Russia's United Aircraft Corporation has completed a first flight of Yakovlev Superjet fitted with a full suite of domestically supplied systems, including PD-8 engines, to replace Western-made equipment on the 100-seat aircraft. In April, UAC operated a first flight of a PD-8-powered Superjet, using a 2018-vintage production airframe (MSN 95157) that had initially been equipped with the type's previous standard PowerJet SaM146 engines – which had been jointly produced by Russia's United Engine Corporation and Safran – and featured a range of other Western-made onboard systems. UAC/UEC parent Rostec says the fully import-substituted flight-test aircraft (MSN 97004) "was created in serial production, in the target form that is planned for delivery". In addition to powering the aircraft with PD-8 engines, Rostec has found local sources for the avionics, landing gear, auxiliary power unit, integrated control system, power supply, air conditioning and fire-protection equipment. The first flight was conducted on 5 September from the assembly line in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and lasted 1h, Rostec says. It adds that 24 serial aircraft are "in production at various stages of readiness". "Russia has been and remains an aircraft manufacturing power capable of creating modern aircraft both in international co-operation and without the participation of foreign partners," the group adds. Superjet chief designer Kirill Kuznetsov states that installation of local equipment will "simplify the production process and maintenance of the aircraft". Yakovlev regional aircraft director Alexander Dolotovsky notes that the Superjet import-substitution programme is "entering the serial production launch stage", adding: "The programme team, which includes more than 140 first-tier supplier enterprises, has worked hard to ensure that the first aircraft built using serial technologies takes to the skies." Deliveries will begin after completion of certification tests and approval by the Russian federal air transport agency Rosaviatsia, says Rostec.

KLM has reached a provisional collective labour agreement (CLA) for ground staff represented by the NVLT, VKP, and De Unie unions, covering more than half of the airline’s organised ground workforce. The carrier says the deal includes wage increases, a one-off payment, enhanced profit-sharing, and improved early retirement conditions. Under the agreement, all ground staff will receive a 1% unconditional pay rise from 1 October, followed by a further 1.25% increase from 1 July. A one-time payment of €750 ($879) will also be made to full time employees. The deal introduces permanent status for the 80-90-100 scheme, which allows older employees to work 80% of their hours for 90% of their salary while maintaining full pension accrual. Shift workers will benefit from an extended duration under this arrangement. KLM’s profit-sharing scheme will be harmonised across all employee groups, and technicians will receive specific addendum provisions. "We are very pleased to have reached this negotiated agreement with NVLT, VKP, and De Unie," says Miriam Kartman, KLM’s human resources director, who urges other unions representing ground staff to sign up. "Within KLM’s current financial reality, we have come together to make strong arrangements regarding remuneration, career development, and flexibility." The agreement, which runs until 31 December 2026, will now be presented to union members for approval.

Indian budget carrier SpiceJet has blamed geopolitical tensions and airspace restrictions for an 87% fall in operating earnings during the quarter ended June. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and rent collapsed to Rs840 million ($9.53 million) from Rs6.5 billion in the previous corresponding quarter. Revenue for the quarter ended June dropped 42.5% to Rs11.9 billion, while expenses fell 25.5% to Rs19.2 billion. Load factor fell 5.1 percentage points to 85.9% as total RASK fell 19.6% and ASKs plummeted 28.4%. As a result, the airline swung to a net loss of Rs2.38 billion for the quarter, compared with a Rs1.5 billion net profit in the same period a year earlier. "This quarter’s results reflect the extraordinary challenges faced by the aviation industry, including geopolitical turbulence, restricted air routes and supply chain disruptions," states SpiceJet managing director Ajay Singh. "We are taking decisive steps to enhance fleet reliability, reduce costs and expand our network." SpiceJet adds that it was hit by costs associated with grounding aircraft and returning them to service. Tensions between India and neighboring Pakistan led to airspace closures for carriers on each side in April and May that remain ongoing. Looking ahead, SpiceJet says it finalized terms with Carlyle Aviation Management to restructure all lease obligations, worth $121 million, during the quarter. Fleets data shows that Carlyle leases two Boeing 737-700s, eight -800s and three -900ERs to the carrier, with the latter jets listed as stored. Overall, it has 21 aircraft in service – comprised of 15 737s and six De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s – and 30 more in storage. SpiceJet adds that it secured agreements to wet-lease 10 Boeing 737s from October and notes that “discussions are underway for additional inductions of narrowbody and widebody aircraft during winter”.