NEW LIVERY - First B777-300 with new livery ( HL8008 )

Photo: Mike-Tango-Whiskey
 

KOREAN AIR 3Q25 LONDON HEATHROW AIRCRAFT CHANGES

Korean Air in the third quarter of 2025 schedules aircraft changes on Seoul Incheon – London Heathrow route, as the carrier once again schedules 747-8I aircraft for 5-week period. From 25JUL25 to 30AUG25, 4 of 7 weekly flights to be served by the 747-8I, instead of 777-300ER.

KE907 ICN1055 – 1720LHR 74H x247
KE907 ICN1055 – 1720LHR 77W 247

KE908 LHR1935 – 1615+1ICN 74H x247
KE908 LHR1935 – 1615+1ICN 77W 247

FLEET - AIR INDIA SHOWCASES ITS FIRST RETROFITTED AIRCRAFT WITH MODERN CABINS AND NEW LIVERY

Air India has welcomed its first retrofitted narrowbody aircraft, VT-EXN (A320neo aircraft), back into operations - marking an important milestone in the airline’s transformation journey. VT-EXN is the first of the 27 narrowbody aircraft inherited at the time of takeover that was elected for a complete retrofit to the new Air India standard, with new seats, carpets, curtain, cabin ambience, a three-class cabin configuration, along with a fresh coat of paint, new livery – all in the new Air India branding.

VT-EXN was sent for retrofit last year. Its retrofit is part of the USD400 million retrofit programme announced by the Tata group to upgrade the airline’s entire fleet of legacy narrowbody and widebody fleet.

VT-EXN and the remaining 26 A320neos will be operating on the domestic and short haul international, alongside the 14 new A320neos that have been welcomed into the fleet recently, offer modern amenities in three class cabin configuration – ensuring a uniform upgraded experience of passengers.
As part of the retrofit for all of the 27 A320neo that is scheduled to be completed by the third quarter of 2025, the airline will be installing over 3,500 brand-new Economy Class seats, more than 600 Premium Economy seats, and 200 Business Class seats.
It has taken 450 meters of premium leather, 15,000 meters of high-quality fabric, and 4,000 meters of plush carpeting.
All the refitted A320neo aircraft features eight luxurious Business seats, 24 extra legroom seats in Premium Economy, and 132 comfortable Economy seats. The retrofit includes soothing interior ambience, spacious legroom, and wider seat pitch, along with modern features such as portable electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports. New carpets, curtains, upholstery, and cabin panels with fresh design motifs will reinforce the brand livery.
The retrofit schedule will also see more legacy aircraft, including 40 widebody B787 and B777 aircraft undergo makeover with the first B787 flying out for retrofit next month.

Air India

 

ORDER - ATR Announces New Order of ATR 72-600F

World’s largest express transportation provider adds 10 ATR 72-600F to its feeder fleet

Toulouse, 21 March 2025 – ATR, the leading manufacturer of regional aircraft worldwide, today announced a major contract with FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), the world’s largest express transportation provider, for the acquisition of 10 ATR 72-600F. This order adds to a previous commitment of 30 aircraft, and deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

The only in-production regional freighter on the market, the ATR 72-600F incorporates the latest technology featured in the ATR –600 series while being specifically designed for cargo operations. A bulk configuration helps in optimising the available volume – up to 75 m3 – thanks to the nine vertical nets, attachment points on the floor and lateral tracks. In addition, with a large cargo door, cargo loading system and wide cross section, the ATR 72-600F can accommodate industry-standard Unit Load Devices (ULDs) and interline with larger freighters.

This purpose-built design, with its 9.2t payload, makes the ATR 72-600F a key asset in FedEx’s fleet, replacing its legacy ATRs, and helping optimise its network capabilities worldwide. Its high versatility allows for seamless operations across multiple countries, logistical frameworks and environments, from the warm climates of Miami, Florida, to the cold temperatures of Anchorage, Alaska. FedEx’s fleet of ATR 72-600F handles critical feeder operations, playing a vital role in the company’s coverage of smaller markets.

“FedEx’s decision to order additional ATR 72-600F underscores their trust in our aircraft’s performance and versatility. Our freighter variant is an essential component of the ATR family, offering significant advantages over traditional passenger-to-freighter conversions, including enhanced reliability and availability, and longer-term planning” added Alexis Vidal, Senior Vice-President Commercial of ATR.

These 10 aircraft are part of the 2024 undisclosed orders ATR released last month.

 ATR

FLEET / ORDER - Malaysia Aviation Group Announces Order for up to 60 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes

- Firm order for 18 737-8 and 12 737-10 jets and options for 30 more to renew Malaysia Airlines' single-aisle fleet, will provide premium flying experience

- As the fastest-growing commercial aviation market, Southeast Asia's airplane fleet is forecasted to more than triple over 20 years


KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Malaysia Aviation Group today announced an order for 18 737-8 and 12 737-10 single-aisle jets to renew Malaysia Airlines' fleet with more fuel-efficient airplanes. The order, which booked in January 2025 and was posted as unidentified on Boeing's orders and deliveries website, will enable Malaysia's flag carrier to introduce new lie-flat seats and meet growing travel demand in Southeast Asia – one of the fastest-growing commercial aviation markets.

The region's airplane fleet is projected to grow nearly 250% over the next 20 years, underscoring the importance of Malaysia Aviation Group's investment in the 737-8's versatility and the 737-10's capacity as the largest member of the 737 MAX family.


"This is a significant investment for Malaysia Aviation Group, enabling us to deliver cutting-edge premium cabin offerings and state-of-the-art technology to our customers," said Izham Ismail, group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group. "The addition of these new airplanes will not only enhance our fleet's efficiency and increase seating capacity, but allow us to elevate the overall inflight experience, with our passengers' needs at the forefront."

The Boeing 737 has served as the backbone of Malaysia Airlines' single-aisle fleet for nearly 60 years following the introduction of its first 737-100 in 1969. Malaysia Airlines has since operated nearly every variant of the 737 family and will continue that legacy with this latest order for the 737 MAX.

"Today's announcement represents another milestone in Boeing's long-standing partnership with Malaysia and reflects our enduring commitment to the country's aerospace sector," said Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global. "The opportunity to introduce more Boeing airplanes in Malaysia is a point of pride for our many Malaysian employees who contribute to every airplane Boeing builds and delivers to customers around the world."

With more than 50 737 jets in Malaysia Airlines' fleet, the introduction of additional 737-8s and the 737-10 offers operational commonality and the best per-seat economics in their class, reducing fuel use and emissions by 20%.

"We are honored to build upon our valued partnership with Malaysia Aviation Group and support them in modernizing their fleet," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "Adding the 737-8 and 737-10 will equip Malaysia Airlines with the operational flexibility, environmental performance and additional capacity they need to better serve a growing number of passengers."

Passenger air traffic across Southeast Asia will more than triple over the next 20 years, as projected in Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook, the company's long-term demand forecast for commercial airplanes and services. Of the more than 4,700 new airplanes expected to be delivered to the region's operators through 2043, nearly 80% will be single-aisle jets, such as the 737 MAX family.

Boeing's presence in Malaysia includes Boeing Composites Malaysia, the company's first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia with an all-Malaysian workforce. The facility provides composite products and subassemblies for all Boeing commercial airplanes, including the 737 MAX. Boeing supports the development of aerospace capabilities in Malaysia through safety training, sustainability workshops, supply chain development, university collaborations and community support initiatives.

 

FLEET - Air India is exploring a new multi-billion dollar order for dozens of widebody jets, which may involve 30 to 40 aircraft split between the A350 and B777X. One source suggested the potential deal could exceed 50 jets.

 Photo: Ton Jochems - LHR

Aviator 

ROUTES - LUFTHANSA NS25 INTERCONTINENTAL SERVICE CHANGES – 20MAR25

The following is the summary of Lufthansa’s Northern summer 2025 intercontinental network changes as of 20MAR25. Note most of these changes have been filed recently but not covered on AeroRoutes, nor other aviation/tourism news websites including Aviation A2Z, Simple Flying, Travel and Tour World.

Frankfurt – Abuja – Port Harcourt 
eff 30MAR25 Reduce from initially filed 7 weekly to 5 weeklyeff 07JUL25 1 of 5 weekly A330-300 replaces A340-300 (Previous: 2 of 5 weekly eff 19MAY25)

Frankfurt – Astana – Almaty – Frankfurt 
eff 30MAR25 Reduce from initially filed 3 weekly to 2, A330-300/A340-300 operating

eff 12MAY25 A330-300 operates 2 weekly, instead of A330-300/A340-300 (Originally scheduled with A330/340 mix)

Frankfurt – Atlanta A330-300 replaces A340-300

30MAR25 – 16MAY25 6 of 7 weekly

eff 17MAY25 Daily

Frankfurt – Chicago O'Hare 1 of 2 daily LH432/433 service changes

30MAR25 – 30JUN25 Day x257 A340-600 replaces -300 (AeroRoutes previously listed as 30MAR25 – 30JUL25 in error)

10OCT25 – 25OCT25 Reduce from 7 to 6 weekly (Recently filed reductions)

Frankfurt – Los Angeles Seasonal 2nd daily LH450/451 reduces from 7 to 5 weekly, A340-300. Service operates from 03MAY25 to 08OCT25, instead of entire season from 01MAY25

Frankfurt – New York JFK LH404/405 Reduce from 7 to 6 weekly during following periods, with A340-300 (Overall service reduces from 14 to 13 weekly): 30MAR25 – 25APR25, 14OCT25 – 25OCT25

Frankfurt – Seattle Initially filed A340-600 replaced by following, 1 daily
30MAR25 – 30JUN25 A340-300 (Previous: until 30APR25)

eff 01JUL25 A350-900 (Previous: eff 01MAY25)

Munich – Chicago O'Hare 2nd daily LH436/437 operates 5 weekly from 03MAY25, instead of 1 daily from 30MAR25

Munich – Delhi 01OCT25 – 25OCT25 A350-900 replaces A380, 1 daily

Munich – Montreal
30MAR25 – 29APR25 Reduce from 1 daily to 5 weekly

eff 30APR25 4 of 7 weekly operates with revised schedule and flight numbers

LH474 MUC1650 – 1850YUL 359 124

LH472 MUC1900 – 2100YUL 359 x124

LH475 YUL2040 – 1000+1MUC 359 124

LH473 YUL2250 – 1210+1MUC 359 x124

Munich – Osaka Kansai eff 30MAR25 Reduce from initially filed 1 daily to 5 weekly, A350-900

Munich – San Diego 30MAR25 – 30APR25 Reduce from 1 daily to 5 weekly, A350-900

Munich – Singapore eff 30MAR25 Reduce from 1 daily to 6 weekly, A350-900

Munich – Toronto Seasonal service operates from 27APR25, instead of 30MAR25. 1 daily A350-900

Munich – Vancouver 30MAR25 – 25APR25 Reduce from 1 daily to 5 weekly, A350-900

Previously reported changes:

Frankfurt – Bangalore eff 30MA25 747-400 replaces previously filed -8I, 1 daily

Frankfurt – Beijing Capital Service remains cancelled

Frankfurt – Bogota eff 30MAR25 5 weekly 787-9 service maintained, instead of initially filed 1 daily A340-300

Frankfurt – Boston 1 of 2 daily LH422/423 aircraft changes, initially filed 1 daily A340-600 replaced by

30MAR25 – 30APR25 343 Daily

01MAY25 – 30JUN25 744 Daily

eff 01JUL25 343 Day 257 346 Day x257

 Frankfurt – Cape Town eff 29MAR25 787-9 replaces initially filed A340-300, reduces from 5 to 3 weekly

Frankfurt – Chennai eff 30MAR25 Reduce from initially filed 1 daily to 5 weekly, A340-300

Frankfurt – Dallas/Ft. Worth 
30MAR25 – 06MAR25 Reduce from 7 to 6 weekly, 2 of 6 weekly A330-300 replaces A340-300

eff 07MAY25 2 of 7 weekly A330-300 replaces A340-300

Frankfurt – Delhi eff 01JUL25 A340-300 replaces -600, 1 daily

Frankfurt – Denver eff 01MAY25 A350-900 replaces A340-600, 1 daily (Previous: A340-300)

Frankfurt – Detroit eff 30MAR25 A340-300 replaces initially filed 787-9, 1 daily

Frankfurt – Dubai eff 02MAY25 1 of 7 weekly A340-300 replaces A330-300

Frankfurt – Houston eff 30MAR25 747-8I replaces initially filed -400, 1 daily

Frankfurt – Lagos – Malabo eff 30MAR25 Reduce from initially filed 1 daily to 5 weekly.  Initially filed A330-300 replaced by following

30MAR25 – 30APR25 343 Day x15

01MAY25 – 10MAY25 333 Day 47 343 Day 236

11MAY25 – 17MAY25 343 Day x145

eff 18MAY25 333 Day x156 343 Day 5

Frankfurt – Minneapolis/St. Paul
30MA25 – 30APR25 Reduce from initially filed 5 weekly to 3, 787-9 operating

eff 02MAY25 Service transferred to Discover Airlines

 Frankfurt – Nairobi eff 30MAR25 Reduce from initially filed 1 daily to 5 weekly, A330-300

Frankfurt – Rio de Janeiro eff 30MAR25 Reduce from initially filed 1 daily A340-300 to 3 weekly 787-9

Frankfurt – Riyadh – Dammam eff 30MAR25 A340-600 replaces initially filed A330-300, 1 daily

Frankfurt – Seoul Incheon eff 30MAR25 A350-900 replaces previously filed 747-400, 1 daily

Frankfurt – Shanghai Pu Dong 
* LH732/733 eff 30MAR25 A350-900 replaces initially filed 747-400 (Previous: A340-300 replaces 747-400)

* LH728/729 eff 30MAR25 Seasonal service reduces from 7 to 3 weekly, A340-600

 Frankfurt – Singapore eff 30MAR25 747-400 replaces initially filed -8I, 1 daily

Frankfurt – Tehran Imam Khomeini eff 30MAR25 Reduce from initially filed 1 daily to 5 weekly, A340-300

Frankfurt – Washington Dulles
* LH416/417 eff 01MAY25 Seasonal service reduces from initially filed 1 daily to 5 weekly, A340-300

* LH418/419 Initially filed A340-600 replaced by following

30MAR25 – 30APR25 744 Daily

01MAY25 – 31JUL25 74H Daily

eff 01AUG25 744 Daily

Munich – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi 30MAR25 – 26APR25 A380 replaces A350-900, 1 daily
Munich – Denver 30APR25 – 30SEP25 A380 replaces A350-900, 1 daily
Munich – Hong Kong Service remains cancelled in NS25

Munich – Johannesburg eff 30MAR25 3 weekly A350-900 service cancelled in NS25 (Tentatively converts to Northern winter seasonal route)

Munich – New York JFK 30MAR25 – 27APR25 A350-900 replaces A380, 1 daily
Munich – Sao Paulo Guarulhos eff 30MAR25 3 weekly A350-900 service cancelled in NS25 (Tentatively converts to Northern winter seasonal route)

Munich – Seattle eff 30MAR25 Reduce from initially filed 1 daily to 3 weekly, A350-900

Munich – Washington Dulles 30MAR25 – 26APR25 A350-900 replaces A380, 1 daily

ROUTES

Photos: Duncan Stewart

 

FLEET - United Airlines eyes additional aircraft retirements in 2025

United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare) is expected to retire 21 aircraft early during 2025, as the company anticipates some softness in the market and prepares to implement a short-term response to new headwinds, according to chief executive Scott Kirby.

Speaking at a Barclays industrial event earlier this month, Kirby discussed the possibility of lower-than-expected profitability outlooks for the first quarter.

“We have seen government and some low-end consumer leisure weakness, which also appears consistent to me with a lot of other data that I look at [...]. You put all that together, and we now expect to be at the low end of our guidance range. So what do we do in response to that? At United, we looked at the situation and said, ‘Well, what we are doing is retiring 21 aircraft early. That is something that will be cash-positive this year’,” he said, noting that in 2024 the carrier had to spend USD100 million on engine overhauls.

United Airlines is retiring the “most expensive aircraft” in its fleet. However, Kirby did not disclose which types the company will be moving away from. ch-aviation reached out to the carrier for additional clarification but it declined to comment.

The ch-aviation fleets module shows that United Airlines' mainline fleet comprises 1,010 aircraft, of which the oldest, on average, are the B767-300ERs (37 in total, averaging 29.1 years), followed by the B757-200s (40, 28.2 years), the B777-200s (19, 28.1 years), and the B737-700s (40, 26 years).

“We built a plan with optionality and flexibility that, if we see short-term headwinds, we can make short-term responses. And that step, the 21 aircraft, correlates to what we have seen,” Kirby added.

In parallel, United Airlines expects to receive 73 aircraft in 2025, including nine B787-9s, sixteen B737-8s, twenty-eight B737-9s, and twenty A321neos.

 CH Aviation

Photo: Duncan Stewart

HYBRID C/S - FLY KHIVA / B757-3E7 / UK75007 - Icelandair's colors, with FlyKhiva title

Photo: Rustam Mannanov - Uzbekistan Spotters Team

IATA - 2U
ICAO - FKH
Callsign - FLY KHIVA
https://flykhiva.uz/en

AIRPORT - Los Angeles International Airport

 K.C.Wong

SPECIAL LIVERY - IBERIA REGIONAL / CRJ1000 / EC-MSL - "Destino Castellon"

Alain Charpentier - TLS
 

AIR INDIA EXPRESS: A Century in the Skies!

Our 100th aircraft, featuring Karnataka’s vibrant Chittara tail art, marks a new milestone in our incredible journey.

With our fleet nearly doubling since the integration and relaunch of Air India Express, we’ve been expanding at record speed, now connecting 54 destinations across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

With over 500 daily flights by the end of this month, we’re proudly bringing people, places, and cultures together like never before!

Air India Express

 

FLEET - Japan Airlines has announced the decision to introduce 17 additional B737-8 aircraft, along with 11 A321neo aircraft will be introduced to replace the B767 aircraft. In the international market, JAL plans to introduce 10 B787-9 and 20 A350-900

ZIPAIR *also introducing B787-9 aircraft by reassigning aircraft from JAL.

ROUTES - Somon Air (Tajikistan) resumed flights on the Dushanbe – Bishkek route from 14 March 2025, with B737-800 and B737-900 aircraft.

 

FLEET - T’way Air (South Korea) plans to modernize its fleet by expanding the B737-8 to 20 aircraft by the end of 2027 and sequentially introducing five A330-900 in 2026.

Photo: T´way
 

ROUTES - FLAIR AIRLINES APRIL – OCT 2025 US SERVICE CHANGES – 13MAR25

Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier Flair Airlines has filed service reductions to the US, as the airline shortens seasonal operation by 2-3 weeks, scheduled until early-April 2025.

The airline also filed selected service changes on other US routes.

Calgary – Las Vegas Last flight 07APR25, instead of 26MAY25 (03OCT25 – 25OCT25 not available for reservations)

Calgary – Phoenix Last flight 08APR25, instead of 22APR25

Edmonton – Las Vegas Last flight 07APR25, instead of 26MAY25 (15OCT25 – 24OCT25 not available for reservations)

Edmonton – Phoenix Last flight 08APR25, instead of 22APR25

Kitchener/Waterloo – Fort Lauderdale Last flight 07APR25, instead of 21APR25

Toronto – Fort Lauderdale 01MAY25 – 13OCT25 Reduce from 7 to 4 weekly
Toronto – Nashville Planned service from 23APR25 – 15JUN25 and 05SEP25 – 22OCT25 cancelled

Vancouver – Palm Springs Last flight 06APR25, instead of 22APR25

Note “last flight” represents last service during Northern winter 2024/25 season. The airline’s Northern winter 2025/26 season schedule, on/after 26OCT25, remains pending. Further filing to be added in the next few months.

 Photo: Duncan Stewart

FLEET - Korean Air to keep A380s and B747s amid delivery delays

Korean Air (KE, Seoul Incheon) will prolong the service of its A380-800s and B747-8s due to delays in the deliveries of new aircraft. Speaking at a media briefing, Korean Air's chief executive Walter Cho said that the airline was "short by about 20 aircraft per manufacturer."

As quoted by Executive Traveller, Cho said that the carrier will phase out its A380s and B747-8s only once the replacement aircraft are delivered. The airline also wants to retire the older B777s it currently operates. The airline originally planned to retire the A380s in 2026, while the B747-8s were to leave the fleet in the early 2030s.

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the Korean flag carrier operates seven A380s and six B747-8s. The airline recently acquired a majority stake in Asiana Airlines, which operates a further six A380s. Korean Air's A380s and B747-8s are, on average, 11.3 and 8.7 years old, respectively, while the A380s operated by Asiana are 10 years old on average.

Both carriers are expecting the arrival of a large number of new aircraft. Korean Air is set to receive forty-one A321-200NXs, four A350-900s, twenty-seven A350-1000s, nineteen B737-8s, fourteen B737-10s, and six B787-9s. Meanwhile, Asiana Airlines is set to receive twelve A321-200NXs and fifteen A350-900s.

 CH Aviation

Photo: Duncan Stewart

SPECIAL LIVERY - SATENA / ERJ-145LR / HK-4535 - "VichadaTeEspera"

Photo:  Daniel Rios P
 

FLEET - WIZZ AIR / A321XLR / D-AZXU

Photo: Dirk Grothe
 

SPECIAL LIVERY - Delta Air Lines is celebrating its 100th birthday. And to commemorate the moment, the airline has painted two brand new Airbuses in a special centennial-livery.

Unveiled during a co-worker session at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta on 16 March 2025, was A321-271NX N589DT (12417). This A321neo was delivered on 1 March 2025 and held under wraps until the event.

The A321neo will receive companionship from upcoming A350-941 N527DN (720), which is currently being readied for delivery at Toulouse-Blagnac and still wearing F-WZNK.

Photos by Delta Air Lines.

 

AIRPORT - .Los Angeles International Airport

 K.C.Wong

ORDER - Spain’s Air Europa brings forward MAX 8 EIS to late 2Q25

Air Europa (UX, Palma de Mallorca) is expected to start scheduled operations with B737-8s on June 23, 2025, on the route linking Madrid Barajas with Amsterdam Schiphol. The Spanish carrier has delayed the aircraft's entry into service several times but previously set the inaugural flight for September 2025.

Just one day after its debut on the Amsterdam route, the B737-8 is set to operate on the Madrid-Brussels National service, the AeroRoutes aviation data website reported. B737-8s are also scheduled to operate flights from the Spanish capital to Paris Orly and London Gatwick starting from October 1, 2025, and January 10, 2026, respectively.

According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the carrier has twenty B737-8s on order from Boeing. The airline will also add ten more of the jets dry-leased from AerCap. It is yet to take delivery of the first MAX.

The company currently operates 43 aircraft: eighteen B737-800s, ten B787-8s, and fifteen B787-9s.

CH Aviation

ORDER - AEGEAN discloses new order for the A321neo

Toulouse, France, 14 March 2025 – AEGEAN, the largest Greek airline, has disclosed an order with Airbus for an additional eight A321neo aircraft. The aircraft will enable AEGEAN to further grow its networks and support its expansion plan.

With this latest aircraft order, AEGEAN’s total direct orderbook with Airbus stands at 60 A320neo Family with 37 aircraft already delivered.

Dimitris Gerogiannis, AEGEAN’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The expansion of our investment plan with the additional order of eight Airbus A321neo aircraft is essential for achieving our growth objectives and further enhancing the competitiveness of our operations. It is also clear that we have a strong preference for the larger-capacity and extended-range version offered by the A321neo type, which will soon represent two-thirds of our Airbus fleet.”

Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said, "We are delighted that AEGEAN has once again chosen the fuel-efficient A321neo. This decision underscores AEGEAN's commitment to operational excellence and enhancing the passenger experience. We value our collaboration with the largest Greek airline and look forward to continuing our partnership, supporting their growth plans within Europe and beyond.”

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321neo aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

To date more than 6,800 A321neo have been ordered by more than 85 customers across the globe.

 

NEW AIRLINE - Indonesia's FlyJaya takes delivery of two ATR72-500s

 FlyJaya has taken delivery of two ATR72-500s from Jetcraft Commercial, taking the start-up one step closer to certification and eventual launch, currently planned for July 2025.

The lessor acquired the two units from Filipino operator Cebu Pacific Air and has since delivered them to the Indonesian regional carrier.

The ch-aviation fleets module shows that Cebu Pacific Air and its subsidiary Cebgo previously operated nine of the variant between 2008 and 2023. However, FlyJaya and Jetcraft Commercial did not immediately respond to queries from ch-aviation on the identities of the two aircraft or when they are expected to enter service.

Meanwhile, the airline has been advertising on social media in March 2025 for maintenance planners and engineers, as well as for a chief of technical services with a "deep understanding of ATR72 aircraft systems".

As ch-aviation previously reported, FlyJaya, which is still awaiting its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), is not expected to begin scheduled operations until July 2025. The carrier plans to operate on the underserved route between Samarinda Tumenggung Pranoto and West Kutai (also known as Melalan Melak Airport). It is also mulling flights from Jakarta Halim to Balikpapan, Bandung, and Yogyakarta International.

CH Aviation

Image: FLYJAYA

NEW AIRLINE - JCAS Airways (Japan) expects to take delivery its first leased ATR72-600 in October 2025, and a second aircraft as early as April 2026, ahed of the launch of operations in spring 2026 out at Kansai Airport.

FLEET - YunExpress (China) took delivery of one B777F, serial 35606, operated by Atlas Air (US) and powered by GE90-110B1 engines.

Photo: YunExpress
 

FLEET - Iraqi Airways has retired its sole B777-200LR, serial 40993, which is powered by GE90-115B engines.

The aircraft is parked in Marana, AZ.

Photo: Iraqi Airways

ROUTES - AIR PREMIA NS25 PRELIMINARY US SERVICE EXPANSION

Korean carrier Air Premia in Northern summer 2025 season intends to expand service to the US, based on the carrier’s schedule listing, appeared on Air Premia Cargo’s website, published as of 17MAR25.

Expanded service would see the airline gradually increase service to Los Angeles, while resumes Seoul Incheon – Honolulu route. Despite planned effective dates published on 17MAR25, the airline recently is forced to adjust its operation, therefore the effective dates remain uncertain.

Seoul Incheon – Honolulu eff 01JUN25 Tentative service resumption, 5 weekly (Last served in 1Q24)

YP151 ICN2230 – 1150HNL 789 x24
YP152 HNL1420 – 2020+1ICN 789 x24


Seoul Incheon – Los Angeles eff 30MAR25 Tentative increase from 7 to 10 weekly, 11 from 01JUN25, 14 from 02OCT25. Schedules for YP101/102 is based on actual schedule filing and available flight for reservations

YP101 ICN1250 – 0820LAX 789 D
YP103 ICN2200 – 1710LAX 789 D

YP102 LAX1050 – 1545+1ICN 789 D
YP104 LAX2300 – 0520+2ICN 789 D

Seoul Incheon – San Francisco Despite Air Premia Cargo schedule listing displays 5th weekly flight from 05OCT25, actual schedule filing and available flight for reservations displaying additional flight between 10MAY25 and 16SEP25. Schedule below based on actual listing

YP111 ICN1730 – 1230SFO 789 x24
YP112 SFO1500 – 1950+1ICN 789 x24

Photo: Duncan Stewart 

ROUTES - WESTJET APRIL 2025 US SERVICE REDUCTIONS

WestJet in the last few weeks gradually filed service changes to the US for the month of April 2025 (up to 26APR25), as the airline reduces operation on selected routes. Based on schedule comparison 16FEB25 vs 16MAR25, planned changes include the following.

Calgary – Las Vegas 30MAR25 – 26APR25 Reduce from 21 to 20 weekly

Calgary – Los Angeles 30MA25 – 26APR25 Reduce from 20 to 19 weekly
Calgary – New York JFK 07APR25 – 26APR25 Reduce from 6 to 5 weekly
Kelowna – Las Vegas Service operates until 30MAR25, instead of 20APR25

Kelowna – Seattle 01APR25 – 26APR25 Reduce from 7 to 3 weekly

Toronto – Fort Lauderdale 01APR25 – 26APR25 Reduce from 11 to 6 weekly

Toronto – Fort Myers 01APR25 – 26APR25 Reduce from 9 to 6 weekly

Toronto – Orlando 01APR25 – 26APR25 Reduce from 13 to 9 weekly

Vancouver – Los Angeles 30MAR25 – 26APR25 Reduce from 11 to 10 weekly

Vancouver – Orlando 04APR25 – 26APR25 Reduce from 3 to 1 weekly

Other routes will also see capacity reductions.

 

Photos: Duncan Stewart

FLEET - Edelweiss welcomes first Airbus A350 in Zurich

The first Swiss Airbus A350, HB-IHF, has made a celebratory landing in Zurich

Hundreds of aviation fans followed the arrival live on the ground

The Airbus A350 is one of the most advanced long-haul aircraft in the world

Today was a historic day for all aviation fans and for Swiss aviation: the first Airbus A350 with Swiss registration arrived at Zurich Airport this afternoon. The aircraft, with the registration HB-IHF, had previously taken off from Lourdes Airport (LDE).

During its landing approach, the modern long-haul aircraft provided an additional goosebump moment: after a planned go-around manoeuvre, the Airbus A350 made a celebratory lap of the airport before finally touching down safely on runway 16 at 3:13 p.m.

The aircraft taxied down the runway accompanied by follow-me vehicles and was greeted with a water salute from the fire engines of the Zurich Protection & Rescue service. The Airbus A350 then headed for its parking position B38. More than 100 employees and the Edelweiss management team were already waiting there to give the newest member of the fleet and its flight crew a fitting welcome.

Huge interest from aviation enthusiasts

Hundreds of spectators, plane spotters and aviation fans gathered at Zurich Airport today to witness this historic moment up close. Hours before the scheduled arrival, many were already securing the best places to watch the spectacle up close. Particularly popular were viewing terrace B, the car parks with an ideal view of the runway, and the numerous spotting points around the airport. Equipped with cameras, binoculars and full of anticipation, the fans eagerly awaited the long-awaited landing.

Airbus A350: an environmentally friendly and economical aircraft

The Airbus A350 sets new standards in efficiency with the latest technologies and outstanding aerodynamics. The aircraft is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly long-haul aircraft in the world. The latest generation of engines and the use of lightweight materials make the twin-engine Airbus A350-900 one of the most fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft. It consumes 25 per cent less fuel and thus produces 25 per cent less CO2 than the four-engine Airbus A340 it replaces. In addition, noise emissions are up to 50 per cent lower.

Edelweiss is procuring a total of six highly efficient and low-emission Airbus A350-900 aircraft. By mid-2027, the five existing long-haul Airbus A340-300 aircraft will be replaced and Edelweiss' long-haul fleet will be expanded back to its pre-coronavirus level of six aircraft.

Edelweiss 

FLEET - TAAG Angola Airlines Takes Delivery of Its Second A220-300

 TAAG Angola Airlines welcomed its second Airbus A220-300 aircraft today, March 14, 2025, a significant step in its 2024-2029 TAAG Angola Airlines welcomed its second Airbus A220-300 aircraft today, March 14, 2025, a significant step in its 2024-2029 strategic plan and fleet expansion program

The bearing Manufacturer Serial Number MSN 55334 and registered as D2-TAF, touched down at the newly inaugurated Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in Luanda.

Newsaero