of efficiency and lower fuel consumption, have accompanied Vietjet’s growth and will continue to support Vietjet’s global flight network expansion. Our long-term investment in a modern, environmentally responsible fleet reflects our commitment to strengthening economic and technological ties between Vietnam and France. Vietjet remains dedicated to delivering greater connectivity and sustainable air travel for millions of passengers in Vietnam and around the world. Wouter van Wersch, President Airbus International said: “Vietjet has established itself as one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, bringing low fares with warm Vietnamese hospitality. We are proud that the carrier has selected the A330neo as its widebody aircraft of choice to build on its success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership as Vietjet expands its reach.” With this new agreement, the airlinedoubles its firm orders for the A330neo to 40 aircraft. In addition, Vietjet has 96 A320neo Family single-aisle aircraft on order. Vietjet currently operates an all-Airbus fleet of 115 aircraft, comprising 108 single aisle A320 Family aircraft and seven A330-300s. Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330-900 is capable of flying 7,200 nm / 13,300 km non-stop. The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a unique experience, high level of comfort, ambience, and design. As of the end of April 2025, the A330 Family had won over 1,800 firm orders from more than 130 customers worldwide. As with all in-production aircraft, the A330neo is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target to increase to up to 100% SAF capability by 2030. In line with fleet expansion, Vietjet has actively expanded flight network. In March, it launched two new non-stop services connecting Hyderabad and Bengaluru to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city. With these latest additions, the airline now operates 10 India-Vietnam routes, offering a total of 78 flights per week—making it the airline with the most extensive flight network between the two countries. Vietjet currently operates international services to India, Australia, and Kazakhstan with its A330 wide-body aircraft, offering passengers enhanced comfort and greater choice— especially in Business Class with fresh, distinctive cuisine served by a vibrant, professional crew. The A330 fleet will continue to play a key role as Vietjet expands to more distant destinations, meeting the evolving travel needs of passengers at home and around the world.
Vietjet expands fleet with an Airbus A321neo ACF aircraft
Vietjet recently welcomed a brand-new Airbus A321neo ACF aircraft with registration number VN-A516. The new aircraft landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday, 25th April, following its delivery flight from Hamburg, Germany. Set to be deployed during Vietnam’s second-largest national holiday period this week, the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Reunification Day combined with Labor Day, the new addition boosts Vietjet’s capacity to meet the surge in travel demand. This is the third new aircraft Vietjet has added to its fleet since the start of 2025, and the airline plans to continue receiving new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing throughout the year, reinforcing its commitment to operating one of the most dynamic and efficient fleets in the region. A timely addition The latest addition to the Vietjet fleet could not have come at a better time as the airline also launched several new direct routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Nagoya and Fukuoka in Japan, offering passengers more travel options. Singapore-based travellers, in particular, can conveniently fly from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City for a quick getaway before continuing on to Japan. These developments mark a significant milestone in Vietjet’s 2025 expansion, which also includes new services to Singapore, India, and China, all aimed at improving travel convenience and fostering cultural and economic exchange across the Asia-Pacific region.
Airbus: Thailand could produce up to 5 million tonnes of SAF annually
Sustainability officials at aviation manufacturer Airbus pointed out that Thailand has the potential to produce up to five million tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) per annum. Company chief sustainability officer Julie Kitcher remarked on this at the Airbus Industry Outreach event held in Bangkok, Thailand last 11th April. Kitcher said: “Thanks to its strong agricultural sector, Thailand has rich potential as a producer of SAF, with extensive feedstocks including molasses, agricultural waste such as rice straw and rice husk, corn cobs and leaves, and manure. It’s extremely encouraging to see Thailand’s ethanol industry considering SAF production. It is also very encouraging to see this 'industry cooperation' approach as this mindset will be needed in developing and validating data such as Life Cycle Assessment data for new feedstocks.” Thailand’s place in the global SAF sector Several projects are already under development to produce SAF from used cooking oil, such as that announced by Bangchak, as well as PTT Global Chemical’s initial foray into SAF via a co-processing pathway. At the same time, Airbus executives note that alcohol-to-jet fuel derived from ethanol holds great promise here too. It should also be noted that Thailand’s strategy to increase the number of electric vehicles on its roads nationwide will reduce demand for bioethanol in the road transport sector, freeing up more for use in SAF. Kitcher said: “At Airbus, we look forward to working with the Thai government and SAF producers to help develop the industry.” She added that there were two critical challenges that Thailand needs to address if it is to succeed as a primary source of SAF for the global aviation sector. What needs to be done? The first of these two issues is the need to pull new SAF technologies through their first stages of development, as these are the points where developmental and financial risks are at their highest. Kitcher said of this: “We are also working to support SAF projects here in south-east Asia and Thailand. For example, we signed a memorandum of understanding with CP last year to explore the potential of SAF production from agricultural waste. We are also keen to help bring other new feedstocks on-stream here, too.” The second issue that needs to be dealt with involves gaining a thorough understanding of the various feedstocks here. According to Kitcher: “What we’ve learned at Airbus is that it’s not simply enough to understand the potential production capacity of a given feedstock. You also need an in-depth understanding of its location, accessibility and the costs of collecting and transporting it. Thailand has already made strong progress in gathering valuable data and information about where the country’s feedstocks are located.” Keeping this in mind, policymakers play a key role when it comes to developing the Thai SAF industry. Also, attaining success will require a high level of coordination between different stakeholders and the setting out of a clear ambition and roadmap. Kitcher pointed out that the swift publication of a national SAF roadmap, including a 1 percent blending target for 2026, would provide potential producers and investors with the clarity they need.
Qantas and Airbus Invest AUD$15 Million to Decarbonise Aviation
Qantas and Airbus have taken a significant step toward a greener future for aviation, announcing a joint investment of AUD$15 million in Climate Tech Partners (CTP). This partnership highlights the shared commitment of the two industry giants to accelerate the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other groundbreaking decarbonisation technologies tailored specifically for aviation. The Partnership in Focus The announcement, made in Sydney by Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer Julie Kitcher and Qantas Chief Sustainability Officer Fiona Messent, underscores the critical need for collaboration to achieve net-zero emissions. Working closely with CTP, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between early-stage climate technologies and scalable commercial production in Australia. CTP’s innovative approach is built on a strong foundation of collaboration, involving 12 expert partners from diverse industries such as energy, infrastructure, and transport. By leveraging this collective expertise, the fund seeks to identify, mentor, and support local and global start-ups at the forefront of climate innovation. Driving Innovation in SAF The dedicated investment vehicle created through this partnership will focus on developing key SAF technologies, including feedstock production and value-chain innovations. As these solutions mature, Qantas and Airbus have the opportunity to further invest and deploy these technologies in real-world Australian projects. “This partnership with CTP and Qantas highlights that the scaling of Sustainable Aviation Fuel needs innovative solutions… Australia is well positioned to be a leader in low-carbon fuels,” said Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer Julie Kitcher. A Shared Vision for Australia Qantas Chief Sustainability Officer Fiona Messent highlighted the broader benefits for the country: “For Australia, an onshore SAF industry will mean improved national fuel security, more jobs, and economic benefit. It’s fantastic to be collaborating across industries to help accelerate local production.” Supporting a Net-Zero Future The AUD$15 million investment comes from Qantas and Airbus’ US$200 million partnership, established in 2022 to fast-track SAF production and adoption. This collaboration reflects the ambition of both companies to decarbonise aviation at scale while creating significant opportunities for innovation and growth in Australia’s green economy. Through CTP, Qantas and Airbus will fund emerging technologies and companies, providing these ventures with access to their expertise, real-world application platforms, and industry networks. Patrick Sieb, Co-Founder of CTP, said, “Working with global leading aviation and aerospace companies allows us to make better-informed investment decisions in this complex area, while helping the best start-ups accelerate their solutions through industry engagement.” Transforming Aviation, One Investment at a Time Climate Tech Partners, a leader in climate-focused venture capital at the Series A stage, aligns its goals with those of corporate partners like Qantas and Airbus. By supporting scalable innovations in energy, logistics, and industrial resources, CTP plays a vital role in commercialising impactful climate technologies. With their combined expertise and funding, Qantas and Airbus are not only fuelling a cleaner future for aviation but also paving the way for sustainable economic development in Australia. The Road Ahead As global aviation faces the challenge of decarbonisation, partnerships like this set an inspiring example of action through innovation. For Qantas, Airbus, and Australia, this initiative is a significant step toward creating a robust SAF supply chain that delivers environmental, economic, and social benefits. Stay tuned as Climate Tech Partners, with the backing of these aviation giants, accelerates the deployment of breakthrough climate solutions—transforming the skies and the planet for future generations. For more information, visit Qantas or Airbus.
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