PARIS - Air France-KLM is moving up the timeline for replacing its ageing Boeing 777-300ER fleet as part of a broader long-haul fleet modernization strategy. Group CEO Ben Smith has indicated the airline plans to make decisions on replacement aircraft sooner rather than later, driven in part by increasingly tight delivery slots at both Airbus and Boeing. Across Air France and KLM, the group operates around 60 777-300ERs, which remain heavily utilized on high-capacity long-haul routes, particularly leisure-focused services.

The group is evaluating next-generation widebody aircraft to take over these missions, with the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing’s 777-9 among the leading candidates. While the 777-9 has yet to enter service, it remains a long-term option for high-density routes, while the A350-1000 offers a more readily available, fuel-efficient replacement for the 777-300ER in many network roles. The aging profile of the current fleet, combined with efficiency and sustainability targets, is pushing Air France-KLM to act earlier than previously anticipated.

This initiative fits into a wider fleet renewal effort already underway across the group. Air France-KLM has been steadily introducing Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s to replace older long-haul aircraft and simplify its widebody fleet mix, while also modernizing its short-haul fleets.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/air-france-klm-eyes-777-300er-replacement-sooner-rather-than-later/166374.article
Author: Lewis Harper 

SEATTLE - Boeing has reached an important regulatory milestone for the 777-9 pilot training program after receiving initial qualification for its training devices from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

The newly qualified equipment includes a full-flight simulator and an additional flight training device located at Boeing’s training campus in Gatwick, developed in partnership with CAE. These devices are designed to accurately replicate the 777-9’s flight characteristics and advanced systems, giving pilots the ability to train in a realistic environment well ahead of the aircraft’s entry into commercial service. This milestone allows regulators to begin validating training courseware and certification programs, helping pave the way for airlines to prepare flight crews, instructors, and training organizations for the new aircraft. More broadly, the qualification of these training devices represents incremental progress in the long certification and entry-into-service process for the 777X program, signaling continued momentum as Boeing works through remaining regulatory requirements and prepares to support future 777-9 operators worldwide.

Source: Boeing
Associated URL: https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2026-02-19-Boeing-Receives-Initial-Qualification-for-777-9-Training-Devices

SEATTLE - Boeing and Kazakhstan’s flag carrier Air Astana finalized a significant widebody aircraft order, converting a previously announced commitment into a firm agreement for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

The deal reflects Air Astana’s strategy to expand its long haul network and modernize its fleet with more fuel efficient aircraft capable of serving longer international routes. In addition to the firm order, the airline plans to supplement its fleet through leasing, which could bring its total 787-9 fleet to as many as 18 aircraft over time. The new aircraft will support Air Astana’s growth ambitions as it strengthens connectivity between Central Asia and major global markets.

From Boeing’s perspective, the order reinforces the continued relevance of the 787 family in the long haul market, particularly as airlines prioritize aircraft with lower operating costs, improved range, and better passenger comfort. The Dreamliner has become a cornerstone product for carriers seeking to right size capacity on international routes while maintaining flexibility in network planning. This agreement also fits within a broader trend of airlines renewing and expanding their widebody fleets as international travel demand continues to recover and stabilize, especially across Asia and emerging long haul markets.

Source: Boeing
Associated URL: https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=131644