EASA certificates GTF Advantage engine for A320neo
April 20, 2026
The European Aviation Safety Agency has approved Pratt & Whitney's GTF Advantage engine as an option for the Airbus A320neo. "This aircraft certification is a key milestone for the GTF Advantage programme in advance of its entry into service," states Pratt & Whitney commercial engines president Rick Deurloo. He notes that the GTF Advantage engine "delivers the lowest fuel consumption for single-aisle aircraft". The certification by EASA follows the US Federal Aviation Administration's February 2025 approval of the GTF Advantage as an engine option for the A320neo.
American not interested in merging with United
April 20, 2026
American Airlines has shot down a potential merger with rival United Airlines after the latter reportedly discussed a potential merger with the US administration. The Oneworld carrier says in a 17 April statement that it is "not engaged with or interested in any discussions" with United. "While changes in the broader airline marketplace may be necessary, a combination with United would be negative for competition and for consumers, and therefore inconsistent with our understanding of the administration's philosophy toward the industry and principles of antitrust law," it adds. "Our focus will remain on executing on our strategic objectives and positioning American to win for the long term." Reuters reported on 13 April that United chief executive Scott Kirby discussed the potential for merging with American in a meeting with US President Donald Trump in late February. Cirium has not independently verified that report which was based on anonymous sources. American adds: "We appreciate the leadership and strong support of President Trump, [Transportation] Secretary [Sean] Duffy and numerous other leaders in the administration who have demonstrated expertise and an ongoing commitment to continue to improve the world’s best aviation industry. "We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the Administration as it takes steps to strengthen the broader airline industry."
Airbus and Boeing partner on improving cabin accessibility
April 17, 2026
Boeing and Airbus are jointly developing cabin signs for blind and partially sighted passengers as part of a wider industry effort to improve accessibility on aircraft. At the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg on 14 April, Airbus "cross programme" senior vice-president Wolfgang Wohlers said the European airframer was collaborating with partners on development of signs with raised characters, tactile symbols, and high contrasts for seat numbering and lavatory controls. "We are working not just within Airbus, but with a lot of suppliers [and] the community to design these as an industry standard, so that not everybody reinvents the wheel," Wohlers says, adding that the initiative includes "a lot of players in the industry". The project's aim is to establish a common industry standard for non-regulatory placards, Airbus notes. During a separate AIX briefing, Boeing regional director cabin marketing Stephanie Werner said the US airframer was working on the placards, too, and had been collaborating with Airbus and other partners on the project for 14 months. Its objective is to establish sign requirements through the standards organisation SAE International. Both Airbus and Boeing are working on other projects to improve accessibility and comfort for travellers who are deaf or have hearing loss, those with reduced mobility, and neurodivergent passengers.