In December 2023, LATAM had its first Boeing 777-300ER fitted with the bionic surface film in São Paulo, becoming the first airline outside the Lufthansa Group and in the Americas region to adopt this innovative CO₂-saving solution. Since then, the Latin American airline has been testing the sharkskin technology in daily operations. Given the proven results, LATAM has now decided to install the innovative film on four additional aircraft. Five AeroSHARK-modified aircraft operated by the subsidiary LATAM Airlines Brazil will soon be cruising the skies.

China will more than double its commercial airplane fleet by 2043 as its aviation industry expands and modernizes to meet growing demand for passenger and cargo air travel, according to Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] 2024 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for China, the company’s long-term forecast of demand for commercial airplanes and related services.

Boeing and Qatar Airways announced today the Middle Eastern airline’s order for 20 more 777-9 airplanes, which will be the world’s largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet. The order, which expands the carrier’s 777X order book to nearly 100 airplanes, was finalized this year and listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

Air Inuit today announced the first of three Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s acquired in 2023 entered into service, arriving at Kuujjuaq Airport today with its inaugural delivery of essential freight to be distributed in communities across Nunavik. The B737-800 has been outfitted to serve exclusively as a freighter aircraft with a main deck cargo door, operating primarily between Montreal and Air Inuit’s cargo hubs in Kuujjuaq and La Grande. The newly added aircraft has a capacity of 23,000 kilograms.

Air Canada has announced an agreement with BOC Aviation Limited (“BOC Aviation”) for the placement of eight Boeing 737-8 aircraft. “We look forward to these aircraft entering into service next year, upon the completion of some required modifications. These eight, brand-new, fuel- and cost-efficient 737-8s will provide more fleet flexibility and additional capacity while supporting one of our sustainability goals of mitigating emissions,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada.

Emirates has today unveiled that it will be completely refurbishing another 43 A380s and 28 Boeing 777 aircraft, expanding its retrofit programme to 191 aircraft. The original plan called for 120 aircraft - 67 A380s and 53 777s to undergo full refurbishment. The Boeing 777 remains the backbone of the Emirates fleet, and the A380 is the airline’s flagship customer favourite, and the expansion of the refurbishment programme ensures Emirates continues to provide customers with an unparalleled travel experience.