AIRLINE HISTORY RENAMED(DEFUNCT) - World Focus Airlines (later renamed Ankair) was a Turkish charter airline operating between 2005 and 2008, headquartered in Istanbul

Flyingphotos - Lisboa - TC-AKL-McDonnell Douglas MD-83 

It operated Airbus A310 and McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft before suspending operations in July 2008 after losing its operating license. 

The carrier was best known for operating the ill-fated Atlasjet Flight 4203 in 2007.

ICAO - VVF

Country - Türkiye

Fleet:

Airbus A310-200 - 2

McDonnell Douglas MD-80 - 3

McDonnell Douglas MD-83 - 3

 

AIRPORT - Tokyo Haneda - Tokyo, Japan

Huang ChengJen

AIRPORT - Malaga - LEMG, Spain

Photos: Markus Altmann

 

FLEET - MNG Airlines Deploys A321 Freighter With Air Algérie

TC-MYB-A321F-MNG -Ton Jochems - AMS

Turkish carrier MNG Airlines has deployed an Airbus A321-200P2F freighter with Air Algérie, marking a temporary boost to the national airline’s cargo capacity as it gradually expands its logistics operations.

FLEET - DR Congo's flyCAA exits turboprop market

flyCAA (BU, Kinshasa N'Djili) has exited turboprop operations with the sale of its last remaining ATR72-500 to UK-based Executive Jet Support, which intends to ferry the aircraft to WZL (Poland) at Bydgoszcz Ignacy Jan Paderewski in Poland for teardown as part of its continued investment programme in ATR - Avions de Transport Régional components.

According to ch-aviation data, 22.2-year-old 9S-ABD (msn 706) was the last of its kind in the flyCAA fleet.

Fitted with 68 seats in a single-cabin layout, the turboprop was first delivered to Air Dolomiti in 2004 and flew with Mistral Air from 2014, before being bought by flyCAA in 2019. It is currently stored at Ben Slimane, according to ch-aviation data.

In a statement, Executive Jet Support said the addition strengthens its ATR offering and will provide more parts to meet demand for reliable turboprop components. The transaction was facilitated by Skyworld Aviation, a UK-based specialist in regional aircraft sales.

ch-aviation has contacted flyCAA for comment.

Between 2019 and 2025, flyCAA operated another ATR72-500, 9S-AAD (msn 685), which it sold to KF Aerospace in October 2025, according to ch-aviation data.

flyCAA's remaining fleet now comprises three A320-200 narrowbodies and one A330-300 widebody, all dry leased from Carlyle Aviation Partners, plus one A321-200(PCF) freighter dry leased from Cargo Aircraft Management.

The airline serves ten domestic destinations, Kinshasa N'Djili, Bunia, Gemena, Kananga, Kindu, Kisangani, Kolwezi, Lubumbashi, Mbandaka, and Mbuji Mayi.

CH Aviation 

NEW AIRLINE / FLEET - Brazza Airlines wet leases E145, E190

Brazza Airlines, the new Congolese subsidiary of French airline Thalair, has commenced commercial operations between Brazzaville and Pointe Noire with two Embraer jets wet-leased from Regourd Aviation (Paris Le Bourget), ADS-B data confirms.

Regourd Aviation CEO Alain Regourd confirmed to ch-aviation that the wet lease had been arranged "for several months" but was unable to disclose the final timing as this was still under negotiations.

The 13.6-year-old E190, F-HDRI (msn 19000570), is being operated under an Amelia (8R, Paris Le Bourget) flight code, having arrived in Brazzaville on April 18 from St. Brieuc in France, via Ghardaia and N'Djamena. It is owned by Amelia parent Regourd Aviation and is fitted with 98 seats in a three-class cabin layout, according to ch-aviation data. Bamboo Airways formerly operated the jet under the registration VP-CFL. It was first delivered to China Southern Airlines in 2012.

The second aircraft, 17.7-year-old E145 F-HOXY (msn 14501027), also owned by Regourd Aviation, arrived in Pointe Noire and Brazzaville on April 21 under an Amelia International flight code, having been ferried from St. Brieuc via Dakar Blaise Diagne International, Lomé, and Agadir Al Massira, according to ADS-B data. The 50-seater single-class jet was first delivered to Grand China Express Airlines, which later rebranded as Tianjin Airlines, in 2008, ch-aviation data reveals.

Regourd Aviation acquired two E190s in 2025 to develop the 100-seater charter and ACMI market.

Brazza Airlines intends to serve more domestic routes, including Ollombo, Ouesso, Impfondo, and Dolisie.

First A380 with new Business Class takes off

Modernization of the first of eight Airbus A380s completed

“Mike-Charly” features new Business Class seats on the upper deck

First flight with the modernized cabin on April 23 from Munich to Los Angeles

Premium XXL: Lufthansa is retrofitting its eight A380s and installing a completely new Business Class in its largest aircraft. In the future, Business Class on the A380 will offer even more comfort and privacy at a new premium level. The new Thompson seats feature a seat width of 58 cm, a bed length of at least two meters, and flexible partitions—making this the most comfortable Business Class in the A380 ever. Each of the 68 seats is directly accessible from the aisle.

In addition, the in-flight entertainment system has been upgraded. In Business Class, guests can now enjoy feature films, TV series, music, digital newspapers and magazines on an 18-inch Panasonic screen and can also use, for example, their own headphones via Bluetooth. Also new are an interactive 3D moving map, cinema-quality sound, flight cameras, and a new intuitive user interface in all cabin classes.

Following the successful retrofit and the ferry flight to Munich two days prior, the first flight for D-AIMC “Mike-Charly” will depart for Los Angeles on Thursday, April 23. The aircraft will take off from Munich as flight LH452 at 12:15 p.m. local time and land in Los Angeles around 3:15 p.m. local time.

After just under twelve weeks, the retrofit of the first A380 was completed. Work on modernizing the next aircraft, D-AIMH “Mike-Hotel” in its blue anniversary livery featuring the XXL crane, began on the very same day, meaning that two Lufthansa A380s were in Dresden on Tuesday.

The retrofit program began in early February at the Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden. In addition to the modernization of the Business Class, routine maintenance work is also being performed on the aircraft. All eight A380s are scheduled to be retrofitted by mid-2027.

Lufthansa
 

FLEET - Bougainville Wings launches with Cessna 208B Caravan

Bougainville Wings has taken delivery of its first Cessna (single turboprop) C208B ahead of the official launch of the new carrier by the president of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Ishmael Toroama.

“The aviation industry in Bougainville has long-awaited progress, and we are looking forward to expanding this significant beginning,” Toroama said during an event at Buka airport.


P2-BWL (msn 208B0082) was ferried to Buka from Port Moresby, via Rabaul, on April 19-20, 2026, ADS-B data shows. 

The aircraft was previously imported to Papua New Guinea, the parent state of Bougainville, in June-August 2025, ferrying from Akron Regional via multiple stops in the United States and the Pacific. According to FAA records reviewed by ch-aviation, the C208B is on lease from J.R.'s Sky, a US-based lessor.

The start-up is a 70/30 joint venture between the local government, which is currently in transition to independent statehood following a 2019 referendum, and Outback Aviation. The latter is a privately owned logistics and agriculture firm headquartered in Port Moresby, capital of Papua New Guinea, which does not hold an air operator's certificate.

Bougainville Wings claims to have received a "certificate of airworthiness" in December 2025, although it is unclear if that documentation pertains solely to the C208B or is also an AOC for the start-up. The local government said it would use the aircraft to improve the connectivity within the ABG, including providing new services to remote destinations such as Nissan Island, Buin, Torokina, and the outlying atoll islands.

Following the 2019 referendum, in which over 98% of voters favoured independence, and a subsequent 2021 agreement with the government of Papua New Guinea, Bougainville should become an independent state by 2027. However, the necessary law has yet to be approved by the PNG parliament. The region currently relies on connectivity provided by PNG carriers, such as Air Niugini and PNG Air.
CH Aviation

FLEET / ROUTES - Qantas Airways takes delivery of fifth A321XLR

Qantas Airways, (via its official Facebook and LinkedIn accounts), announced (22-Apr-2026) it took delivery of its fifth A321XLR (VH‑OGE) 'Murray River' in Brisbane. 

The carrier plans to deploy the aircraft on Brisbane-Perth service in May-2026.

Qantas previously stated it planned to deploy A321XLR equipment on Brisbane‑Manila from Oct-2026, lifting the route from five times weekly to daily from 25-Oct-2026.

Qantas’ first two A321XLRs entered service in Sep-2025 on Sydney‑Melbourne and Sydney‑Perth, with the fleet planned to reach seven aircraft by end-FY2026.

Qantas took delivery of its fourth A321XLR in Brisbane in Feb-2026.3

 

Namibia gives airlines six months to cut fares or face rules

Namibian transport minister Veikko Nekundi has given airlines operating in that country six months to cut domestic airfares or face government regulation, warning he is prepared to amend laws to impose price controls.

Speaking at Aviation Week Africa 2026 in Windhoek, Nekundi cited a recent one-way fare of NAD9,000 Namibian dollars (USD545) from Windhoek Eros to Ondangwa, the Namibian business daily The Brief reported.

He said that domestic flights should not cost more than regional routes, noting that trips to Cape Town International in neighbouring South Africa are often significantly cheaper.

"If nothing changes, I will intervene," he warned, adding that airlines must act or face regulation similar to fare controls used in the Namibian taxi sector.

In a statement, privately owned FlyNamibia (WV, Windhoek Eros), the country's only scheduled airline, defended its pricing on the Ondangwa route, saying fares are largely driven by demand and costs beyond the airline’s control. It said 67% of its operating costs are externally determined, limiting its ability to lower prices.

FlyNamibia noted that Eros and Ondangwa airports have only one fuel supplier, creating a monopoly with no price competition, while fuel prices have risen sharply amid the Middle East conflict. It also pointed to taxes, levies, and regulatory charges which contribute to the overall price paid by passengers.

The airline said it had urged the government to help stimulate demand by purchasing more seats, arguing that higher passenger volumes would allow fares to fall over time.

The minister's warning comes as the government advances plans to revive a national carrier by the end of 2026, while Namibia and Botswana have mooted joining forces to launch a joint airline.

According to the Windhoek Observer newspaper, Nekundi also confirmed government plans to expand Windhoek International, including the construction of a third terminal, as part of efforts to boost capacity and strengthen the country’s aviation sector. He labelled the project a national priority as part of a broader strategy to improve connectivity and position Namibia as a regional hub.

The expansion will include upgrades to air navigation systems and is expected to increase passenger and cargo handling capacity, supporting growing international demand.

EGYPTAIR / A350-900 / F-WZNG / cn787

Alain Charpentier - TLS
 

TRANSAVIA / A320NEO / F-WWBE / 13203

Alain Charpentier - TLS
 

AIRPORT - Frankfurt am Main-Germany

Photos: Konstantin von Wedelstaedt

 

SPECIAL COLOURS - AirAsia / A320-200 / 9M-RAW - "Visit Truly Asia Malaysia 2026"

Phuket Int'l - VTSP, Thailand - Photo: Markus Altmann

 

SPECIAL COLOURS - AirAsia / A320NEO / 9M-AGK - Visit Truly Asia Malaysia 2026"

Phuket Int'l - VTSP, Thailand - Photo: Markus Altmann

FLEET - Pioneer Airlines Secures Second ATR72- 600

Nigerian startup carrier Pioneer Airlines is continuing the gradual expansion of its fleet with the imminent acquisition of a second ATR72-600 turboprop, marking another step in the rollout of its commercial operations and the consolidation of its regional development strategy.

Aer Lingus ends operations on UK certificate

Flyingphotos - Faro

Aer Lingus (United Kingdom) (EG, Belfast City) operated its final flight on March 31, 2026, and is in the process of transferring both of its A330-300s back to the parent company, Aer Lingus (EI, Dublin International).

EI-EDY (msn 1025) was reregistered in Ireland on March 13, 2026, following its last revenue flight under the UK certificate on March 2, on the Orlando International-Manchester route, then as G-EIDY. It has been operating for Aer Lingus under the Irish certificate since March 19.

The second unit of the type, G-EILA (msn 1106), continued under the British AOC until the end of March, with the last service from Orlando on March 30. It was ferried to Dublin International the next day and has remained parked since then. UK records indicate that the aircraft remains registered in the country, but an application to export it has already been filed.

Aer Lingus announced earlier this year that it would close its Manchester base at the end of March, ending its transatlantic services from the UK.

The IAG International Airlines Group-owned airline did not respond to ch-aviation's question whether it planned to retain the UK certificate for potential future use or surrender it.

Aer Lingus' fleet on the Irish certificate comprises twenty-seven A320-200s, eight A320-200Ns, eight A321-200NX(LR)s, six A321-200NY(XLR)s, three A330-200s, and eleven A330-300s (excluding G-EILA, which has yet to be transferred).

AIRCRAFT - Airbus completes first A350F Freighter main deck cargo door in Spain

Airbus has completed the manufacturing and assembly of the first main deck cargo door for the A350F freighter at its facility in Illescas, Spain. The component has been delivered to the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Toulouse, where it will be integrated into the fuselage of the first test aircraft and undergo testing in the coming weeks. Airbus is manufacturing two A350F aircraft for flight testing from 2026 to 2027.
The A350F main deck cargo door is the largest in the industry. Featuring a 4.5-metre cut-out width and a 4.3-metre tall opening, it is designed to make loading and unloading operations easier, faster, and safer. Located in the rear fuselage to maintain an optimal centre of gravity during loading, the door is made from composite materials and features an electrical open/close actuation system.

The Airbus plant in Illescas is one of the company's leading centres for the manufacturing of large-scale, complex composite surfaces. It manufactures the skins and assembles the door before it is delivered for its integration into the fuselage. 

As part of the pre-series production process the first main deck cargo doors will be installed in Toulouse. Once serial production starts, the main deck cargo door will be delivered from Illescas to Hamburg for integration into the aft fuselage and for the installation of the actuation systems. From there, that section of the fuselage will be transported to the FAL in Toulouse following the Airbus production process.

Ricardo Rojas, President of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business in Spain, said: "This milestone demonstrates Spain's key role in the production of our commercial aircraft, including the A350F programme. Delivering the first main deck cargo door is the result of years of preparation and extensive teamwork, showcasing the deep expertise and technical maturity that Illescas plant has refined over decades in composite materials”.

Designed to be the world's most advanced cargo aircraft, the A350F meets the evolving demands of the global air freight market. Thanks to a range capability of up to 8,700 kilometres with a payload of up to 111 tonnes, it will allow operators to deploy it on international long-haul routes. Made of over 70% advanced materials, the A350F is 46 tonnes lighter than competitors. 

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 20% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability. It is the only freighter fully meeting ICAO's 2027 CO₂ emission standards. The A350F will be able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at entry-to-service, with the aim for 100% capability by 2030, as with all Airbus aircraft. 

At the end of March 2026, the A350F had registered 101 orders from 14 customers.

Photos: Airbus
 

Flyadeal Announces Seat Choices For New Two-Class Airbus A330S

Saudi Budget Airline Selects Italian Firm Geven For Premium Economy 

Chinese Company Jiatai To Provide Economy Seating In Mid East Debut 

Hamburg, GERMANY – flyadeal, Saudia Arabia’s fast growing low-cost airline, has chosen European and Asian seat manufacturers to equip its brand new two-class widebody fleet of Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.

Just a year before the first of the airline’s 10 A330s is scheduled to enter service, flyadeal has confirmed a dual cabin configuration featuring 406 Economy and 14 Premium Economy seats.

Ergonomic reclinable seating specially designed for long-haul flights with extra seat and back support, adjustable headrests and in-seat USB Type-C charger ports together with warm ambient lighting, are significant features of the cabin interiors.

Italian firm Geven has been selected to install the Premium Economy cabin with its Comoda AQ seat, designed for medium to long-haul travel. With seven abreast seating across two rows in a 2-3-2 layout, each features a 38-inch pitch and 8-inch recline that focuses on enhanced personal space and passenger comfort.

Jiatai makes its Middle East debut with flyadeal choosing the Chinese company’s customised Economy Class seats. Highlighting cabin layout optimisation and comfort, each row features nine seats in a 3-3-3 configuration with a pitch of up to 30 inches.

With flying capability of over 11 hours, flyadeal will primarily operate the A330s between the Kingdom, and Asia, Europe and Africa. [UK1] Aircraft deliveries are due to begin in summer 2027.

Sanjiv Kapoor, Executive Vice President Strategies at Saudia Group and flyadeal Acting Chief Executive Officer, said: “After almost 12 months working behind the scenes on specifications for our new A330s, flyadeal is now embarking on its widebody journey in preparation for entry into service next year. The interiors have been carefully chosen with passenger comfort, space, weight, durability, sustainability and ambience central to our decisions.

“We are delighted to build on the relationship with seat partner Geven for our new widebody Premium Economy cabin. And welcome Jiatai as their regional launch customer for the economy seats. At flyadeal we like to do things differently, hence our unique approach as a low-cost airline entering the widebody market with our own dedicated aircraft and continued focus on maintaining competitiveness and enhancing the customer experience.”

Alberto Veneruso, Geven Managing Director, added: "We are thrilled to support flyadeal at such a pivotal moment as they introduce their first Premium Economy product. Being part of this milestone allows us to bring our innovative Comoda AQ seats to passengers who expect comfort, convenience, and quality on every journey. It’s an honour to stand alongside flyadeal as they take this important step in enhancing their passenger experience."


Jingfeng LIU, Jiatai Chairman, explained: "We are honoured to partner with flyadeal on this significant programme. This collaboration not only validates Jiatai's product reliability and innovation capabilities but also represents a pivotal step in the international expansion of Chinese aircraft seating brands. We are committed to delivering exceptional performance and comprehensive aftermarket support to facilitate flyadeal's widebody fleet development."

The seats selection was part of a raft of flyadeal announcements at Aircraft Interiors – the airline industry’s annual showcase of cabin innovation – being held in the German city of Hamburg this week.

French company Safran Cabin will provide customised widebody galleys ensuring cabin crew have a spacious working environment preparing for their inflight service.

Swiss aircraft interior furnishings manufacturer Lantal Textiles extends its relationship with flyadeal as provider of carpets and curtains for the A330s. Lantal is already the supplier for the airline’s 51-strong new narrowbody fleet which is also due to be delivered from next year.

flyadeal has rapidly developed into the Middle East’s fastest growing airline, operating a young fleet of 46 Airbus A320 family aircraft from bases in Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah and Dammam to more than 40 seasonal and year-round destinations across Saudi Arabia, and in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia. By 2030, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, flyadeal expects to more than double its network and fleet to over 100 destinations and aircraft respectively.

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUCT - Star1 Airlines was a Lithuanian airline that operated a single Boeing 737-700 (LY-STA) for charter and scheduled flights before suspending operations in September 2010.

Flyingphotos - Gerona, 2009

ICAO - HCW

Country - Lithuania

Founded - 2009

Started Operations - 30 Jun 2009

Ceased operations - 1 Oct 2010

Base / Main Hub - Vilnius (VNO / EYVI)