Aerospace

Jet Airways places Airbus in the lead for its $5.5 billion contract for A220/320 aircraft

According to persons familiar with the situation, Airbus SE has emerged as the front-runner to secure an aircraft order from Jet Airways India Ltd. worth up to $5.5 billion, strengthening the European planemaker’s position in the world’s fastest-growing aviation sector.

The people, who asked to remain anonymous since the discussions are confidential, stated that the talks are for A320neo jets and A220 aircraft. A final decision has not yet been made, according to the people, and conversations are also ongoing with Boeing Co. and Embraer SA. Although any transaction would cost more than $5 billion if it were made at sticker pricing, reductions are usual in such large purchases.

Requests for comment from representatives of Boeing and Airbus were not immediately fulfilled.

The former top private airline in India, Jet Airways, received its pilot’s licence last month, making history as the first company to be revived under the country’s new bankruptcy regulations. The airline’s operational preparedness was confirmed by the flying permit, indicating the airline’s transformation into a “new avatar with fresh funds, altered ownership, and new management,” per a statement.

As of Monday, a Jet Airways official said: “We are in final discussions with lessors and OEMs for aircraft. Once we have reached a decision, we will announce our aircraft choice and fleet plan.” “We are researching every option to see which one will work best for us.”

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.