It seems that with the Farnborough Air Show here, multiple orders and announcements have made it out of Southern England.
So welcome to the Farnborough Air Show Digest.
For those new to a Daily Airshow Digest by Economy Class and Beyond, this is a quick look at announcements in Commercial Aviation at the Airshow. We go by Airframer first, then anything else that caught my eye. We’ll include quotes and maybe some commentary. This goes out around 18:00GMT/19:BST.
Onto the highlights from Day 1.
Airbus
Riyadh Air signs for an additional six A350-1000
Riyadh Air has firmed up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total firm commitment for the type to 31 aircraft.
The agreement forms part of the airline’s original commitment for up to 50 A350-1000s announced in 2025.
In Quotes
Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, said:
“The firm-up of these additional aircraft reflects Riyadh Air’s continued confidence in its growth trajectory and in the future of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector,”
“Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030 while delivering a premium guest experience.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said:
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Riyadh Air as it continues to build a pioneering carrier for the Kingdom,”
“This additional A350-1000 commitment reflects the airline’s confidence in the aircraft’s exceptional efficiency, range and passenger appeal. As Riyadh Air advances its ambitious growth plans, the A350-1000 will play an important role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives and helping position the Kingdom as a leading international aviation hub.”
SMBC Aviation Capital orders 100 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft
SMBC Aviation Capital has placed a firm order for an additional 65 A321neo and 35 A320neo aircraft.
SMBC Aviation Capital is already one of the largest customers for the A320 Family and, together with its parent company Sumitomo Corporation, accounts for over 900 total commitments directly from Airbus for all Airbus aircraft types.
In Quotes
Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital, said:
“This significant new order will give our airline customers access to a continuous delivery pipeline of the latest technology A320neo family aircraft into the mid-2030s,” said .
“We are pleased to build on the deep partnership we have established with Airbus over the last 25 years, and this latest order reflects our confidence in the long-term demand for the A320neo family. Today’s announcement reflects SMBC Aviation Capital’s long-term commitment to supporting our airline customers, positioning us as the leading global aviation finance platform, ready to meet their ever-evolving needs.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said:
“Our partnership with SMBC Aviation Capital goes from strength to strength. We are honoured to stand with SMBC Aviation Capital as they place this order for additional A320neo family aircraft – the world’s most leased and most traded aircraft making it the benchmark for airlines, lessors and investors alike”,
“SMBC Aviation Capital’s investment reflects the global market appetite for the A320neo Family for the years to come as customers select the latest generation and most efficient aircraft to grow and renew fleets.”
Beta Aviation
Loganair Adds BETA Technologies ALIA CTOL Aircraft to Its Fleet
Loganair has announced the signing of a term sheet under which Loganair will purchase five all-electric ALIA conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) (CX300) aircraft, with options for five more.
Most of Loganair’s regional sectors are under 100 miles, squarely within the CX300’s mission profile. The aircraft operates from existing runways and recharges in 20 to 40 minutes using BETA’s fast-charging systems.
Marking a significant step towards bringing electric aviation into commercial routes across the UK, the move will ensure Loganair becomes Europe’s first commercial airline operating an electric aircraft fleet.
The agreement builds on the UK’s first electric flight demonstration programme completed in March, when BETA’s CTOL flew 23 flights in 10 days across Loganair’s network, connecting Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Wick and Kirkwall. The aircraft covered more than 1,000 nautical miles in real-world operational conditions, flying routes to some of Scotland’s most remote communities and validating performance, ground handling, charging and integration into existing airport and airspace systems, and demonstrating a model for short regional routes across the UK.
Expected to enter service in 2029, the aircraft will support passenger and cargo operations across Loganair’s network, delivering greater operational flexibility with lower operating costs and zero in-flight emissions. The agreement also includes plans for technical support and integration to ensure the aircraft can be introduced seamlessly into Loganair’s existing fleet.
Luke Farajallah, chief executive of Loganair, said:
“This is a truly historic moment for Loganair and for European aviation. Our demonstration programme earlier this year proved that electric aviation is no longer a future concept, it is a viable commercial opportunity. The aircraft demonstrated the potential to reduce operating costs by up to 80% while maintaining the reliable regional connectivity our customers and communities depend on.
“Signing this agreement is the natural next step in that journey. It reflects our confidence in the technology, our partnership with BETA, and our ambition to remain at the forefront of sustainable regional aviation. We look forward to working together as we prepare to bring these aircraft into commercial service.”
Kyle Clark, founder and chief executive of BETA Technologies, said:
“Loganair has spent six decades connecting communities that rely on air travel, so their standard for new technology is appropriately high. We met that standard the only way it can be met, by flying more than a thousand nautical miles across their network, on their routes, and in their conditions. This agreement is what happens when demonstrated performance meets an operator serious about the future of regional aviation.”
Boeing
Riyadh Air exercising options for 28 787 Dreamliners, adds 787-10
Riyadh Air kicked off converting 28 787 Dreamliner options from 2023 for 8 797-9 and the 20 of the larger 787-10.
The announcement includes a previously unidentified purchase of 11 of the widebody jets. Once the remaining 17 airplanes are finalised, Riyadh Air’s firm order count will grow to 67 787 Dreamliners.
By operating the 787-9 and 787-10, Riyadh Air will benefit from fleet commonality, including shared flight deck systems, maintenance procedures and pilot training, helping deliver operational efficiencies while ensuring a consistent, premium guest experience across its network.
“The commitment to firm up an additional 28 787 Dreamliners and introduce the 787-10 marks another significant milestone in Riyadh Air’s journey towards over 100 international destinations by 2030, a key part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions,”
“Following the recent launch of full operations, guests have been hugely impressed with the Riyadh Air experience onboard our current fleet of six Boeing 787 jets. The addition of the 787-10 strengthens our ability to accommodate growing passenger and cargo demand while providing the operational flexibility required to support our ambitious network plans.”
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added:
“We are delighted to see Riyadh Air flying their new 787 airplanes in commercial service and we are deeply honored they are placing orders for additional 787 Dreamliner aircraft to support their future,” said
“The 787-10 will be a great complement to Riyadh Air’s growing fleet and advance the airline’s mission to be a world-class airline that delivers an exceptional passenger experience.”
SMBC Aviation Capital orders 100 Boeing 737 MAXs
SMBC Aviation Capital is expanding its leasing options, with the lessor ordering 100 737 MAX airplanes, including 60 737-10 and 40 737-8 jets.
The 737-10 order represents SMBC Aviation Capital’s first purchase for the 737 MAX family’s highest capacity variant. With this order, SMBC Aviation Capital increases its owned, managed and committed to portfolio for the 737 MAX family to 450 jets.
“This transaction represents a significant milestone for SMBC Aviation Capital and will ensure our airline customers have access to a long-term pipeline of new technology aircraft,”
“Our partnership with Boeing spans over two decades and this order reflects market dynamics as our airline and investor customers look to upgauge to the 737-10. This order will support their growth ambitions well into the next decade and reflects our strong confidence in the Boeing 737 MAX and sustained demand for fuel-efficient, technologically advanced narrowbody aircraft.”
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“We are honored that the new and expanded team at SMBC continues to place its trust in Boeing and the 737 MAX family,”
“This commitment, including SMBC’s first 737-10 order, reflects the strong demand we are seeing for the 737 MAX family’s efficiency, reliability and versatility.”
Philippine Airlines commits to the 787 family.
Philippine Airlines today announced they have committed to order up to 20 787 Dreamliner jets. Once finalised, the agreement for 15 787-10, with opportunity to purchase five more,
The 787-10 will complement PAL’s fleet of 10 777 jets by expanding operational flexibility across the airline’s medium- and long-haul route network.
In Quotes
Lucio C. Tan III, president and chief operating officer of PAL Holdings, Inc.
“This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines and the continued growth of air travel. The Boeing 787-10 will strengthen our medium and long-haul fleet, allowing us to provide an even better travel experience for our customers while improving operational efficiency and supporting our long-term sustainability goals,”
“As Asia’s first and longest serving airline, we proudly celebrated our 85th anniversary earlier this year. An equally meaningful milestone that we celebrate this year is 80 years of partnership between Philippine Airlines and Boeing.”
“Philippine Airlines’ selection of the 787 Dreamliner marks an important step forward in our partnership, one that spans 80 years,”
“We’re grateful for PAL’s trust in Boeing, and our team looks forward to delivering advanced-technology airplanes that deepen connections across the Philippines, Asia and beyond.”
Other Announcements
Skymark signs leases for Boeing 737 MAX with Aviation Capital Group.
Skymark Airlines (Skymark) has signed a lease with Aviation Capital Group (ACG) for the lease of seven Boeing 737-10 aircraft.
The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to Skymark in 2028 from ACG’s orderbook. Once in service, the aircraft will support the airline’s broader fleet expansion and renewal plans, while helping the airline to sustainably increase capacity on key routes from its home base at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
Skymark flies a fleet of 30 737-800s and 737-8s today. In May 2026, Skymark became the first Japanese airline to introduce the Boeing 737-8, debuting on its Tokyo Haneda-Fukuoka route.
As a launch customer for the 737-10, ACG is the leading aircraft lessor for Boeing’s newest and highest capacity 737 MAX variant. ACG’s orderbook for the 737-10 includes delivery positions that extend from its first aircraft anticipated in late 2026 through 2033. These leases build on ACG’s existing relationship with Skymark following prior leases of Boeing 737-800s.
In Quotes
Thomas Baker, Chief Executive Officer and President of ACG.
“We are delighted to sign this agreement and support Skymark’s fleet modernization plans. For airlines serving high-density markets from slot-constrained airports, the ability to add capacity, improve efficiency, and maximize revenue opportunities is critical,”
“As the largest aircraft in the 737 MAX family, the 737-10 offers a high-capacity configuration and significant operational flexibility, making it a strong fit for Skymark’s needs and growth ambitions.”
Yoshihiro Miwa, President and Representative Director of Skymark Airlines.
“We look forward to operating the 737-10, which boasts the largest capacity in the MAX series, and welcoming even more passengers to enjoy the Skymark experience,”
“We are delighted to collaborate with ACG and to announce this agreement as we welcome these new wings to the Skymark fleet.”
Pratt & Whitney signs British Airways for GTF Engines.
British Airways has selected Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power 33 firm and 30 option Airbus A320neo aircraft. Pratt & Whitney will also provide maintenance for the engines through a 12-year EngineWise Comprehensive services agreement, ensuring optimised fleet efficiency and cost of ownership.
Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027.
In Quotes
Rick Deurloo, president of Commercial Engines, Pratt & Whitney, said:
“Today marks a pivotal moment and a strong vote of confidence in the GTF engine as the UK’s flagship carrier, British Airways, becomes the newest GTF customer,” said
“As the most fuel-efficient choice for the A320neo aircraft, the GTF engine will help British Airways achieve its international fleet expansion goals and enhance the travel experience for passengers.”
That’s it for Day 1
Once again, single-aisle aircraft are performing well, with Boeing and Airbus sharing SMBC’s big orders. Boeing did a lot better than Airbus in terms of wide-body orders, and even Beta Technologies managed to push forward their partnership with LoganAir for Electric Aircraft.
Whilst we haven’t heard much from ATR or Embraer (with De Havilland of Canada scoring service agreements), I suspect we might hear more from them over the week.
We’ll be back around the same time tomorrow with our Day 2 digest.
Images: Airbus, Beta Technologies, The Boeing Company and Pratt and Whitney
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