The U.S. Air Force is targeting 1,509 combat-coded fighters by 2035 while evaluating whether new-production F-16s should replace aging aircraft. The decision will depend on procurement funding, manufacturing capacity, the service life of existing fighters, and the growing role of Collaborative Combat Aircraft. A separate low-risk estimate of 1,723 fighters highlights the importance of operational risk in long-term force planning.
Fleet expansion
American Airlines could order up to 70 widebody aircraft from 2030 onward, with Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s among the reported candidates. The decision could shape its business-class strategy, future fleet requirements and Pacific network.
Wizz Air targets 10.9M German passengers and Hamburg growth but holds off on a local base, citing high German costs.
Turkish Airlines has unveiled its 500th aircraft at Istanbul Airport, marking a major fleet milestone and launching its next expansion phase toward a 1,000-aircraft future.
United Nigeria Airlines (UN) marks its fifth anniversary with plans to expand its fleet to 21 aircraft by the end of the second quarter of 2026, supporting new regional and international operations.
As of mid-2025, Southwest Airlines (WN)Â continues its legacy as the largest operator of the Boeing 737 in the world.
As of December 2025, the airlines with the largest fleets include a mix of U.S., Chinese, European, and Middle Eastern carriers, reflecting the global spread of air travel.
IndiGo (6E), has announced a commitment worth $820 million to expand aircraft ownership as part of its long-term fleet strategy.
SpiceJet (SG) has significantly expanded its fleet this October, adding nearly five aircraft as part of its aggressive winter expansion strategy.
Boeing and Macquarie AirFinance have announced a direct order for 30 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.