Cirium Ascend Consultancy has predicted that 46,500 aircraft will be delivered globally over the next 20 years, equating to a total value of $3.4 trillion, as airlines continue to invest in newer, more sustainable equipment. However, the newly published fleet forecast also reflects the aviation industry's continuing supply-chain issues, geopolitical uncertainty, and delays to certification of new programmes, which are tempering the pace of fleet growth. The consultancy's analysis projects a 6% reduction in deliveries over the next seven years compared with last year's edition, mainly as a result of a slower-than-expected ramp-up in single-aisle aircraft production. Long-term demand remains strong, with a 1% increase in deliveries overall. Asia continues to drive fleet growth, accounting for 45% of deliveries, led by demand in China and India, notes the consultancy. It projects that Airbus and Boeing will deliver 85% of aircraft and 92% by value through 2044, while Comac captures 6% of global demand. Single-aisle aircraft now account for 71% of the global fleet, while twin-aisle and regional jets remain below pre-pandemic levels, the analysis adds. "This year's Cirium Fleet Forecast shows the global aviation industry is moving forward with confidence despite near-term headwinds," states Stephen Burnside, global head of Cirium Ascend Consultancy. "Long-term demand remains robust across every region, airlines continue to invest in fleet renewal, and OEMs continue to incrementally increase their R&D budgets in preparation for the next generation of aircraft families. "The next chapter of aviation growth is being defined by the need for supply-chain resilience, production capacity right-sizing, product and service innovation, and a focus on efficiency."

Finnair has temporarily grounded eight of its Airbus A321s, forcing the airline to cancel around 20 flights per day as it conducts additional safety inspections on the jets. The carrier says the suspension was prompted by information from an unnamed seat manufacturer indicating that the impact of its seat cover cleaning method – specifically water washing – on fire protection had not been fully verified. "Safety is always our top priority, and we always follow manufacturers’ maintenance instructions as well as the guidelines and recommendations of the authorities," Finnair states. Flight cancellations began on 13 October and have continued through 14 October as the airline works to minimise disruption for passengers. The airline did not specify how long the inspections will take or when the affected aircraft will return to service. Finnair has already been hit by a wave of cancellations this year stemming from industrial action by staff. This led to sharply lower profits for the second quarter, having axed 1,300 services in the period because of strikes by pilots in April and ground staff in May and June. Collective labour agreements signed with unions have since sharply reduced cancellations.

Alliance Airlines' founding managing director Scott McMillan will step down as joint managing director on 27 November, with chief executive Stewart Tully to assume the role of sole managing director. The carrier states that McMillan will remain "in an executive capacity until July 2026" to focus on key strategic projects. "It has been an incredible privilege to lead Alliance from its inception through to becoming a leading Australian aviation services provider," says McMillan, who co-founded the company in 2002 to purchase several assets from the defunct Flight West Airlines. Tully was appointed as chief executive just over a year ago, and in August was named joint managing director alongside McMillan. Prior to that, he was the chief operating officer of the company. "Stewart Tully is well respected in the aviation industry and well equipped to lead the company through this next important chapter in its development," says chairman James Jackson.