Wednesday, May 12, 2026
Good Morning ✈️
A $7.7 billion order just landed. Lufthansa split the deal evenly between Boeing and Airbus — a rare move that signals confidence in both manufacturers and sets the stage for one of the most significant long-haul fleet renewals in European aviation history.
🗞️ Today's Headline: Lufthansa Orders $7.7B in New Widebody Jets
Lufthansa's Supervisory Board approved an order for 10 Airbus A350-900s and 10 Boeing 787-9s, with deliveries scheduled between 2032 and 2034.
The new jets will replace older, less efficient widebody aircraft starting in 2032 — part of what Lufthansa calls the largest fleet modernization in its history.
Boeing and Airbus probably….
📈 Airline Stocks — Carriers
(Closing prices of May 12, 2026)
Ticker | Price | Change |
|---|---|---|
DAL | $70.71 | +0.28% |
UAL | $95.84 | +0.29% |
AAL | $12.69 | +0.32% |
LUV | $39.48 | -0.43% |
United Airlines flight attendants voted 82% to ratify a new five-year contract that includes a 31% increase to base pay. That's a significant labor cost increase heading into summer — watch how it flows through Q2 earnings.
🛩 Business Aviation
Private jet demand remains elevated heading into summer. Southwest launched discounted fares and A-List status matches targeting travelers stranded by Spirit Airlines' shutdown — but business flyers aren't waiting around. Charter operators are reporting strong forward bookings as legacy carriers scramble for Spirit's displaced passengers.
🛫 General Aviation
The FAA plans to add 64 new weather cameras at airports in the National Airspace System by the end of 2028, driven by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and the new Air Traffic Control modernization initiative.
More visibility, fewer surprises on approach. This is a direct win for GA pilots operating in IMC conditions.
✈️ Commercial Aviation
Jet fuel prices have climbed far beyond crude oil since fighting in Iran began, forcing airlines to cut capacity.
AAL, DAL, and UAL are all managing the pressure differently. Delta is better insulated — Bernstein just raised their price target to $88 citing improved fuel management. American doesn't have the same hedge structure.
📊 Aviation & Aerospace Stocks
(May 12, 2026 — Intraday)
Ticker | Price | Change |
|---|---|---|
JOBY | $10.49 | +0.01% |
ACHR | $6.39 | +0.00% |
GRMN | $236.97 | -3.09% |
BA | $238.27 | +0.38% |
LMT | $516.31 | +0.74% |
Archer reported Q1 revenue of $1.60 million, beating Street estimates, and a loss of 28 cents per share — also better than expected. Archer became the first eVTOL company to close Phase 3 of the FAA's 4-phase Type Certification process, with U.S. operations expected this year in preparation for the LA28 Olympics.
BA is trading flat today after Monday's strong close. The China trade delegation this week could unlock significant new orders — a story to watch closely.
⛽ Fuel Prices
National Averages — May 12, 2026
Fuel | National Avg |
|---|---|
100LL | $7.19 / gal |
Jet-A | $7.94 / gal |
SAF | $10.44 / gal |
Fuel costs are not retreating. Prices have jumped significantly beyond crude since Iran conflict began, and summer demand will keep pressure on. Plan fuel stops accordingly.
🧠 Did You Know?
The Airbus A350-900 burns approximately 2.5 gallons of fuel per mile — about 25% less than the A340-600 it's replacing in Lufthansa's fleet. Over a transatlantic flight, that's the equivalent of roughly 3,000 fewer gallons burned per trip.
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