BofA Warns Bombardier U.S. Sales Ban Would Hit Largest Market

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced that the Paraguayan Air Force has become the first South American military operator of the Cessna SkyCourier turboprop, marking another milestone for the aircraft's multi-mission versatility. The aircraft, funded by Itaipu Binacional, a binational entity operated by the governments of Brazil and Paraguay, joins the force's existing fleet of Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft. Bob Gibbs, vice president of Defense & Special Mission Sales at Textron Aviation, said the SkyCourier delivers unmatched reliability and mission flexibility, enabling the Paraguayan Air Force to reach remote regions with confidence. The high-wing, twin-engine turboprop is designed for cost-effective maintenance and can be flown by a single pilot, enhancing the Air Force's capability to perform medical evacuations, transport patients and provide rapid humanitarian aid during disaster relief efforts. The SkyCourier is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines and features a maximum cruise speed of more than 200 KTAS and a 900 nautical-mile maximum range.

The Federal Aviation Administration has determined that a newly identified software glitch in the Boeing 737 MAX does not present a flight-safety concern, according to The Wall Street Journal. The agency convened its Corrective Action Review Board on Friday to assess whether the issue constituted an unsafe condition requiring immediate action. The FAA said the board reached its determination because pilots retain full control of the aircraft and the indications to the flight crew are clear and unambiguous, adding that it will consider appropriate action if new information emerges. The software problem had raised concerns among some aviation industry officials about potential safety implications when 737 MAX aircraft are landing under certain circumstances. Boeing shares traded 1.5% higher following the report.

Boeing has been awarded the U.S. Navy's F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter contract, a multi billion dollar program. The F/A-XX is planned to replace the Navy's current F/A-18 Super Hornet fleet and extend carrier air wing reach. The award follows Boeing's earlier win on the U.S. Air Force's F-47 next generation fighter, consolidating its role in future combat aircraft. The win strengthens the part of the Boeing thesis that leans on advanced technology and a diversified backlog across commercial jets and defense, helping offset some reliance on the loss making commercial division by anchoring long duration military work alongside programs like the F-47 and P 8A. The award also magnifies concerns analysts already highlight around execution risk, supply chain complexity and high debt, since another classified, multi billion dollar fighter program increases capital and delivery commitments.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held talks with Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President for International Affairs at Airbus, and Bert Porteman, a representative of Airbus Thailand, on ways to upgrade and expand cooperation between Thailand and Airbus in the aviation industry, space technology, human resource development, and clean energy. The Prime Minister affirmed the policy of promoting the aviation industry and future industries, and asked Airbus to consider broadening cooperation to cover more areas by building on the cooperation models the company has with other countries and extending them to Thailand. On clean energy, the Prime Minister proposed that Airbus promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, produced in Thailand, using Thai raw materials and agricultural output as part of the production chain. In addition, Airbus plans to establish a Center of Excellence in Thailand as a hub for developing knowledge, technology, and personnel, linking Airbus's global network to Thailand. The Prime Minister also proposed expanding cooperation in space technology and security, building on existing cooperation with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, or GISTDA, and Thaicom Public Company Limited, as well as discussing cooperation with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited to support the goal of pushing Thailand to become the region's aviation hub.

Boeing shares rose about 4% Thursday after the company's largest white-collar union approved a new four-year contract, removing the threat of a strike that could have disrupted production and certification work at the aircraft maker. The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, which represents roughly 17,000 Boeing engineers, scientists, technicians and other workers, said both of its bargaining units voted to ratify the improved offer. About 68% of members in the professional unit, representing roughly 13,000 engineers and scientists, backed the agreement, while more than 53% of the technical unit, which represents about 4,000 designers, analysts and technicians, also voted in favor. The new contract provides a 10% wage increase upon ratification, followed by annual raises of 4% and the potential for an additional 2% performance-based increase. The agreement removes the immediate prospect of a strike after Boeing workers had rejected the company's initial proposal, with the current contracts set to expire October 6 and a work stoppage potentially beginning as soon as October 7. A strike could have added another complication for Boeing as it works to advance certification of its long-delayed 737 MAX 10 and 777X aircraft while increasing production and accelerating deliveries.