This article is based on an official update from Boeing.

Boeing 737-10 Undergoes Critical Wet Runway Braking Tests in Roswell

Boeing has successfully conducted “wet runway” braking tests for the 737-10, the largest variant of the MAX family, as part of its ongoing Certification campaign. According to an official update from the Manufacturers, the tests were designed to evaluate the aircraft’s anti-skid system under challenging, low-friction conditions.

The testing took place in Roswell, New Mexico, a location chosen for its consistently dry climate, which allows engineers to control the testing environment precisely. By artificially flooding the runway, the engineering team could simulate severe weather conditions to ensure the jet’s braking systems perform safely before the aircraft enters passenger service. Boeing has reaffirmed its commitment to certifying the 737-10 in 2026.

Engineering a “Slippery Situation”

Landing a Commercial-Aircraft on a water-logged runway requires a highly sophisticated braking system. The primary goal of these tests was to demonstrate the efficiency of the 737-10’s anti-skid technology, which prevents wheel lock-up and maximizes stopping power on contaminated surfaces.

Starr Fowler, an aerodynamics performance engineer at Boeing, emphasized the safety implications of the testing in the company’s statement:

“This test contributes to the Safety of 737 by demonstrating how well the anti-skid system works, and how efficient it can be, especially during a wet or contaminated runway. We want a fully modulated system.”

To create the necessary conditions, the ground operations team utilized a convoy of water trucks to spray thousands of gallons of water across the airfield. This process required precise timing to ensure the water remained at the correct depth just as the test pilots brought the aircraft down.

Lauren Auerbach, a ground operations engineer, described the logistics required to execute the test:

“It’s a timed operation between us on the ground and the airplane in the sky so that they can land repeatably on a wet, but not flooded runway.”

Data Collection and Flight Manuals

Once the aircraft touched down, engineers monitored the skid behavior to verify that the system utilized the limited friction effectively. The team repeated the landing sequence over several days, testing brakes from two different suppliers under various weight configurations, including both light and heavy payloads.

Joshua Olson, an aerodynamics performance engineer, noted that the data collected during these trials directly impacts the final documentation pilots will use in service.

“The data will ultimately be the numbers that go into airplane flight manuals that the pilot sees, and this is going to be a very refined and predictable estimation of the performance that we see on this airplane.”

According to Boeing, the 737-10 test fleet has now accumulated more than 1,500 flight test hours. The company is currently working to secure type inspection authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to proceed with further certification credits.

AirPro News Analysis

While Boeing’s official release focuses on the technical success of the braking tests, the timing and location provide deeper insight into the program’s status. Flight tracking data indicates that the test aircraft, identified as tail number 1G002, deployed to Roswell in early October 2025. This confirms that despite broader delays affecting the program, standard certification testing is proceeding actively.

The 737-10 is critical to Boeing’s competitive strategy against the Airbus A321neo. With a capacity of up to 230 passengers, the -10 variant is designed to offer high-density seating for single-aisle routes. However, the program has faced significant schedule adjustments. Originally targeted for an earlier release, the certification timeline has shifted to 2026. This delay is largely attributed to a required redesign of the engine anti-ice (EAI) system to prevent potential overheating of the engine inlet cowl.

By completing standard milestones like wet runway testing now, Boeing appears to be clearing the “routine” regulatory hurdles so that the aircraft is ready for immediate certification once the specific EAI redesign is approved by regulators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of wet runway testing?

Wet runway testing certifies that an aircraft’s anti-skid system can effectively stop the plane on slippery surfaces without the tires locking up. It ensures the braking system modulates pressure correctly to maintain directional control and stopping power.

When will the Boeing 737-10 enter service?

Boeing has publicly committed to completing certification for the 737-10 in 2026, after which deliveries to airlines can begin.

How does the 737-10 differ from other MAX models?

The 737-10 is the longest and largest variant in the MAX family. It can seat up to 230 passengers, making it a direct competitor to the Airbus A321neo in the large single-aisle market segment.

Sources

• Boeing

This article summarizes reporting by Agência Brasil. Read the original reporting for full context.

BNDES Approves R$ 1 Billion Financing to Support Embraer Export Growth

The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has approved a significant financing package totaling R$ 1.09 billion (approximately US$ 200 million) for Embraer, the country’s leading aerospace manufacturer. According to reporting by Agência Brasil, this funding is designed to provide the working capital necessary to support the production of commercial aircraft destined for the international market.

The credit operation, finalized on November 25, 2025, utilizes the BNDES Exim Pre-shipment line. This specific financial instrument is tailored to cover the production phase of export goods, ensuring that manufacturers have the liquidity required to purchase raw materials and cover labor costs before delivery to foreign buyers. As noted in the official communications cited by Agência Brasil, this move aligns with Embraer’s strategy to ramp up deliveries in the coming year.

This latest injection of capital underscores the long-standing strategic partnership between the state-owned development bank and the aircraft manufacturer, aiming to secure Brazil’s position in the competitive global aerospace market.

Details of the Financing Package

The approved R$ 1.09 billion will be directed specifically toward the production of commercial jets already ordered by international clients. Under the terms of the Exim Pré-embarque (Pre-shipment) credit line, the funds are released to support the manufacturing cycle, covering the gap between production costs and final payment upon delivery.

Understanding the Credit Mechanism

According to BNDES data referenced in the report, this credit line is distinct because it finances the production phase rather than the purchase itself. The interest rates for the loan are composed of the standard financial cost, BNDES remuneration, and a credit risk rate applicable to this type of export support.

In a statement regarding the approval, BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante highlighted the strategic nature of the sector. As quoted by Agência Brasil:

“Brazil is part of a select group of countries with the capacity to design, manufacture, and export commercial, executive, defense, and agricultural aircraft.”

, Aloizio Mercadante, President of BNDES (via Agência Brasil)

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Operational Outlook for 2025

The financing comes at a critical time for Embraer as it prepares for a surge in production. According to the company’s operational guidance cited in the report, Embraer forecasts delivering between 77 and 85 commercial jets in 2025.

Production Ramp-Up

If the company achieves the midpoint of this target (81 jets), it would represent an 11% increase compared to the 73 commercial jets delivered in 2024. The report further notes that in 2024, Embraer delivered a total of 206 aircraft across all segments, commercial, executive, and defense, marking an increase from 181 units in 2023.

Francisco Gomes Neto, CEO of Embraer, emphasized the necessity of this capital to meet rising demand. In remarks published by Agência Brasil, he stated:

“[…] BNDES financing is fundamental to support initiatives aimed at increasing production capacity and accelerating deliveries in the coming years.”

, Francisco Gomes Neto, CEO of Embraer

Historical Context and Strategic Importance

The relationship between BNDES and Embraer is a cornerstone of Brazil’s industrial export strategy. Historical data provided by BNDES indicates that since 1997, the bank has financed approximately US$ 26.3 billion in exports for the manufacturer. This funding has facilitated the export of roughly 1,350 aircraft over nearly three decades.

AirPro News Analysis

We observe that this financing package reinforces a broader trend in Brazilian industrial policy: a shift toward “neo-industrialization.” While Brazil is a global powerhouse in raw commodity exports like soy and iron ore, the aerospace sector represents a rare avenue for high-value-added, technology-intensive exports.

By securing state-backed export credit, a standard practice among global competitors like Boeing (via the US Ex-Im Bank) and Airbus (via European ECAs), Embraer ensures it can maintain competitive production flows. This liquidity is vital for competing in the narrow-body market, particularly against the Airbus A220, by ensuring that supply chain constraints do not hamper delivery schedules during a period of high demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNDES Exim Pre-shipment line?

It is a credit line that provides working capital to companies to fund the production of goods destined for export. It covers costs like materials and labor before the product is shipped and paid for by the importer.

How much has BNDES invested in Embraer historically?

According to official data, BNDES has financed approximately US$ 26.3 billion in Embraer exports since 1997.

How many aircraft does Embraer plan to deliver in 2025?

Embraer projects delivering between 77 and 85 commercial jets in 2025.

Sources

• Agência Brasil

This article is based on an official announcement from Myrtle Beach International Airport and supporting project data. See the original release for full details.

Myrtle Beach International Airports Unveils Major Concourse A Expansion

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) officially opened its newly expanded Concourse A on December 2, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the facility’s history. The expansion, which adds six new gates to the terminal, is designed to alleviate congestion and elevate the passenger experience amidst record-breaking travel demand in the Grand Strand region.

According to an official announcement on the airport’s social media channels, the grand opening celebration highlighted the completion of a project that introduces modern amenities, enhanced dining options, and updated infrastructure. The expansion brings the airport’s total gate count to 18, a 50% increase in capacity that officials state is critical for the airport’s future operations.

Project Scope and Investment

The Concourse A expansion represents a substantial investment in South Carolina’s aviation infrastructure. Based on project data, the initiative cost approximately $90 million, funded through a combination of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants, state funding, and airport revenues. The construction, managed by a joint venture involving JE Dunn Construction, expanded the terminal footprint by approximately 50,000 square feet.

Groundbreaking for the project took place in June 2024, and the facility was completed on schedule in December 2025. The design, led by the architectural firm Gresham Smith, focuses on modernizing the terminal while retaining a sense of place connected to the coastal environment.

Key Infrastructure Upgrades

The centerpiece of the new concourse is a double-height glass curtain wall that offers panoramic views of the runway and airfield. To manage the South Carolina sun, the façade utilizes electrochromic “smart glass” technology, which automatically tints to reduce glare and heat gain, improving energy efficiency and passenger comfort.

Interior improvements include:

• Flooring: New terrazzo flooring designed to withstand high foot traffic.
• Restrooms: Larger, modernized restrooms featuring glass wall cladding.
• Seating: Holdrooms equipped with powered seating and countertop charging tables.
• Wayfinding: Updated signage and flight information displays to streamline passenger flow.

Enhancing the Passenger Experience

Beyond structural improvements, the expansion aims to upgrade the commercial offerings available to travelers. The new space includes designated areas for retail and dining, reflecting a mix of local and national brands.

According to airport reports, the expansion facilitates the introduction of new concessions. Notable additions planned or recently introduced include the first Starbucks in a South Carolina airport, a “Salt & Tide” beer and wine bar, and a location for the local favorite Pizza Hyena, expected to open fully in 2025.

In the official announcement, the airport team expressed gratitude to the partners involved:

“A heartfelt thank you to the incredible teams, partners, and community members whose dedication and hard work made this project a reality — and to everyone who joined us today to celebrate this exciting milestone.”

, Myrtle Beach International Airport Statement

Strategic Context and Growth

The expansion was necessitated by a surge in passenger traffic that has outpaced previous projections. In 2024, MYR set a new record with over 3.8 million passengers, representing a nearly 14% increase from the prior year. As a primary economic engine for the Grand Strand, the airport’s ability to process travelers efficiently is vital for the region’s tourism industry.

By increasing the number of gates from 12 to 18, the airport can now accommodate more frequent flights from existing airline partners such as Spirit, Southwest, American, and Delta, while also providing the infrastructure needed to attract new carriers.

AirPro News Analysis

The completion of the Concourse A expansion at MYR highlights a broader trend among regional U.S. airports adapting to post-pandemic travel patterns. Leisure-heavy destinations like Myrtle Beach have seen sustained demand that often exceeds legacy infrastructure capabilities. By investing in “smart” building technologies and upgraded concessions, MYR is positioning itself not just as a transit hub, but as a competitive entry point for high-value tourism. The use of electrochromic glass and spacious holdrooms suggests a shift toward prioritizing passenger well-being, a necessary evolution as regional airports compete for airline route allocations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many new gates were added?
The expansion added six new gates (A7 through A12), bringing the total number of gates at MYR to 18.

What is the “smart glass” feature?
The new curtain wall uses electrochromic glazing, which tints automatically to control sunlight, glare, and heat, reducing the need for window shades and lowering energy costs.

Who designed the new concourse?
The architectural design was led by Gresham Smith, with construction management by JE Dunn Construction.

When did the new concourse open?
The grand opening was celebrated on December 2, 2025.

Sources: FlyMyrtleBeach (Official Facebook), Gresham Smith, JE Dunn Construction, FlyMyrtleBeach.com