SPECIAL LIVERY - Three new Hawaiian Airlines liveries set sail this summer for Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’

Hawaiian Airlines today unveiled the first of its three aircraft designs for Disney’s live-action “Moana” on an Airbus A321neo, ahead of the film’s July 10 debut.

In July, the remaining two designs will make a splash on an A330 — Hawaiian’s flagship transpacific aircraft — and on a Boeing 717 flying between the Hawaiian Islands.

Disney’s live-action “Moana” is set to make waves in theaters July 10, and Hawaiian Airlines is marking the courageous voyager’s next great adventure with three commemorative liveries that capture the daring spirit of exploration and wayfinding.
Hawaiian today unveiled the first of its three “Moana” aircraft designs on an Airbus A321neo (N227HA) that connects Hawaiʻi to the U.S. West Coast and the Cook Islands. In July, the remaining two designs will make a splash on an A330 — Hawaiian’s flagship transpacific aircraft — and on a Boeing 717 flying between the Hawaiian Islands.

The new “Moana” liveries will inspire guests around the world with a message of exploration – “Voyage beyond the reef” – on all three aircraft ahead of the theatrical release of Disney’s highly anticipated reimagining on July 10. Characters from the film – including the shape-shifting demigod Maui as a powerful hawk wielding his iconic fishhook and the coconut-armored Kakamora catching rides in the sea breeze – appear throughout each design. Guiding the crew on their journey from the wingtips are Moana’s animal friends Heihei, the clumsy chicken, and Pua, the adorable pot-bellied pig. Moana’s beloved island friends will also appear in the overhead luggage bins inside the aircrafts’ cabin.

Voyaging is at the heart of who we are as the airline of Hawaiʻi, a place grounded in a legacy that began with navigators who crossed the Pacific using traditional wayfinding techniques. We’re proud to continue carrying that spirit forward and bring Moana’s journey to life once again as we connect our island home to the world.”

Alisa Onishi

Managing Director of Hawaiʻi Marketing

Hawaiian Airlines 

The three live-action “Moana” aircraft join previous liveries that celebrated the Disney film’s animated predecessors, “Moana” and “Moana 2.” Hawaiian, which has served Hawaiʻi for more than 96 years, has also long honored the legacy of early Polynesian voyagers and celestial navigation across its fleet, including naming each aircraft after native birds, stars, plants and forests.

FRONTIER AIRLINES / A321NEO / N720FR - Crockett The RACCOON

Duncan Stewart
 

FLEET - Cambodia Airways Expands Fleet with ATR Turboprops

Cambodia Airways received the first of two ATR 72-600 aircraft in early June, marking the entry of the turboprop model into its fleet. 

The incorporation of the ATR 72-600 is part of the company's strategy to expand its offering of short-haul flights to neighboring countries. The model will be used on regional routes
 

Airbus and Lufthansa Group celebrate 50 years of partnership and agree on future strategic cooperations

• 700th Airbus aircraft for the Lufthansa Group to be delivered later this year
• New component services agreement for the Lufthansa Group’s Airbus A220 fleet
• Commitment to more sustainable aviation

Airbus and Lufthansa Group, at the opening of ILA Berlin Air Show, agreed on a series of further cooperative efforts and officially celebrated the 50th anniversary of their partnership which started with the delivery of the first A300 to Lufthansa in 1976.

“Today, we are working together towards the delivery of the 700th aircraft for the Lufthansa Group which is scheduled for later this year. This major milestone is just one example of how Airbus and Lufthansa jointly worked on making aviation one of the key industries for Germany”, says Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.

“As the world leading aviation groups, Airbus and the Lufthansa Group share a long-standing, trusting, and very special partnership. Over the past half-century, we have not only taken delivery of more aircraft from Toulouse and Hamburg than any other airline in the world, but have also supported the development of numerous aircraft models as launch customers. We intend to build on this foundation together to further advance aircraft technology and expand Europe’s leading role in the aviation sector”, says Carsten Spohr, CEO Lufthansa Group.

The Lufthansa Group has been operating all Airbus aircraft families including the A220, A300, A320, A330/A340, A350 and A380. For several aircraft, Lufthansa was the launch operator, continuously driving innovation forward in commercial aviation. Lufthansa has recently finalised a firm order for 10 additional A350-900 aircraft to complement its existing fleet of 43 of the type. In total, Lufthansa has now ordered 75 A350s – including the soon to be delivered A350-1000.

The agreement signed in the presence of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz at ILA comprised several areas. Lufthansa signed a component services agreement covering its entire Airbus A220 fleet, ensuring efficient operation of the smallest member of the Airbus aircraft family across the various airlines of the Lufthansa Group.

Airbus and Lufthansa also reaffirmed their commitment to the future of sustainable aviation. As an example both companies also presented recently a SharkSkin aircraft coating for the A330 to further reduce fuel consumption.

Photo caption: Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr and Lufthansa Group CTO Grazia Vittadini signing the agreement with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and Commercial Aircraft CEO Lars Wagner in the presence of Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the opening of ILA Berlin Air Show

 

FLEET - Philippine Airlines studies order for up to 20 widebodies

Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) is evaluating an order for up to 20 widebody aircraft to replace older A330-300s and B777-300ERs, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.

The Philippine flag carrier, which recently announced plans to join Oneworld by mid-2027, is reportedly considering the B787 as well as the A330neo and A350 families, though no decision has been made on a manufacturer or aircraft type.

The sources also said Philippine Airlines does not intend to order the B777X because it is considered too large for operations at Manila Ninoy Aquino International.

ch-aviation has requested comment from Philippine Airlines, Airbus, and Boeing.

Rightsizing the fleet

Speaking at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, president Richard Nuttall said capacity constraints at the Philippines' main gateway were encouraging the airline to focus on larger aircraft and additional long-haul services.

"What it really means is that we're concentrating more on increasing the size of our aircraft and operating more intercontinental flights," he said.

Philippine Airlines and regional subsidiary PAL Express collectively operate eighteen A320-twenty-two A321-200s, six A321-200Ns, two A321-200NX, eleven A330-300s, two A350-900s, two A350-1000s, ten B777-300ERs, and eleven DHC-8-Q400s.

According to ch-aviation data, the flag carrier has outstanding orders for seven A350-1000s and thirteen A321-200NX aircraft. According to Nuttall, deliveries of the narrowbody aircraft have slipped from their original schedules.

Philippine Airlines temporarily reduced capacity by 15% and deferred approximately USD100 million in capital expenditure as it prioritises cash management amid elevated fuel prices, although Nuttall said the deferral is temporary.

CH Aviation / Photo: Duncan Stewart 

ORDER - UGANDA AIRLINES Announces Order For 10 Boeing Aircraft

The agreement includes eight passenger jets, likely Boeing 787-9s, as well as two freighters.

The agreement was signed in the presence of President Yoweri Museveni on June 10 and includes eight passenger aircraft and two freighters: a Boeing 767 converted to freighter and a Boeing 737 BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter).

First UK-built Islander passes 75% completion at Bembridge, on schedule for delivery

Britten-Norman has confirmed that the first new Islander to be produced through its fully reshored UK production line has reached 75% completion at the company’s Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight, with final assembly scheduled in the coming weeks.

The aircraft, contracted to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), will be the first to be delivered from the new Bembridge line. A second airframe is now nearing 25% complete on the line, and components for follow-on aircraft are already in manufacture.

The new production line at Bembridge marks the return of full civil Islander manufacturing to the United Kingdom. Previously, major assemblies were manufactured overseas before final assembly in the UK. Since announcing its reshoring programme, Britten-Norman has invested in state-of-the-art CNC equipment and grown its workforce by more than 40%.

Since reaching 50% completion earlier this year, the build has advanced across every major area. Fuselage sub-assemblies and fin were joined at the end of Q1, fuel tank tests were completed, and the 15-metre wing assembly has been completed and attached to the fuselage. The airframe has been re-positioned on the production line, with installation of the undercarriage, engines, flight control surfaces and remaining systems well underway.

“Reaching the current level of completion is an excellent achievement for our team and a clear demonstration of the capability we have built at the Bembridge site.

“Each milestone and stage of completion brings us closer to delivering brand-new, British-built Islanders for our customers. The dedication and quality of work achieved by our team is outstanding.”

Richard Milne, Chief Operating Officer at Britten-Norman.

Beyond the aircraft now in production, Britten-Norman has Letters of Intent in place with operators across the regional passenger and special-mission sectors. Alongside the new-build programme, the company is investing in aftermarket parts availability and service to support a worldwide fleet of in-service Islanders.

With the first aircraft in advanced build, the second airframe on the line, and components for follow-on aircraft in manufacture, Britten-Norman is establishing a continuous UK production cadence and is on track to deliver the first new UK-built Islander to the customer as planned.

FLEET - Britten-Norman delivers BN2T-4S Islander Aircraft to Xen Aviation

Britten-Norman has delivered a BN2T-4S Islander to Xen Aviation & Services, marking the operator’s introduction of its first Islander aircraft as it prepares to launch regional operations in Guyana.

The aircraft was completed at Britten-Norman’s UK facility and will support Xen Aviation’s planned commuter services in Georgetown, becoming the first BN2T-4S Islander to operate in the country. The BN2T-4S is the enlarged turboprop variant of the Islander, offering approximately 30% more cabin space and an increased Maximum Take-Off Weight of 8,925lbs (4,408kg).

This delivery demonstrates our ability to provide operators with aircraft configured to a consistent, OEM-defined standard. The BN2T-4S combines turbine performance, modern avionics and the Islander’s proven short-field capability, supporting reliable operations in demanding environments worldwide.
Corrin Stapleton, Director of MRO, Britten-Norman

Powered by twin Rolls-Royce 250-B17F engines, it delivers enhanced performance while retaining the Islander’s long-established reputation as one of the world’s leading short take-off and landing aircraft.

Purpose-designed for reliable, day-to-day operations from short, challenging and infrastructure-limited airstrips, the BN2T-4S supports consistent access in environments where runway length, surface condition and weather variability are routine considerations. This capability is well-established across regions such as Guyana and the wider Caribbean, where the Islander has supported short-field operations from demanding and unprepared airstrips for decades.

The aircraft is equipped with a modern Garmin glass cockpit and integrated avionics suite, supporting enhanced situational awareness, operational safety and long-term supportability. The BN2T-4S can also be configured with full airframe de-icing, extending operational capability in more variable and demanding climates.

Britten-Norman continues to support operators worldwide with aircraft delivered to current operational standards, backed by OEM engineering, certification and through-life support. The BN2T-4S Islander is certified in the UK, EU, US, Canada and Guyana. The aircraft is approved for up to ten passengers, subject to local air operations regulations.

A spokesperson for Xen Aviation added: “Our operations depend on reliable access to remote and challenging airstrips, often in variable conditions. The BN2T-4S offers the twin-engine safety, performance, robustness and modern systems we wish to offer to our customers, while retaining the Islander’s well-established short-field capability. Completing the refurbishment directly with the manufacturer gave us additional assurance as we introduce the aircraft into service.”

SPECIAL LIVERY - Alaska Airlines teams up with Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026™ Local Organizing Committee to launch a new aircraft livery celebrating summer soccer in Seattle

Summary

Seattle is getting ready to welcome the world, and Alaska Airlines is marking the moment with a new aircraft livery launched as an Official Seattle World Cup 2026™ Host City Supporter, in partnership with Qatar Airways.

Displayed on a Boeing 737-9 MAX with tail number 985AK, the design features the Seattle Host City logo alongside a dynamic soccer ball in motion, symbolizing the speed, excitement and momentum of the game.

The airline’s partnership with SeattleFWC26 also supports key community initiatives throughout the spring and summer, including support for last month’s inaugural Blind Soccer international tournament and community art installations.

Seattle is getting ready to welcome the world, and Alaska Airlines is marking the moment with a new aircraft livery launched as an Official Seattle World Cup 2026™ Host City Supporter, in partnership with Qatar Airways.
As Seattle’s hometown global airline, Alaska is proud to unveil the custom aircraft decal honoring SeattleFWC26, a tribute to the many people working to bring an unforgettable tournament experience to the Pacific Northwest.
Displayed on a Boeing 737-9 MAX with tail number 985AK, the design features the Seattle Host City logo alongside a dynamic soccer ball in motion, symbolizing the speed, excitement and momentum of the game. Inspired by elements from the official Seattle Host City poster, the livery also incorporates the iconic whale tail graphic, creating a distinctive connection to the Pacific Northwest and Seattle’s maritime heritage. 

On the underside of the aircraft, the bold declaration “WE ARE SEATTLE” serves as a powerful statement of Alaska’s pride in its hometown and reflects the airline’s commitment to welcoming fans from across its network and beyond.

We could not ask for a better hometown supporter than Alaska Airlines to carry Seattle and our region’s story to the world. This livery is more than a design; it is a reflection of who we are as the Pacific Northwest, innovative, welcoming, and proud, and an open invitation to experience that firsthand.”

Peter Tomozawa

CEO

SeattleFWC26

The airline’s partnership with SeattleFWC26 also supports key community initiatives throughout the spring and summer, including: support for last month’s inaugural Blind Soccer international tournament, community art installations highlighting the airline’s nonprofit partnerships in the Seattle-area such as Northwest Association for Blind Athletes and the Museum of Flight and a flag raising ceremony where Alaska will join other Host City Supporters to help raise the Seattle Host City Flag atop the Space Needle.

 

ROUTES - Emirates SkyCargo maps new horizons with freighter service to Almaty

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has announced that it will be launching dedicated weekly freighter flights on its Boeing 777F aircraft to Almaty International Airport, Kazakhstan, commencing 16 June 2026. Almaty is Emirates SkyCargo’s first destination in Central Asia and the new weekly cargo flights from Dubai will help open a new trade corridor integrating the region into the carrier’s global network.

Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city and a growing commercial and logistics hub serving as an important economic and trade gateway Central Asia. Emirates SkyCargo’s weekly freighter service on Tuesdays will provide over 100 tonnes of cargo capacity every week for the seamless movement of key commodities including electronics, perishables, machinery and other consumer goods between Almaty and the rest of the world through Dubai.

Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President said: “Emirates SkyCargo’s weekly freighter service to Almaty is in line with our role as a global trade facilitator and is an important step in expanding our network and connectivity to Central Asia, a region that is experiencing dynamic growth. Our flights will provide new opportunities for businesses in Almaty and the surrounding region to scale their international operations while allowing our global customers convenient and rapid wide-body cargo connectivity to a strategic marketplace. The expansion into Almaty supports our long-term growth strategy and D33 Dubai Economic Agenda objectives, accelerating foreign trade and Dubai's standing as a global logistics hub.”

In line with growing global demand, Emirates SkyCargo is strategically expanding its freighter fleet and global network. The airline has taken delivery of four new Boeing 777 freighters since March 2026, with delivery of six more freighters lined up for the rest of the year taking Emirates freighter fleet to 22 aircraft by December 2026. Emirates SkyCargo offers scalable and flexible cargo capacity solutions for its global customers. In addition to dedicated freighter flights, the carrier also offers high frequency bellyhold cargo capacity on Emirates’ fleet of passenger aircraft operating to destinations across six continents.

Lufthansa Group at ILA Berlin 2026: Anniversary Aircraft and Lufthansa Technik Defense

• Lufthansa A320neo in special 100th-anniversary livery
• Lufthansa Technik Defense showcases its portfolio in Hall D
• Focus on current projects for the German Armed Forces and NATO partners

The Lufthansa Group will have a dual presence at this year’s International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin: with its Airbus A320neo at the Airbus Static Display in Lufthansa’s special 100th founding anniversary livery, and with the Lufthansa Technik Defense exhibition booth.

The Lufthansa A320neo, registered D-AING, is part of the anniversary fleet commemorating the founding of the first Lufthansa 100 years ago. The aircraft, featuring the iconic Lufthansa crane in XXL format on a blue fuselage, represents more than a century of aviation history and the continuous modernization of the Lufthansa Group fleet.

At ILA 2026, the Lufthansa Group will place a particular focus on Lufthansa Technik Defense. Since 2023, Lufthansa Technik has brought together its defense activities for the German Armed Forces and its NATO partners under this brand. The company is involved in various military modernization and procurement programs, including the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, the PEGASUS signals intelligence system, and the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift transport helicopter. In addition, Lufthansa Technik Defense, together with Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall, and ESG, provides technical support for Germany’s future F-35 fleet.

At its 144-square-meter exhibition stand, Lufthansa Technik Defense will showcase these programs as well as additional capabilities in the maintenance, repair, overhaul, and modification of military aircraft.

Visit us at ILA Berlin 2026: The Lufthansa A320neo can be seen at the Airbus Static Display (S4). The Lufthansa Technik Defense stand is located in Hall D, Stand 395.

ROUTES / FLEET - Riyadh Air Opens Public Ticket Sales to Five Destinations Following Arrival of First Three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

All routes to operate on state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, offering a new standard of passenger comfort and experience

Guests will benefit from Riyadh Air's enhanced connectivity with ticket sales for additional destinations to follow in the coming weeks

With deliveries now accelerating, and a third aircraft having arrived today, first flight to London brought forward from July 1 to June 10, 2026

Sfeer loyalty members to receive ‘Best Offer Guarantee’, including exclusive benefits, free Wifi and rewards

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today unveiled its most significant route announcement to-date, with ticket sales opening to the public this evening for five (5) destinations – Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester – and additional routes to follow in the coming weeks. The announcement was made during the official unveiling of the airline’s first aircraft at a gala event in Riyadh.

This historic announcement, which follows the arrival on June 5, 2026 of the first two of the airline’s custom-manufactured Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and with a third (HZ-RXAC) having arrived in the Kingdom this morning. marks a major milestone, connecting Riyadh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with key global, regional and domestic economic, cultural and tourist centers, with the goal of flying to over 100 destinations by 2030.

With ticket sales to London on the new Dreamliners already open, today’s update expands availability to six routes.

Flights to each destination are scheduled to begin on the following dates:

Destination / Country / Start date

Jeddah (JED) - KSA - 14-June

Dubai (DXB) - UAE - 18-June

Cairo (CAI) - Egypt - 25-June

Madrid (MAD) - Spain - 17-July

Manchester (MAN) - UK - 23-July

More informations:

https://www.riyadhair.com/en/media-hub/riyadh-air-ticket-sales-to-five-destinations

ROUTES - ZIPAIR to Offer Additional Service to Los Angeles, Honolulu, Vancouver and Seoul

Photo: Duncan Stewart

ZIPAIR Tokyo announced the decision to offer additional service between Tokyo Narita = Los Angeles, Honolulu, Vancouver and Seoul on the following dates.

More informations:

https://www.zipair.net/ja/notification/406

AIRPORT - New Jorge Chávez International Airport

Photos: Duncan Stewart
 

SPECIAL LIVERY - WIZZ Malta / 9H-WNM / A321-271(NX) / Fly the Greenest

 Paul Bannwarth - BSL

DHL Aviation / Boeing 767-300(F) / OE-LYB

Ton Jochems - BSL
 

FLEET - FLEETAIR / ATR72-200F / HA-KAZ, HA-KAW

HA-KAZ

HA-KAW

 Ton Jochems - BSL

FLEET - WestJet to retire B737-700s to mitigate fuel impact, as the carrier shifts to the B737 MAX throughout 2026.

 

Duncan Stewart

Boeing May 2026 orders & deliveries

Boeing has released its figures of May 2026. In that month, the manufacturer received 27 new orders and sixteen cancellations. Sixty new aircraft were delivered to customers.

Ordered were:

10 B787-9s by Lufthansa
1 B737MAX by TUI
2 B737MAXs by Unidentified customer(s)
14 P-8As by Unidentified customer(s) The P-8As are most likely the ones ordered by Canada.

Cancelled were:

1 B737MAX by Air Europa
6 B737MAXs by Aviation Capital Group
8 B737MAXs by Jeju Air
1 B737MAX by TUI


Delivered were:

2 B737MAXs to AerCap
1 B787-9 to AerCap
1 B787-9 to Air India
3 B737MAXs to Alaska Airlines
1 B737MAX to American Airlines
2 B737MAXs to Arajet
1 B737MAX to Aviation Capital Group
2 B737MAXs to Avolon Aerospace Leasing
1 B737MAX to BOC Aviation
2 B737MAXs to CDB Leasing
2 B737MAXs to Copa Airlines
3 B737MAXs to Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
1 B767-300F to FedEx
1 B737MAX to Gol Linhas Aereas
1 B737MAX to Jackson Square Aviation
2 B737MAXs to Jeju Air
1 B787-9 to Lufthansa
2 B737MAXs to Macquarie AirFinance Holdings
2 B737MAXs to Minsheng Financial Leasing
1 B777F to National Airlines
1 B737MAX to a Private customer
1 B787-9 to Qatar Airways
1 B737MAX to Singapore Airlines
6 B737MAXs to SMBC Aviation Capital
7 B737MAXs to Southwest Airlines
1 B737MAX to TUI
2 B737MAXs to United Airlines
2 B787-9s to United Airlines
1 P-8A to the US Navy
4 B737MAXs to Virgin Australia
2 B737MAXs to WestJet

Boeing has now received a total of 324 orders and 29 cancellations, leaving a net of 295 aircraft. The number of delivered aircraft stands at 250.

FLEET - Air India is scheduled to receive its first custom-ordered Airbus A350-1000, registered as VT-JRO (F-WZFI), as part of its ongoing widebody fleet transformation

F-WZFI / Airbus A350-1041 / Serial #: 719
Chateauroux-Deols - LFLX, France

Photo: Alban Painvin

ROUTES / FLEET - Air Canada’s Glowing Hearted Era Begins as First Airbus A321XLR Commercial Flight Takes Off

New Air Canada aircraft to feature Glowing Hearted cabin, including lie-flat seats, a first for a Canadian airline on a single-aisle aircraft

A321XLR is scheduled to make its inaugural international flight on June 15 from Montréal to Toulouse

Air Canada today marked the entry into scheduled service of its first Airbus A321XLR. The 182 passengers onboard AC413 from Montréal to Toronto experienced the start of a whole new chapter in how - and where - Air Canada customers can fly.

“Air Canada is building one of the most capable fleets in the industry. The entry into service of the first Airbus A321XLR marks a transformative moment for Air Canada and the beginning of an exciting new era for our customers, industry partners, and colleagues,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada. “Today, we celebrate an aircraft that will unlock new destinations, improve service on existing markets, and enhance the onboard experience. For our premium customers, the A321XLR will offer the only lie-flat seats on a single-aisle aircraft for a Canadian carrier as it crosses the Atlantic and connects destinations across North America.”

"ADM Aéroports de Montréal is pleased to mark the official launch of the A321XLR departing from YUL Montréal-Trudeau today. This next-generation aircraft is a core part of the development and expansion of Air Canada and YUL," said Yves Beauchamp, ADM's President and CEO. "This modern and versatile aircraft will open up new markets and strengthen Montréal’s international connectivity, in addition to bringing greater flexibility to existing routes."

“We are thrilled to celebrate this historic milestone alongside our long-standing partner Air Canada. As the first airline in Canada to operate the A321XLR, Air Canada is showcasing true leadership in fleet modernization,” said Colin, Bole, Senior Vice President Customers, North America, Airbus. “This aircraft is the perfect tool to support their network growth, seamlessly bridging the gap between short-haul and long-haul operations while delivering a 30% reduction in fuel burn per seat and the ability to operate with up to 50% neat Sustainable Aviation Fuel. We are proud to see our next-generation technology support Air Canada’s ambitions and operate on both new and already-existing non-stop transatlantic markets like Montréal to Toulouse in a more sustainable way.” 

Air Canada

Air Canada’s new Glowing Hearted cabin standard is making its debut on the A321XLR, offering calm, comfort and connectivity to customers. It features personal device power at every seat, fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members sponsored by Bell, next-generation in-flight entertainment screens that are larger and offer Bluetooth connectivity, and thoughtfully curated cabin finishes inspired by the Canadian landscape and aligned to the airline’s brand and commitment to enduring quality.

To the 14 lie-flat seats in Air Canada Signature Class, the A321XLR has 168 Economy class seats, with every seat featuring seatback in-flight entertainment with 4K OLED IFE screens (13-inch in Economy, 19-inch in Signature Class) with Bluetooth audio.

The aircraft will operate several domestic flights prior to its first trans-Atlantic flight between Montréal and Toulouse on June 15.

Air Canada plans to integrate the A321XLR into its schedule progressively to support growth across its network. The aircraft’s performance and range characteristics are well suited to adjust for seasonal demand patterns and evolving market opportunities.

The arrival of the A321XLR is an important milestone and the latest step in Air Canada’s multi-year fleet modernization program, which is focused on customer experience, operational resilience and fuel efficiency improvements versus older-generation aircraft. It reflects the airline’s commitment to prudent growth, continuous product investment, and disciplined execution of Air Canada’s business plan. In addition to 30 A321XLRs (15 will be leased, 15 are being acquired directly from Airbus S.A.S) that are expected to enter the fleet over the coming years, Air Canada has announced orders for 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners as well as eight A350-1000s. It also continues to take deliveries of the Canadian-built Airbus A220, with 21 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65. Five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have already been delivered in 2026.

 

SPECIAL LIVERY - JETBLUE / A220-300 / N330BJ -"Blueprint II"

Photo: GeorgeM757 - KCLE
 

FLEET - LATAM unveils its first E195-E2, already painted at the Embraer factory.

Deliveries to the company will begin in the last quarter of this year.

The incorporation of the E195-E2 by LATAM includes a firm order for 24 aircraft, valued at approximately US$2.1 billion (list price), plus 50 purchase options. Deliveries to LATAM Airlines Brasil will begin in the last quarter of 2026, and the first destinations to be served by the model will be announced soon.

Photos / Video - Embraer /LATAM

 

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - Ajara Airlines (also known as Adjaria) was a Georgian airline based in Batumi that operated during the early 2000s (approximately 2002 to 2004)

Flyingphotos - Faro -  4L-AAM - Yakovlev Yak-42D

The carrier primarily utilized Yakovlev Yak-42D aircraft for its flights but has been presumed defunct for many years.

Fleet: Operated Soviet-era aircraft such as the Yakovlev Yak-42D (e.g., registration 4L-AAM).

Historical Routes: Serviced regional destinations within Europe and Georgia.

 

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - Air Poland Sp. z o.o. (formerly Air Italy Polska Sp. z o.o.) was a charter airline founded in 2007 and was based in Warsaw, Poland

Photos flyingphotos - Madrid
 

A former subsidiary of Air Italy, it operated charter flights on behalf of Polish tour operators to a broad range of destinations across the Mediterranean region, the Caribbean and beach resorts in Thailand and India.

Most flights departed from either Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport, Katowice International Airport or Poznań-Ławica Airport.

ICAO - AEI

Call sign - POLISH BIRD

Founded - 2007

Ceased operations - 2012

Operating bases - Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport

Fleet size - 3

Destinations - 15

Parent company - Mariusz Szpikowski and Dariusz Paszke

Headquarters - Warsaw, Poland

SPECIAL COLOURS - LOONG AIR / A320-200 / B-8453

Photos: ZSHC WCX

FLEET - Cessna Skycourier Enters Service In The Philippines With First Delivery To Leading Edge Air Services Corporation

Designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, the Cessna SkyCourier has entered service in the Philippines with the first delivery to Leading Edge Air Services Corporation (LEASCOR), expanding passenger and cargo connectivity across the country’s island communities through a versatile, mission-ready turboprop.

The aircraft delivered to LEASCOR, a wholly owned subsidiary of ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative, is a 19‑passenger variant equipped with the optional passenger‑to‑freighter conversion kit. The configuration allows operators to quickly transition between full passenger and full cargo missions, supporting a wide range of domestic transport, tourism and logistics operations.

“Being able to shift seamlessly between passenger and cargo missions is critical for operators serving remote and regional markets,” said Juan Escalante, vice president, SkyCourier Sales. “The Cessna SkyCourier provides a dependable, versatile platform that enables operators to respond quickly to changing transportation needs while maintaining efficiency.”

Engineered for dependable performance in rugged environments, the twin‑engine, high‑wing turboprop combines generous payload capacity with excellent short takeoff and landing performance. Its large cargo door supports efficient loading while fixed landing gear and Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑65SC engines contribute to durability and operational confidence across a variety of mission profiles.

LEASCOR was established in 2016 as the air chartering arm of ACDI Multipurpose Cooperative, which serves members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other uniformed personnel, including active service members, retirees, reservists and civilian employees.

“The arrival of our first Cessna SkyCourier marks a defining milestone for Leading Edge Air Services Corporation,” said Maj. Gen. Gilbert S. Llanto, Armed Forces of the Philippines (Ret). “It strengthens our ability to provide reliable air connectivity to communities that depend on consistent passenger and cargo service, particularly in remote areas.”

With the SkyCourier, we are strengthening our capability to open underserved routes, enhance logistics and support regional economies. It allows us to respond faster, serve farther and operate more efficiently, advancing our goal of helping build a resilient, future ready aviation network for the Philippines.

Maj. Gen. Gilbert S. Llanto, Armed Forces of the Philippines (Ret).

“What makes the SkyCourier invaluable is its purpose-built versatility, supported by twin-engine reliability, high payload capacity and the ability to operate on short and unpaved runways. These capabilities enable seamless passenger and cargo operations, even in remote areas. With the SkyCourier, we are strengthening our capability to open underserved routes, enhance logistics and support regional economies. It allows us to respond faster, serve farther and operate more efficiently, advancing our goal of helping build a resilient, future ready aviation network for the Philippines,” said Maj. Gen. Llanto.

 

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

 Paul Bannwarth