Following two successful trade days at the 2025 Paris Air Show, Airbus bagged widebody orders from Starlux, EgyptAir, and MNG Airlines on Day 3.
Embraer also secured orders from SkyWest, Airlink, and Bridges Air Cargo.
Starlux Orders 10 Airbus A350-1000
Starlux Airlines has placed a firm order for 10 additional Airbus A350-1000s as it eyes future expansion into the U.S. East Coast and Europe. The agreement was signed by Starlux CEO Glenn Chai and Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry on the third day of the airshow.
The Taipei-based airline now holds orders for 18 A350-1000s in total, with the first aircraft from its earlier order expected to be delivered later this year. According to Chai, five more will follow in 2026, two in 2027, and the newly ordered batch will be delivered beginning in 2031.
“Expanding our international fleet with additional A350-1000s is a significant step toward reinforcing our global presence and enhancing connectivity across key markets. As we continue to strengthen our international network, the A350-1000 will play an important role in driving growth, sustainability, and operational flexibility,” stated Starlux Airlines CEO Glenn Chai.
Starlux currently operates a modern all-Airbus fleet of 28 aircraft, comprising 10 A350-900s, five A330-900neos, and 13 A321neos. In addition to its A350-1000 commitments, the airline also has 10 A350F freighters on order.
The expanded A350-1000 fleet will allow Starlux to compete in the ultra-long-haul market. The Taiwanese carrier will launch flights to Phoenix, its fifth U.S. destination, in early 2026. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to inaugurate its first European route by 2026, pending regulatory approvals, as reported by Aviation Week.
SkyWest Orders Up to 110 Embraer E175s
SkyWest Airlines has ordered 60 Embraer 175 jets, along with purchase rights for an additional 50 aircraft. The firm order for 60 jets is valued at $3.6 billion at list prices and will be added to Embraer’s Q2 order backlog.
Deliveries of the new aircraft will begin in 2027, further strengthening SkyWest’s position as the largest E-Jet operator in the world. The U.S. regional carrier already operates a fleet of 263 Embraer aircraft and has 16 more in its current backlog.
“As the largest E175 owner and operator worldwide, we’re pleased to continue growing our E175 fleet and enhance our dual-class footprint. This order enables us to advance our long-term fleet strategy and to continue to deliver the premier regional product in the industry,” said President and CEO of SkyWest, Chip Childs.
Moreover, 16 aircraft from the new order are intended to replace 11 CRJ900s and 5 CRJ700s currently operated by SkyWest Airlines under its existing contract with Delta Air Lines. The remaining aircraft will be delivered between 2028 and 2032.
The new E175s will support SkyWest’s continued role as a major capacity provider for North American mainline carriers, meeting regional demand. The order also reflects steady demand for 76-seat regional jets in the U.S. market, especially as legacy carriers recalibrate their domestic networks.
EgyptAir Orders Six Airbus A350-900
EgyptAir has firmed up an order for six additional Airbus A350-900s, converting previously held options from its 2023 agreement into firm commitments. This agreement brings the airline’s total order for the A350-900 to 16 aircraft.
Deliveries of the original 10 A350-900s will begin in December 2025, with six aircraft arriving in 2026 and the final three by 2030. The newly ordered six additional aircraft will be delivered between 2030 and 2033, ensuring a consistent stream of widebody deliveries into the next decade.
“We are continuously working to modernise our fleet and deliver a more comfortable and optimised travel experience. Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to integrating the next-generation aircraft into our fleet. It will enable us to meet rising demand for long-haul travel, support our network expansion plans over the next five years, and contribute to Egypt’s broader efforts to promote more sustainable air transport.” said EgyptAir Chairman and CEO Captain Ahmed Adel.
The A350-900s will support EgyptAir’s network expansion plans and enhance fuel efficiency and passenger experience on long-haul routes, as the airline modernizes its fleet amid growing travel demand across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
MNG Airlines Signs MoU for Two Airbus A350F Freighters
MNG Airlines, the Turkish cargo and charter airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for two A350F freighters at the 2025 Paris Air Show.
The A350F, currently under development, is expected to become a key component of MNG’s future fleet, offering fuel efficiency, advanced range, and payload capabilities. Airbus is targeting an entry into service for the A350F in the second half of 2027, with two dedicated test aircraft to begin flight trials from 2026.
“This agreement for two A350F deepens a partnership with Airbus across its full range of freighter programmes. This move strengthens our position across key trade lanes, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and a growing footprint in North America. It will support both our scheduled and charter operations and give us added flexibility to meet evolving cargo demands, from e-commerce to high-value freight and express logistics,” said CEO of Mapa Group and Chairman of MNG Airlines Murathan Doruk Günal.
Airbus completed the first set of A350F wings in May 2025 at its Broughton facility in the UK. The design, similar to the passenger A350, allows for streamlined production using existing manufacturing lines. MNG’s order adds further momentum to the freighter’s growing order book, as Airbus continues to compete against Boeing’s 777-8F in the large freighter market.
Airlink to Lease 10 Embraer E195-E2 Jets from Azorra
Airlink has announced plans to lease 10 new Embraer E195-E2 jets from U.S.-based lessor Azorra, marking a major fleet upgrade for the Southern African carrier. The agreement, disclosed during the 2025 Paris Air Show, is expected to be finalized soon, with aircraft deliveries set to begin later this year and continue through 2027.
The new 124- and 136-seat E195-E2s will be the first factory-new jets to enter Airlink’s fleet, which currently comprises 68 first-generation Embraer aircraft. With their extended range, Airlink intends to expand its reach deeper into sub-Saharan Africa.
“The E195-E2 will bolster our business, helping us to be even more competitive on key routes and in doing so, continue providing the great value offering our customers are accustomed to,” said Airlink CEO, de Villiers Engelbrecht.
Moreover, the operational commonality between the E1 and E2 platforms, including similar cockpits, handling, and training, is expected to ensure a smooth transition and cost-effective entry into service. Airlink has been an Embraer operator since 2001.
Embraer Announces E190F Freighter Launch Customer
Embraer has announced Bridges Air Cargo as the global launch operator of its new E-Freighter conversion program, with the first E190F set to enter service later this year. The aircraft will be leased via U.S.-based lessor Regional One, which has doubled its order commitment from two to four E-Freighters.
The Malta-based carrier will lease two E190F jets as part of the agreement. Bridges Air Cargo, which currently operates a single ATR freighter, will use the Embraer freighters to support time-critical express logistics services across Europe, operating on behalf of global giants such as FedEx, DHL, and UPS.
“We are excited to announce Bridges Air Cargo as the launch customer for the E190F so soon after achieving triple certification for the aircraft with the FAA, EASA, and ANAC. We look forward to supporting a smooth entry into service for the first E-Freighter, and wish Bridges every success”, said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.
The first aircraft is currently undergoing conversion, with Bridges Air Cargo expecting entry into service later this year. This deal marks a key milestone in Embraer’s growing freighter portfolio, which continues to attract interest from operators and lessors alike.
The E190F and E195F are part of Embraer’s passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion program launched in 2022. The OEM has prioritized the E190F due to stronger feedstock availability. These converted jets promise an ideal payload-range combination for fast-growing regional and express cargo markets, with a lower operating cost profile than traditional narrowbody freighters.