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Asiana Airlines’ first A380 has successfully completed its maiden flight. The A380 flew on December 13th from Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse, France to the aircraft manufacturer’s site in Hamburg, Germany, where it will undergo painting and cabin furnishing. Asiana Airlines will become the twelfth operator of the A380 when it takes delivery of its first

Taikoo Engine Services (“TEXL”) has completed its 100th GE90-110/115B engine output, marking a significant milestone in the HAECO Group / GE Aviation partnership. The GE90 engine powers Boeing 777 and the 100th engine is destined for a Cathay Pacific aircraft. TEXL commenced operations in 2010, specialising in the repair, overhaul and testing of GE90 engines.

Commercial passenger aircraft leasing company Avation PLC and European regional turboprop aircraft manufacturer ATR signed an agreement for the purchase of five additional ATR 72-600s. The aircraft purchase, which involves the exercise of five options, is valued at some $120m, based on catalogue prices. Deliveries of these five firm aircraft will take place in 2015.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded Part 33 certification to GE Honda Aero Engine’s HF120 turbofan engine, certifying its airworthiness and setting the stage for the production of this all-new engine. The HF120 engine’s airworthiness certification follows an extensive ground and flight test program that involved 13 engines. During its certification program, the HF120

International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) has reached an agreement with French Caribbean carrier Air Caraïbes Atlantique Airlines to lease three new Airbus A350XWB-900s. The aircraft have an anticipated delivery timeline between 2016 and 2018, and will be operated on the airline’s long-haul route network. The A350XWB-900 aircraft are powered by two new generation Rolls Royce