ASL Aviation acquires two Boeing 747-400ERF freighters in August 2026

en.Wedoany.com Reported - ASL Aviation has completed the acquisition of two Boeing 747-400ERF freighters, which previously served in the ASL group fleet under lease arrangements, with ownership transferred to ASL Aviation on August 7, 2026.

The two aircraft are operated by ASL Airlines Belgium, with manufacturer serial numbers MSN 33516 (registration OE-IFB) and MSN 33945 (registration OE-IFD). ASL Aviation stated that these two freighters are mature aircraft in the group's long-haul fleet and will continue to be deployed in its global air cargo operations. The acquisition reflects ASL Aviation Holdings' continued investment in the long-haul freighter business and its commitment to expanding its owned aircraft portfolio; in line with the company's ongoing fleet and asset strategy, the transaction will support the continued development of the international air cargo platform and help meet long-term operational and customer demands.

Aviator Airport Alliance has signed a four-year ground handling contract with Lufthansa Group to provide a full range of ground services at Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport (GOT). Aviator, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, will provide services under the contract from December 1, 2026, to November 30, 2030, covering approximately 70 weekly flight turnarounds.

The agreement covers five Lufthansa Group airlines: Lufthansa Airlines, Lufthansa City Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Swiss International Air Lines. Services include de-icing and anti-icing operations, which are critical to maintaining on-time performance in Nordic winter conditions once the contract takes effect. The new contract consolidates Aviator's position at Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport and in the Swedish market, where Aviator currently provides ground services to multiple international airlines.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued 2AB-level certification to Smiths Detection for its prohibited items (PI) detection software used at airport security checkpoints. This certification level confirms that Smiths Detection's software meets TSA's most stringent explosive detection standards for screening at U.S. airport checkpoints. The certification supports TSA's goals of enhancing security, improving efficiency, and improving the passenger experience.

When deployed in conjunction with Smiths Detection's computed tomography (CT) systems, the software uses machine learning to evaluate carry-on baggage images and identify bags requiring operator attention. Dr. Philip Tackett, Vice President of Technology at Smiths Detection Inc., stated that receiving TSA 2AB-level certification represents a significant advancement in checkpoint security and reflects the company's capabilities in automated detection; Smiths Detection will continue to support TSA in modernizing passenger security checkpoints.