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China and Chinese carriers have been a significant target for Boeing before the tariff battles. Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock

The Chinese government has told Chinese airlines to halt deliveries and purchases of Boeing jets and aeroplane parts made by US companies in the latest action in what has become a frenetic trade war between Washington and Beijing.

The order came after Juneyao Airlines decided to delay receiving a Boeing 787-9 plane, and President Xi Jinping announced 125% tariffs on US goods. Both of these actions were in response to US President Trump’s 145% levies on Chinese goods entering the US.

Bloomberg first reported the stay on Boeing deliveries, citing sources close to discussions.

While the news only adds to Boeing’s woes – it has slipped behind European rival Airbus in the APAC region in recent years – the decision could be another to change quickly depending on the mood of the White House. Trump has already reversed (and then denied reversing) charges on smartphones, often assembled in China before being sold in the US.

At least 10 Boeing 737-MAX jets were expected to be delivered to major Chinese airlines, including China Southern Airlines, Air China and Xiamen Airlines.

Archer Aviation has signed an agreement with Ethiopian Airlines to deploy its Midnight electric air taxis under the “Launch Edition” programme valued at up to $30m.

The partnership signifies progress in developing an all-electric air taxi network in the region, with Ethiopian Airlines being the second customer to plan the deployment of Archer’s Midnight aircraft.

Archer will provide Ethiopian Airlines with a team of pilots, technicians, and engineers to support the initial deployment of the early launch edition of the Midnight aircraft in Ethiopia.

Both parties will continue to work with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) to safely operationalise Midnight.

The partnership is not only focused on developing an air taxi network but also exploring broader use cases for Midnight, including eco-tourism.

The four-passenger Midnight aircraft is designed for rapid, back-to-back trips with minimal charge time between flights.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has revealed that a plan to modernise the country’s ageing and understaffed air traffic control system will be announced next week.

The initiative aims to revitalise the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) infrastructure with new radar systems, air traffic control terminals, and increased hiring, following recent aviation safety incidents that have raised concerns.

Duffy has previously stated that he intends to request funding for a multi-year effort to overhaul the system.This includes implementing new runway safety technology to replace “outdated” technology, such as binoculars for visual checks and floppy disks for data storage.

Duffy emphasised the need for a swift transition from ageing copper wire telecommunications to modern alternatives such as fibre, wireless, and satellite networks.

The FAA is currently facing a significant shortage of air traffic controllers, with 3,500 fewer controllers than the targeted staffing levels, leading to flight delays and extensive overtime and six-day workweeks for existing staff.

Frankfurt Airport in Germany has introduced walkthrough security scanners for passenger checks, claiming to be the “first airport in the world” to launch the technology.

The German Federal Police has given the green light for the full-scale use of the Rohde & Schwarz QPS Walk2000 system, following a successful test phase at Terminal 1’s Concourse A.

Unlike traditional scanners that require passengers to hold still in specific poses, this system uses AI-based detection software that allows individuals to pass through at a normal walking pace.

The millimetre-wave technology deployed in these scanners can penetrate clothing, and an avatar highlights any suspicious items in real-time.

This allows security staff to concentrate on specific areas if an alarm is triggered, instead of completely rescanning the passenger.

Approximately 18,000 departing passengers pass through this checkpoint each day. Following the introduction of the QPS Walk2000, there are plans to expand its use to other security lanes within Terminal 1 and the upcoming Terminal 3.

Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Qatar has opened Concourse E, the latest addition to its ongoing terminal expansion project.

This new concourse is designed to streamline the boarding process, enhance operational efficiency, improve accessibility, and incorporate sustainable features. The expansion introduces an additional 51,000m² to the airport, with eight new contact gates that increase overall gate capacity by 20%.

Concourse E boasts “advanced self-boarding technology” that allows passengers to scan their boarding passes for a “smoother travel experience”.

The design prioritises accessibility, with features such as hearing loops, ramps, elevators, and spacious seating areas that cater to passengers with disabilities.

Passenger comfort is addressed with ergonomic seating arrangements that include a variety of styles with built-in power outlets. The concourse also expands retail and dining options, offering new shopping and dining experiences for all passengers.

In addition, the concourse features energy-efficient systems, water management solutions, and optimised thermal comfort.