TOULOUSE - Airbus has delivered about 30 commercial jets in the first half of December, according to people familiar with the matter.

This is is slower than a typical December delivery pace. The slower run rate comes as some airlines defer accepting aircraft pending clarification on how the manufacturer will address a recent fuselage issue. To hit its revised full-year delivery goal of roughly 790 aircraft, Airbus now needs to deliver over 100 more jets in the second half of the month, a target analysts say could be difficult given current figures. Airbus has not commented on the mid-month delivery data.

Source: Reuters
Associated URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/airbus-delivered-about-30-jets-first-half-december-sources-say-2025-12-15/
Author: Reuters 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive expanding inspection requirements for CFM International Leap-1A engines to include those operating in South Asia. This regulatory action responds to data indicating that these engines, which power Airbus A320neo jets, suffer from the same dust-induced turbine blade cracks and accelerated deterioration previously identified in Middle Eastern operations. Effective in 16 days, the order mandates specific borescope inspections for high-pressure turbine blades; however, the FAA notes that no US-registered aircraft are currently affected by this directive.

CFM International characterizes the situation as a known issue, stating that operators have already been complying with previously issued service bulletins to prevent operational disruptions. The problem arises from the engine's high-efficiency design, which runs at higher temperatures and pressures, making internal components more vulnerable to distress in dusty environments. To mitigate these failures, CFM has developed a durability kit featuring redesigned components, with approximately one-third of the global Leap-1A fleet already updated with the new configuration.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/engines/faa-expands-leap-1a-dust-related-inspections-to-engines-operated-in-south-asia/165666.article

KUALA LUMPUR - AirAsia expects its first Airbus A321LR aircraft to enter the fleet in 2026, marking an important step in bringing greater alignment between its short- and medium-haul operations.

The group plans to receive four A321LRs that year, all converted from existing A321neo orders. Executives note that the long-range variant will give the airline added flexibility as it refines its network strategy and evaluates how best to position capacity across AirAsia and AirAsia X. While the carrier has not yet detailed specific routes for the type, the aircraft are viewed as a tool for strengthening connectivity and supporting future growth plans across the broader AirAsia network.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/airasia-expects-a321lr-deliveries-to-begin-in-2026/165641.article
Author: Alfred Chua