Airbus announces airline orders, defense investment, drone pact at Farnborough

Airbus (EADSF)(EADSY) unveiled new commercial aircraft commitments, defense initiatives and an uncrewed aircraft agreement Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow, led by a memorandum of understanding from Philippine Airlines for additional A350-1000 widebody jets.

The announcements also included Shohin Airlines' first Airbus aircraft order, a Canadian launch customer for Airbus Helicopters' Flexrotor uncrewed aircraft and a strategic investment by Airbus Defence and Space in a new European defense technology fund.

Philippine Airlines plans to double A350-1000 orders

Philippine Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding for nine additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

If finalized, the agreement would double the airline's total A350-1000 orders to 18 aircraft. The first two aircraft were delivered earlier this year.

The carrier said the aircraft will support expansion of its long-haul network, particularly nonstop routes from Manila to destinations in North America, including cities on the U.S. East Coast and Canada.

Philippine Airlines configured the aircraft with 382 seats across business, premium economy and economy cabins.

Shohin Airlines becomes new Airbus customer

Airbus also disclosed that Tajikistan-based Shohin Airlines has ordered four A320neo family aircraft, including two A320neos and two A321neos.

The order, which had previously appeared in Airbus' June order book as unidentified, marks the airline's first purchase from Airbus.

Shohin Airlines was established in 2025 and plans to use the aircraft to launch regional and international services. The A320neo aircraft will seat 176 passengers while the A321neo will accommodate 196 passengers in a two-class configuration.

Voyageur orders Flexrotor uncrewed aircraft

Airbus Helicopters signed an agreement with Canada's Voyageur Aviation for the first purchase of the Airbus U030 Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system in Canada.

Voyageur will become the platform's Canadian launch customer following a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year.

The vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions across military, government and commercial markets. Airbus said the system can remain airborne for more than 12 hours and operate autonomously from land or sea.

Airbus backs European defense technology fund

Airbus Defence and Space also announced it will become the anchor investor in the new E2D dual-use and defense technology growth fund.

The fund, launched by venture firms AVP and Earlybird, is targeting €500 million to invest in about 20 European technology companies developing products for defense and dual-use applications.

Airbus said the investment is intended to strengthen Europe's defense industrial base by supporting companies operating in sectors including space, aviation, maritime systems and artificial intelligence.

E2D also announced its first investment in French defense technology company Alta Ares, which develops AI-based intelligence, surveillance and counter-drone systems. Airbus Defence and Space recently signed a separate agreement with Alta Ares to jointly develop European counter-drone technologies.For investors, the Farnborough Airshow is one of the aerospace industry's largest events and a traditional venue for announcing aircraft orders. The agreements unveiled during the week are closely watched for signals on airline demand, production backlogs and longer-term growth prospects for aircraft manufacturers and suppliers.