SPECIAL LIVERY (Report) - NASA unveils its F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets with commemorative 4th of July paint scheme.

NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center has unveiled a new special paint scheme for two of its aircraft.

The American space agency's F/A-18D Hornet and F-15D Eagle fighter jets received a red, white, and blue color scheme with several white stars, in reference to the United States flag. According to NASA, the initiative seeks to honor the country's history and highlight values ​​considered fundamental to its trajectory. In a social media post, the agency stated that the new visual identity represents the legacy of determination, service, and unity that define the American nation. has unveiled a new special paint scheme for two of its aircraft.

The American space agency's F/A-18D Hornet and F-15D Eagle fighter jets received a red, white, and blue color scheme with several white stars, in reference to the United States flag. According to NASA, the initiative seeks to honor the country's history and highlight values ​​considered fundamental to its trajectory. In a social media post, the agency stated that the new visual identity represents the legacy of determination, service, and unity that define the American nation.

ROUTES - Syrianair wet leases A320 for European Union return

Syrianair (RB, Damascus) has wet leased an A320-200 from Heston Airlines (HN, Vilnius) to restart services to the European Union after a 14-year gap. LY-MAU (msn 6347) operated the first flight from Amsterdam Schiphol to Damascus, and return, on July 2, 2026. 

The Syrian carrier previously said that it elected to restart the route through ACMI because it has secured the necessary traffic rights, but not the EU Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation, for which it would have to wait much longer.
Syrian Air

AIRPORT - Palma de Mallorca-Spain

 Ton Jochems - PMI

SPECIAL LIVERY - Juneyao Air / B787-9 / B-226M - Blossoming China

Ton Jochems - BRU
 

AIRPORT - Lisboa-Humberto Delgado-Portugal

Flyingphotos
 

SPECIAL LIVERY - Brussels Airlines / A320-200 / OO-SNJ - New "Tin Tin

Ton Jochems - BRU
 

HYBRID LIVERY - Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras / A330-200 / PR-AHC - ex American Airlines

Photo: Emerson Farias
 

Azul Linhas Aéreas officially received its first Airbus A330-200 (registration PR-AHC) from American Airlines on June 18, 2026. 

The aircraft landed all-white at Confins International Airport and will undergo visual padronization, cabin retrofitting, and entertainment system upgrades at Azul's hangar in Viracopos

This is the first of up to five A330-200s being leased to Azul via American Airlines, its new investor.

SPECIAL LIVERY - Airlink Sporting a Gorgeous Green Getup

Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier airline, today revealed its latest bespoke-liveried aircraft, an Embraer E190, in a gorgeous green getup.

The newly-painted aircraft, registration ZS-YAE, made its debut this evening on a flight from Polokwane to O.R. Tambo International Airport and from tomorrow it will operate on Airlink’s main domestic and regional trunk services throughout Southern and East Africa.

“The aircraft is one of three sporting our Airlink Skybucks customer loyalty programme paint schemes. Its unveiling coincides with Airlink being named the Official Domestic Airline for the forthcoming Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry 2026 Tournament where we will fly the New Zealand and South African teams and personnel between their matches,” said de Villiers Engelbrecht, Airlink CEO.

The rugby tournament’s official logo is also displayed on both sides of the aircraft and will also soon appear on its black sistership, ZS-YDE.

Airlink’s current fleet comprises over 70 Embraer-manufactured aircraft, and together, they carry over four million passengers a year on about 250 flights every day.

A team of six specially-qualified technicians using electrostatic equipment painted the aircraft at Airlink’s new maintenance base at Polokwane’s Gateway International Airport in Limpopo Province. The base incorporates a dedicated 96m x 46m aircraft paint-shop, which has the capacity to paint up to 13 aircraft a year.

Airlink 

FLEET - Alaska Air Group Evaluates Replacements for Hawaiian Airlines' Boeing 717s

Alaska Air Group is evaluating the future of Hawaiian Airlines' fleet of 19 Boeing 717 aircraft, which operate exclusively inter-island flights in Hawaii. Hawaiian has operated this model for over two decades, with the average age of the fleet approaching 24 years.

Hawaiian also flies the Airbus A321neo on some inter-island flights.

The B737 is one of the possible replacements.

Photos: Duncan Stewart
 

FLEET - Qatar Airways sells, leases back three A350-1000s

Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Hamad International) has sold and leased back three A350-1000s to BOC Aviation. 

All three units have already been delivered to the airline. 

Qatar Airways operates a fleet of twenty-eight A350-1000s (with 16 more on order), of which it has thus far owned 11 units. BOC Aviation owns nine A350-900s and one B777-300ER leased to the Qatari carrier.
 CH Aviation / Photo: Duncan Stewart

FLEET - Viva debuts JOLCO facility for one A321neo

Viva (Mexico) (VB, Monterrey Mariano Escobedo) has secured its first Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) financing for the acquisition of one A321-200NX, which was delivered in May 2026. 

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group acted as the sole structuring agent and lender of the JOLCO, while the transaction’s equity was underwritten by Three i’s Capital. 

Viva currently operates a fleet of thirty-six A321-200NXs, with another ten still on order.

CH Avaition / Photo: Duncan Stewart 

TOKI AIR inaugurates commercial flights to the airport with the world's shortest runway, operated by an ATR 42-600.

Photo: TOKI AIR

Japan’s startup airline TOKI AIR completed its first commercial flight to Sado Airport with an ATR 42-600, operating into the shortest commercial runway in the world served by an ATR 42-600.

Measuring at 890 metres, Sado Airport is not just another destination on the map. It is a highly constrained operating environment on an island off the coast of Niigata Prefecture. One where air connectivity can make a tangible difference for residents, businesses and visitors, yet where operational limitations mean that only a handful of aircraft can safely operate.

hat is what makes this first commercial flight so significant. Serving Sado requires the right combination of airline expertise, careful preparation and aircraft performance. The ATR 42-600 is among the largest commercial aircraft types able to serve the airport, reflecting ATR’s proven ability to connect demanding regional destinations, including those with runways below 1,000 metres. In a region also known for strong winds, its 45kt crosswind capability provides additional operational flexibility, helping make commercial connectivity possible where infrastructure constraints would otherwise limit access.

Sado’s runway environment also highlights the importance of aircraft certification and airport infrastructure working together. The runway’s grooved surface, designed to improve water drainage and runway conditions, supports safe operations in challenging environments. ATR has specifically certified the wet grooved runway performance on the ATR 42-600, helping to unlock this type of operation and enabling regional operators to serve airports with demanding characteristics.

Connecting Sado Island

Taking its inaugural flight at the end of May, this milestone marks a new chapter in the airline’s mission to improve regional connectivity across Niigata and beyond, as from the outset, connecting Sado has been a key priority.

TOKI AIR takes its name from the toki, the Japanese crested ibis, a bird closely associated with Sado Island, where major conservation efforts have helped restore its population. That link gives this first commercial service an added resonance: an airline named after one of the island’s most emblematic symbols now helping reconnect it by air.

For Sado Island, the launch of commercial service means easier access to the mainland, stronger links for local communities, and new opportunities for mobility, tourism and economic activity.

In a protected island environment, the role of regional aviation is not only to connect, but to do so responsibly. With the lowest fuel burn, CO₂ emissions, and noise footprint in its class, the ATR is uniquely well-suited to meet Sado’s essential connectivity needs.

With this first commercial flight to Sado Airport, TOKI AIR and the ATR 42-600 have demonstrated what regional aviation can achieve when the right aircraft meets the right mission.

This is where regional aviation delivers its full value: not only by flying communities efficiently, but by enabling the connections that matter most.

Congratulations to TOKI AIR and all the teams involved in making this milestone possible.
ATR

FLEET - Syrian Arab Airlines / Boeing 737-500 / YK-SYR - leased from the United Arab Emirates-based start-up FlyDar Aviation

Photo: Syrianair

 

MIAT - Mongolian Airlines mulls 10 Airbus jets

MIAT - Mongolian Airlines (OM, Ulaanbaatar) is looking to purchase ten Airbus aircraft, road and transport minister Borkhuu Delgersaikhan told local media during an event on June 25, 2026. The move is part of a multipronged strategy to improve the country's air transport sector.

"As the national carrier, MIAT has decided to acquire ten aircraft. We are taking this step with confidence," Delgersaikhan said. He explained that the airline's heavy reliance on leased aircraft has driven up costs, with nine of its ten aircraft currently under lease.

"While we are transporting both international and domestic passengers, the high lease payments mean the airline is not generating sufficient returns," he added.

The aircraft will be acquired through long-term finance leases or other financing arrangements. Delgersaikhan said the ministry is in talks with two financial institutions, including the Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia, which is prepared to provide financing guarantees, as well as an undisclosed French party.

Describing the acquisition as "a very important milestone" for Mongolia, Delgersaikhan said the government intends to select an Airbus type best suited to MIAT's operational requirements.

MIAT last operated an Airbus aircraft in 2011 when it retired its sole A310-300 after 13 years of service. According to ch-aviation fleets data, the carrier currently operates one B737-8, three B737-800s, one B757-200(PCF), one B767-300ER, two B787-9s, and two CRJ700s.

MIAT, which did not indicate the plans during a recent interview with ch-aviation, did not respond to a request for comment.
CH Aviation

SPECIAL LIVERY - Shenzhen Airlines' first out of two A350 jets enters commercial service on 1 July 2026

On June 30, 2026, the inaugural ceremony for Shenzhen Airlines' first Airbus A350 aircraft was held at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.

The A350 aircraft, adorned with the "Kunpeng" livery, made its official debut. The fuselage design is centered on "Kunpeng," a clever allusion to Shenzhen's nickname, "Pengcheng" (meaning "Peng City"). It incorporates elements of Lingnan's local intangible cultural heritage, such as the Ao fish, the Shatoujiao fish lantern dance, and the kirin (a mythical creature), along with innovative symbols of robots and drones, creating a dynamic and fluid visual effect across the fuselage's curved surfaces.

On its maiden flight, the aircraft operates on two express routes: Shenzhen-Beijing and Shenzhen-Shanghai Hongqiao.

Sayacinta / AirPost

FLEET - Croatia Airlines eyes unified fleet in 2027, profit in 2028

9A-CAO - A220-100- Croatia Airlines-BRU

Croatia Airlines (OU, Zagreb Franjo Tuđman) is expecting to complete its fleet-wide transition to A220 family aircraft by year-end 2027, although “with a realistic dose of flexibility,” given supply-chain constraints and production capacities at Airbus, CEO Jasmin Bajic said. 

First announced in October 2022, the carrier's single-type fleet replacement project has included the acquisition of thirteen A220-300s and two A220-100s, with six deliveries of the former still pending (five more in 2026 and one in 2027). 

Bajić added that the airline has planned a return to profitability in 2028, although he remains cautious regarding geopolitical instability, jet fuel prices, and a 20% increase in passenger fees at Zagreb Franjo Tuđman

CH Aviation / Photo: Ton Jochems

ROUTES - Emirates arrives in Cape Town with a third daily service and its newest aircraft

EK778 lands at Cape Town International Airport for the first time, bringing the Emirates A350 to South Africa

Emirates has also reinstated its fourth daily service to Johannesburg, and now operates a consistent and reliable schedule of 56 weekly flights between South Africa and Dubai  

 Cape Town, South Africa, 2 July 2026: Emirates' third daily service on the Dubai-Cape Town route landed at Cape Town International Airport at 18:05 yesterday, marking the first arrival of flight EK778. This also marks the debut of the airline's next-generation Airbus A350 in South Africa.

The A350 is the newest aircraft type to join Emirates’ all widebody fleet, introducing the latest in-flight experience. The bright and airy cabins have been thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort in every cabin, whilst cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options elevate every flight. The deployment also increases access to the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy cabin, which first launched in South Africa in September 2025 and has proved consistently popular with travellers.


Afzal Parambil, Emirates' Regional Manager for Southern Africa, said, "Cape Town has long been one of the most popular destinations on our African network. The launch of a third daily service, operated with our newest aircraft, shows how much we believe in this market. The new flight gives travellers more options and an easier connection to our global network through Dubai, while the A350 offers the latest passenger experience. We’d like to extend our thanks to the South African authorities for their partnership and support in securing this new service, and look forward to welcoming passengers onboard."

 The new flight enhances connectivity for South African travellers, offering more choice, flexibility, and improved access to Emirates’ global network, via Dubai, especially long-haul destinations in West Asia, Australasia and the Far East.

The launch of the new service also builds on the agreement signed in April 2026 between Emirates and Wesgro, the tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape. The two organisations are working together to bring more visitors from key markets such as the Gulf, the Far East, and India.

Outside of Cape Town, Emirates also reinstated its fourth daily flight to Johannesburg on 1 July 2026, boosting weekly connectivity to Dubai to 56 weekly services from its three South African gateways. The deployment is further supported by the seasonal deployment of the second A380 service into Johannesburg. EK761 and EK762 will now be operated by a fully retrofitted A380, equipped with the in-demand Premium Economy cabin and the latest cabin interiors, enhancing Emirates world-class offering and boosting capacity in and out of South Africa’s largest and busiest international airport. 

By enhancing its frequencies, Emirates is not just supporting passenger traffic, but facilitation global trade too. Optimising the belly capacity in the Boeing 777 and A350, as well as the daily flight from Durban, Emirates SkyCargo uplifts key commodities from South Africa such as fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled meat, dairy, seafood and fresh cut flowers, and transports them worldwide, connecting South African businesses with their global customers, quickly, reliably and efficiently.

For more information or to book tickets, visit emirates.com. Tickets can also be booked on Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

AIRPORT - Barcelona El Prat-LEBL-Spain

Alain Charpentier
 

STARLUX secures additional A321neos

BOC Aviation has announced it has signed a lease-agreement with STARLUX Airlines for the Airbus A321neo. In total, the airline will be expanding the fleet with eight additional aircraft that are scheduled to begin arriving from 2028 onwards. BOC Aviation will provide the A321neos from its own orderbook it has for the type with Airbus.

STARLUX already operates a fleet of thirteen A321neos, next to eight A330-900s, ten A350-900s, and two A350-1000s.

Photo: STARLUX.

Statement on Low-pass Freighter Video

We are aware of a video circulating on social media depicting a freighter aircraft, in Qatar Airways livery, conducting a low-pass. The aircraft in the video is owned by a leasing company and not by Qatar Airways. The aircraft was undergoing a pre-delivery test flight prior to its planned entry into our cargo fleet. The flight was not operated by Qatar Airways and the pilots were not our personnel.

QATAR

DOMESTIC AIRLINES / ATR72-600 - F-WWEB

 

FRONTIER AIRLINES / A321NEO / N610FR - Ozzy The ORCA

Ton Jochems
 

IBERIA EXPRESS / A321NEO / EC-OAS - Cirium tls

Ton Jochems
 

AIR X / Embraer Legacy 600 / 9H-IMP

Ton Jochems
 

FLEET - Air Congo Receives First Dreamliner Ahead of European Flights debut.

Air Congo has received its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from technical partner and shareholder Ethiopian Airlines, marking a major step in the Democratic Republic of Congo carrier's preparations to launch long-haul flights to Brussels.

 

SPECIAL LIVERY - ‘Aloha all around the world:’ Hawaiian Airlines unveils oneworld alliance livery aircraft featuring ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi

Hawaiian’s Airbus A330 aircraft livery will share Hawaiian language with guests from around the world

Hawaiian celebrated the special aircraft unveiling with a donation of $10K each to ʻIolani Palace and the Polynesian Voyaging Society

Hawaiian Airlines today unveiled a special aircraft livery celebrating its membership in the oneworld® alliance with a design that honors ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian language, with the phrase “Aloha a puni ka honua,” or “Aloha all around the world.”

Hawaiian’s widebody Airbus A330 carrying the oneworld mark will continue to feature the airline’s iconic Pualani on the tail and a maile lei wrapped around the fuselage as it welcomes guests across the airline’s domestic and international transpacific network. The phrase “Aloha all around the world” reflects both the expanded global reach of the alliance and Hawaiian’s mission to share warm hospitality with a broader audience.

This livery is a powerful symbol of what it means for Hawaiian Airlines to be part of the oneworld alliance — sharing aloha, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and our deep connection to Hawaiʻi with more people around the globe. Language is essential to preserving Hawaiʻi’s culture. By placing ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi on our aircraft, we honor our heritage and carry the voice of Hawaiʻi everywhere we fly. We are deeply proud to share our culture, our values and our aloha with the world.”
Alisa Onishi
Managing Director of Hawaiʻi Marketing
Hawaiian Airlines 

Hawaiian unveiled its oneworld alliance aircraft livery during a celebration event in Honolulu at its Charles I. Elliott Maintenance and Cargo Facility, where it also donated $10,000 each to the ‘Iolani Palace and the Polynesian Voyaging Society – two of the airline’s longstanding partners that perpetuate Hawai‘i’s culture and traditions.
Hawaiian’s oneworld membership, the 96-year carrier’s first entry into a major alliance, makes it easier than ever for travelers worldwide to visit Hawai‘i – a premier global leisure destination – and experience the airline’s award-winning hospitality the moment they step onboard.
Hawaiian Airlines guests who are members of Atmos™ Rewards, the loyalty program of the combined Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines – including Huaka‘i by Hawaiian, which provides exclusive benefits for Hawai‘i residents – can earn and redeem points and enjoy elite status when traveling on any of the 15 other oneworld airlines that serve nearly 1,000 global destinations across more than 170 countries throughout the Asia‑Pacific region, the U.S. continent, Europe and beyond. Members of oneworld alliance airlines’ loyalty programs can earn and redeem points and have their elite status recognized on all Hawaiian Airlines flights.

SPECIAL LIVERY - ANA Unveils Specially Painted "Red Pokémon Jet" To Mark 30th Anniversary of ANA×Pokémon Partnership

・ANA will hold an unveiling event for the specially painted aircraft on July 28, 2026.

・Applications open today for ANA Mileage Club members, and 80 winners will be selected by lottery to attend.

・The "Red Pokémon Jet" enters service on July 29, 2026.

TOKYO, Jul. 1, 2026 - All Nippon Airways (ANA) today announced it will unveil the specially painted "Red Pokémon Jet" as the first phase of the ANA x Pokémon 30th Anniversary Special Project. The unveiling event will be held on July 28, 2026 at the ANA Airframe Maintenance Building at Haneda Airport. Regular domestic flights for the aircraft are scheduled to begin the following day, Wednesday, July 29.

Up close, participants will see and experience the dynamic aircraft adorned with Fire-type Pokémon from across the series. The event also features a special ceremony and exhibition of original in-flight items.

From 11:00 today, July 1, ANA Mileage Club members can apply for one of the 80 places, awarded by lottery, to experience this collaboration between ANA and Pokémon firsthand.

Event Overview

Date & Time - Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 14:30 - 16:00 (Planned)
Location - ANA Airframe Maintenance Building (3-5-4 Haneda Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo)
Application Period - Wednesday, July 1, 11:00 - Sunday, July 12, 23:59 (JST)
How to Apply Please apply via the campaign website below:
https://www.ana.co.jp/en/jp/mycampaign/pockemonjet_event_red_2026/
Eligibility -  ANA Mileage Club Member (Applicant) and up to 2 companions
(Elementary school students must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older)
Capacity 80 attendees

※Winners will be selected by lottery from the applicants and notified. Please check the application website for details and important notices regarding the event and application.

■ Specially Painted "Red Pokémon Jet" Inaugural Flight Schedule

・Inaugural Flight Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026

・Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 (Aircraft Registration: JA819A)

※Winners will be selected by lottery from the applicants and notified. Please check the application website for details and important notices regarding the event and application.


■ Specially Painted "Red Pokémon Jet" Inaugural Flight Schedule
・Inaugural Flight Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
・Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 (Aircraft Registration: JA819A)