2018 in aviation

Up from 763 in 2017, Boeing delivered 806 commercial jets in 2018, including 580 737s and 145 787s; and won 893 net orders valued at $143.7 billion: 675 737s and 218 widebodies including 109 787s and 51 777s.{{cite press release |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-01-08-Boeing-Sets-New-Airplane-Delivery-Records-Expands-Order-Backlog |title= Boeing Sets New Airplane Delivery Records, Expands Order Backlog |date= 8 January 2019 |publisher=Boeing}}

Airbus delivered 800 aircraft to 93 customers including 20 A220s (since July 2018), 626 A320s, 49 A330s, 93 A350XWBs and 12 A380s, 11% more than the 718 delivered in 2017; and received 747 net orders.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2019/01/airbus-achieves-new-commercial-aircraft-delivery-record-in-2018.html |title= Airbus achieves new commercial aircraft delivery record in 2018 |date= 9 January 2019 |publisher=Airbus}}

; 3 January

: AeroVironment announces it will design and develop solar-powered high-altitude unmanned aircraft and ground control stations for a joint venture with Japanese telco SoftBank (95%) for $65 million.{{cite press release |url= http://www.avinc.com/resources/press-releases/view/solar-high-altitude-long-endurance-uas |title= AeroVironment Announces Joint Venture and Solar High-Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft System Development Program |date= 3 January 2018 |publisher= AeroVironment}}

File:Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport Airbus Transport International Airbus A330-743L Beluga XL F-GXLH (DSC09359).jpg

; 4 January

: The first Airbus BelugaXL rolls off the assembly line, unpainted and without engines.{{cite press release |url= http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/news/en/2018/01/first-belugaxl-transporter-rolls-off-assembly-line.html |title= First BelugaXL transporter rolls off assembly line |date= 8 January 2018 |publisher= Airbus }}

; 5 January

: The A321neo Cabin Flex rolls out before ground tests and first flight in the following weeks, it should be delivered in mid-2018 and the layout will become the A321neo default from 2020.{{cite press release |url= http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/01/airbus-rolls-out-first-a321neo-acf.html |date= 5 January 2018 |title= Airbus rolls out first A321neo ACF |publisher= Airbus }}

; 9 January

: Boeing announces it had won 912 net orders in 2017 for $134.8 billion at list prices including 745 737s, 94 787s and 60 777s, and delivered 763 airliners including 529 737s, 136 787s and 74 777s.{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-01-09-Boeing-Sets-Airplane-Delivery-Record-Finishes-2017-with-Larger-Order-Book |title= Boeing Sets Airplane Delivery Record, Finishes 2017 with Larger Order Book |date= 9 January 2018 |publisher= Boeing}}

; 10 January

: Geophysical technology company Ocean Infinity confirms the Government of Malaysia accepted its proposal to search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 and sends its vessel Seabed Constructor for 90 days, receiving a reward only if the wreckage is located.{{cite press release |url= https://oceaninfinity.com/ocean-infinity-continue-search-missing-malaysian-airlines-flight-mh370/ |title= Ocean Infinity to continue search for Missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 |date= 10 January 2018 |publisher= Ocean Infinity |access-date= 12 January 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190417143050/https://oceaninfinity.com/ocean-infinity-continue-search-missing-malaysian-airlines-flight-mh370/ |archive-date= 17 April 2019 }}

: The Canadian government files a complaint at the World Trade Organization against the USA over the CSeries dumping petition by Boeing.{{cite press release |url= https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news18_e/ds535rfc_10jan18_e.htm |date= 10 January 2018 |title= Canada files WTO complaint over US trade remedy measures |publisher= World Trade Organization}}

: China is set to order 184 Airbus A320 airliners, mainly for A320neo jets to be delivered to 13 airlines in 2019 and 2020, after French president Emmanuel Macron visited his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/china-set-to-order-over-180-airbus-jets-444757/ |title= China set to order over 180 Airbus jets |date= 10 January 2018 |author= Mavis Toh |work=FlightGlobal}}

; 13 January

: Pegasus Airlines Flight 8622, a Boeing 737-800, landing in Trabzon Airport from Ankara, runs off the left side of the runway and partially down a cliff, injuring no passengers or crew.{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20180113-0 |title= Pegasus flight 8622 |date=13 January 2018 |work=Aviation Safety Network|publisher= Flight Safety Foundation}}

; 15 January

: Airbus announces it received 1,109 net orders from 44 customers in 2017, and delivered 718 aircraft to 85 customers: 558 A320 Family (including 181 A320neo); 67 A330s; 78 A350 XWBs and 15 A380s.{{cite press release |url= http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/01/airbus-commercial-aircraft-delivers-record-performance.html |title= Airbus Commercial Aircraft delivers record performance |publisher= Airbus }}

; 18 January

: Airbus secures a preliminary agreement from Emirates for up to 36 A380s: 20 potentially firm orders and 16 options, to be delivered from 2020, valued at $16 billion at list prices.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/emirates-tentatively-signs-for-up-to-36-a380s-445004/ |title= Emirates tentatively signs for up to 36 A380s |date= 18 January 2018 |author= David Kaminski Morrow |work= Flightglobal}}

; 19 January

: The Boeing 787-10 variant is approved by the FAA.{{cite web |url= http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/e8c1d10aac39aa908625822000772368/$FILE/T00021SE_Rev_27.pdf |title= Type Certificate data sheet T00021SE |date= 19 January 2018 |publisher= FAA}}

; 23 January

: Following the Air Berlin insolvency, Austrian carrier Niki is sold to Laudamotion, controlled by former Formula 1 champion Niki Lauda, while IAG had previously tentatively acquired its assets for €20 million ($24 million) at the end of 2017 before the proceedings were re-opened.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/iag-disappointed-after-losing-niki-to-rival-bidder-445109/ |title= IAG 'disappointed' after losing Niki to rival bidder |date= 23 January 2018 |work= Flightglobal }}

; 24 January

: The revised NAL Saras-PTN1 with 14 seats instead of 19 and improved systems first flew from HAL Airport for 40 minutes, reaching {{cvt|8,500|ft}} and {{cvt|145|knots|km/h}} before 20 flights to freeze the production design.{{cite news |url= https://www.airinsight.com/a-first-flight-in-india/ |title= A "first flight" in India |author= Addison Schonland |work= AirInsight |date= 25 January 2018}}

; 26 January

: In the CSeries dumping petition by Boeing, the USITC four commissioners unanimously determined the U.S. industry is not threatened and no duty orders will be issued.{{cite press release |url= https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2018/er0126ll898.htm |title= 100- to 150-Seat Large Civil Aircraft from Canada Do Not Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC |date= 26 January 2018 |publisher= United States International Trade Commission}}

; 31 January

: The Airbus A³ Vahana full-scale single passenger prototype makes its maiden flight self-piloted in Pendleton, Oregon, reaching 5 meters (16 feet) over 53 seconds.{{cite news |url= https://vahana.aero/vahanas-first-flight-a-success-ade26d26ba02 |author= Zach Lovering |date= 1 February 2018 |title= Vahana's First Flight a Success |work= Vahana Blog |access-date= 2 February 2018 |archive-date= 31 May 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190531040538/https://vahana.aero/vahanas-first-flight-a-success-ade26d26ba02 }}

File:EGLF - Boeing 737 Max - N7201S (43406207022).jpg

; 1 February

: Amid surging global demand, UPS orders 14 Boeing 747-8F and four Boeing 767 freighters worth $7.3 billion at list prices.{{cite news |url= https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2018/02/01/ups-order-boeing-747s-767s-jumbo-everett.html |title= UPS places huge order for 747s, 767s in jumbo boost for Boeing Everett |author= Andrew McIntosh |work= Puget Sound Business Journal |date= 1 February 2018}}

; 5 February

: The smallest Boeing 737 MAX 7 is rolled-out in Renton, Washington, before flight testing in coming weeks; first delivery and introduction by Southwest Airlines was scheduled for 2019.{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-02-05-Boeing-Debuts-First-737-MAX-7 |title= Boeing Debuts First 737 MAX 7 |date= 5 February 2018 |publisher= Boeing}}

; 6 February

: Singapore Airshow is held 6–11 February.{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/events/ |title= Events Coverage |work= FlightGlobal }}

; 7 February

: A light Business Jet, the first Pilatus PC-24 is delivered to PlaneSense.{{cite press release |url= https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en/news-events/media-release/pilatus-delivers-pc-24-super-versatile-jet-to-launch-customer-planesense |date= 7 February 2018 |title= Pilatus Delivers PC-24 Super Versatile Jet to Launch Customer, PlaneSense |publisher= Pilatus}}

; 9 February

: After in-flight failures of PW1100G turbofans with its high pressure compressor aft hub modified –apparently problems of its knife edge seal, the EASA and Airbus grounds some Airbus A320neo aircraft until they are fitted with spares.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-flight-failures-prompt-emergency-call-for-pw-pow-445789/ |title= In-flight failures prompt emergency call for P&W-powered A320neos |date= 9 February 2018 |author= Stephen Trimble |work= Flightglobal}}

; 11 February

:Saratov Airlines Flight 703, an Antonov An-148-100B, crashed shortly after takeoff from Domodedovo Airport killing all 71 people on board.{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43024235 |title= Russian jet 'crashes' after Moscow take-off |publisher= BBC News|date= 11 February 2018}}

; 13 February

:United Airlines Flight 1175, a Boeing 777-222 registered as N773UA, suffered an in-flight separation of a fan blade on the right engine over the Pacific Ocean. The pilots continued flying for 120 miles and then executed an emergency landing at its destination airport.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Serious incident Boeing 777-222 N773UA, Tuesday 13 February 2018 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/206147 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Passengers recall 'horrible' moment when United plane engine fell apart in midair |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/passengers-recall-horrible-moment-united-plane-engine-fell/story?id=53072150 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=ABC News |language=en}}

; 16 February

: Boeing announces the 737 MAX-9 variant is certified, clearing it for introduction with Lion Air.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-737-max-9-receives-certification-445995/ |title= Boeing 737 Max 9 receives certification |date= 16 February 2018 |author= Stephen Trimble |work= Flightglobal}}

; 18 February

: Iran Aseman Airlines Flight 3704, an ATR 72-200, flying from Tehran to Yasuj, crashed into the Zagros Mountains, south of Ispahan after it disappeared from radar, 50 minutes after taking off from Mehrabad Airport, killing all 66 people on board.{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-43103192 |title= Passenger plane crashes in Iran mountains |date= 18 February 2018 |publisher= BBC}}

; 20 February

: File:Qatar Airways Airbus A350-1000 (A7-ANA).jpg of Qatar Airways]]The first stretched A350-1000 is delivered to Qatar Airways, and will be introduced on its London Heathrow route on 24 February.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/qatar-to-put-first-a350-1000-on-heathrow-route-446042/ |title= Qatar to put first A350-1000 on Heathrow route |date= 20 February 2018 |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |work= FlightGlobal}}

: A Dana Air McDonnell Douglas MD-83, registered as 5N-SRI, veered off of the runway at Port-Harcourt international airport and into bushes during a night landing. There were no casualties{{cite web|url=http://saharareporters.com/2018/02/20/dana-aircraft-overshoots-runway-port-harcourt |title=Dana Aircraft Overshoots runway in Port Harcourt |date=20 February 2018 |work=Sahara Reporters}} Both the airline and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria stated that the cause of the accident was inclement weather as there was torrential rain at the time of the landing.{{cite web|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/259359-dana-airline-skids-off-runway.html |work=Premium Times Nigeria |title=Dana Airline skids off runway |first=Cletus |last=Ukpong |date=21 February 2018}}

; 28 February

: Dassault Aviation unveils the Falcon 6X large business jet based on the Falcon 5X: it should make its first flight in early 2021 and begin deliveries in 2022.{{cite press release |url= https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/dassault-aviation-launches-falcon-6x/ |title= Dassault Aviation Launches Falcon 6X |date= 28 February 2018 |publisher= Dassault Aviation}}

: Embraer receives its type certificate from the ANAC, FAA and EASA for the first member of the E-Jets E2 family, the E190-E2.{{cite press release |url= https://embraer.com/global/en/news#/7147-embraer-e190-e2-granted-certification-by-anac-faa-and-easa |date= 28 February 2018 |title= Embraer E190-E2 Granted Certification by ANAC, FAA and EASA |publisher= Embraer }}

; 6 March

: An Antonov An-26 of the Russian Air Force crashes shortly before landing at Syria killing all 39 occupants onboard.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Accident Antonov An-26 RF-92955/52, Tuesday 6 March 2018 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/319716 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}{{Cite web |last=Stocker |first=Joanne |date=2018-03-06 |title=Russian An-26 cargo plane crashes at Syria's Hmeimim airbase, killing 32 |url=https://thedefensepost.com/2018/03/06/russia-an-26-plane-crash-syria-hmeimim-base/ |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=The Defense Post |language=en-US}}

; 9 March

: Turkish Airlines ordered 25 Boeing 787-9 and 25 Airbus A350-900 with five options each, to be delivered from 2019 to 2024, as the catalogue price of the A350s alone is $9.5 billion.{{cite news |url= https://finance.yahoo.com/news/turkish-airlines-buy-least-50-airbus-boeing-jets-112500010.html |title= Turkish Airlines to buy at least 50 Airbus, Boeing jets |agency= AFP |date= 10 March 2018 |via= Yahoo}}

; 11 March

: A Turkish Bombardier Challenger CL-604, registered as TC-TRB, crashed in the Zagros Mountains near Shahr-e Kord, Iran, killing all 11 people on board.{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20180311-0 |title= 11 March 2018 Challenger 604 Accident description |work= Aviation Safety Network |publisher= Flight Safety Foundation}}

; 12 March

: US-Bangla Airlines Flight 211, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 registered as S2-AGU, crashed while landing at Tribhuvan International Airport near Kathmandu, killing 51 of the 71 people on board.{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20180312-0 |title= 12 March 2018 BS211 Q400 Kathmandu crash}}

; 13 March

: File:N8712L Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX s-n 36930 (24896397167).jpg is rolled-out on 13 March, a MAX 8 for Southwest like the one pictured]]The 10,000th Boeing 737 is rolled-out, a MAX 8 destined for Southwest Airlines: continuously manufactured since 1967, over 4,600 orders are pending.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-how-boeing-built-10000-737s-446735/ |title= How Boeing built 10,000 737s |date= 13 March 2018 |author= Max Kingsley-Jones |work= Flightglobal}}

: The General Electric GE9X, the Boeing 777X engine, makes its first flight.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ge9x-enters-flight-test-phase-446784/ |title= GE9X enters flight test phase |date= 15 March 2018 |author= Stephen Trimble |work= Flightglobal}}

; 16 March

: The smallest 737 MAX 7 took off for its first flight from its Renton factory for three hours, reached {{cvt|250|kn|km/h}} and {{cvt|25,000|ft}}, and landed in Moses Lake, WA, Boeing's flight test centre.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-launches-737-max-7-into-flight-testing-446852/ |title= Boeing launches 737 Max 7 into flight testing |date= 16 March 2018 |author= Stephen Trimble |work= Flightglobal}}

; 20 March

: Ryanair announces it will acquire - subject to EU Competition approval - 75% of Austrian airline Laudamotion, built from the assets of the former Niki including A320 airliners, for €50m plus €50m for year 1 start up and operating costs, aiming for profitability by year 3 and a fleet of 30.{{cite press release |url= https://corporate.ryanair.com/news/partnership-with-niki-lauda-to-develop-laudamotion-airline-in-austria/ |title= Partnership With Niki Lauda To Develop Laudamotion Airline in Austria |date= 20 March 2018 |publisher= Ryanair}}

; 21 March

: Asian low-cost carrier Lion Air Group takes delivery of the first stretched 737 MAX 9 before entering service with Thai Lion Air.{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-03-21-Boeing-Delivers-First-737-MAX-9 |title= Boeing Delivers First 737 MAX 9 |date= 21 March 2018 |publisher= Boeing}}

; 22 March

: Boeing declines to appeal the US ITC ruling in its CSeries dumping petition.{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boeing-bombardier/boeing-will-not-appeal-trade-case-against-bombardier-spokesman-idUSKBN1GZ09V |date= 23 March 2018 |title= Boeing will not appeal trade case against Bombardier: spokesman |author= Allison Lampert |work=Reuters}}

: All Nippon Airways announces the integration of its two low cost carrier subsidiaries Peach Aviation and Vanilla Air, starting in the second half of the FY2018 and to be completed by the end of FY2019 into Peach, planning over 50 aircraft beyond FY2020, up from 35 today, operating on more than 50 routes, up from 39 currently, and targeting a ¥150 ({{To USD|150|JPN}}) billion revenue and a 10% operating profit for FY2020.{{cite press release |url= https://www.ana.co.jp/group/en/pr/201803/20180322.html |title= Peach Aviation and Vanilla Air Unite Together to become the leading LCC in Asia |date= 22 March 2018 |publisher= ANA}}

File:Singapore Airlines Boeing 787 9V-SCN Perth 2021 (01).jpg belonging to Singapore Airlines]]

; 25 March

: Boeing delivers the first stretched 787-10 to Singapore Airlines.{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-03-25-Boeing-Delivers-Worlds-First-787-10-Dreamliner-to-Singapore-Airlines,1 |title= Boeing Delivers World's First 787-10 Dreamliner to Singapore Airlines |date= 25 March 2018 |publisher= Boeing}}

; 26 March

: Founded in 1977 and once the largest provider of US Essential Air Service from 1992 to 2002, Great Lakes Airlines stopped scheduled passenger flights due to pilot shortage caused by US regulations requiring first officers to have 1,500 flight hours, up from 250 hours since 2013, leaving a fleet of 28 Beechcraft 1900Ds and six Embraer 120s, but continue to support Aerodynamics Inc. flights.{{cite news |url= http://atwonline.com/airlines/lack-pilots-shuts-down-us-regional-great-lakes-airlines |title= Lack of pilots shuts down US regional Great Lakes Airlines |date= 2 April 2018 |author= Molly McMillin |work= Aviation Week Network }}

; 29 March

: A takeover bid of £8.1 billion ($11.4 billion), up from £7 billion initially in January, from turnaround specialist Melrose Industries for UK aerostructure specialist GKN is accepted by a majority of the later's shareholders, while Melrose aims for an over £10 billion market capitalisation.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/melrose-wins-shareholder-support-for-gkn-takeover-447212/ |title= Melrose wins shareholder support for GKN takeover |date= 29 March 2018 |author= Michael Gubisch |work= Flightglobal}}

File:Cirrus Vision SF50 N124MW cn 0009 (28664083278).jpg is awarded the 2017 Collier Trophy on 4 April]]

; 1 April

:The 100th anniversary of the formation of Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918 in the United Kingdom{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/history/raftimeline19181929.cfm |title=RAF Timeline 1918–1929 |year=2011 |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812113116/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/raftimeline19181929.cfm |archive-date=12 August 2012 }} it is the oldest independent air force in the world.{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/history/historywwi.cfm |title=World War I |year=2011 |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813025936/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/historywwi.cfm |archive-date=13 August 2012 }}

; 2 April

: NASA awards Lockheed Martin a $247.5 million contract to design, build and deliver in late 2021 the Quiet Supersonic Technology Low-Boom X-plane.{{cite press release |url= https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-contract-to-build-quieter-supersonic-aircraft |title= NASA Awards Contract to Build Quieter Supersonic Aircraft |date= 3 April 2018 |publisher= NASA}}

; 3 April

: Already a Boeing 737 MAX 8 customer, Indian Jet Airways order 75 more, not disclosing the variant, valued at $7.2 to $9.7 billion before customary discounts.{{cite news |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-04/jet-air-to-buy-75-boeing-737-max-planes-as-india-demand-climbs |title= Jet Air to Buy 75 Boeing 737 Max Planes as India Demand Climbs |author= Anurag Kotoky |date= 4 April 2018 |agency= Bloomberg}}

; 4 April

: Cirrus Aircraft is awarded the 2017 Collier Trophy for designing, certifying, and entering-into-service the SF50 Vision, the first single-engine personal jet.{{cite press release |url= https://naa.aero/userfiles/files/documents/Press%20Releases/Collier%20Trophy%202017.pdf |title= Cirrus Aircraft Vision Jet to be awarded the 2017 Robert J. Collier Trophy |date= 4 April 2018 |publisher= NAA}}

: China proposes 25% tariffs on Boeing airliners in retaliation to Trump tariffs, with a weight cap apparently to leave negotiations open.{{cite news |url= https://leehamnews.com/2018/04/04/china-proposes-tariffs-on-boeing-planes-but-its-less-than-meets-the-eye/ |title= China proposes tariffs on Boeing planes, but it's less than meets the eye |date= 4 April 2018 |work= Leeham News}}

: Widerøe takes delivery of its first of three 114-seat Embraer 190-E2 in Sao Jose dos Campos.{{cite news |url= https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/live-wideroe-takes-delivery-of-the-worlds-first-embraer-e190-e2-photos-videos/ |title= Widerøe Takes Delivery of the World's First Embraer E190-E2 |date= 4 April 2018 |author= Enrique Perrella |work= Airways International |access-date= 4 April 2018 |archive-date= 2 October 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201002224626/https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/live-wideroe-takes-delivery-of-the-worlds-first-embraer-e190-e2-photos-videos/ }}

; 6 April

: Adding to its previous order for 42, American Airlines orders 47 Boeing 787s, 22 -8s and 25 -9s, for over $12 billion at list prices.{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-04-06-Boeing-American-Airlines-Sign-Major-Order-for-47-787-Dreamliners |title= Boeing, American Airlines Sign Major Order for 47 787 Dreamliners |publisher= Boeing |date= 6 April 2018}} American simultaneously cancels its 22 Airbus A350s order originally placed by US Airways.{{cite press release |url= http://news.aa.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2018/American-Airlines-Expands-Boeing-787-Fleet/default.aspx |title= American Airlines Expands Boeing 787 Fleet |date= 6 April 2018 |publisher= American Airlines}}

; 11 April

: In northern Algeria, an Algerian Air Force Il-76 transport plane crashes shortly after take-off from Boufarik Airport, killing its 257 occupants.{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20180411-0 |title= Aircraft accident: Ilyushin Il-76TD 7T-WIP * Boufarik Airport |work= Aviation Safety Network |publisher= Flight Safety Foundation}}

;17 April

: A failure of the left engine on Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 broke a window, causing a passenger to be partially sucked out. That person died and seven other people were injured. The plane was flying from New Yorks LaGuardia Airport to Dallas Love Field and made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Accident Boeing 737-7H4 (WL) N772SW, Tuesday 17 April 2018 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/319674 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}{{Cite web |title=Harrowing details released on Southwest flight where woman was partially sucked out window, killed |url=https://abc13.com/philadelphia-southwest-airlines-emergency-landing-international-airport/4691167/ |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=ABC13 Houston |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Almasy |first=Faith Karimi,Steve |date=2018-04-18 |title=Southwest pilots righted plane quickly after engine failed |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/18/us/southwest-emergency-landing/index.html |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=CNN |language=en}}

; 24 April

: Widerøe introduces the Embraer 190-E2 between Bergen and Tromsø, Norway.{{cite press release |url= https://embraer.com/global/en/news#/906337-norways-widere-completes-first-revenue-flight-of-an-embraer-e190-e2 |date= 24 April 2018 |title= Norway's Widerøe completes first revenue flight of an Embraer E190-E2 |publisher= Embraer}}

: Virgin America made its final flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles before being taken over by Alaska Airlines.{{cite news |url= https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/full-report-live-from-virgin-america-farewell-flight/ |title= Full Report: Live From Virgin America's Farewell Flight |date= 25 April 2018 |work= Airways Mag |author= Zvonimir Tolj, Brandon Aronoff}}

; 25 April

: ILA Berlin Air Show is held 25–29 April.

File:Serge Dassault crop.jpg dies at 93 on 28 May]]

; 1 May

: Boeing acquires aircraft parts manufacturer KLX, Inc for $3.2 billion, valuing it at $4.25 billion including $1 billion of net debt.{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-klx-m-a-boeing/boeing-to-buy-aerospace-parts-maker-klx-for-about-3-2-billion-idUSKBN1I22SZ |date= 1 May 2018 |title= Boeing to buy aerospace parts maker KLX for about $3.2 billion |author= Shubham Kalia |work= Reuters}} In over 15 countries, KLX sells $1.4 billion per year of fasteners and consumables within its 1 million items catalog, and will be integrated within Aviall with its 2,000 employees.{{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2018-05-01/boeing-buy-parts-supplier-klx-425-billion |title= Boeing To Buy Parts Supplier KLX for $4.25 billion |author= Gregory Polek |date= 1 May 2018 |work= AIN online}}

;2 May

: A Lockheed WC-130H of the Puerto Rican Air National Guard crashed shortly after take-off after an engine failure killing all nine occupants onboard.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Loss of control Accident Lockheed WC-130H Hercules 65-0968, Wednesday 2 May 2018 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/319664 |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}{{Cite web |title=Crash of a Lockheed WC-130H Hercules in Savannah: 9 killed {{!}} Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives |url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-lockheed-wc-130h-hercules-savannah-9-killed |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=www.baaa-acro.com}}

; 3 May

: BAE Systems and Prismatic Ltd announce their collaboration to develop the {{cvt|150|kg}}, {{cvt|35|m}} wingspan BAE Systems PHASA-35 solar powered high altitude UAV for flight tests in 2019, offering a one year endurance for surveillance and communications alternatively to satellites.{{cite press release |url= https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/solar-uav-to-be-developed-with-the-potential-to-stay-airborne-for-a-year |title= Solar UAV to be developed with the potential to stay airborne for a year |date= 3 May 2018 |publisher= BAE Systems}}

; 4 May

: Air France-KLM CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac resigns after 55% of the airline's staff rejected a 7% wage increase over 4 years proposal.{{cite news |url= https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/air-france-klm-ceo-resigns-after-staff-rejects-pay-deal/ |title= Air France-KLM CEO Resigns Following Unsuccessful Union Negotiations |date= 4 May 2018 |author= James Field |magazine= Airways International |access-date= 5 May 2018 |archive-date= 4 May 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180504224831/https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/air-france-klm-ceo-resigns-after-staff-rejects-pay-deal/ |url-status= dead }}

; 7 May

: At the ICAO, the North Korean Government requests to launch routes between its capital Pyongyang and South Korea capital Seoul through Air Koryo after the 2018 inter-Korean summit.{{cite news |url= https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/north-korea-requests-commercial-routes-to-seoul/ |title= North Korea Requests Commercial Routes to Seoul North Korea Requests Commercial Routes to Seoul |date= 7 May 2018 |work= Airways International |author= James Field}}

; 8 May

: United States President Donald Trump withdraws from the Iran Nuclear Deal, effectively cancelling $38 billion of Airbus and Boeing orders from Iran Air.{{cite news |url= https://airwaysmag.com/industry/us-officially-withdraws-from-iran-nuclear-deal-38-billion-orders-canceled/ |title= U.S Officially Withdraws From Iran Nuclear Deal – $38 billion of Orders Canceled |date= 9 May 2018 |work= Airways International |author= James Field |access-date= 10 May 2018 |archive-date= 23 June 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180623112810/https://airwaysmag.com/industry/us-officially-withdraws-from-iran-nuclear-deal-38-billion-orders-canceled/ |url-status= dead }}

; 11 May

: Challenged by four unions representing 135,000 airline workers, the US Department of Transportation approval for Norwegian Air International is maintained by a judicial panel.{{cite news |url= https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/norwegian-air-operations-upheld-by-us-federal-courts/ |title= Norwegian Air Operations Upheld by US Federal Courts |date= 13 May 2018 |author= James Field |work= Airways International}}

; 14 May

: An Airbus A319 from Sichuan Airlines Flight 8633, departing Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and bounded to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, diverts to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport after its right windshield cracked and blew off in cruise at 33,000 feet (FL330) without any fatalities.{{cite news |url= https://airwaysmag.com/airlines/sichuan_a319_windshield_emergency/ |title= Sichuan Airlines A319 Loses Windshield, First Officer Injured Sichuan Airlines A319 Loses Windshield, First Officer Injured |date= 14 May 2018 |author= Enrique Perrella |work= Airways International}}

; 15 May

: Air France-KLM's Board of Directors adopt a transitional management, with Anne-Marie Couderc as non-executive Chairman and a Management Committee composed of Frédéric Gagey, AF-KLM's CFO, serving as CEO and spokesperson, :fr:Franck Terner, Air France CEO, and Pieter Elbers, KLM CEO.{{cite press release |url= http://www.airfranceklm.com/en/news/new-transitional-governance-air-france-klm |title= New transitional governance for Air France-KLM |date= 15 May 2018 |publisher= Air France-KLM}}

: Subject to regulatory approval, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic agrees on their expanded joint venture on transatlantic flights; Air France-KLM will acquire 31% of Virgin Atlantic from Virgin Group for £220 million which will retain 20% and Chairmanship while Delta will retain its 49%.{{cite press release |title= Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Sign Definitive Agreements to Strengthen Trans-Atlantic Partnership |date= 15 May 2018}} [http://www.airfranceklm.com/en/air-france-klm-delta-air-lines-and-virgin-atlantic-sign-definitive-agreements-strengthen-trans Air France-KLM], [https://news.delta.com/delta-air-france-klm-and-virgin-atlantic-sign-agreements-strengthening-trans-atlantic-partnership Delta Air Lines] and [https://www.virgin.com/news/virgin-atlantic-air-france-klm-and-delta-sign-definitive-agreements-strengthen-trans-atlantic Virgin Atlantic]

: In the WTO dispute between Airbus and Boeing, the WTO concludes that the Airbus A380 and Airbus A350 received improper subsidies through repayable launch aids or low interest rates; Boeing claims victory but Airbus counters it is thin with 94% of the complaints rejected, and US tariffs could see retaliation from the EU.{{cite news |url= https://leehamnews.com/2018/05/15/wto/ |title= WTO issues ruling on EU appeal in Airbus-Boeing complaint |date= 15 May 2018 |work= Leeham News}}

; 17 May

: Following the mid-March 2018 completion of its restoration for display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the B-17F Memphis Belle, the first World War II 8th Air Force American heavy bomber to complete its then-25-mission tour of duty in the European Theater of World War II is officially unveiled to the public.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-14 |title="Memphis Belle" exhibit opens at National Museum of the USAF |url=https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/News/Display/Article/1634442/memphis-belle-exhibit-opens-at-national-museum-of-the-usaf/ |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=Air University (AU) |language=en-US}}

; 18 May

: A Boeing 737-200, Cubana de Aviación Flight 972 crashes after taking off at José Martí International Airport, claiming 112 fatalities and leaving one survivor.{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20180518-0 |title= Cubana de Aviación Boeing 737-201 Adv. accident |publisher= Flight Safety Foundation |work= Aviation Safety Network}}

; 25 May

: After their Joint Investigation Team determined the Buk missile which downed MH17 belonged to the Russian army, the Government of the Netherlands and Government of Australia hold Russia responsible for the death of its 298 occupants.{{cite press release |url= https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2018/05/25/mh17-the-netherlands-and-australia-hold-russia-responsible |title= MH17: The Netherlands and Australia hold Russia responsible News item |date= 25 May 2018 |publisher= Government of the Netherlands }} and {{cite press release |url= https://www.pm.gov.au/media/holding-russia-responsible-its-role-downing-mh17 |title= Holding Russia responsible for its role in the downing of MH17 |date= 25 May 2018 |publisher= Prime Minister of Australia }}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

; 27 May

: Bombardier unveils its Global Express 5500 and 6500 developments expected to enter service at the end of 2019 with an optimized wing, a revamped cabin and new more efficient Rolls-Royce Pearl engines for better operating costs, performance and range.{{cite press release |url= https://businessaircraft.bombardier.com/en/news/bombardier-grows-its-global-family-business-jets-launch-global-5500-and-global-6500-aircraft |date= 27 May 2018 |title= Bombardier Grows its Global Family of Business Jets with Launch of Global 5500 and Global 6500 Aircraft |publisher= Bombardier}}

; 28 May

: Serge Dassault, son of founder Marcel Dassault, former chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation from 1986 to 2000, initiator of the Dassault Falcon business jet family, dies at 93.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ebace-business-aviation-pioneer-serge-dassault-dies-448963/ |title= Business aviation pioneer Serge Dassault dies |date= 28 May 2018 |author= Stephen Trimble |work= Flightglobal}}

; 29 May

: EBACE is held 29–31 May in Geneva.

: As the Malaysian government changes, Ocean Infinity's search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 ends.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mh370-search-to-end-29-may-new-government-448826/ |title= MH370 search to end 29 May: new government |date= 23 May 2018 |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal}}

File:Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator.jpg Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator is named X-59 QueSST]]

; 4 June

: Boeing and Safran announce their 50-50 partnership to design, build and service APUs after regulatory and antitrust clearance in the second half of 2018.{{cite press release |title= Boeing, Safran Agree to Design, Build and Service Auxiliary Power Units |date= 4 June 2018}} [https://www.safran-group.com/media/boeing-safran-agree-design-build-and-service-auxiliary-power-units-20180604 Safran] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924020624/https://www.safran-group.com/media/boeing-safran-agree-design-build-and-service-auxiliary-power-units-20180604 |date=24 September 2020 }}, [http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-06-04-Boeing-Safran-Agree-to-Design-Build-and-Service-Auxiliary-Power-Units Boeing]

; 8 June

: After having gained regulatory approval, Airbus and Bombardier announce that Airbus will get a majority stake of the CSeries on 1 July 2018, leaving its main operations in Mirabel, Québec as Bombardier will fund its cash shortfalls for up to US${{#expr:225+35+350}} million till 2021.{{cite press release |title= Airbus, Bombardier and Investissement Québec agree C Series Partnership closing effective July 1, 2018 |date= 8 June 2018 |url=http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/06/airbus--bombardier-and-investissement-quebec-agree-c-series-part.html |website=Airbus}}

; 12 June

: NASA flies a 36 feet long by 66-foot (11 by 20-meter) demilitarised MQ-9 Predator for the first time through the National Airspace System with no chase aircraft and controlled from Armstrong Flight Research Center, towards unmanned aircraft operations in civil airspace.{{cite press release |url= https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-flies-large-unmanned-aircraft-in-public-airspace-without-chase-plane-for-first |title= NASA Flies Large Unmanned Aircraft in Public Airspace Without Chase Plane for First Time |date= 12 June 2018 |publisher= NASA}}

; 14 June

: Along a larger and modernised delivery centre, Airbus inaugurates its fourth Hamburg A320 production line, with two seven-axis robots to drill 80% of fuselage upper side holes, autonomous mobile tooling platforms and following Design Thinking principles.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/06/airbus-inaugurates-hamburg-s-fourth-a320-family-production-line0.html |title= Airbus inaugurates Hamburg's fourth A320 Family production line |date= 14 June 2018 |publisher= Airbus}}

: Rolls-Royce plc announces its restructuring, cutting 4,600 jobs to save £400m per year by 2020.{{cite press release |url= https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases.aspx#14-06-2018-rr-confirms-fundamental-restructuring |date= 14 June 2018 |title= Rolls-Royce confirms fundamental restructuring |publisher= Rolls-Royce}} Two-thirds of the cuts will happen in Britain where 26,000 work including 15,700 at the Derby headquarters among 55,000 worldwide.{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-rolls-royce-hldg-restructuring/rolls-royce-cuts-4600-jobs-at-pivotal-moment-for-business-idUSKBN1JA0JD |date= 14 June 2018 |title= Rolls-Royce cuts 4,600 jobs at 'pivotal moment' for business |author= Sarah Young |work= Reuters}}

; 19 June

: FedEx orders 12 Boeing 767Fs to be delivered between June 2019 and May 2022 and 12 Boeing 777Fs to be delivered from June 2020 to May 2025, for a $6.6 billion list price.{{cite news |url= http://atwonline.com/aircraft-orders-deliveries/fedex-take-24-more-boeing-freighters-66-billion-order |title= FedEx to take 24 more Boeing freighters in $6.6 billion order |date= 19 June 2018 |author= Aaron Karp |work= Aviation Week Network}}{{importance inline|reason=non-notable commercial aviation order|date=June 2023}}

; 26 June

: The US Air Force informed NASA it had assigned the X-59 QueSST designation to the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator.{{cite news |author= Jim Banke |title= NASA's experimental supersonic aircraft now known as X-59 QueSST |publisher= NASA |date= 28 June 2018 |url= https://www.nasa.gov/aero/nasa-experimental-supersonic-aircraft-x-59-quesst }}

; 28 June

: After failing to place two Airbus A380s, lessor Dr. Peters should decide to tear them down over two years for $80 million per aircraft.{{cite press release |url= https://www.dr-peters.de/en/press/press-releases/2018/2018-06-05.html |title= Positive overall result for two A380 funds |date= 5 June 2018 |publisher= Dr. Peters Group |access-date= 23 July 2018 |archive-date= 23 July 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180723122713/https://www.dr-peters.de/en/press/press-releases/2018/2018-06-05.html }}

File:"Beluga XL" A330-743L (cropped).jpg successor, the Airbus A330-based BelugaXL, makes its first flight on 19 July.]]

; 5 July

: A Memorandum of Understanding is announced for a strategic partnership: for $3.8 billion Boeing will hold 80% of a Boeing-Embraer joint venture for Embraers's airliners and services, valued at $4.75 billion, and Embraer will own the remaining 20%.{{cite press release |title= Boeing and Embraer to Establish Strategic Aerospace Partnership to Accelerate Global Aerospace Growth |date= 5 July 2018 |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-07-05-Boeing-and-Embraer-to-Establish-Strategic-Aerospace-Partnership-to-Accelerate-Global-Aerospace-Growth |website=Boeing}}

• 10 July
• Ten days after taking control of the program, Airbus renames the Bombardier CSeries Airbus A220-100/300.{{Cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/07/airbus-introduces-the-a220-100-and-a220-300.html |title= Airbus introduces the A220-100 and A220-300 |date= 10 July 2018 |publisher= Airbus}}
• Hours after its rebrand, JetBlue ordered 60 A220-300s to replace its 60 Embraer 190s from 2020 for $5.4 billion before customary discounts, with 60 options pending from 2025, a blow to Embraer which was marketing the E195-E2 to the carrier.{{cite news |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-10/jetblue-welcomes-newest-airbus-jetliner-with-5-4-billion-order |title= JetBlue Orders 60 Planes in $5.4 Billion Airbus-Bombardier Deal |author1= Mary Schlangenstein |author2=Christopher Jasper |date= 10 July 2018 |agency= Bloomberg}}
• A Convair 340, while operating a test flight in preparation for its delivery flight, crashes shortly after take-off after suffering an engine failure. Out of the 19 occupants onboard, 17 survive.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Accident Convair CV-340 ZS-BRV, Tuesday 10 July 2018 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/319613 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}

; 16 July

: Farnborough International Airshow was held 16–22 July.

; 17 July

: Valencia-based Air Nostrum and Dublin-bound CityJet announce their cooperation to create the largest European regional airline, subject to regulatory approval, employing {{#expr:1450+1250}} people and flying {{#expr:50+44}} aircraft including 30 CRJ1000 and 22 CRJ900, for a combined revenue of €700m with over {{#expr:80+90}},000 flights per year.{{cite press release |url= https://www.cityjet.com/pr/air-nostrum-and-cityjet-join-forces-to-create-the-largest-pan-european-regional-airline-group.shtml |title= Air Nostrum and CityJet join forces to create the largest pan European regional airline group |date= 17 July 2018 |publisher= CityJet}}

: A February agreement was formalized for two 747-8 at $3.9 billion to replace from December 2024 the two 747-200-based Air Force One VC-25A presidential aircraft delivered in 1991.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-offers-rare-glimpse-of-vc-25b-configurations-450587/ |title= USAF offers rare glimpse of VC-25B configurations |date= 23 July 2018 |author= Garrett Reim |work= Flightglobal}}

; 19 July

: The Airbus BelugaXL oversized freighter makes its maiden flight.{{cite press release |publisher= Airbus |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/07/first-belugaxl-becomes-airborne-for-its-maiden-flight.html |date= 19 July 2018 |title= First BelugaXL becomes airborne for its maiden flight }}

: At the end of Farnborough International Airshow business days, Embraer sold 300 jets for $15 billion at list prices, including 100 firm orders and 100 options for the E175-E1s from US carrier Republic Airways, convertible to E2s; Airbus sold 431 airliners (93 firm and 338 MoUs): 60 A220-300s, 304 A320s, 42 A330neos and 25 A350XWBs; Boeing signed 673 aircraft to 21 customers for a $98.4 billion list value, 145 of these were unidentified prior to the airshow, leaving 528 airshow sales.{{cite news |url= https://airwaysmag.com/fia18/trading-concludes-what-was-the-score/ |title= Farnborough: Trading Concludes – What Was The Score? |date= 19 July 2018 |author= James Field |work= Airways International}} Of those 673, Boeing secured 564 737 MAXs including 110 MAX 10s, 52 Dreamliners, 48 777Fs and 5 747-8Fs.{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-07-19-Boeing-Showcases-the-Future-of-Aerospace-with-Successful-Farnborough-Airshow-Announcing-100-Billion-in-Orders-and-Commitments |title= Boeing Showcases the Future of Aerospace with Successful Farnborough Airshow, Announcing $100 Billion in Orders and Commitments |date= 19 July 2018 |publisher= Boeing}}

; 23 July

: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is held 23–29 July.{{cite web |url= https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure |title= EAA AirVenture Oshkosh}}

; 28 July

:Air Vanuatu Flight 241, an ATR 72-500 suffered a runway excursion during an emergency landing. Consequently, the aircraft collided with two empty Britten-Norman BN-2 Islanders. All 43 occupants onboard the ATR 72 survived.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Runway excursion Accident ATR 72-500 (72-212A) YJ-AV71, Saturday 28 July 2018 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/319601 |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}

; 31 July

: Aeroméxico Connect Flight 2431, an Embraer 190, crashed after takeoff from Durango International Airport in Mexico with 101 persons on board and no fatalities.{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=213902 |title= 31 July 2018 Embraer ERJ-190 Aeroméxico Connect |publisher= Flight Safety Foundation |work= Aviation Safety Network }}

File:Windward Performance Perlan II.jpg reached 60,669 ft / 18,492 m without an engine]]

; 4 August

: A historic Junkers Ju 52 crashes in the Swiss Alps in a Ju-Air sightseeing flight, killing all its 20 occupants.{{cite web |url= https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20180804-0 |title= Saturday 4 August 2018 Ju-Air Junkers Ju-52 |work= Aviation Safety Network}}

; 8 August

: Airbus announces its Zephyr S remained aloft for 25 days 23h 57min for its maiden flight from Arizona, nearly twice as long as the previous record flight of 14 days set by its predecessor.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/08/Airbus-Zephyr-Solar-High-Altitude-Pseudo-Satellite-flies-for-longer-than-any-other-aircraft.html |title= Airbus Zephyr Solar High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite flies for longer than any other aircraft during its successful maiden flight |date= 8 August 2018 |publisher= Airbus }}

; 10 August

: A Horizon Air Dash 8 Q400 is stolen from Seattle–Tacoma Airport by Richard Russell, a ground service agent, ultimately killed when crashing on Ketron Island in Puget Sound.{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/taking-stock-insider-threat |title= Taking Stock of the 'Insider Threat' |date= 17 August 2018 |author1= Bill Carey |author2=Sean Broderick |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology}}

: Ryanair cancels 20% of its fights in Europe, mostly in Germany, as pilots staged strikes to support their claims.{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/ryanair-pilots-across-europe-strike |title= Ryanair Pilots Across Europe Strike |date= 10 August 2018 |author= Jens Flottau |work= Aviation Week Network}}

: A mid-air collision between an unmanned aerial vehicle and a hot air balloon occurs in Driggs, Idaho, United States; the first reported to the NTSB.{{cite news |last=Tellman |first=Julie |date=28 September 2018 |title=First-ever recorded drone-hot air balloon collision prompts safety conversation |url= https://www.postregister.com/news/local/first-ever-recorded-drone-hot-air-balloon-collision-prompts-safety/article_7cc41c24-6025-5aa6-b6dd-6d1ea5e85961.html |work=Teton Valley News |publisher=Boise Post-Register |location=Boise, Idaho, United States }}

• 16 August
• The Air France-KLM Board of Directors appoints Air Canada's Benjamin Smith as its Chief Executive Officer before 30 September 2018.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airfranceklm.com/sites/default/files/cpafkl16082918smithva.pdf |title= Board of Directors appoints Benjamin Smith as Air France-KLM CEO |date= 16 August 2018 |publisher= Air France-KLM}}
• XiamenAir Flight 8667, a Boeing 737-85C (WL) registered as B-5498, suffered a runway excursion while landing in the Philippines. All 165 occupants survivie the accident.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Accident Boeing 737-85C (WL) B-5498, Thursday 16 August 2018 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/319585 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}{{Cite web |title=Crash of a Boeing 737-85C in Manila {{!}} Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives |url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-boeing-737-85c-manila |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=www.baaa-acro.com}}{{Cite web |title=Accident: Xiamen B738 at Manila on Aug 16th 2018, runway excursion on landing |url=https://avherald.com/h?article=4bc70caa |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=avherald.com}}

; 26 August

: within the Airbus Perlan Mission II from El Calafate (Patagonia, Argentina), the Perlan II sets a new unofficial flight altitude record without an engine of 60,669 ft / 18,492 m GPS (61,982 ft / 18,892 m pressure altitude), piloted by Jim Payne and Morgan Sandercock : the third time ever high altitude wave soaring occurred above the tropopause.{{cite news |url= http://www.perlanproject.org/blog/world-record-claim-above-60000-feet-august-26-2018 |date= 27 August 2018 |title= World Record Claim Above 60,000 Feet on August 26, 2018 |publisher= Perlan Project}}

; 29 August

: After a seven years run, Swiss regional SkyWork Airlines cease operations after fleet renewal efforts failed to improve the business.{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/awincommercial/after-seven-years-swiss-regional-skywork-airlines-ceases-operations |title= After Seven Years Swiss Regional SkyWork Airlines Ceases Operations |date= 31 August 2018 |author= Kurt Hofmann |work= Aviation Week Network}}

; 31 August

: Boeing Phantom Works wins the MQ-25 carrier-based unmanned aerial tanker competition with its Stingray to build four prototypes for $805 million, to fly in 2021, before a $3.8 billion development and $9.2 billion to build 72 aircraft from 2024, beating General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/combat-aircraft/boeing-wins-navy-s-lucrative-mq-25-contract |title= Boeing Wins Navy's Lucrative MQ-25 Contract |date= 31 August 2018 |author= Lee Hudson |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology}}

; 1 September

: Utair Flight 579, a Boeing 737-800, registration VQ-BJI, on a flight from Vnukovo with 164 passengers and 6 crew, overran the runway and caught fire while landing in Sochi, injuring 18 people. One airport worker, suffered a heart attack and couldn't be revived.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45381597|title=Jet crashes on landing in Russian city|date=1 September 2018|work=BBC News}}

; 2 September

: Within the Airbus Perlan Mission II, Jim Payne and Tim Gardner reached an altitude of {{cvt|76,124|ft}}, surpassing the {{cvt|73,737|feet}} attained by Jerry Hoyt on 17 April 1989 in a Lockheed U-2: the highest subsonic flight.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/09/airbus-perlan-mission-ii-glider-soars-to-76-000-feet-to-break-ow.html |title= Airbus Perlan Mission II glider soars to 76,000 feet to break own altitude record, surpassing even U-2 reconnaissance plane |date= 3 September 2018 |publisher= Airbus}}

File:N461FT 4 Boeing 767-2C(2LK)-KC-46A Boeing Aircraft Co (USAF) PAE 29JUL15.jpg]]

; 4 September

: Boeing announces the Boeing KC-46 FAA certification.{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-09-04-Boeing-KC-46-Tanker-Program-Completes-FAA-Certification |title= Boeing KC-46 Tanker Program Completes FAA Certification |date= 4 September 2018 |publisher= Boeing}}

; 6 September

: Dassault Aviation and Safran ends their dispute over the Silvercrest engine for the Falcon 5X with USD 280 million compensatory damages.{{cite press release |url= https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/signature-amicable-settlement-safran/ |title= Signature of an amicable settlement with Safran |date= 6 September 2018 |publisher= Dassault Aviation}}

: The Turkish Aerospace TAI T625 {{cvt|6|t|lb}} MTOW helicopter makes a 10 min first flight from Ankara powered by two LHTEC CTS800s; the 165 kn (306km/h) max, 400 nmi (740km) range aircraft development began in 2010, certification including from EASA is targeted in 2020 and production from 2021.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/first-flight-for-turkish-aerospace-industries-t625-h-451712/ |title= First flight for Turkish Aerospace T625 helicopter |date= 6 September 2018 |author= Tolga Ozbek |work= Flightglobal}}

; 8 September

: The first assembled Boeing 777X rolls out in Everett, Washington: a non-flying airplane to be ground tested over a year.{{cite web |url= https://www.instagram.com/p/BneWLxbHa4p/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BneWLxbHa4p |archive-date=24 December 2021 |url-access=registration|title= The first fully-assembled #777X static test airplane rolled out of our facility in Everett, Washington overnight... |date= 8 September 2018 |author= Boeing}}{{cbignore}}

; 9 September

: A Let L-410UVP crashes killing all 20 out of the 23 occupants onboard.{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=Accident Let L-410UVP UR-TWO, Sunday 9 September 2018 |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/319570 |access-date=2025-02-22 |website=asn.flightsafety.org}}

; 13 September

: Eric Schulz left the Airbus Chief Commercial Officer role, to be replaced by Christian Scherer, CEO of ATR since October 2016.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/09/christian-scherer-appointed-airbus-chief-commercial-officer.html |date= 13 September 2018 |title= Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer appointed Airbus Chief Commercial Officer |publisher= Airbus}}

; 17 September

: ATR replaces Christian Scherer as its chief executive by Stefano Bortoli, president of ATR's board and Leonardo aircraft's senior vice-president for strategy and marketing.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/atr-names-leonardo-executive-as-new-chief-451939/ |title= ATR names Leonardo executive as new chief |date= 17 September 2018 |author= David Kaminski Morrow |work= Flightglobal}}File:Farnborough Airshow 2018 (43420676101).jpg got its type certificate from the EASA on 26 September]]

; 26 September

: EASA grants the Airbus A330neo-941 type certificate, including beyond 180 min ETOPS.{{cite web |url= https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/TCDS%20EASA.A.004%20-%20Rev%2047%20-%2026.09.2018.pdf |title= Type certificate data sheet No. EASA.A.004 for Airbus A330 |publisher= European Aviation Safety Agency |date= 26 September 2018 |access-date= 26 September 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180926205950/https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/TCDS%20EASA.A.004%20-%20Rev%2047%20-%2026.09.2018.pdf |archive-date= 26 September 2018 }}

; 27 September

: The first Gulfstream G500 is delivered.{{cite press release |url= https://www.gulfstreamnews.com/news/releases-20180927 |title= Gulfstream Delivers First New-generation G500 on Time |date= 27 September 2018 |publisher= Gulfstream |access-date= 29 September 2018 |archive-date= 28 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190328005427/https://www.gulfstreamnews.com/news/releases-20180927 }}

: Boeing Wins the U.S. Air Force $9.2 billion T-X program for 351 jets, 46 simulators and the associated ground equipment with the Boeing T-X trainer, designed with Saab.{{cite press release |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-09-27-Boeing-Wins-U-S-Air-Force-T-X-Pilot-Training-Program-Contract |title= Boeing Wins U.S. Air Force T-X Pilot Training Program Contract |date= 27 September 2018 |publisher= Boeing}} The original design defeated the Lockheed Martin T-50A based on the Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50, and the Leonardo T-100 based on the Alenia Aermacchi M-346. The initial $813 million order provides for the development of the first five aircraft and seven simulators, to be delivered in 2023, for an initial operational capability by 2024 and full operational capability by 2034.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-wins-92b-t-x-trainer-contract-with-usaf-452263/ |title= Boeing wins $9.2b T-X trainer contract with USAF |date= 27 September 2018 |author= Garrett Reim |work= Flightglobal}}

; 28 September

: Transport Canada awards the Bombardier Global 7500 its type certification.{{cite press release |url= https://www.bombardier.com/content/bombardiercom/en/media/newsList/details.bba_20180928_global-7500-aircraft--industrys-longest-range-busin.bombardiercom.html |title= Global 7500 Aircraft, Industry's Longest Range Business Jet, Awarded Transport Canada Type Certification |date= 28 September 2018 |publisher= Bombardier }}

: Air Niugini Flight 73, a Boeing 737-800, unintentionally ditches 135 meters short of the runway and came to rest in a lagoon at Chuuk International Airport in the Federated States of Micronesia, with one person being killed while all other 34 passengers and 12 crew escaped serious injury.{{cite news |title=Air Niugini confirms 1 dead after plane crash in Pacific off Chuuk island |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/air-niugini-1-dead-chuuk-island-plane-crash-pacific-lagoon-short-of-runway/ |access-date=2 October 2018 |date=28 September 2018}}{{cite web |last1=Hradecky |first1=Simon |title=Accident: Niugini B738 at Chuuk on Sep 28th 2018, touched down in sea short of runway |url=https://avherald.com/h?article=4be42f25&opt=0 |website=The Aviation Herald |access-date=28 September 2018}}{{Cite web |title=Accident Boeing 737-8BK (WL) P2-PXE |url=https://aviation-safety.net/asndb/319557 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=aviation-safety.net}}

; 1 October

: Darryl Greenamyer, American air racing and test pilot dies aged 82.{{cite web|title=US air racing pilot Darryl Greenamyer dies aged 82|url=http://www.pilotweb.aero/news/darryl-greenamyer-obituary-1-5753202|publisher=Pilot (UK magazine)|date=26 October 2018}}

; 2 October

: As it lacks funds to continue after 14 years, Northern European carrier Primera Air cease operations ahead of the winter season, after grounded aircraft and delivery delays led to flight cancellations, revenue loss and costly leases, exacerbated by low fares and high fuel costs.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/struggling-primera-air-to-cease-operations-452337/ |title= Struggling Primera Air to cease operations |date= 1 October 2018 |author= David Kaminski Morrow |work= Flightglobal}}

; 8 October

: The Airbus board of directors selects Guillaume Faury to succeed Tom Enders as CEO from 10 April 2019.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/10/airbus-board-of-directors-selects-guillaume-faury-future-chief-e.html |title= Airbus Board of Directors Selects Guillaume Faury Future Chief Executive Officer |date= 8 October 2018 |publisher= Airbus}}

; 12 October

: Singapore Airlines lands the world's Longest Flight in New York/Newark from Singapore Changi after 17 h 52 mn, in an Airbus A350-900ULR in two-classes, with 67 Business seats and 94 Premium Economy seats.{{cite press release |url= http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK/2018/October-December/ne3418-181012 |title= Singapore Airlines Launches World's Longest Flight |date= 12 October 2018 |publisher= Singapore Airlines |access-date= 2 June 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214524/http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/media-centre/press-release/article/?q=en_UK%2F2018%2FOctober-December%2Fne3418-181012 |archive-date= 12 October 2018 }} The flight covered {{cvt|16,562|km|nmi}} for a {{cvt|15,353|km|nmi}} orthodromic distance.{{cite news |url= https://flightaware.com/live/flight/SIA22/history/20181011/1545Z/WSSS/KEWR |title= Singapore Airlines (SQ) #22 |date= 11 October 2018 |work= FlightAware}}

; 14 October

: Embraer introduces the Praetor 500 and 600 business jets with 3,250 nmi and 3,900 nmi of range, to be certified in 2019.{{cite press release|url= https://embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1206455-embraer-introduces-the-most-disruptive-and-technologically-advanced-aircraft-into-the-midsize-and-super-midsize-categories-the-praetor-500-and-praetor-600-business-jets |date= 14 October 2018 |title= Embraer Introduces the Most Disruptive and Technologically Advanced Aircraft into the Midsize and Super-midsize Categories; The Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 Business Jets |publisher= Embraer}} Both have larger winglets, the 500 boosts the fuel capacity of the Legacy 450 while the 600 is based on the Legacy 500 with tanks on the fuselage belly and more powerful engines.{{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-10-14/embraer-moves-ahead-praetor-program |title= Embraer Moves Ahead with Praetor Program |author= Matt Thurber |date= 14 October 2018 |work= AIN online}}

; 15 October

: Fractional operator NetJets announced the purchase of up to 325 Cessna Citations for nearly $10 billion: 175 Citation Longitude, sold for $26 million each, and up to 150 Citation Hemispheres, priced at $35 million.{{cite news |url= https://www.flyingmag.com/netjets-inks-massive-deal-for-cessna-citation-jets |title= NetJets Inks Massive Deal for Cessna Citation Jets |author= Stephen Pope |date= 15 October 2018 |work= Flying magazine}}

; 16 October

: NBAA convention is held 16–18 October in Orlando.

: Helitech is held 16–18 October in Amsterdam.

; 17 October

: File:KC390 - RIAT 2018 (43287468070).jpg received its Brazilian civil type certification on 23 October 2018]]Cypriot airline Cobalt Air ceases operations and cancels all flights.[https://ifn.news/posts/cobalt-air-ceases-operations-all-flights-grounded-from-midnight/ "Cobalt Air ceases operations, all flights grounded"] International Flight Network, October 17.

; 23 October

: After 1,900 flight hours, the Embraer KC-390 received its Brazilian civil type certification, the first production aircraft will be delivered to the Brazilian Air Force in the first half 2019 and it should reach its military certification by the end of 2019.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/embraer-kc-390-receives-brazilian-type-certification-452929/ |title= Embraer KC-390 receives Brazilian type certification |date= 24 October 2018 |author= Garrett Reim |work= Flight international}}

; 25 October

: Belgium selects 34 Lockheed Martin F-35A valued at $6.53 billion to replace its fleet of 52 F-16s averaging 31.2 years, defeating the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, after the Saab Gripen NG and the Boeing F/A-18 E/F were withdrawn.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-35a-wins-belgian-fighter-competition-453009/ |title= F-35A wins Belgian fighter competition |date= 26 October 2018 |author= Greg Waldron |work= Flightglobal}}

; 29 October

: Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, crashed into the Java Sea just after takeoff from Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta Airport killing all 189 aboard.{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/lion-air-737-max-8-crash-confirmed-189-dead-453061/|title=Lion Air 737 Max 8 crash confirmed, 189 dead|date=29 October 2018|publisher=FlightGlobal|first=Firdaus|last=Hashim|access-date=29 October 2018}}

File:De Havilland Canada DHC-8-102 Dash 8 at 1984 Farnborough Airshow.jpg parent acquires the Dash 8 from Bombardier]]

; 5 November

: Icelandair Group announces a purchase agreement to acquire all shares of low-cost competitor WOW Air, subject to shareholder agreement.{{cite news | author = Jakob Wert | title = Icelandair acquires WOW Air | newspaper = International Flight Network | date = 5 November 2018 | url = https://ifn.news/posts/icelandair-takes-over-wow-air/}}

; 6 November

: The shorter -800 variant of the A330neo makes its maiden flight.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/11/first-a330-800-successfully-completes-maiden-flight.html |title= First A330-800 successfully completes maiden flight |publisher= Airbus |date= 6 November 2018}} The 4h 4min flight inaugurated a 350h test program aiming for a mid-2019 type certification and a first half of 2020 delivery to launch operator Kuwait Airways.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-a330-800-returns-after-successful-first-fl-453368/ |title= A330-800 returns after successful first flight |date= 6 November 2018 |author= Max Kingsley-Jones |work= Flightglobal}}

: Airshow China is held 6–11 November in Zhuhai.

; 7 November

: Following the crash of Lion Air Flight 610, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues an Emergency Airworthiness Directive for the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft types.{{cite news | author = Jakob Wert | title = FAA issues Emergency Airworthiness Directive for Boeing 737 MAX | newspaper = International Flight Network | date = 7 November 2018 | url = https://ifn.news/posts/faa-issues-emergency-airworthiness-directive-for-boeing-737-max/}}

: A Boeing 747-400F, operating Sky Lease Cargo Flight 4854, overran the runway on landing at Nova Scotia airport, damaging the aircraft beyond repair and resulting in injuries for the crew. The accident was attributed to pilot fatigue.{{cite news |last1=Hemmerdinger |first1=Jon |title=Sky Lease 747-400F goes off runway at Halifax |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/safety/sky-lease-747-400f-goes-off-runway-at-halifax/130202.article |work=Flight Global |date=7 November 2018 |language=en}}

; 8 November

: Viking Air parent Longview Aviation Capital Corp. acquires the Dash 8 from Bombardier{{cite press release |url= https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/longview-aviation-capital-corp-acquires-dash-8-program-from-bombardier-inc-300746300.html |title= Longview Aviation Capital Corp. Acquires Dash 8 Program from Bombardier Inc. |date= 8 November 2018 |author= Longview Aviation Capital Corp.}}

; 8 November

: Fly Jamaica Airways Flight 256, a Boeing 757-23N registered as N524AT, suffered a runway excursion. Out of the 128 occupants onboard, 127 survive whereas 1 dies. The aircraft was written-off.{{Cite news |date=2018-11-09 |title=Guyana plane crash: Six injured on Fly Jamaica flight |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46154179 |access-date=2025-02-22 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |title=Fly Jamaica Flight 256 crash |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/fly-jamaica-crash-landing-toronto-return-1.4908797 |access-date=22 February 2025 |website=www.cbc.ca}}

; 11 November

: Air Astana Flight 1388 from Lisbon Alverca Airport loses flight control during takeoff. After one and a half hours in the air, the pilots manage to regain some control and make an emergency landing at Beja Airport. Earlier during the flight, the crew requested directions for an emergency landing on water. The Portuguese Air Force deploys F-16 fighter jets to communicate with the aircraft. Six crew members but no passengers are on board the flight.{{cite news | author = Jakob Wert | title = Air Astana flight KC1388 loses control over Lisbon, makes emergency landing in Beja | newspaper = International Flight Network | date = 11 November 2018 | url = https://ifn.news/posts/air-astana-flight-kc1388-lost-control-over-lisbon/}}{{importance inline|reason=WP:Run of the mill incident, post-maintenance flight, no pax onboard|date=July 2020}} Roll oscillations started immediately after takeoff, ailerons were behaving erratically and roll inputs were kept to a minimum: flight-data records suggest that commands resulted in an opposite responses, fly-by-wire in direct law improved the situation considerably but control remained difficult.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/e190-upset-inquiry-details-pilots-battle-to-regain-453628/ |title= E190 upset inquiry details pilots' battle to regain control |date= 14 November 2018 |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal}}

; 21 November

: First electroaerodynamic thrust ion plane test flight at MIT using ionic wind.{{Cite web|url=https://news.mit.edu/2018/first-ionic-wind-plane-no-moving-parts-1121|title=MIT engineers fly first-ever plane with no moving parts|date=21 November 2018 }}

; 22 November

: Italian manufacturer Piaggio Aerospace requests to be placed into receivership after declaring itself insolvent as its restructuring plan failed, less than a year after its owner, Abu Dhabi investor Mubadala, injected €255 million ($308 million) and repurchased its bank debt, as the P.180 Avanti deliveries fell to four in 2018 from 30 in 2008.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/piaggio-aerospace-goes-into-receivership-453877/ |title= Piaggio Aerospace goes into receivership |date= 23 November 2018 |author= Kate Sarsfield |work= Flightglobal}}

; 26 November

: Leased from Avolon, the first Airbus A330neo-900 is delivered to TAP Air Portugal, featuring 298 seats: 34 full-flat business, 96 economy plus and 168 economy seats, and to be deployed from Portugal to the Americas and Africa.{{cite press release |url= https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/11/airbus-delivers-first-a330-900-to-launch-operator-tap-air-portug.html |title= Airbus delivers first A330-900 to launch operator TAP Air Portugal |date= 26 November 2018 |publisher= Airbus}}

: United Technologies announces the completion of its Rockwell Collins acquisition, renaming systems supplier UTC Aerospace Systems as Collins Aerospace, for $23 billion of combined sales in 2017 and 70,000 employees.{{cite press release |url= http://www.utc.com/News/News-Center/Pages/United-Technologies-Announces-Intention-to-Separate-Into-Three-Independent-Compan.aspx |title= United Technologies [...] Completes Acquisition of Rockwell Collins |date= 26 November 2018 |publisher= United Technologies}}

; 27 November

: The Ilyushin Il-112 first prototype is rolled out at the Voronezh Aircraft Production Association before the military transport aircraft maiden flight.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-first-il-112v-transport-nears-debut-sortie-454002/ |title= First Il-112V transport nears debut sortie |date= 29 November 2018 |author= Craig Hoyle |work= Flightglobal}}

; 28 November

: The Indonesian NTSC releases its preliminary accident investigation report on Lion Air Flight 610.{{cite web |url= http://knkt.dephub.go.id/knkt/ntsc_aviation/baru/pre/2018/2018%20-%20035%20-%20PK-LQP%20Preliminary%20Report.pdf |title= Preliminary Aircraft Accident Investigation Report |publisher= Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi |date= November 2018}}

; 29 November

: Icelandair abandons its plan to take over low cost carrier WOW Air, as the shareholders' meeting pre-conditions were unlikely to be met.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/icelandair-group-scraps-wow-air-takeover-454008/ |title= Icelandair Group scraps Wow Air takeover |date= 29 November 2018 |author= David Kaminski-Morrow |work= Flightglobal}}

: Bill Franke-managed private equity firm and low-cost carrier investor Indigo Partners reaches a preliminary agreement to buy WOW Air.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indigo-reaches-tentative-agreement-to-buy-wow-air-454034/ |title= Indigo reaches tentative agreement to buy Wow Air |date= 29 November 2018 |author= Edward Russell |work= Flightglobal}}

; 30 November

: A 7.0 magnitude earthquake temporarily disrupts flight operations at Anchorage Airport in Alaska.{{cite news | author = Jakob Wert | title = Earthquake causes disruptions at Anchorage Airport | newspaper = International Flight Network | date = 30 November 2018 | url = https://ifn.news/posts/earthquake-causes-disruptions-at-anchorage-airport/}}

File:Airbus A319-151N, Airbus Industrie JP9105933.jpg was certified by the EASA/FAA on 21 December]]

; 5 December

: Swiss business jet and wet lease operator PrivatAir files for insolvency and ceases operations, as well as its German subsidiary.{{cite press release |url= http://www.privatair.com/last-news |title= Press Release |publisher= privatair |date= 5 December 2018 |access-date= 7 December 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190120115319/http://www.privatair.com/last-news |archive-date= 20 January 2019 }}

: The airline alliance Oneworld announces that Royal Air Maroc will become a new member in 2020, the first African airline in the alliance.{{cite news | author = Matt Griffin | title = Royal Air Maroc to join Oneworld alliance | newspaper = International Flight Network | date = 5 December 2018 | url = https://ifn.news/posts/royal-air-maroc-to-join-oneworld-alliance/}}

; 6 December

: At the demand of four congressmen of the left-wing Brazilian Workers Party, a Brazilian federal court forbids the regional plane-maker's board of directors to form the Boeing-Embraer joint venture, as that would give away for free the profitable airliner division and would remove it from the Brazilian government control.{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-embraer-m-a-boeing/embraer-boeing-aviation-deal-blocked-by-brazilian-court-idUSKBN1O52BQ |title= Embraer-Boeing aviation deal blocked by Brazilian court |author1= Ricardo Brito |author2=Marcelo Rochabrun |date= 6 December 2018 |work= Reuters}}

; 10 December

: Avianca Brazil files for bankruptcy protection as three lessors wants to get back 30% of its 50 aircraft fleet, R$100 million ($26 million) are owed to airports and bank debt grew by 50% in 2018, while United Airlines extended a loan of $456 million to Avianca owner Synergy Group.{{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2018-12-12/avianca-brasil-files-bankruptcy |title= Avianca Brasil Files for Bankruptcy |author= Richard Pedicini |date= 12 December 2018 |work= AIN online}}

: MEBAA is held 10–12 December in Dubai.

; 14 December

: Air Berlin's insolvency administrator sues its former owner Etihad for 0.5 to 2 billion euros of damages caused by withdrawing its funding before the promised 18 months from April 2017.{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-etihad-air-berlin/air-berlins-administrator-sues-etihad-for-up-to-2-billion-euros-idUSKBN1OD1IX |title= Air Berlin's administrator sues Etihad for up to 2 billion euros |date= 14 December 2018 |work= Reuters}}

; 15 December

: The first Boeing 737 is delivered, a MAX 8, to Air China, from the new Chinese completion center in Zhoushan, 20 months after construction of the {{cvt|666,000|sqft}} facility began in a joint venture with COMAC, as one third of 737 deliveries are going to Chinese customers and China should become the largest airliner market.{{cite press release |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-12-15-Boeing-Delivers-First-Airplane-From-New-737-Completion-and-Delivery-Center-in-Zhoushan-China |title= Boeing Delivers First Airplane From New 737 Completion and Delivery Center in Zhoushan, China |date= 15 December 2018 |publisher= Boeing}}

; 17 December

: A strategic partnership was announced for the Boeing-Embraer joint venture for airliners, subject to multiple approvals, while another joint venture to market the KC-390 will be owned for 51% by Embraer and 49% by Boeing, and will also need similar authorizations.{{cite press release |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-12-17-Embraer-and-Boeing-Approved-the-Terms-of-Strategic-Aerospace-Partnership-Seek-Brazilian-Government-Approval |website=Boeing |title= Embraer and Boeing Approved the Terms of Strategic Aerospace Partnership, Seek Brazilian Government Approval |date= 17 December 2018}}

; 18 December

: VLM Airlines Brussels files for bankruptcy.{{cite news | author = Jakob Wert | title = VLM Airlines Brussels files for bankruptcy | newspaper = International Flight Network | date = 18 December 2018 | url = https://ifn.news/posts/vlm-airlines-brussels-files-for-bankruptcy/}}

: Aircraft maintenance provider StandardAero is purchased by asset management company The Carlyle Group from Veritas Capital for $5 billion, the deal should close in the first quarter of 2019.{{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-12-18/standardaero-sold-5-billion-deal |title= StandardAero Sold In $5 Billion Deal |author= Curt Epstein |date= 18 December 2018 |work= AIN online}}

: SkyWest, Inc. sells Atlanta-based ExpressJet Airlines to KAir Enterprises-United Airlines joint venture ManaAir for $70 million, the transaction is expected to close in early 2019. A Continental Airlines subsidiary before 2002 and purchased by SkyWest in 2010, ExpressJet lost $302 million in 2016, $32.5 million in 2017, and $0.23 million in the third quarter of 2018. With 128 aircraft (105 Embraer ERJ-145s, 14 Bombardier CRJ700s and nine CRJ100/200s) ExpressJet operates regional services for United, and American Airlines until April 2019. Utah-based SkyWest will retain the CRJs, but will lease 20 CRJ200s to ExpressJet, which will operate 25 United-owned, 70-seat Embraer 175s.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/skywest-to-sell-expressjet-to-united-joint-venture-454518/ |title= SkyWest to sell ExpressJet to United joint venture |date= 18 December 2018 |author= Ghim Lay Yeo |work= Flightglobal}}

: Brazilian plane maker Embraer delivered the 1500th E-Jet, an E175, to Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines.{{cite news | author = Jan-Hendrik Fiedler | title = Embraer delivers 1500th E-Jet | newspaper = International Flight Network | date = 19 December 2018 | url = https://ifn.news/posts/embraer-delivers-1500th-e-jet/}}

; 20 December

: The Tecnam P2012 Traveller receives its European type certification, while the US approval is expected to follow shortly.{{cite press release |url= https://www.tecnam.com/slider-home-en/tecnam-p2012-traveller-achieves-easa-certification/ |title= Tecnam P2012 Traveller Achieves Easa Certification |date= 12 December 2018 |publisher= Tecnam}}

: After 4,050 hours in 1,650 test flights, the Cessna Citation Longitude receives a provisional FAA type certification, allowing deliveries in early 2019.{{cite press release |url= https://txtav.com/en/newsroom/2018/12/cessna-citation-longitude-achieves-provisional-type-certification |title= Cessna Citation Longitude achieves provisional type certification |date= 20 December 2018 |publisher= Textron Aviation}}

: After being delivered in early December, the Bombardier Global 7500 enters service with 100 secured orders.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bombardier-global-7500-enters-service-454591/ |title= Bombardier Global 7500 enters service |date= 20 December 2018 |work= Flight Global |author= Kate Sarsfield}}

; 21 December

: The Airbus A319neo with CFM Leap-1A engines received a joint type certificate from the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).{{cite news | author = Jan-Hendrik Fiedler | title = Airbus A319neo receives EASA, FAA type certificate | newspaper = International Flight Network | date = 22 December 2018 | url = https://ifn.news/posts/airbus-a319neo-receives-easa-faa-type-certificate/}}

The EASA reported 530 fatalities in 11 fatal accidents worldwide in 2018 for commercial air transport with large aircraft, up from 67 fatalities in 9 accidents in 2017.{{cite news |url= https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/Info%20Graphic%20for%202018%20Preliminary%20Safety%20Review%2031%20Dec.pdf |title= EASA Preliminary Safety Review 2018 |date= 1 January 2019}}

The Aviation Safety Network reported 556 fatalities in 15 accidents of commercial aircraft for at least 14 passengers or their cargo variants, excluding military aircraft.{{cite news |url= https://news.aviation-safety.net/2019/01/01/aviation-safety-network-releases-2018-airliner-accident-statistics/ |title= Aviation Safety Network releases 2018 airliner accident statistics |date= 1 January 2019 |author= Harro Ranter |work= the Aviation Safety Network }}

The IATA reported an accident rate of 1.35 per million flights, improving from 1.79 for the previous 5-year period, and 0.19 for jets, down from 0.29, with 11 fatal accidents with 523 fatalities for 4.3 billion passengers on 46.1 million flights.{{cite press release |date= 21 February 2019 |title= IATA Releases 2018 Airline Safety Performance |url= https://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/Pages/2019-02-21-01.aspx |publisher= IATA}}

• 31 January
• Airbus A³ Vahana N301VX
• Airbus A321LR{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-airplane-a321lr/airbus-a321lr-long-range-jet-takes-maiden-flight-idUSKBN1FK1H3|title=Airbus A321LR long-range jet completes maiden flight|access-date=7 February 2018|newspaper=Reuters|date=31 January 2018}} D-AVZO
• 16 March
• Boeing 737 MAX-7 N7201S
• 10 April
• Bye Aerospace Sun Flyer 2{{cite web|title=Bye Aerospace Announces First Flight of Sun Flyer 2|url=http://sunflyer.com/2018/04/11/bye-aerospace-announces-first-flight-of-sun-flyer-2/|date=11 April 2018|access-date=16 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616222103/http://sunflyer.com/2018/04/11/bye-aerospace-announces-first-flight-of-sun-flyer-2/|archive-date=16 June 2018}} N502SF
• 19 July
• Airbus BelugaXL F-WBXL
• 6 September
• TAI T625 TC-HLP
• 6 November
• Airbus A330neo-800{{cite news | author = Matt Griffin | title = Airbus A330-800neo flies for the first time | newspaper = International Flight Network | date = 6 November 2018 | url = https://ifn.news/posts/airbus-a330-800neo-flies-for-the-first-time/}} F-WTTO

• 7 February: Pilatus PC-24 N124AF
• 27 September: Gulfstream G500 A7-CGP

• 24 February: Airbus A350-1000 A7-ANA
• 3 April: Boeing 787-10{{Cite news |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2018/06/singapore-airlines-takes-its-first-boeing-787-10/ |title=Singapore Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 787-10 |date=3 June 2018 |work=Australian Aviation}} 9V-SCB
• 24 April: Embraer E190-E2 PR-EFL
• 20 December : Bombardier Global 7500 OE-IIL

The deadliest crash of this year was a military accident, namely the 2018 Algerian Air Force Ilyushin Il-76 crash, which crashed near Boufarik, Algeria on 11 April, killing all 257 people on board. The deadliest civil aviation crash of the year was Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 which crashed shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, Indonesia on 29 October, killing all 189 people on board.

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