Farnborough Airshow 2026: Boeing, Airbus, and Airlines Announce Major Fleet Deals
Photo Source: Kiosque da Aviação
The 2026 Farnborough International Airshow continues to showcase the future of commercial aviation, with manufacturers, airlines, lessors, and engine suppliers announcing billions of dollars in new agreements.
Day 2 featured a diverse mix of widebody and narrowbody aircraft orders, cargo fleet investments, maintenance partnerships, and long-term engine commitments, highlighting the industry's focus on growth well into the next decade.
Boeing and Airbus Secure New Orders
One of the busiest mornings of the airshow saw more than 43 aircraft orders, commitments, and memoranda of understanding announced, along with a Boeing 767-300ER passenger-to-freighter conversion for Kazakhstan's SCAT Airlines.
Boeing Expands Across Multiple Segments
Boeing recorded significant wins across its commercial portfolio:
- AerCap ordered 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with flexibility to substitute the larger 787-10. The agreement increases AerCap's Dreamliner portfolio to approximately 140 aircraft, reinforcing its position as the world's largest 787 owner.
- Uganda Airlines became a first-time Boeing customer, ordering four 737-8 MAX aircraft and four 787-9 Dreamliners to support regional and long-haul expansion from Entebbe.
- MSC Air Cargo confirmed an order for five Boeing 777-8 Freighters, becoming the third European cargo operator to select Boeing's newest large freighter.
- Luxair converted two options into firm orders for the 737-10 while adding options for two more aircraft to support future network growth.
- SCAT Airlines announced Kazakhstan's first 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF), enabling the carrier to enter dedicated cargo operations.
Philippine Airlines Expands Both Boeing and Airbus Fleets
Few airlines have attracted as much attention during this year's Farnborough Airshow as Philippine Airlines.
After announcing a commitment on Day 1 for 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with purchase rights for five additional aircraft, the airline returned on Day 2 by signing a memorandum of understanding for nine additional Airbus A350-1000s.
Once finalized, Philippine Airlines would operate:
- Up to 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners
- 18 Airbus A350-1000s
The strategy demonstrates the airline's commitment to expanding its long-haul network while modernizing its widebody fleet with two of the industry's most advanced aircraft types.
Airbus Adds New Customer in Central Asia
Airbus also revealed a previously undisclosed order from Shohin Airlines, a new carrier based in Tajikistan.
The agreement includes:
- 2 Airbus A320neo
- 2 Airbus A321neo
The aircraft will become the backbone of the airline's future regional network.
Engine Manufacturers See Record Demand
Aircraft orders weren't the only headline.
IndiGo Places Record LEAP Engine Commitment
Indian low-cost giant IndiGo signed a memorandum of understanding with CFM International for more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 510 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft.
According to CFM, the agreement represents the largest single LEAP engine order ever announced and also supports IndiGo's future engine maintenance and overhaul facilities.
BOC Aviation Orders Pratt & Whitney GTF Engines
Meanwhile, BOC Aviation selected up to 220 Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines for 110 Airbus A320neo aircraft, reaffirming confidence in one of the industry's most fuel-efficient single-aisle engine families.
Embraer Strengthens SkyWest Partnership
Brazilian manufacturer Embraer also announced an expanded maintenance agreement with SkyWest Airlines.
The long-term partnership covers SkyWest's fleet of 271 Embraer E175 aircraft and increases maintenance capacity across Embraer's facilities in Nashville, Macon, and Fort Worth.
The agreement supports one of the world's largest regional airline fleets and reinforces Embraer's growing aftermarket services business.
Turkish Airlines Outlines Future Strategy
Away from the order announcements, Airways Magazine sat down with Prof. Murat Şeker, Chairman of Turkish Airlines, to discuss the airline's future.
The interview explored:
- Fleet expansion plans
- Network growth strategy
- Operational challenges during 2026
- The airline's long-term vision under its new leadership
The conversation provided valuable insight into how one of Europe's largest airlines is preparing for continued expansion amid strong global travel demand.
A Market Focused on the Next Decade
One of the clearest themes emerging from Farnborough 2026 is that airlines and leasing companies are no longer ordering aircraft solely to meet immediate demand.
With production slots for many aircraft extending well into the 2030s, carriers are securing future delivery positions today while balancing fleet renewal, efficiency improvements, and long-term growth strategies.
Cargo operators continue investing in dedicated freighters, lessors are expanding their portfolios to meet airline demand, and manufacturers remain under pressure to increase production.
Follow Farnborough 2026 with AirNav Radar
From major aircraft orders to fleet modernization strategies and airline announcements, the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow continues to shape the future of global aviation.
AirNav Radar is providing ongoing Farnborough coverage in partnership with Airways Magazine.
