We are pleased to share the latest improvements and fixes in ch-aviation version 2.32, aimed at enhancing usability and providing a smoother experience for all users.
The highlight of this release is the introduction of Aircraft Order Options data, providing users with deeper insight into aircraft backlogs, future fleet planning, and OEM commitments.
New: Aircraft Order Type Classification
We have added a new column that clearly distinguishes the type of aircraft order:
1. Order Type
-
- Firm
A binding purchase contract exists, and the production or delivery slot has been reserved. - Option
When an operator or lessor places a firm aircraft order, it is common for them to also secure contractual rights to purchase additional aircraft from the OEM in the future under pre-negotiated terms, without being obligated to do so. These agreements can also preserve future production slots, helping avoid long waiting times if the customer later decides to expand the order.
- Firm
2. Expanded Aircraft Order Statuses
To provide greater clarity, we have introduced additional sub-statuses within existing order categories.
Order Option
| Status | Substatus | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previously available | On Order | Not yet delivered | |
| Now added | On Order | Order Option | Aircraft listed as order options do not count as confirmed orders until we verify that the option has been exercised by the operator or lessor. Once confirmed, the status will be updated to Not yet delivered. |
Not built (order option not exercised)
| Status | Substatus | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previously available | Not Built | Not built (order cancelled) | |
| Now added | Not Built | Not built (order option not exercised) | Order options typically come with a deadline by which the customer must convert all or part of those options into firm orders. If the option expires without being exercised, we assign this status. |
3. New Search Column: Option Date
We have also introduced a new searchable field called Option Date, showing when the order option was originally created. This helps users better understand the timing and development of pending aircraft commitments.
Data Feed Coverage: Aircraft order option data will also be available across several data feeds, including:
- Aircraft Feed
- Operator Feed
- Aircraft Orders Feed
- Fleets Summary Feed
Scope of Coverage: We aim to cover aircraft order options for all commercial airlines and lessors with active pending order backlogs at OEMs, across aircraft types currently tracked by ch-aviation.
Methodology: Our research team will exclusively track what we classify as genuine order options. This does not include aircraft commitments categorized as:
- Purchase Rights – The right to purchase aircraft in the future, typically under pre-agreed terms, but without any obligation to proceed and usually without reserved delivery slots.
- Letters of Intent (LOIs) – Non-binding preliminary agreements that indicate purchase interest, with no obligation to buy and typically no reserved delivery slots, although terms may vary.
These terms are often referenced in media coverage of aircraft orders and backlogs, but do not meet our criteria for confirmed option tracking.
Availability: At present, Aircraft Order Options data is available within the Commercial Aviation product only.
Update Frequency: This dataset will be updated weekly.
This concludes all changes made with this update. To see the change notes for previous updates, please click here.
