WEST JEFFERSON, NC - GE Aerospace announced a nearly $53M investment to purchase new equipment and expand its West Jefferson facility by over 35,000 square feet to boost capacity for in-demand narrowbody aircraft engines. The project will create more than 40 new jobs at the site and bolster North Carolina’s role as a cornerstone in building the future of flight.

The $53M investment is over three years. A grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will support the company’s expansion efforts. The West Jefferson site produces some of the most critical parts used in CFM LEAP engines, including rotating parts, blisks, high pressure turbines and spools.

The expansion will support hiring for roles including apprentice machinists and inspectors, as well as engineers. GE Aerospace has a decade-long partnership with the Wilkes Community College and the state’s NC Edge program that provides advanced training preparing local individuals with the skills they need to work at GE Aerospace.

Ashe County, Ashe County Job Development Inc., and the Town of West Jefferson will contribute $1M in grants as well.

GE Aerospace employs around 2,000 workers across four locations in North Carolina. The company announced earlier this year it would invest more than $100M into its North Carolina sites. The new $53 million investment adds to that investment.

Source: GE Aerospace
Associated URL: https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press-releases/ge-aerospace-invests-53m-west-jefferson-facility-support-engine-production

WELLINGTON - New Zealand has finalized a deal to acquire two Airbus A321XLRs through a six-year lease-to-buy arrangement with Air Lease Corporation, allowing the country to retire its ageing 757-200 transports.

The agreement totals NZ$620 million, with an additional NZ$80.9 million budgeted for the first four years of operations. The aircraft will be delivered in a commercial off-the-shelf configuration and are expected to enter service around 2028 with No. 40 Squadron in Auckland. Once operational, the A321XLRs will provide longer-range and more reliable strategic transport capabilities for humanitarian missions, defense operations, and government travel.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/new-zealand-firms-a321xlr-contract-to-replace-757s/165474.article
Author: Greg Waldron 

ALMATY - Air Astana has outlined a major fleet-renewal plan centered on up to 50 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, with the A321LR expected to become a key part of its long-haul narrowbody strategy.

The agreement, structured as 25 firm orders and 25 options, positions the airline for deliveries starting in 2031 as it looks to expand capacity and replace older jets. Air Astana has been operating the A321LR since 2019 and already relies heavily on Airbus single-aisle aircraft across its network, so the new commitment builds on an established strategy focused on fuel efficiency, range flexibility, and improved passenger experience. The airline says the move reflects its long-term growth ambitions and its intent to strengthen both regional and long-haul connectivity.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/airlines/air-astana-signs-for-up-to-50-airbus-single-aisle-jets-with-a321lrs-prominent/165448.article
Author: David Kaminski-Morrow