Commercial Aviation
Boeing 737-10 Conducts Wet Runway Braking Tests Ahead of 2026 Certification
Boeing completes wet runway braking tests for the 737-10 in Roswell, advancing certification with a focus on anti-skid system performance.
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
Photo Credit: Boeing
Commercial Aviation
ASL Aviation Holdings Buys Two Boeing 747-400ERF Freighters
ASL Aviation Holdings acquired two Boeing 747-400ERF aircraft on Aug 7, 2026, shifting them from leased to owned capacity in Europe.
ASL Aviation Holdings has finalized the purchase of two Boeing 747-400ERF freighters, transitioning the aircraft from leased assets to fully owned capacity within its European network.
In a press release issued on August 20, 2026, the Dublin-headquartered company confirmed that the acquisition formally closed on August 7, 2026. The aircraft are currently operated by subsidiary ASL Airlines Belgium and represent a strategic investment in the group’s long-haul cargo-aircraft capabilities.
Securing long-haul freighter capacity
The transaction involves two specific airframes already integrated into the ASL Group fleet. The acquired aircraft are Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 33516, registered as OE-IFB, and MSN 33945, registered as OE-IFD.
By purchasing these Boeing 747-400ERF aircraft, ASL Aviation Holdings shifts them from lease agreements to owned assets. The company stated that this move secures ongoing capacity for its shipping customers and supports the continued operation of its international air cargo platform without disrupting current flight schedules.
Global fleet development
The acquisition of the Belgian-operated widebodies follows recent growth initiatives in other global regions. On August 13, 2026, ASL Aviation Holdings announced the continued expansion of its regional presence and operations across Australia and New Zealand.
Both the Oceania expansion and the European widebody acquisitions are part of a broader group-wide fleet and network development strategy aimed at strengthening the company’s position in the global freight market.
AirPro News analysis
Purchasing previously leased aircraft is a conventional strategy for cargo operators looking to lock in capacity and control long-term operating costs. The Boeing 747-400ERF remains a highly capable platform with unique nose-loading capabilities, and replacement options in the current widebody freighter market are limited. We view this acquisition as a stabilizing move that guarantees ASL Airlines Belgium can maintain its current long-haul service levels without exposure to future lease rate fluctuations.
Sources: ASL Aviation Holdings
Photo Credit: ASL Aviation Holdings
Airlines Strategy
Icelandair Acquires 49% Stake in Maltese AOC for $686K
Icelandair Group acquired a 49% stake in a Maltese AOC holding company for USD 686,000 to expand EU operational flexibility.
Icelandair Group hf. has completed the acquisition of a 49% stake in a holding company controlling a Maltese Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for USD 686,000, securing a strategic foothold within the European Union regulatory environment.
The transaction, finalized on August 20, 2026, involves Fly Play Europe Holdco ehf., whose subsidiary holds the currently suspended Maltese AOC MT-85. The certificate was previously associated with the defunct Icelandic budget carrier PLAY, which ceased operations following its bankruptcy in September 2025.
Strategic expansion into Malta
In a press release issued on August 20, 2026, Icelandair announced the purchase from FPE hs., a fund managed by Isafold Capital Partners hf. The Airlines stated the acquisition is designed to increase operational flexibility and support the development of its primary hub at Keflavik International Airport (KEF).
The completion of the transaction remains contingent on reaching an agreement with the Transport Malta Civil Aviation Directorate (TMCAD) regarding the continued use of the certificate. Publicly available data from Transport Malta indicates that AOC MT-85 is currently suspended and has no Commercial-Aircraft registered to it.
Icelandair Group hf. CEO Bogi Nils Bogason outlined the company’s rationale in the official announcement.
“Acquiring a stake in a Maltese air operator certificate is primarily intended to increase operational flexibility, strengthen Icelandair’s competitiveness, and create new opportunities, all with the aim of supporting the continued development of our Keflavik hub and thereby safeguarding jobs and a strong operating environment for the Manufacturing industry in Iceland for the years to come,” Bogason said.
Origins of the AOC and future options
The Maltese AOC originally belonged to a subsidiary of PLAY. Following the budget carrier’s financial collapse in late 2025, creditors enforced security interests to recover the Maltese holding structure. Icelandair initially announced a Letter of Intent regarding the Acquisitions in April 2026 before finalizing the purchase in August.
As part of the agreement, Icelandair has secured options to increase its stake in Fly Play Europe Holdco ehf. at a later stage. The company utilized Arma Advisory as its financial adviser for the transaction.
AirPro News analysis
We view Icelandair’s move to secure a Maltese AOC as a calculated step to bypass the bilateral traffic right limitations inherent to its Icelandic registration. Malta has become a preferred jurisdiction for European operators seeking a flexible, EU-based Regulations environment. By acquiring an existing corporate structure rather than applying for a new certificate, Icelandair likely aims to accelerate its timeline for establishing a secondary European operating base, provided TMCAD approves the reactivation of the suspended certificate.
Sources: Icelandair Group hf.
Photo Credit: Fly Play Europe
Commercial Aviation
Saudia Group Signs Financing MoU for 144 Airbus Aircraft
Saudia Group, Saudi EXIM, and Crédit Agricole CIB sign MoU to finance 144 Airbus jets due for delivery through 2032.
Saudia Group, the Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM), and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (Crédit Agricole CIB) signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) on August 25, 2026, to arrange financing for the airline’s incoming fleet of Airbus aircraft.
The agreement, finalized on the sidelines of the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable in Paris, integrates international bank financing with Saudi national export credit instruments. According to a press release from the Saudi Press Agency, Crédit Agricole CIB will act as the financier and arranger, while Saudi EXIM will provide credit risk insurance to reduce exposure for financial institutions.
Fleet expansion and delivery timeline
The financing arrangement is designed to support Saudia Group’s substantial aircraft backlog. In May 2024, the company placed an order for 105 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, bringing its total Airbus orderbook to 144 jets.
The May 2024 order includes 12 Airbus A320neo and 93 Airbus A321neo aircraft. Saudia Group allocated 54 of the A321neos to its mainline operations. The remaining 51 aircraft, comprising 12 A320neos and 39 A321neos, are designated for its low-cost subsidiary, flyadeal. Deliveries for the 105-aircraft order are scheduled to occur between 2026 and 2032.
Strategic financial partnerships
The tripartite structure aims to broaden the pool of potential international lenders by mitigating risk through state-backed credit insurance. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic objectives to increase non-oil exports and enhance global connectivity.
Saudia Group Director General Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar highlighted the strategic nature of the agreement in a public statement.
“This MoU marks an important step in developing financing solutions that support Saudia Group’s growing fleet investments, while reflecting the continued advancement of national capabilities and instruments that enable Saudi sectors to access international sources of finance. We value this partnership with Saudi EXIM and Crédit Agricole CIB, which provides us with broader financing options to support our growth and expansion plans.”
Al-Omar also noted that diversifying financing sources strengthens the group’s flexibility in executing future investments and expanding network capacity.
AirPro News analysis
We view this financing structure as a pragmatic approach to managing the massive capital requirements of Saudia Group’s fleet modernization. By layering Saudi EXIM’s credit risk insurance over Crédit Agricole CIB’s financing, the airline group effectively lowers the risk profile for international lenders. While the specific aircraft models and total financial value covered by this non-binding MoU remain undisclosed, securing a reliable financing pipeline is critical as the airline prepares to absorb over 100 new narrowbody aircraft through 2032.
Sources: Saudia Group Press Release
Photo Credit: Saudia Group
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