Boeing petitions FAA for emissions waiver to produce 35 more 777F freighters, driven by high demand and 777-8F delays. Key aviation news update.

Israel expresses concerns as Qatar revives bid for advanced F-35 stealth jets, threatening regional military balance and Israel's air superiority.

Aviation News – London Heathrow Airport has announced a $1.7 billion infrastructure upgrade covering Terminals 4 and 2, aimed at delivering smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers. The investment underscores Heathrow’s push to modernize facilities at one of the world’s busiest international airports. The plans, unveiled on December 19, 2025, form part of Heathrow’s ongoing five-year investment program. The first phase will focus on Terminal 4, including the construction of a new multi-story car park and a significantly upgraded check-in area.

Second US Air Force tanker near midair collision near Venezuela sparks major safety concerns after two close calls in days.

Astrobotic has secured three new contracts worth a combined $17.5 million to accelerate development of its next-generation reusable rocket platforms, strengthening U.S. suborbital flight testing capabilities. The awards matter as they support faster, lower-cost access to space for government and commercial partners. The contracts were announced today and focus on advancing Astrobotic’s Xodiac and Xogdor reusable rocket systems. Together, the projects cover three distinct vehicles currently in development and align with broader efforts by NASA, the U.S.

Aviation News – A major technical failure at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol left an estimated 20,000 suitcases behind on Friday, disrupting thousands of passengers just days before the Christmas travel peak. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of airport baggage operations during high-demand periods. The disruption occurred in Departure Hall 2, where part of the baggage handling system became unavailable for several hours.

Aviation News – MBDA has won a new contract connected to Germany’s next-generation Taurus Neo air-launched cruise missile, reinforcing Berlin’s efforts to rebuild and expand its long-range strike capabilities. The agreement marks an important step toward serial production and strengthens Europe’s defense-industrial base. The contract was signed on December 18, 2025, between Taurus Systems—a joint venture of MBDA and Sweden’s Saab—and Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).

Aviation News – Qanot Sharq has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR through a long-term lease with Air Lease, marking a regional first and enabling the Uzbek airline to expand long-haul services and strengthen international connectivity. The aircraft is the first of four A321XLRs leased from Air Lease and positions Qanot Sharq as the inaugural operator of the type in Central Asia and the CIS.

Aviation News – The Royal Australian Air Force has declared final operational capability for a comprehensive upgrade of its entire C-130J Hercules fleet, strengthening Australia’s airlift capability and mission readiness nationwide. The upgrade covers all 12 C-130J aircraft operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales. Delivered under Project AIR 5440, the program has brought the fleet up to the latest Block 8.1 configuration, following a phased modernization effort aimed at extending service life and operational relevance.

Aviation News – Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first H160 to Derazona Helicopters in Indonesia, introducing the next-generation rotorcraft to the country and the wider Southeast Asian energy market, strengthening offshore and commercial aviation capabilities. The aircraft delivery marks Derazona Helicopters’ selection of the H160 as a multi-mission platform, supporting offshore energy operations alongside utility and commercial passenger transport. The handover positions the Indonesian operator as the first to deploy the H160 for energy missions in Southeast Asia, reflecting growing regional demand for modern, efficient helicopter solutions.

Aviation News – The UK has taken a major step in modernising its military helicopter fleet as the first Jupiter HC2 begins flying operations at RAF Benson. The aircraft will play a key role in training ahead of overseas deployment, strengthening the UK’s rotary wing capability. The Joint Aviation Command (JAC) has officially welcomed the Jupiter HC2 into service, marking a milestone in the renewal of the UK’s medium-lift helicopter force.

Egypt-Russia Su-35 Deal: From CAATSA Cancellation to 2025 Revival with TOT Collaboration & Military Ties.

A business jet crashed in North Carolina shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing all seven people on board, authorities said.

SWISS flight LX324, an A321neo departing for London (LHR) made a return to Zurich (ZRH) after reporting engine vibrations after takeoff on 18 December.

Aviation News – Swedish defense firm Saab says it could support up to 12,600 Canadian jobs by localizing production of its Gripen fighter jet and GlobalEye surveillance aircraft. The proposal comes as Canada continues to review its long-term fighter and defense aviation plans. According to reporting by The Globe and Mail, Saab has presented Canadian officials with an industrial plan that would assemble both aircraft in Canada.

Spanish airport operator Aena increases its presence in the UK, acquiring a 51% majority stake in a holding company that owns Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA).

Alaska Airlines will add seven new routes from Anchorage and Portland including nonstop flights to Boston, Jackson Hole and four Washington state cities.

Finnair will operate its first Australian service with an A350-900 daily flight to Melbourne via Bangkok planned for October 2026.

China Airlines has placed a further order for five additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, taking its total order commitment to 15 aircraft.

Aviation News – Joby Aviation has partnered with Metropolis Technologies to develop 25 vertiports across the United States, supporting the rollout of electric air taxi services. The collaboration matters because it accelerates urban air mobility by using existing parking infrastructure to enable faster market entry. The partnership brings together Joby Aviation, a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and Metropolis Technologies, a leader in applied artificial intelligence for real-world infrastructure.

Aviation News – A Cessna 550 Citation II was destroyed in a crash at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, resulting in five confirmed fatalities among six occupants. The accident matters as investigators work to determine what caused the business jet to lose control shortly after departure. The aircraft, registered N257BW, was operating from Statesville Regional Airport (SVH/KSVH) when the accident occurred.

Airbus achieves milestone: Delivers 800th China-assembled A320 family aircraft, an A321neo to Air China from Tianjin facility. Explore the growth of A