British Airways and Singapore Airlines have suspended all flights to Dubai in the wake of a sudden escalation in Middle East hostilities, following the United States' bombing of three key Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—late Saturday night. The US strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, marked the first direct US military action against Iran since 1979 and were carried out using B-2 stealth bombers equipped with powerful bunker-buster munitions.

Trump described the operation as a “spectacular military success,” claiming the targeted nuclear enrichment facilities were “entirely destroyed,” although independent verification of the extent of the damage remains pending.

The US action was a response to a dramatic surge in violence between Iran and Israel, with Israel having launched unprecedented strikes on Iranian soil just days earlier. In retaliation for the US bombings, Iran fired two waves of 27 missiles at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport and multiple military and research sites, triggering air raid alarms across Israel and causing significant destruction in cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Israeli emergency services reported at least 20 injuries, and footage showed widespread damage, collapsed buildings, and emergency crews working in the rubble. Israel responded with additional airstrikes on western Iran, targeting missile launch sites and military personnel.

The fallout from these military actions has had immediate global repercussions. British Airways diverted at least two flights mid-air—one returned to London after reaching Egyptian airspace, while another landed in Zurich after circling for hours—leaving around 1,000 passengers stranded in the UAE.

Singapore Airlines also canceled services to Dubai, joining a growing list of international carriers rerouting or suspending flights to Gulf destinations as airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Jordan became increasingly restricted.

Diplomatically, the US has stated that the strikes were limited in scope and not intended to signal a push for regime change, while Trump warned of further military action if Iran retaliates or if peace is not swiftly achieved. Iran’s government condemned the attacks as a “severe and unprecedented breach” of international law and warned of “lasting repercussions,” asserting it would reserve all options for its defense.

Experts believe the risk of a nuclear explosion or large-scale radiation release from the bombed sites is low, as the facilities did not house nuclear warheads or reactors and were reportedly evacuated before the strikes. However, the situation remains highly volatile, with analysts warning of potential asymmetric Iranian responses, such as cyberattacks or proxy actions, as both sides brace for possible further escalation.

The ongoing crisis has left thousands of travelers stranded and the aviation industry scrambling to adapt, while the world watches closely for Iran’s next move and the potential for a broader regional conflict.

Riyadh Air, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has signed a landmark agreement with Rolls-Royce for 100 Trent XWB-97 engines to power its fleet of up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The deal, announced during the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, follows Riyadh Air’s order for 25 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft with options for 25 more, marking a major step in the airline’s ambitious growth strategy.

The Trent XWB-97 is recognized as the world’s most efficient large aero-engine, delivering 97,000 pounds of thrust and specifically engineered for the A350-1000. This partnership is set to support Riyadh Air’s goal of connecting over 100 global destinations by 2030, with the airline’s total fleet orders now reaching up to 182 aircraft across three types.

In addition to the engine deal, Riyadh Air and Rolls-Royce signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the comprehensive TotalCare service package, ensuring the health and maintenance of the engines throughout their lifecycle.

The agreement was formalized by Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Riyadh Air, and Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer at Rolls-Royce, in the presence of Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air CEO, and Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce.

Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “Selecting world-class companies like Rolls-Royce to power our future Airbus wide-body fleet ensures we have the right partners to achieve our ambitions. This deal brings us closer to realizing our long-term vision of enhanced connectivity for Riyadh and delivering an unrivalled guest experience.”

Rob Watson, President of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, added:
“We’re looking forward to supporting the significant growth ambitions of Riyadh Air in its launch year. The Trent XWB-97 is an incredible engine, and our TotalCare package will provide operational certainty across the fleet.”

The new A350-1000 aircraft, powered by the Trent XWB-97 engines, will enable Riyadh Air to expand its network globally, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to transform Riyadh into a leading aviation hub. With its Air Operator Certificate secured earlier this year, Riyadh Air is on track to commence operations later in 2025.

Launched in March 2023, Riyadh Air is a digitally led, full-service airline committed to sustainability, safety, and premium guest experiences. The carrier aims to connect guests to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, featuring advanced cabin interiors and next-generation in-flight entertainment.

Rolls-Royce is a global leader in power and propulsion, supporting a wide range of industries and customers in over 100 countries. In 2024, the company reported annual underlying revenue of £17.8 billion and an underlying operating profit of £2.46 billion. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange.

This collaboration underscores Riyadh Air’s commitment to innovation and world-class service, positioning the airline as a key player in the future of global aviation.

Qatar Airways has made a pivotal decision to cancel its entire order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, a move aimed at enhancing its regional service. This shift solidifies Airbus as the exclusive provider for the airline's upcoming narrowbody fleet.

The cancellation stems from ongoing delays in the MAX 10's certification, which is now not expected to enter service until at least 2026. Consequently, Hamad International Airport (DOH) will transition to a fully Airbus-operated narrowbody fleet, with the delivery of A321neos anticipated to resume shortly. The A321neo is recognized for its efficiency and extended range, making it well-suited for regional operations.

Qatar Airways Withdraws from Boeing Orders

In a recent announcement to Bloomberg, CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer confirmed the airline's withdrawal from the MAX 10 order, which included options for an additional 25 aircraft. This order was initially placed during the 2022 Farnborough Airshow amid tensions with Airbus, following the cancellation of A321neo and A350 orders due to legal disputes.

However, ongoing delays in certifying the MAX 10 have altered the situation, affecting major airlines like United, American, and Delta. United's Chief Commercial Officer indicated that deliveries could be postponed until 2027 or 2028, raising doubts about the program’s feasibility.

Given this uncertainty, Qatar Airways chose to cancel the Boeing deal rather than risk further delays. The airline is prioritizing reliable and readily available aircraft for its fleet.

Airbus Orders Reinstated

The original Boeing order emerged from a contentious dispute with Airbus regarding surface issues on the A350. In 2022, Qatar Airways grounded 29 A350s and sought $600 million in damages, leading to a highly publicized legal battle. In retaliation, Airbus canceled pending orders for A350s and A321neos, prompting Qatar to consider Boeing's MAX 10 as an alternative.

By early 2023, the dispute was resolved, resulting in a mutual settlement and the resumption of delivery schedules. As a result, Qatar Airways has reinstated its order for 50 Airbus A321neos, ensuring that Airbus will be the sole supplier for its narrowbody fleet. This alignment allows the airline to streamline its operations and enhance customer experience.

Continued Partnership with Boeing

Despite the cancellation of the MAX 10, Qatar Airways is deepening its partnership with Boeing. Recently, the airline announced its largest-ever order, comprising 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777-9s, with options for an additional 50 aircraft. This order, totaling 210 widebody planes valued at $96 billion, aims to reinforce long-haul capabilities and address rising international travel demand.

CEO Al Meer emphasized that while the narrowbody segment will be exclusively Airbus, Boeing will continue to play a vital role in the airline’s widebody strategy. He clarified that the focus is on operational efficiency rather than competition between manufacturers.

“Our narrowbody fleet will be exclusively Airbus,” Al Meer stated. “We will begin receiving 50 A321neos starting next year, solidifying Airbus's role in our narrowbody operations.”

Overview of Qatar Airways Fleet

Current Narrowbody Fleet:

• 27 Airbus A320s (with 132 or 144 seats)
• 3 Boeing 737 MAX 8s (176 seats), which will soon be phased out or leased

Upcoming Narrowbody Orders:

• 40 Airbus A321neos
• 10 Airbus A321LRs
• Deliveries set to start in 2026

Current Widebody Fleet:

• Aircraft Type | In Fleet | On Order
• Airbus A350-1000 | 24 | 18
• Boeing 787 | 41 | 130
• Boeing 777X | 0 | 90

As the largest operator of the Airbus A350-1000, Qatar Airways is well-equipped to serve both standard and premium long-haul routes. With substantial orders for A321neos and A350s, the airline is modernizing its fleet and enhancing its operational capabilities.

Looking Ahead

While Qatar Airways solidifies its partnership with Boeing for widebodies, industry experts suggest that the airline may soon seek additional A350s or consider the Airbus A330-900neo to replace its aging A330 models. This strategy prioritizes standardization and operational efficiency over diversification, allowing Qatar Airways to maintain a competitive edge.

Furthermore, as the aviation sector recovers post-pandemic, Qatar Airways is well-positioned to take advantage of the increasing travel demand. The airline's strategic choices reflect its commitment to fleet enhancement and improved service quality.

At the same time, Boeing is under pressure to resolve its backlog and address certification delays for the MAX 10, as airlines like United, Delta, and Alaska Airlines explore other options. Qatar Airways' exit from the MAX 10 program adds to the challenges facing Boeing in meeting customer expectations, highlighting the urgent need for timely solutions in a rapidly evolving market.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new flagship airline, and Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, have announced a strategic partnership at the 2025 Paris Airshow, showcased alongside a Riyadh Air-liveried A321 aircraft and a Blacklane-wrapped vehicle. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Riyadh Air’s commitment to delivering best-in-class service throughout the entire customer journey.

Under the new agreement, Riyadh Air’s Business Elite and Business Class passengers, as well as eligible loyalty members, will benefit from complimentary luxury chauffeur services provided by Blacklane within a 50-kilometer radius of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The service features elegant, high-end vehicles and is seamlessly integrated into Riyadh Air’s booking platform, allowing guests to arrange their chauffeur as part of their travel experience.

Beyond airport transfers, travelers will have access to Blacklane’s chauffeur services for city-to-city travel, in-city rides, and hourly bookings, both in Riyadh and at any of Riyadh Air’s global destinations. This partnership sets a new standard in the airline industry within Saudi Arabia and internationally, reflecting the shared dedication of both companies to exceptional hospitality and attention to detail.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “Our partnership with Blacklane reinforces our ethos of ensuring our customers experience Saudi hospitality with world-class service standards. We revealed our stylish new Business Elite and Business Class seats recently, and this is the next step in keeping our promises to deliver an exceptional premium experience to our guests.

Riyadh Air and Blacklane are two outstanding brands with hospitality and an attention to detail at heart, and our relationship will offer our guests a truly elevated travel itinerary, from the first mile to the last.”Dr. Jens Wohltorf, CEO and Co-Founder of Blacklane, added, “This partnership is more than a service it’s a promise.

 Together, Riyadh Air and Blacklane will offer guests a thoughtfully curated journey, marked by reliability, sophistication, and genuine care. We look forward to welcoming Riyadh Air guests and ensuring every moment of their journey is unique.”

This partnership not only enhances Riyadh Air’s premium offering but also reinforces Blacklane’s position as a leader in luxury chauffeur services worldwide. It promises travelers a seamless, sophisticated experience that begins long before boarding the aircraft and continues well beyond arrival, embodying the future of elevated travel.

Boeing is heading into the Paris Air Show following a blockbuster May, marked by securing 303 new aircraft orders and rolling out 38 new 737 MAX jets, achieving a production rate it has pursued for over a year. The company also delivered 45 aircraft last month, signaling a strong recovery in global air travel and airline fleet modernization.

Record Orders and Deliveries

May's 303 new orders represent Boeing’s sixth-highest monthly order tally in its history. The highlight was Qatar Airways’ historic widebody jet deal—the largest ever for Boeing—including 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777X aircraft, along with options for an additional 50 long-haul jets. Of the 130 787s, 120 were booked in May, with 10 previously ordered in March but only recently identified in Boeing’s backlog.

Other notable orders included 20 737-8 MAX jets from Saudi Arabian-owned AviLease and seven 737 MAX jets from Canadian airline WestJet, which also canceled two earlier 737 orders. Gulf carrier Etihad announced plans to order 28 widebody jets but did not place a firm order, so these were excluded from May’s totals. After three cancellations, Boeing’s net new orders for May stood at 300, boosting its backlog to 5,943 aircraft as of May 31.

Production Milestone

Boeing reached a key production milestone by rolling out 38 new 737 MAX jets in May, hitting the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) monthly production cap set due to previous quality concerns. This steady production rate reflects Boeing’s efforts to stabilize output after challenges including a strike and quality issues earlier in the year. CEO Kelly Ortberg emphasized the need to maintain this production level consistently before seeking further increases from the FAA.

Deliveries and Market Impact

The 45 aircraft delivered in May marked Boeing’s fifth consecutive month surpassing 40 deliveries and nearly doubled the number delivered in the same month last year. Deliveries included 31 737 MAX jets (with notable deliveries to United Airlines and Alaska Airlines), seven 787s (including three to Qatar Airways), five 777 freighters, one 767 freighter, and one 737 NG converted into a P-8 Poseidon for the U.S. Navy.

 Notably, no deliveries were made to Chinese airlines in May due to a temporary halt amid tariff disputes, though the ban was lifted recently with a new 737 MAX arriving in China.

Context at the Paris Air Show

The Paris Air Show opened amid a complex backdrop of geopolitical tensions, recent aviation tragedies, and ongoing rivalry with Airbus. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg canceled his attendance to focus on supporting customers and the investigation into the recent Air India 787 crash. Despite this, Boeing’s strong May performance underscores its resilience and readiness to compete at the world’s largest aerospace event.

As of mid-2025, Boeing has delivered 220 aircraft, including 164 737 MAX jets, 28 787s, 16 777s, and others, while Airbus has delivered 243 aircraft this year. Both manufacturers are expected to announce new deals during the air show.

This robust May performance positions Boeing strongly as it navigates ongoing challenges and competition at the Paris Air Show 2025.

 

Four Wildlife Trusts in England—the London Wildlife Trust, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, and Northumberland Wildlife Trust—have received a major multi-million-pound investment through the "Championing Nature" programme, a six-year initiative funded by The All England Lawn Tennis Club and Emirates.

This partnership is specifically designed to bridge the gap between urban communities and the natural world, with a strong emphasis on reaching disadvantaged children, young people aged 16-24, and families who often have limited access to green spaces.

Research underpinning the programme revealed that about one in eight children from low socio-economic backgrounds under the age of 12 has never experienced nature firsthand. Key barriers include a lack of nearby green space facilities (21%) and the cost of transport to such areas (17%). Parents have reported that when their children do spend time in nature, they see notable improvements in mood, happiness, physical activity, and overall health.

Each Wildlife Trust will use the funding to deliver tailored projects in their local urban areas. For example, the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust plans to provide interactive nature-based education sessions for schools—focusing on those with the least access to green space—and launch year-round outreach events for young people and the wider community. The Trust will also upgrade its Centre of the Earth environmental education site.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside will focus on community-driven initiatives in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, including workshops, school partnerships, habitat restoration, and the creation of a nature corridor. Northumberland Wildlife Trust aims to enhance nature connection in urban and suburban areas through school partnerships, educator training, youth activism, and potentially managing a section of a country park in North Tyneside for the next 40 years, co-designed with the local community.

The programme was launched at the AELTC’s Community Tennis Centre at Raynes Park, with naturalist Steve Backshall MBE as its ambassador. Backshall emphasized the transformative benefits of nature connection for young people and expressed excitement about the positive changes the initiative will bring to urban communities.

Overall, "Championing Nature" is set to create a lasting legacy by improving urban green spaces, providing environmental education, and ensuring that future generations—regardless of background—can benefit from meaningful experiences with nature.