Author: FlyMarshall Newsroom

March 12, 2026, © Leeham News: In our series on the state of alternative propulsion projects, we are analysing where the electric hybrid projects are and how parallel hybrids work and perform.Figure 1. The Pratt & Whitney Parallel Hybrid DH8-100 test aircraft, presently under preparation. Source: Pratt & WhitneyWe summarized the status last week and compared it to the serial hybrids that we analyzed before Christmas. Serial hybrids are motivated in special cases, but in general, they make an aircraft more expensive to produce and operate.For those who react, “But hybrid work very well for cars”?, let’s summarize: The car…

Long security lines at some US airports and a record spring travel forecast are raising pressure on the nation’s air travel system just as the busiest part of the season gets underway.   In recent days, some travelers have faced waits of up to three hours at airport checkpoints as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing shortages and heavy passenger volumes collided at a handful of airports.   Airlines are expecting a record-breaking spring travel period, with 171 million passengers projected to fly during the March-April 2026 travel window, up 4% from the same period last year, according to Airlines for America.   That surge in demand is arriving while parts of…

Airbus Helicopters has secured an order from Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) for three H135 helicopters as part of its ongoing fleet modernization program. Airbus said on March 12, 2026, that the latest acquisition reinforces its long-standing partnership with NPA, which brings the agency’s total Airbus fleet to 26 units. The H135s will be deployed to the Hokkaido, Shimane, and Miyagi Prefectural Police departments to conduct multi-role law enforcement missions, search and rescue, and tactical transport. “We are honored by the National Police Agency’s continued trust in the H135,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “The…

Boeing has paused some 737 MAX deliveries after discovering wiring damage on an undetermined number of undelivered aircraft, adding another production disruption as the manufacturer works to stabilize output on its best-selling jet.   Boeing said the issue stems from a machining error that caused small scratches on wires and said some first-quarter deliveries could be delayed while repairs are completed.   Speaking on March 10, 2026, at ISTAT Americas in San Diego, 737 program Vice President and General Manager Katie Ringgold said Boeing had paused “ticketing and deliveries” as it worked through the problem. She said the disruption would last days, not weeks. Boeing has not disclosed how…

On March 11, 2026, Joby Aviation announced that it has begun flight testing its first Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-conforming aircraft.   Unlike earlier prototypes, the aircraft used in these tests (with registration N547JX) is already the final design built for the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). It has been built to FAA Designated Engineering Representative-approved designs and signed off by FAA Designated Airworthiness Representatives.  The flight test also marks the start of Stage 5 in the FAA’s aircraft-level evaluation, the final phase of the aircraft Type Certification process. It follows a long evaluation and testing process through which FAA officials have assessed…

STARLUX Airlines has informed the Taiwan Stock Exchange of its intention to lease eight Airbus A321neo jets from BOC Aviation (UK). In an update posted on Taiwan’s Market Observation Post System (MOPS), STARLUX stated that each Airbus A321neo is priced at around $81.25 million. A decision to announce the lease agreement to the market was confirmed by the board of directors on March 10, 2026. According to ch-aviation, STARLUX’s current active fleet already includes 13 A321neos, with six more of the aircraft type yet to be delivered. STARLUX In addition, STARLUX’s all-Airbus fleet also operates six A330neos, nine A350-900s and…

Rising tensions in the Middle East have disrupted international flight routes and sent aviation fuel prices soaring. This has raised concerns over potential Jet A-1 fuel shortages for Vietnam’s aviation sector from April 2026, according to a report  reported by Vietnamnet Global. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has warned that the military tensions in the Middle East have effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route transporting more than 20%of global oil supply. As a result, Brent crude prices have surged, with Jet A-1 aviation fuel prices in the Singapore market jumping from around US$83-89…

A large-scale evacuation of civilian aircraft took place in Bahrain on March 10, 2026. According to multiple sources, at least 21 commercial aircraft were moved out of Bahrain International Airport (BAH) in what appears to be a coordinated move.  Of these, 12 were operated by Bahrain’s flag carrier Gulf Air. Also involved were one Air India Express airliner and several freighters (Bahrain is a regional base for logistics firm DHL).  The destination for most of these aircraft was reportedly Al-Ula International Airport (ULH), in northwestern Saudi Arabia.  Bahrain, which hosts several United States military facilities in its territory, has found…

Spirit Airlines plans to recall around 500 furloughed pilots, according to an internal memo citing the low-cost carrier’s “evolving needs”. On March 10, 2026, CNBC reported that the number of pilots leaving the airline had been higher than was originally projected. Some staff had moved to rival carriers leading to operational challenges. In the memo to furloughed pilots last week, Spirit Airlines wrote: “Pilot attrition has been higher than forecast, making precise alignment between staffing and the reduced schedule more challenging.” The airline added that the arrival of more pilots will “strengthen the foundation of our post-bankruptcy future”. From late…

Air New Zealand has announced plans to cancel approximately 1,100 flights through early May 2026, impacting around 44,000 passengers, as the airline grapples with the global fuel crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The move comes as the airline faces unprecedented challenges, with soaring jet fuel prices and disruptions to global energy supply routes. “We know that affordability around flying is a real challenge,” Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar said during an interview with the New Zealand news program Morning Report. “Even in these unprecedented times, there’s a limit to what we can pass…