The Boeing Company is advancing the Boeing 737-10 through critical extreme wind and crosswind certification testing to validate the aircraft’s aerodynamic profile and flight control responsiveness. The testing campaign, conducted at locations including Edwards Air Force Base in California and Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, is a mandatory phase of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification process extending through 2026.

As the largest and final variant of the 737 MAX family, the 737-10 features a lengthened fuselage and a redesigned main landing gear. These structural differences make crosswind, tail-strike, and extreme weather evaluations essential to ensure the aircraft meets safe operational limits before entering commercial airline service. Internal footage recently highlighted on the Boeing News Network demonstrated the aircraft operating under severe wind conditions.

Certification fleet and testing milestones

Boeing officially initiated certification flight testing for the 737-10 in November 2023. The Manufacturers dedicated three test aircraft, designated 1G001, 1G002, and 1G003, to the certification fleet. By early 2025, these aircraft had accumulated more than 1,200 flight hours across over 500 flights.

In January 2026, the FAA granted approval for Phase 2 of the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). This regulatory clearance allowed Boeing to expand testing parameters, focusing on the aircraft’s avionics, propulsion, and other critical systems.

Alongside the extreme wind evaluations, Boeing completed maximum brake energy (MBE) certification testing in April and May 2026 at Edwards Air Force Base. During the MBE tests, the 737-10 was loaded to its maximum takeoff weight of 197,900 pounds and brought to a complete stop from speeds exceeding 200 mph using worn brakes.

Aerodynamic validation and regulatory timeline

Crosswind testing is a standard requirement for transport category aircraft, but it carries specific weight for the 737-10. The extended fuselage increases the risk of a tail strike during high-angle-of-attack maneuvers, such as takeoff and landing in turbulent or crosswind conditions. The redesigned main landing gear must also be validated under these lateral load conditions.

During extreme weather testing, engineers load the aircraft to its 197,900-pound maximum takeoff weight to observe structural integrity and handling characteristics at the edges of the operating envelope. The data collected during these flights is submitted directly to the FAA to establish the crosswind limits that will be published in the aircraft’s flight manual.

AirPro News analysis

We view the progression into extreme weather and Phase 2 TIA testing as a necessary technical hurdle for Boeing, though the timeline for the 737-10 remains subject to intense regulatory scrutiny. The manufacturer is targeting late 2026 or 2027 for commercial service entry. However, unresolved engineering challenges, including an engine anti-ice system issue, continue to influence the certification schedule. The successful completion of the maximum brake energy tests and the ongoing crosswind evaluations indicate that the physical flight test campaign is maturing, even as administrative and system-level regulatory reviews proceed.

Sources: Boeing News Network

Aircraft lessor Azorra has expanded its commitment to the Embraer E2 family, placing a firm order for 15 Embraer E195-E2 jets and securing 15 additional purchase rights on June 5, 2026. The transaction pushes the total orderbook for the Brazilian manufacturer’s E2 program past the 500-aircraft milestone.

In a press release issued from São José dos Campos, Embraer S.A. confirmed the order will be added to its second-quarter 2026 backlog. This marks the third time Azorra has increased its commitment to the E2 program since its initial order in December 2021, bringing the lessor’s total firm E2 orders to 54 aircraft.

Azorra expands global E2 placement

Azorra has actively worked to broaden the E2 customer base worldwide. The lessor recently facilitated deliveries of E195-E2 and E190-E2 aircraft to international operators including Royal Jordanian Airlines, Scoot, and Virgin Australia.

Azorra Chief Executive Officer John Evans stated that the lessor’s continued investment reflects strong airline demand for right-sized, fuel-efficient aircraft that offer operational and network planning advantages.

“As an early supporter of the program, Azorra has worked closely with Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to expand the E2 customer base and bring the aircraft to new operators across multiple regions around the world,” Evans said. “We are proud to further strengthen our partnership with Embraer through this order and to play a role in the E2 program surpassing 500 orders.”

Embraer reaches program milestone

The E195-E2 is Embraer’s largest commercial aircraft. It features a two-by-two seating configuration and is marketed for its low fuel burn and reduced emissions. Following the Azorra transaction, the E2 program has officially secured more than 500 orders.

Embraer reports that more than 200 E2 family aircraft are currently in operation globally, flying for 24 different airline customers.

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, highlighted the lessor’s role in the program’s global success.

“Azorra has been an important partner in the global success of the E2, and this latest order is another strong endorsement of the aircraft’s outstanding economics, performance and passenger appeal,” Meijer said. “Surpassing 500 E2 orders is a proud moment for Embraer and reflects the growing momentum behind right-sized, fuel-efficient aircraft.”

AirPro News analysis

We view Azorra’s repeated follow-on orders as a strong indicator of lessor confidence in the E2 family. The partnership between Embraer, Azorra, and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney has proven effective in placing the aircraft with diverse global operators. Crossing the 500-order threshold provides Embraer with a solid backlog and validates the market positioning of the E195-E2 as a versatile crossover narrowbody for airlines seeking to modernize fleets and open new routes.

Sources: Embraer S.A., Azorra

The Boeing Company delivered the first two custom-built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to Riyadh Air on June 5, 2026, marking a critical fleet milestone ahead of the Saudi Arabian startup carrier’s inaugural commercial passenger flights scheduled for July 1, 2026.

In a press release issued on June 5, 2026, Boeing confirmed the arrival of the widebody jets in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The delivery transitions Riyadh Air from operating a leased training aircraft to flying its own factory-fresh fleet as it prepares to launch initial service to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). The fleet expansion is a central component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aviation strategy, which targets 150 million annual visitors and 330 million annual passengers by the end of the decade.

Fleet development and operational launch

Riyadh Air, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, originally placed its widebody order in March 2023. The agreement includes 39 firm orders for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner alongside options for an additional 33 airframes, bringing the potential total to 72 aircraft.

Prior to receiving these new airframes, Riyadh Air utilized a leased Boeing 787 from Oman Air starting in late 2025. Live From A Lounge reported that this leased aircraft allowed the startup to conduct crew training and maintain valuable slot allocations at LHR. With the arrival of its own custom-built jets, the airline has formally opened ticket sales for its initial route connecting Riyadh and London, according to Skift.

Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas emphasized the significance of the delivery for the new carrier.

“To see our very first custom-built 787 Dreamliner airplanes touch down in Riyadh is a historic moment for us, and a momentous day for Saudi aviation,” Douglas stated in the Boeing release. “Not only are we building an airline, we are opening a new gateway to the world from the heart of the Kingdom.”

Strategic partnerships and network growth

The airline plans to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030. To support this rapid network expansion, Riyadh Air is actively establishing partnerships with established global carriers.

On June 4, 2026, Riyadh Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Air India. Aviation Week reported that the agreement outlines planned interline and codeshare arrangements, pending regulatory approvals. This collaboration is designed to facilitate passenger connections between Saudi Arabia, India, and subsequent international destinations.

Stephanie Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, noted that the aircraft will provide the startup with the necessary range and economics to execute its network strategy. The manufacturer stated the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers the efficiency and route flexibility required for Riyadh Air’s ambitious growth targets.

AirPro News analysis

We view the on-time delivery of these initial Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as a critical operational de-risking event for Riyadh Air. Launching a new national carrier on a strict timeline requires precise synchronization of aircraft deliveries, regulatory certification, and crew readiness. By securing its own metal ahead of the July 1, 2026 launch, Riyadh Air avoids the operational compromises often associated with extended reliance on wet-leased or interim aircraft. The immediate push for codeshare agreements, such as the recent MoU with Air India, indicates a strategy focused on rapid market penetration rather than slow, organic route development.

Sources: The Boeing Company