FRONTIER AIRLINES / A320NEO / N368FR - Cortez the GREEN TURTLE

Duncan Stewart
 

Air Astra (Bangladesh) plans to grow its fleet to six aircraft by July 2026, helping expand its domestic network.

Air Astra (2A, Dhaka) has issued a request for proposal (RfP) to dry-lease or buy three or four A320-200/A321-200 narrowbodies to launch international routes. The Bangladeshi carrier aims to transition to A320/1neo aircraft later. 

The airline requires deliveries by the end of 2025. The aircraft must not be older than 15 years at the time of delivery. A single-class all-economy configuration is preferable, although the airline is willing to consider dual-class aircraft. Proposals comprising sistership aircraft are encouraged.

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - Magnicharters permanently suspended all flight operations on April 10, 2026, and subsequently filed for bankruptcy protection in Mexico City.

Flyingphotos-B737-300-XA-UNR-Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport

The Mexican leisure carrier lost its Air Operator Certificate after failing to cover key operating costs, including aircraft maintenance, spare parts, and staff training

Destinations: Primarily focused on domestic Mexican beach resorts (such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos), with limited international routes to the United States (Las Vegas, Orlando) and the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana)

Operating Dates: 1995 - 2026
ICAO: GMT
Main hub: Mexico City Juarez International Airport
Country/Territory: Mexico

Magnicharters was established in 1994 by the Bojórquez family to fly the clients of Magnitur. 

The carrier started operations on 15Jan1995. AOC briefly suspended in 2008 for debt and maintenance issues. 

On 11Apr2026, Magnicharters abruptly cancelled all scheduled flights for a two-week period. 

As 15Apr2026, the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has temporarily suspended the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC)

scheduled passenger services to major tourist areas plus international charters, based out of Mexico City
International Airport 

Fleet:

Boeing 737-100 - 2
Boeing 737-200 - 11
Boeing 737-300 - 19
Boeing 737-500 - 1

AIRPORT - Los Angeles International Airport

Photos: Duncan Stewart
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - Alaska Airlines brings spirit of friendship and adventure to the skies with new ‘Toy Story 5’ livery on Horizon Air

Horizon Air, the regional carrier of Alaska Airlines, is bringing the next chapter of Disney and Pixar’s iconic “Toy Story” franchise to the skies with a new livery inspired by the film’s latest adventure.

The special livery commemorates Horizon’s upcoming 45th anniversary of providing safe, caring service and reminds guests of all ages that adventure, imagination and a little play are always ready for takeoff.

For over 30 years, audiences around the world have followed the beloved toy crew of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie, who taught generations that friendship, magic and imagination never go out of style. Now, as Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated “Toy Story 5” prepares to soar into theaters June 19, Horizon Air, the regional carrier of Alaska Airlines, is bringing the next chapter of the iconic franchise to the skies with a new livery inspired by the film’s latest adventure.

The Embraer 175 (N659QX) showcases original fan favorites Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie, alongside new “Toy Story 5” tech toy characters, including Lilypad, Snappy, Atlas and Smarty Pants. Adding to the fun, the livery features floating clouds throughout the fuselage and playful, Toy Story-inspired callouts like “Saddle Up, It’s Takeoff Time!” and “Ready for Takeoff, Partner.” Forky and Karen Beverly also make surprise appearances on the winglets, extending the spirit of “Toy Story” as it reaches for the sky from every angle of the aircraft.
Alaska unveiled Horizon’s new, larger-than-life livery for guests and employees earlier today at Portland International Airport. Named “To 45 and Beyond”, a nod to Buzz Lightyear’s famous interstellar mantra, the special Toy Story aircraft also commemorates Horizon’s upcoming 45th anniversary of providing safe, caring service across Alaska Airlines’ regional network and reminds guests of all ages that adventure, imagination and a little play are always ready for takeoff.

"I couldn’t think of a more special way to celebrate Horizon’s history with our guests than to bring out the kid in all of us. Forty-five years of service is a meaningful milestone, and I couldn’t be prouder of our people who, each and every day, put their best foot forward to deliver the industry’s best and most caring travel experience.”
Andy Schneider
President and CEO
Horizon Air

SPECIAL COLOURS - The Emirates A380 dons its Gunners kit

Emirates has revealed a celebratory A380 livery dedicated to Arsenal FC, following the club’s triumphant Premier League winning season. Unveiled as part of the airline’s longstanding partnership with Arsenal, the bespoke livery reflects Emirates’ continued commitment to connecting fans with the world’s biggest sporting moments.

Applied in-house by Emirates Engineering, the decal stretches from the iconic tail fin flag to the middle of the fuselage and features four first-team players: Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Viktor Gyökeres. The Arsenal Crest is proudly emblazoned above glistening gold ‘Champions’ lettering, celebrating the efforts of the entire squad.

2026 marks a major milestone for Emirates and Arsenal, as they celebrate 20 years of partnership. Emirates serves as Official Airline partner, and holds naming rights to Arsenal’s home ground, Emirates Stadium in North London. The Fly Better logo is also featured prominently on the front of the Men’s, Women’s and Academy team shirts, marking the longest-running front-of-shirt sponsorship in Premier League history.

This new livery is yet another accolade to add to Arsenal’s trophy cabinet, after a remarkable season, which saw the club crowned champions of the Premier League last week. Today, the Arsenal and Emirates A380 will take to the skies for its victory lap, heading to London Heathrow as EK001. Planespotters and football fans alike can catch a glimpse of the airline’s newest livery, which pays homage to Emirates’ longstanding commitment to the game, the club and the supporters.

Emirates
 

FLEET - Philippine Airlines Welcomes Arrival of Second Airbus A350-1000

 Flag Carrier Continues Fleet Modernization

MANILA, Philippines — 29 May 2026 — Philippine Airlines (PAL) today welcomed the arrival of its second Airbus A350-1000 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, marking another major milestone in the flag carrier’s continuing fleet modernization program.

The aircraft, which arrived in Manila at 5:18 PM, follows the delivery of PAL’s first A350-1000 in December 2025 and forms part of the airline’s order for nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

Philippine Airlines remains the first and only carrier in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000.

Designed for long-haul operations, the A350-1000 delivers greater fuel efficiency, operational reliability, passenger comfort, and improved environmental performance, supporting PAL’s growing network between the Philippines and North America.

“As demand for international travel continues to grow, this second Airbus A350-1000 will play an important role in enhancing our long-haul operations and elevating the overall passenger experience while supporting the long-term modernization of Philippine Airlines,” said Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall.

The arrival comes as PAL continues to build on its operational momentum following its successful recovery and transformation. In 2025, global aviation analytics firm Cirium recognized Philippine Airlines as the #1 most on-time airline in the Asia-Pacific region.

PAL

NEW LIVERY / FLEET - Israir to expand with A330-200s

Israir has announced it has acquired two Airbus A330-200s, which are scheduled for delivery in the coming weeks. 

The airline plans to use its new widebody-aircraft on new long-haul flights. 

The first destination announced is New York (NY), with flights starting the latest in September 2026.

The two aircraft involved were previously operated by American Airlines and have been stored since February and March 2020. They will be registered 4X-BAK (1095) and 4X-BAL (1100). 

Both are currently being prepared at Marana-Pinal Air Park (AZ).

It's not the first time the airline used an Airbus A330. 

Between April and December 2008, it wet-leased an A330-200 from Eurofly. 

The two new A330-200s will join Israir's-fleet that is currently made-up of eight A320s.

Competitor Arkia has also began operating the A330, wet-leasing two A330-200s from HiFly since November 2025.

Photo:Israir / Scramble

AIRLINE - Atlas Air Worldwide Announces Strategic Investment in Air Atlanta

Atlas Air Worldwide (“Atlas”) today announced it has signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire a 49% minority equity stake in Air Atlanta, a leading global provider of ACMI and aircraft management services headquartered in Iceland with operating platforms in both Iceland and Malta. This transaction establishes a strategic partnership that expands Atlas’ global operating platform and enhances access to widebody capacity in key international markets.

Atlas Air Worldwide Announces Strategic Investment in Air AtlantaAtlas, through its Titan Aviation Holdings subsidiary, is separately acquiring the aircraft owned by the Air Atlanta group of companies and will lease the aircraft back to the Air Atlanta airline companies for continued operation. Air Atlanta operates a fleet of 14 widebody freighters, including Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft, and also operates four passenger 777 aircraft.

“This transaction reflects Atlas’ disciplined approach to strategic growth in a structurally constrained widebody freighter aircraft market, and it further advances our One Atlas strategy” said Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. “By combining Atlas’ global commercial platform with Air Atlanta’s complementary operating model and European-based footprint, we are expanding access to capacity and further strengthening our ability to serve customers worldwide and deliver value to our stakeholders. Air Atlanta has built a strong reputation over decades of operations, and we are excited to partner with their excellent team. Together, we believe this partnership will strengthen both organizations and position us for continued success in the evolving global aviation market.”

Air Atlanta will continue to operate under its existing leadership team and operating structure, while both companies collaborate commercially to pursue incremental global growth opportunities. Following completion of the transaction, the continuing Air Atlanta management team will retain a 51% controlling interest in the airline operating companies.

“We are pleased to partner with Atlas in a transaction that strengthens our long-term growth trajectory while accelerating our position as a leading European widebody ACMI operator,” said Baldvin M. Hermannsson, Chief Executive Officer, Air Atlanta. “We strongly believe in the future growth potential of Air Atlanta, especially with the strategic partnership we are entering into with Atlas today. We will have wider market reach and be better positioned to deliver flexible, high-performing capacity solutions for our existing and future customers.”

“After many years dedicated to building Air Atlanta, I am proud to see the company enter its next chapter,” said Hannes Hilmarsson, Executive Chairman of the Air Atlanta Group, who will step down after 20 years in leadership roles with the Company. “I leave the business in excellent hands with the existing management team and with Atlas as the perfect partner for the future. Together, they provide a strong platform for continued growth and expansion.”

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

Atlas Air / Photos: Air Atlas. Air Atlanta

 

2026 ROUTES

Icelandair Takes Off to Venice

Icelandair inaugurated direct flights to Venice, Italy, from its hub in Reykjavik, marking the airline's expansion to one of Europe's most coveted destinations.

Icelandair will operate three weekly flights between Reykjavik and Venice until October 18, 2026, with departures scheduled for Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flights will be operated by a 737-MAX8 aircraft.

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Air Tanzania has received permission to operate flights on the Dar es Salaam – Moscow route on 02 July 2026, with B787.

Starlux Airlines (Taiwan) plans to launch flights to Zurich and Barcelona in 2027, with New Zealand and Australia also on its radar. Prague service starts 01 August 2026.

Vietnam Airlines schedules Ho Chi Minh City – Phuket nonstop flight on 02 July 2026, with A321.

Air Transat (Canada) plans Montreal – Istanbul route on 15 December 2026. with A330-200.AZAL 

Azerbaijan Airlines begins scheduled charter flights on the Baku – Amman City route on 28 May to 03 September 2026, with A320.

Corendon Airlines (Turkiye) plans to launch flights from Dusseldorf to Curacao on 14 December 2026, with A330-300 on wet lease from World2Fly (Spain).

FlyArystan (Kazakhstan) plans flights from Almaty to Xi’an on 30 June 2026, with A320.

FlyOne (Moldova) announces the launch of a new direct route from Chisinau to Batumi on 28 June 2026..

Lufthansa (Germany) will begin flying to new destinations with Allegris in October 2026, including Frankfurt to Kuala Lumpur with B787-9, as well as to Houston and Singapore.

Confirm these flights with the airlines.

VINTAGE - 90 years of flying: Aer Lingus’ oldest aircraft takes to the skies again

Restored 1936 de Havilland Dragon flies original Dublin–Bristol route on the

exact date of the airline's inaugural flight, ninety years on

Aer Lingus is marking 90 years of flying as it unveils its newly-restored Iolar aircraft. 

EI-ABI, known as Iolar (Irish for eagle), is a rare de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, which dates back to 1936.
The aircraft will today fly from Dublin to Bristol, recreating Aer Lingus’ inaugural flight of 27 May 1936 – a journey which marked the beginning of the airline’s story of growth and resilience, which continues today.
Back in 1936, Aer Lingus was a fledgling airline with one aircraft, one route, five passengers, driven by
an ambition to connect Ireland to the world. 

Since then, the airline has flown everyone from Popes to Presidents, proudly providing an enduring connection between Ireland, the UK, Europe and North America.
Aer Lingus’ de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, EI-ABI Iolar, is one of the last remaining aircrafts of its type
and represents Ireland’s rich and storied aviation history. 

Today’s flight to Bristol Airport is a special voyage for the aircraft as it marks Aer Lingus’ 90th anniversary.

As Aer Lingus’ first aircraft, EI-ABI Iolar operated for two years with the newly-formed Irish airline,
before it was sold and later lost during World War II. 

Today’s Iolar is a sister aircraft to the original, which was welcomed into the Aer Lingus fleet in the 1960s. It was first restored for the airline’s 50th anniversary in 1986. 

Now re-registered as EI-ABI, Iolar remains an enduring symbol of Aer Lingus’ heritage.
Iolar had been proudly on display in Aer Lingus’ maintenance headquarters at Dublin Airport in recent
years, with preparations to return the aircraft to its former glory commencing ahead of Aer Lingus’ 90th
anniversary. 

The four‑month restoration, carried out by Midland Aviation at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome in County Longford, was supported by a dedicated group of Aer Lingus volunteers.
The skilled team combined archival research, engineering expertise and traditional craftsmanship to
restore the aircraft, while preserving its structural integrity and historical authenticity. 

The restoration work included maintenance and certification checks, including full top overhauls of both engines and careful cosmetic restoration of the airframe, with the skills of one of Ireland’s last aviation carpenters playing a vital role in preserving the aircraft’s authenticity.
Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, said: “The restoration of Iolar is a powerful
way for us to reconnect with the very beginnings of our airline 90 years ago and the pioneering spirit
that shaped Irish aviation.

Photo: PL Ryan / Aer Lingus

“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and expertise shown by our colleagues and partners in

bringing Iolar back to life, preserving an important piece of our history for future generations.
“As we mark our 90th anniversary, we’re conscious not only of where we have come from, but how far
we have progressed over the past nine decades.
“From that first flight carrying five passengers across the Irish Sea, the airline today connects Ireland
to over 100 destinations across Europe, the UK and North America.
“The story we started in 1936 is still being written and we intend to make the next chapter as
innovative and groundbreaking as the first.
”
This project has been supported by the Aer Lingus Charitable Foundation, reflecting a shared
commitment to preserving Ireland’s industrial and transport heritage for future generations.

AIRPORT - .EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

 Paul Bannwarth

SPECIAL STICKER - AEROMÉXICO / N742AM / Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner - "Most On Time Global Airline"

Duncan Stewart - LAX
 

VINTAGE Aircraft - Peruvian Airlines / OB-2090-P / Boeing 737-300(QC)

Duncan Stewart - Lima. - Peru

EC-160 - Viva Air - May 1988
EC-EIR - Viva Air - Jun 1988
EC-593 - Viva Air - Jul 1991
EC-FET - Viva Air - Sep 1991
N241LF - ILFC - Oct 1995
F-GIXO - L'Aéropostale - Jan 1996
F-GIXO - Europe Airpost - Mar 2001
N846AC - Aviation Capital Group (ACG) - Feb 2014
OB-2090-P - Peruvian Airlines - Jun 2014