NEW AIRLINE - Isla Air Express is a new Spanish airline based in Palma from Mallorca

Photo:Majorca Daily Bulletin

Phase 1

Initially, the project is offering the following routes between the islands:

Palma - Ibiza
Flight time: 35 min. · Connecting flights: 5 per day
Palma - Fomentera
Flight time: 36 min. · Connecting flights: 7 per day
Palma - Menorca
Flight time: 38 min. · Connecting flights: 4 per day
Ibiza - Fomentera
Flight time: 6 min. · Connecting flights: 7 per day
Ibiza - Menorca
Flight time: 73 min. · Connecting flights: 4 per day
Formentera - Menorca
Flight time: 73 min. · Connecting flights: 4 per day

Phase 2
Addition of connecting flights to and from the peninsula to the previous routes:

Palma - Valencia
Flight time: 75 min. · Connecting flights: 4 per day
Palma - Alicante
Flight time: 75 min. · Connecting flights: 4 per day
Formentera - Valencia
Flight time: 43 min. · Connecting flights: 4 per day
Formentera - Alicante
Flight time: 45 min. · Connecting flights: 4 per day
Ibiza - Valencia
Flight time: 43 min. · Connecting flights: 4 per day
Ibiza - Alicante
Flight time: 45 min. · Connecting flights: 4 per day

The airline plans to establish an inter-island route network with two DHC-6-300 Twin Otter seaplanes.

The first flights would be carried out between the ports of Palma and Ibiza.

The first DHC-6-300 registered 9H-PALMA (msn 557)

ROUTES - ZIPAIR NS25 SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA OPERATIONS – 05NOV24

ZIPAIR Tokyo last week opened reservations for San Francisco Bay Area service during Northern summer 2025 season, effective 30MAR25. The airline plans to operate following service with 787-8 Dreamliner.

Tokyo Narita – San Francisco 1 daily

ZG026 NRT2130 – 1445SFO 788 D
ZG025 SFO1645 – 2000+1NRT 788 D

Tokyo Narita – San Jose CA 5 weekly

ZG030 NRT1625 – 0940SJC 788 x25
ZG029 SJC1140 – 1450+1NRT 788 x25

Photo: Duncan Stewart

 

ROUTES - AMERICAN REMOVES CHICAGO – VENICE SEASONAL SERVICE IN 2025

American Airlines during the weekend of 03NOV24’s schedule update removed planned service resumption of Chicago O'Hare – Venice Marco Polo route. Previously not covered on AeroRoutes on 04NOV24, planned seasonal 1 daily flight between 04JUN25 and 04OCT25 (Chicago departure), is no longer in effect.

Previously filed schedule as follows.
AA042 ORD2050 – 1245+1VCE 788 D
AA043 VCE1450 – 1750ORD 788 D

Photo: Duncan Stewart

ROUTES - UNITED ADDS SAN FRANCISCO – SAN JOSE (COSTA RICA) SERVICE FROM MAY 2025

United during Northern summer 2025 season plans to add new service to Costa Rica, subject to government approval. The Star Alliance member plans to operate San Francisco – San Jose (Costa Rica) route, on board 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The daily service will commence on 22MAY25, San Francisco departure.

UA2312 SFO2334 – 0715+1SJO 7M8 D
UA2313 SJO0845 – 1434SFO 7M8 D

Photo: Duncan Stewart

 

ORDER - Star Air (India) Embraer E175, © Star Air (India)

Star Air (India) (S5, Belgaum) will increase its fleet of Embraer jets from nine to 25 over the next three years, according to CEO Simran Tiwana, who told reporters this week that the expansion "brings us closer to connecting more of Real India."

Star Air presently operates four owned E145s and five dry-leased E175s, offering scheduled services to 21 airports within India. Tiwana says that two more E175s will arrive within 12 months and another four in 2026, but he did not provide details on the other aircraft also expected within the stated three-year timeframe.

ch-aviation has contacted Star Air for further information.

Tiwana did say that the additional E175s would allow Star Air to boost its current capacity, increase frequencies on existing routes, and open new ones between Tier 2 and 3 cities in India. "We reaffirm our commitment to reaching more underserved markets," he declared.

Late last month, Star Air began flying four weekly roundtrips between Ahmedabad and Kolhapur. It becomes the carrier's 21st route and is serviced by an E145.

Ch Aviation

Images: Star Air

NEW AIRLINE - SpaceBee Airlines / B767-200F / UK67016 - ex:SkyTaxi

On 03Jul2024, the CAA of Uzbekistan issued the Certificate of Registration to SpaceBee Airlines and on the 16Jun2024, the carrier received its first aircraft, a B,767-200(SF).

SpaceBee Airlines applied for its AOC in Jul2024 and is set to become Uzbekistan’s fourth 767 freighter operator

Photo:AviaSpotterUz - Uzbekistan Spotters Team

USC AERO / A340-600 / D-AUSZ

Ton Jochems
 

FLEET - Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Africa’s first Airbus A350-100

A350-1000 Ethiopian Airlines MSN691with letters - Delivery ceremony

Toulouse, 05 November 2024 - Ethiopia’s national flag carrier and largest Airbus operator in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines, has taken delivery of its first of four A350-1000 from Airbus in Toulouse, France. The first of its kind to be operated by an african based operator, the A350-1000 will enable Ethiopian Airlines to enhance its premium service on key destinations including Washington D.C., London, Paris and Frankfurt.

To date Ethiopian Airlines operates a fleet of 21 A350 Family aircraft. A total of 14 additional A350 aircraft are set to join the airline’s fleet in the coming years, including 11 A350-900 and three additional A350-1000. The A350-1000 will provide great operational commonality with the A350-900 fleet, ensuring seamless integration with shared pilots and mechanics simplifying training and maintenance processes.

With a total capacity of 395 seats, the A350-1000 will increase Ethiopian Airlines’ passenger capacity and provide enhanced passenger experience in the largest business class cabin in the airline’s fleet. Ethiopian Airlines will also introduce Airbus' new HBCplus satcom connectivity solution, offering seamless, high-speed gate-to-gate connectivity.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long-range leader in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort.

The A350’s unique Airspace cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle in the sky featuring a 50% noise footprint reduction versus the previous generation aircraft. It offers passengers and crews the latest modern in-flight products for a comfortable flying experience. The aircraft’s new generation engines and use of lightweight materials make it the most fuel efficient large widebody aircraft.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 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.


By the end of September 2024, 1,340 A350s had been ordered by 60 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever. Click here for more information on the A350 Family.

SPECIAL SCHEME - VIVA AÉROBUS / A320-271N / XA-VII - "Aerolínea Oficial de la Selección Nacional de México"

Photo: Joel Xool

FLEET - Riyadh Air places firm order for 60 Airbus A321neo Family aircraft

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 30 October 2024 – Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has placed a firm order for 60 A321neo Family aircraft. The agreement was signed at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone for Riyadh Air. The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of Riyadh Air, Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft at Airbus and Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

“This investment will not only enable us to support economic growth in the aviation industry, it will ensure Riyadh Air operates one of the most fuel efficient fleets. It’ll be instrumental in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its decarbonisation goals,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. “This deal strongly reinforces the positive economic impact of Saudi Arabia’s newest airline on both a global and local scale to facilitate the fast-growing Saudi aviation ecosystem.”

Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus said: “We are proud to welcome Riyadh Air as a new Airbus customer and partner. The latest generation A321neo aircraft will bring exceptional efficiency to the airline's operations, concrete contributions to its decarbonisation goals and comfort to its passengers. We look forward to working together to support the strong ambitions of Saudi aviation."

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 a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.

To date more than 6,700 A321neo have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe. AIRBUS

 

FLEET - Airbus delivers first A321XLR to Iberia

Hamburg, Germany – Spanish flag carrier Iberia has taken delivery of its first A321XLR, becoming the launch operator of the world’s newest single-aisle aircraft.

The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, will be operated by Iberia on a number of regional flights across the airline’s European network before its first transatlantic mission from Madrid to Boston later in November.

Marco Sansavini, CEO & Chairman at Iberia, said: “We are very proud to be the launch airline for this new Airbus aircraft. The A321XLR will allow us to reach new destinations, operating transoceanic routes and doing so in a more efficient way.”

Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, said: “Five years in the making, the newest member of the Airbus family is all set to join its first operator, Iberia. The A321XLR will enable countless new non-stop destinations; it truly opens a new chapter in air connectivity. It is another proud “first” for all of us at Airbus in our constant quest to innovate and bring value to our customers. We are pleased to share this special moment with a special customer: gracias y felicidades Iberia.”

The newly delivered A321XLR to Iberia seats 182 passengers in a two-class layout with lie-flat business class seats with direct aisle access. Boasting the new Airspace cabin, the aircraft will provide passengers with long haul comfort in all classes. The XL bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, in-seat connectivity is available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system enhances the overall passenger experience.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A320neo which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous generation competitor aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise. So far, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the aircraft.

The first A321XLR completed its maiden flight in June 2022. This was followed by an extensive test programme involving three test aircraft. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% SAF. Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

AIRBUS

FLEET - Australia's Skytrans preps for first A319 delivery

Skytrans (QN, Cairns) is expecting to receive its first A319-100 by the end of the year. The aircraft, to be entered into the Australian register as VH-L7A (msn 1779), is currently at the MAAS Aviation facility at Kaunas International for repainting.
Skytrans CEO Alan Milne says the aircraft is expected to ferry to Australia in November. The airline hopes to get the air operator's certificate variation completed by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) before the end of the year, with entry into service shortly after that.
According to ch-aviation fleets data, the 22.3-year-old VH-L7A is ex Alitalia (AZA, Rome Fiumicino) and ITA Airways (AZ, Rome Fiumicino) stock, for which it was registered as EI-IMJ. The narrowbody jet seats 144 passengers in a singe-class cabin configuration.
According to the CASA register, Skytrans operates a fleet of thirteen aircraft, including two DHC-8-300s, five DHC-8-100s, and seven Cessna (single turboprop) 208Bs. The airline operates scheduled flights to 19 airports in Queensland, primarily within North Queensland and the Cape York Peninsula region.

Skytrans CEO Alan Milne says the aircraft is expected to ferry to Australia in November. The airline hopes to get the air operator's certificate variation completed by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) before the end of the year, with entry into service shortly after that.
According to ch-aviation fleets data, the 22.3-year-old VH-L7A is ex Alitalia (AZA, Rome Fiumicino) and ITA Airways (AZ, Rome Fiumicino) stock, for which it was registered as EI-IMJ. The narrowbody jet seats 144 passengers in a singe-class cabin configuration.
According to the CASA register, Skytrans operates a fleet of thirteen aircraft, including two DHC-8-300s, five DHC-8-100s, and seven Cessna (single turboprop) 208Bs. The airline operates scheduled flights to 19 airports in Queensland, primarily within North Queensland and the Cape York Peninsula region.

Skytrans also operates freight and charter services, including contracted fly-in-fly-out charters. In addition, the airline recently secured a New South Wales government tender to operate scheduled Sydney-Lord Howe Island flights from early 2026, taking over from Qantas.
Earlier this year, Skytrans was acquired by Avia Solutions Group. The airline is the only subsidiary of the group operating scheduled passenger flights. However, VH-L7A will operate charters in line with Avia's standard operating procedures.

CH Aviation

Images: SkyTrans

FLEET - One Air (UK) will soon add two new B777Fs to its fleet to place on routes to Asia in 2025

Photo: One Air
 

FLEET - Fly Oya (Libya) acquires a used B777-200, serial 32889, which it plans to place on scheduled international flights.

 Photos. Fly Ona

NEW AIRLINE - Alma Air (Colombia) appoints now CCO Rupert Stebbings as CEO, with immediate effect. Stebbings will also continue to lead the commercial strategy with the launch set for 1Q 2025

Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia received a request from an air operator for a new airline. The new company will be named Alma, focusing on air transportation using amphibious aircraft.

The new airline will operate private and personalized charter flights in the Colombian Caribbean region, including Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Santa Marta, among some of its destinations.

Alma, a company launched by investors led by Irelandia Aviation, submitted the request to Aeronáutica Civil on April 25, with operations estimated to begin by late 2024.

Alma’s business plan focuses on charter air services using aircraft capable of carrying between 9 and 11 passengers, configured to operate on both land and water.

The airline’s expectations are to transport over 1,200 passengers per month in the coastal area of the Colombian Caribbean.

Alma will operate in Barú, Playa Blanca, Islas del Rosario, Mompox, Palomino, Puerto Colombia, Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas, and Valledupar, among other locations. Additionally, it plans to conduct flights to remote areas inland of Colombia.

According to Stebbings in an official statement, Alma will not only focus its efforts on passenger transport but also seek to offer medical transfer services.


The company will operate in regions where distances and geography between cities make land or sea transportation of people complex. Undoubtedly, Alma’s arrival in the Colombian Caribbean will enhance tourism and economic development in the northern part of the country.
AVIACIONLINE
Photo: Alma Air

FLEET - XEJet (Nigeria) is set to begin commercial flights on 02 November 2024, flying between Lagos and Abuja with two CRJ200s and soon one E190.

FLEET - Frontier Airlines (US) expects to take delivery of two spare aircraft engines and six A321neos in 4Q 2024

 

All financed with sale/leaseback transactions — after taking delivery of five A321neos in 3Q. The year end fleet with be 159 aircraft. In 2026, the carrier expects to take delivery of 21 sale/leaseback financed aircraft, 13 A321neos and eight A320neos.

Photo: Duncan Stewart

Edelweiss (Switzerland) plans A350-900 flights to Tampa, Puerto Plata, San Jose CR, Liberia, Bogota, Cartagena, Montego Bay, Punta Cana, and Cancun from October 2025, replacing the A340-300.

Image: Edelweiss
 

FLEET - KAP.kg / A300B4-200(F) / EX-30008 - ex Transcarga International Airways

 

KAP KG is a cargo airline of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The main goals of the airline are to carry out regular and charter air cargo transportation on a Western-made aircraft Airbus A300B4.

The airline can carry out air transportation of goods to / from the cities of the CIS, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

KAP KG has established its own certified aviation-technical base for operational maintenance of its own aircraft at the Manas International Airport, which meets all the requirements of international standards.

KAP.KG plans to continue growing its Airbus medium-widebody fleet as it put its second A300B4-200F into service this month, adding to the type’s popularity in Kyrgyzstan. KAP.KG, which recently acquired and registered the 1983-vintage unit 274 (ex-Transcarga International Airways) in Kyrgyzstan in May

Photo: Dmitry Petrochenko

SPECIAL SCHEME - Vince "Air Canada" Carter's Legacy Soars with High-Flying Tribute

Airline unveils special Vince Carter livery celebrating the Hall of Famer's career as Toronto Raptors retire Carter's Number 15 jersey

MONTREAL, Nov. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Air Canada is joining forces with Vince Carter to celebrate his career as the Toronto Raptors prepare to retire his jersey tomorrow evening. Adding to the excitement, Air Canada has unveiled a special Vince Carter livery in honour of his impact on basketball in Canada.


Carter, known for his gravity-defying dunks, earned the nickname "Air Canada" during his seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors. This connection was solidified as he played in the arena where, at the time, Air Canada was the inaugural naming sponsor, tying the athlete, the airline, and Canadian basketball together in a memorable way.

"Everyone at Air Canada is beyond excited to celebrate Vince Carter's trailblazing career," said Andy Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada. "As the country's national airline, we're proud of our long-standing support for Canada's teams and exceptional athletes. Vince Carter's legacy shows that in addition to his number taking its place in the rafters, it also is meant to fly."

The livery will fly high until end of April 2025, proudly featuring Carter's silhouette, signature, and jersey number. The aircraft undercarriage will also bear Carter's name and number, so fans can spot the plane as it soars over the country he helped catapult onto basketball's global stage.

"The city of Toronto, and Canada as a whole, has meant so much to me throughout my career," said Vince Carter. "I am deeply touched by this tribute from Air Canada and can't wait to share the excitement with all the incredible fans across the country."

Air Canada is committed to supporting and celebrating Canadian teams and athletes who exemplify excellence while valuing diversity and inclusivity, as part of its ongoing commitment to share the best of Canada with the world. The partnership in honour of Carter reflects this commitment, celebrating a true icon and his remarkable career in Canada.

"Like Raptors fans, we are incredibly excited to celebrate a pivotal moment in franchise history, and Air Canada is uniquely positioned to join us in providing Raptors fans an unforgettable experience to honour the basketball icon dubbed 'Air Canada'," said Jordan Vader, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships, MLSE. "From the unveil of a first-of-its kind livery to special branded activations during the jersey retirement game, we look forward to sharing these history-making moments with fans alongside Air Canada."

The airline will also salute Carter's legacy during his November 2 jersey retirement, with in-game virtual signage, an employee-led t-shirt toss and heart-felt tribute video.

 

NEW AIRLINE - Sky FRU LLP was established in 2023, and in March 2024 The airline's flights are operated by Boeing 737-300 aircraft ( EK-37012)

Type: full-service carrier
Region: Asia
Country: Kyrgyzstan
Base airport: Manas International Airport

Sky FRU LLC publicly known as Sky Fru is a currently operating Asian scheduled full-service airline with a base at Manas International Airport, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Photo: Dmitry Petrochenko

SPECIAL SCHEME - IBERIA / A330-200 / EC-MGG

Iberia has applied on an Airbus A330-200 the same decals of the stopover program «Only in Madrid» that wears already an A350. Once more, only on the left side.
José Ramón Valero

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg,

Paul Bannwarth 

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

Paul Bannwarth