This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and Tim Hepher.

Report: AirAsia Nears Deal for 100 Airbus A220 Jets

AirAsia is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire approximately 100 Airbus A220 aircraft, a move that would signify a major strategic pivot for the Southeast Asian budget carrier. According to exclusive reporting by Reuters, the airline is “closing in” on the agreement, which would mark its first entry into the dedicated regional jet market.

Industry sources indicate that the deal could be finalized soon, with the upcoming Singapore Airshow, scheduled for February 3–8, 2026, viewed as a probable venue for an official announcement. If completed, this acquisition would diversify AirAsia’s fleet, which has been dominated by larger narrowbody aircraft for over a decade.

Details of the Potential Acquisition

The reported agreement involves a firm order for around 100 jets. While specific variants have not been confirmed by the airline, industry analysis suggests the carrier is targeting the A220-300, the larger variant of the family, which is favored by low-cost carriers for its higher seating capacity and unit cost efficiency.

Based on 2025 list prices, a deal for 100 A220-300 jets would be valued at approximately $9.15 billion. However, large-scale orders of this magnitude typically attract significant discounts from manufacturers, meaning the actual transaction value would likely be substantially lower.

“Airbus is closing in on a deal to sell around 100 A220 jets to AirAsia…”

, Reporting by Tim Hepher, Reuters

This potential order comes as AirAsia completes a significant corporate restructuring. In January 2026, AirAsia X completed its acquisition of Capital A’s aviation assets, consolidating short-haul and long-haul operations under a unified “AirAsia Group” umbrella. This streamlined structure appears to be facilitating a more cohesive, group-wide fleet strategy.

Strategic Rationale: Right-Sizing the Network

For years, AirAsia has operated a standardized fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The introduction of the A220 would represent a departure from the single-type fleet model often strictly adhered to by low-cost carriers (LCCs). However, the move aligns with a post-pandemic industry trend toward “right-sizing” capacity.

The A220-300, typically seating between 130 and 160 passengers, sits below the capacity of the A320neo (180+ seats). This allows the airline to:

• Serve Thinner Routes: Profitably operate on routes where demand is insufficient to fill an A320 but too high for turboprops.
• Open New Markets: Utilize the A220’s range (up to 3,450 nautical miles) to connect secondary cities in Indonesia, Vietnam, and potentially Northern Australia directly to major hubs like Kuala Lumpur.
• Improve Efficiency: Leverage the aircraft’s reported 25% reduction in fuel burn per seat compared to previous-generation jets, supporting the group’s sustainability and cost-reduction goals.

AirPro News Analysis

The Shift from Volume to Precision

We view this potential order as a signal that AirAsia is moving from a “survival mode” strategy to one of “smart growth.” Historically, LCCs in Southeast Asia have chased volume on trunk routes using the largest possible narrowbodies (like the A321). By opting for the A220, AirAsia acknowledges that the next phase of growth lies in connecting secondary and tertiary markets that cannot support 180-seat aircraft.

Furthermore, this is a significant win for the Airbus A220 program in a region where it has faced stiff competition. Reports indicate that AirAsia also evaluated the Embraer E195-E2. Selecting the A220 reinforces Airbus’s dominance in the carrier’s fleet, despite the A220 having a different cockpit and supply chain than the A320 family.

Fleet Evolution and Competitor Context

AirAsia launched in 1996 with Boeing 737-300s before transitioning to an all-Airbus fleet to standardize maintenance and training. Introducing a second fleet type adds complexity, but the operational savings of the A220 on specific routes appear to outweigh the costs of diversification.

According to market reports, the deal is not yet signed, and negotiations regarding pricing and delivery slots are ongoing. However, the timing aligns with the industry’s recovery trajectory, where airlines are locking in delivery slots for the late 2020s to secure future capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the deal?

At list prices, 100 A220 jets are valued at roughly $9.15 billion, though the final price will likely be much lower due to bulk discounts.

When will the deal be announced?

Sources suggest an announcement could be made during the Singapore Airshow, which runs from February 3–8, 2026.

Why is AirAsia buying smaller jets?

The A220 allows the airline to fly profitably on routes with lower passenger demand (“thin routes”) that are not economical for larger A320 aircraft.

Sources

• Reuters
• MarketScreener
• FlightGlobal

This article is based on an official press release from TrueNoord.

TrueNoord Finalizes Sale of Two Embraer E190s to South Africa’s Airlink

Regional aircraft lessor TrueNoord has announced the completion of a sale involving two Embraer E190 aircraft to Airlink, South Africa’s premier independent regional airline. The transaction, which was finalized in December 2025, marks a strategic shift for the operator as it seeks to bolster its supply-chain resilience.

According to the official announcement, the aircraft were previously on lease to the U.S. carrier Breeze Airways. Unlike traditional fleet expansions aimed at increasing capacity, Airlink has acquired these specific airframes primarily to harvest engines and critical components. This move is designed to support the operational reliability of the airline’s existing fleet amidst ongoing global supply chain constraints.

Strategic Acquisition for Fleet Support

The aviation industry continues to navigate a complex environment characterized by shortages of spare parts and maintenance delays. Airlink’s decision to purchase these older E190 airframes outright reflects a growing trend among operators to secure their own supply lines rather than relying solely on delayed OEM shipments.

In the company statement, Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht emphasized the necessity of this approach to maintain service levels.

“Securing these aircraft is a strategic move to safeguard the reliability of our Embraer fleet. By acquiring additional engines and components, we can mitigate the impact of global supply chain disruptions and maintain the high standards of service our customers expect.”

, de Villiers Engelbrecht, CEO of Airlink

While the airline is assessing options for the future operation of these airframes, the immediate priority remains the availability of spares, specifically GE CF34 engines, to keep their active fleet flying.

Transaction Details and Partners

The two Embraer E190s were marketed by TrueNoord following their lease term with Breeze Airways. TrueNoord, a specialist regional aircraft lessor headquartered in Amsterdam, manages a fleet of over 100 regional aircraft. This transaction highlights the lessor’s ability to remarket assets across different continents, moving aircraft from a U.S. operator to an African carrier to solve specific operational challenges.

Richard Jacobs, Chief Commercial Officer at TrueNoord, noted the collaborative nature of the deal:

“Further strengthening our existing relationship with this leading African operator, our joint collaborative efforts ensured the sale was finalised in a timely, streamlined and efficient manner. Additional thanks also go to the aircraft’s previous lessee, Breeze, for their support throughout the process.”

, Richard Jacobs, CCO, TrueNoord

Deepening Regional Partnerships

This sale builds upon an established relationship between the two companies. In April 2023, TrueNoord novated the leases of two other E190s to Airlink from Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC). However, the 2025 transaction differs significantly as it involves the outright transfer of ownership rather than a leasing arrangement.

Airlink currently operates a fleet of approximately 70 aircraft, predominantly consisting of Embraer regional jets. While this acquisition focuses on older airframes for parts, the airline is simultaneously pursuing modernization. In mid-2025, Airlink finalized agreements to lease 10 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, signaling a dual strategy of maintaining current reliability while investing in future efficiency.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision by Airlink to purchase aircraft specifically for “part-out” purposes underscores the severity of the current aftermarket supply chain crisis. For regional operators, the inability to source engines or landing gear can ground viable aircraft for months. By internalizing the supply chain through the acquisition of whole aircraft, Airlink is effectively buying insurance against downtime.

From a lessor’s perspective, TrueNoord’s ability to sell older assets to operators for teardown represents an effective exit strategy for aircraft that may be nearing the end of their leasing viability in primary markets. We expect to see more of these “strategic spare” acquisitions in 2026 as airlines prioritize operational continuity over pure capacity growth.

Sources

• TrueNoord

This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace and Delta Air Lines.

Delta Air Lines Selects GE Aerospace GEnx Engines for New Boeing 787-10 Fleet

In a significant move for its future widebody operations, Delta Air Lines has selected GE Aerospace to power its incoming fleet of Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. According to a joint announcement released on January 13, 2026, the carrier has chosen the GEnx-1B engine for an order comprising 30 firm aircraft and options for 30 additional jets.

The agreement extends beyond the initial hardware, encompassing spare engines and a comprehensive long-term services support contract. This selection marks a pivotal moment in the nearly 70-year partnership between the two companies, ensuring GE Aerospace remains a cornerstone of Delta’s international fleet strategy well into the next decade.

Agreement Details and Delivery Timeline

The newly announced deal secures propulsion for Delta’s latest widebody acquisition. The order covers 30 firm Boeing 787-10 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2031. Should Delta exercise its options for the additional 30 aircraft, the total scope of the agreement could cover up to 120 installed engines, exclusive of spares.

While specific financial terms were not disclosed in the press release, the inclusion of a long-term maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) agreement suggests a deep commitment to the GEnx platform. This “power-by-the-hour” style support is standard for major fleet renewals, ensuring predictable maintenance costs and high dispatch reliability.

Executive Commentary

Both companies highlighted the strategic importance of this renewal. Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, emphasized the role of efficiency in the airline’s international expansion.

“GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines will enable us to connect our passengers to international destinations across the globe with greater efficiency and improved reliability and are foundational to our growth vision.”

, Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines

H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace, noted the historical depth of the relationship, which dates back to the Convair 880 in 1956.

“For more than 60 years, GE Aerospace has been proud to partner with Delta Air Lines, and we’re honored the GEnx now will be underwing to support their international growth plans.”

, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO of GE Aerospace

Technical Specifications and Performance

The GEnx-1B is currently the best-selling engine for the Boeing 787 family, holding approximately two-thirds of the market share for the airframe. Delta’s selection aligns with industry trends favoring the engine’s maturity and performance metrics.

According to technical data referenced in the announcement and industry reports, the GEnx-1B offers several key advantages over previous generation powerplants:

• Fuel Efficiency: The engine delivers a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the CF6 engines currently powering Delta’s older Boeing 767 fleet.
• Reliability: The GEnx fleet has accumulated over 70 million flight hours with a dispatch reliability rate of 99.98%.
• Material Innovation: The engine utilizes carbon fiber composite fan blades and a composite fan case, which significantly reduce weight and eliminate corrosion issues associated with traditional metal components.
• Emissions: The Twin Annular Pre-Swirl (TAPS) combustor technology reduces NOx emissions to approximately 55% below current regulatory limits.

AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Fleet Diversification

This order represents a notable shift in Delta’s recent procurement strategy. Over the past decade, the Atlanta-based carrier has leaned heavily on Airbus for its widebody renewal, investing significantly in the A330neo and A350 families. The introduction of the Boeing 787-10, and specifically the choice of GE engines, reintroduces balance to the fleet.

By operating both Airbus and Boeing widebodies, Delta mitigates the risk of supply chain delays or certification issues that might affect a single manufacturer. Furthermore, the 787-10 is optimized for high-capacity, mid-range international routes (such as Transatlantic and South American corridors), complementing the ultra-long-range capabilities of the A350-1000. The decision to pair the airframe with GE engines avoids the durability challenges that have historically affected the competing Rolls-Royce Trent 1000, signaling a preference for operational stability over other factors.

Sources

Sources: PR Newswire / GE Aerospace