HYBRIDS C/S - Flyadeal has wet-leased Airbus A330-200 aircraft from Turkish carrier Air Anka to boost capacity, particularly for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages

Photo: RJA - TC-NYB-Airbus A330-243

These, often registered as TC-NYB, are used by the Saudi low-cost carrier to handle high-demand, long-haul, or specialized charter operations, such as flights from Nigeria

AIRPORT - Zurich Airport-Switzerland

Paul Bannwarth
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - ALASKA AIRLINES / BOEING 737-800 / N596AS - Tiana's Bayou Adventure"

Photo: Duncan Stewart
 

FRONTIER AIRLINES / AIRBUS A320NEO / AIRBUS A320NEO - "the Florida Panther"

Photo: Duncan Stewart
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - HAWAIIAN AIRLINES / AIRBUS A321NEO / N216HA - "Disney’s Lilo & Stitch"

 Photo: Duncan Stewart

VINTAGE Aircraft - Swissair / A319-100 / HB-IPX

Flyingphotos - LHR

 

Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) - 612

Age - 23.1 Years at the end of its life

Test Registration - D-AVYH

Production Site - Hamburg (XFW)

HB-IPX - Swissair - Aug 1996

HB-IPX - Swiss - Mar 2002

FLIGHTS CANCELLED - Spirit Airlines suspends operations

Spirit Airlines (NK, Fort Lauderdale International) suspended operations as of 0300 Eastern Time (0700Z) on May 2, 2026, according to a memo sent to Spirit's flight attendants by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, seen by ch-aviation. The suspension of all flight operations has been confirmed by a statement from the airline.

Spirit Aviation Holdings said in its statement, dated May 2, that it "regretfully announced that the company has started an orderly wind-down of operations, effective immediately. All Spirit flights have been cancelled, and Spirit guests should not go to the airport."

The wind-down follows "the company's extensive and comprehensive efforts to restructure the business and pursue transactions to strengthen Spirit's financial position and create a sustainable path forward. Unfortunately, despite the company's efforts, the recent material increase in oil prices and other pressures on the business have significantly impacted Spirit's financial outlook."

With no additional funding available, it added, it had no choice but to begin the wind-down process.

The United States government was reportedly close to disbursing up to USD500 million in the ailing carrier, which was under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This could have saved it from collapse. However, it was reported at the end of April that these talks had hit an impasse.

"For more than 30 years, Spirit Airlines has played a pioneering role in making travel more accessible and bringing people together while driving affordability across the industry," Dave Davis, Spirit's president and chief executive, said in the statement.

"In March 2026, we reached an agreement with our bondholders on a restructuring plan that would have allowed us to emerge as a go-forward business. However, the sudden and sustained rise in fuel prices in recent weeks ultimately has left us with no alternative but to pursue an orderly wind-down of the company."

He added: "Sustaining the business required hundreds of millions of additional dollars of liquidity that Spirit simply does not have and could not procure. This is tremendously disappointing and not the outcome any of us wanted."

He thanked the US administration for their "extraordinary efforts to try to preserve jobs and service across the country," along with the US Department of Transportation for "their assistance to minimise the disruption to our guests in the days and weeks ahead."

Spirit Airlines said compensation for flights would be determined at a later date through a court-led bankruptcy process. It said it was unfortunately unable to reimburse affected passengers for costs such as replacement flights or emergency hotel stays. Its customer service is no longer available.

Flights cancelled
Two out of three red-eye flights scheduled to leave Las Vegas Harry Reid and four flights scheduled to leave from Los Angeles International before midnight Pacific Time have been cancelled, according to the Las Vegas and Los Angeles airport websites.

Flight NK615 from Las Vegas to Detroit Metropolitan shows as being delayed. Another flight from Guayaquil to Fort Lauderdale had not taken off as scheduled at 2359L (0459Z) in Ecuador. One out of two flights scheduled to leave San Juan Luis Muñoz Marin in the middle of the night has been cancelled.

The memo seen by ch-aviation stating that Spirit would permanently cease operations at 0300 Eastern Time on May 2, 2026, acknowledged the difficulty of the news and assured employees of union support and ongoing communication.

It explained that all flight attendants would be assisted in returning home and would receive updates regarding logistics, pay, and next steps, while management and the union worked to address questions and provide support. It also emphasised solidarity, appreciation for employees, and efforts to coordinate with other airlines to help affected staff.

According to ch-aviation data, Spirit Airlines operates a trimmed-down fleet of fifty-seven A320-200s, thirty-five A320-200Ns, twenty-nine A321-200, and twenty-seven A321-200NX aircraft. Ninety-one of these are leased, the rest owned.

 CH Aviation  - Photos: Duncan Stewart

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - Swiss Sun historically refers to specific Airbus A320-200 aircraft used by Swiss International Air Lines around 2003–2004, often in collaboration with Edelweiss

HB-IJV

HB-IJW

Flyingphotos  - Lisboa

IATA - LX 

ICAO - SWR 

Callsign - SWISS
Full Name - Swiss Sun AG
Country - Switzerland
Started Operations - Apr 2003
Ceased operations - 30 Oct 2004
Swiss (LX / SWR)
Group / Part of Swiss
Headquarters - Basel
Main Hub -  Zurich Kloten (ZRH / LSZH)
Bases - Geneva Cointrin (GVA / LSGG)

Special Colours Alliance - RAM Royal Air Maroc / B737-800W / CN-RGJ - One World

Ton Jochems - AMS
 

FLY 4 / B737-800 / EI-FFB

Ton Jochems - AMS
 

ORDER -Biman Bangladesh Airlines Orders 14 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX Jets

Bangladeshi flag carrier to fly the entire 787 family with first 787-10 purchase

737 operator places first 737 MAX order to modernize its single-aisle fleet

DHAKA, Bangladesh, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced today the national carrier has placed its largest-ever order, selecting 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to expand and modernize its fleet.

The new order includes:

Boeing-Biman-787-737

Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines announce the national carrier has placed its largest-ever order, selecting 14 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes to expand and modernize its fleet.

Eight 787-10s, Biman's first order of the largest 787 variant, to serve high-demand flights to the Middle East

Two 787-9s to support long-haul service to Europe and North America
Four 737-8s, the airline's first 737 MAX order, to efficiently connect Bangladesh with destinations across the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia

"The new fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft will modernize Biman's fleet, sharpen operational performance, and extend its international route network — strengthening Bangladesh's position in the global aviation market," said Kaizer Sohel Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

Biman currently operates a fleet of 14 Boeing airplanes – 787-9s, 787-8s, 777s and Next-Generation 737s – on its long-haul and short-haul international networks. The airline will boost passenger and cargo capacity while improving fuel efficiency with the 787-10, which offers the lowest cost per seat of any widebody airplane.

The 737-8 will support Biman's single-aisle fleet renewal and help the carrier meet growing regional demand. The 737 MAX and 787 families deliver 20-25% fuel-use improvement compared to the airplanes they replace.

"We are proud to build on our partnership with Biman with this order and support their strategy to modernize their fleet, expand their network and enhance the passenger experience," said Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Eurasia, India and South Asia. "The 787-10 delivers unmatched efficiency and seamless commonality with Biman's existing 787s, while the 737-8 is the ideal bridge from their 737 fleet with its versatility, fuel savings and crew commonality."

The 787-10, like the 787-9 and 787-8, offers passengers a comfortable cabin experience with the largest windows of any widebody jet, air that is less dry and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

Biman currently flies from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to 22 international destinations, including major hubs in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Europe. The airline's longest route is the service to Toronto via Istanbul on a 787-9.

Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook projects South Asia's widebody fleet will more than triple over 20 years as the region's carriers connect millions of travelers to international destinations across the Middle East, Europe and North America. With the region poised for significant air travel demand over the next two decades, Bangladesh will continue to contribute to this growth.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

 

ROUTES - American Airlines returns to Venezuela with first Miami to Caracas flight

On Thursday, April 30, American Airlines marked a significant milestone in reconnecting Venezuela and the United States with the first departure to Caracas (CCS) in seven years.

Operated by Envoy Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, the Embraer 175 taking off for Venezuela featured a special livery marking the 250th anniversary year of the United States.

A second daily flight between Miami (MIA) and Caracas (CCS) will start on May 21.

The Envoy-operated Embarer 175 with a special livery marking America’s 250th anniversary year received a water cannon salute as it departed the gate in Miami.

MIAMI — American Airlines made history today with the first nonstop flight between the United States and Venezuela in seven years. Flight 3599 departed Miami (MIA) at 10:11 a.m. bound for Caracas (CCS). The departure included a celebration at the gate where American welcomed passengers on this milestone flight. The flight will also serve as the inaugural flight for American’s special America250 livery aircraft.

Government and local officials join American Airlines team members to celebrate the restart of American’s service to Caracas, Venezuela.

“American is proud to be the first airline to resume service between Venezuela and the U.S. Our historic return to Venezuela wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the governments of both countries,” said American’s Executive Vice President of American Eagle, Corporate Real Estate and Government Affairs Nate Gatten. “American is the leading air carrier between the U.S. and Latin America because of our incredible Miami hub and the people, elected leaders and community who help power it every day.”

Crew for inaugural MIA to CCS flight (left to right): Flight Attendant Mayrim Melendez, Captain Ric Wilson, Captain Robert Neider Jr. and Flight Attendant Francisco Hiraldo Rivera.

American’s industry-leading network grows stronger

American first began service to Venezuela in 1987 before suspending flights in 2019. For more than 30 years, American served as the leading U.S. airline in the country, helping connect people, businesses and communities. The resumption of this service is part of the airline’s commitment as the largest airline between the U.S. and Latin America and the Caribbean to provide travelers with comprehensive access to the region.

Starting May 21, American will introduce a second daily service between MIA and CCS, also with Envoy-operated Embraer 175 aircraft. The E175 is a dual-class regional jet featuring a premium cabin and free Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T.

With two daily flights, customers have more opportunities to tailor their itineraries to fit their needs best. American’s hub at MIA is the best in the industry for connecting the United States with Venezuela, providing more than 85 destinations convenient one-stop access to CCS, including from Orlando, Florida (MCO), Houston (IAH), New York (LGA) and more.

 

SPECIAL COLOURS ALLIANCE - Air Canada / A330-300 / C-GEGI - (Star Alliance)

 Ton Jochems - BRU

NEW AIRLINE - FlyBeena (Egypt) plans to launch operations in 2H 2026, connecting leisure destinations with regional and international markets with A320 aircraft.

Photo: Joramco
 

Travelcoup / D-AMME / Embraer 145

 Ton Jochems - BRU

SPECIAL COLOURS - Air Canada / C-FSBV / B787-9 - (Excellance c/s)

Ton Jochems - BRU
 

FLEET / ROUTES - Emirates SkyCargo (UAE) has launched a weekly freighter service from Dubai to Toronto Pearson via Amsterdam.

Ton Jochems -A6-EFO-B777-200F- AMS

The carrier has recently taken delivery of four new B777Fs since March 2026 and will expand its fleet with a further six B777F aircraft in 2026.

FLEET - Air Congo to Take Delivery of Two ATR 72-600s

Air Congo is preparing to take delivery of its two new ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, already delivered to its technical partner Ethiopian Airlines.

FLEET - China Southern orders 102 A320neo, Xiamen orders 35

China Southern Airlines (CZ, Guangzhou) and its subsidiary Xiamen Airlines (MF, Xiamen) have ordered a total of 137 aircraft from Airbus, China Southern revealed in a stock exchange filing. A total of 102 A320neo aircraft will go to China Southern, while Xiamen’s fleet will be updated with 35 of the type.

Deliveries for China Southern are set to take place in batches from 2028 to 2032, while Xiamen’s new aircraft will start entering the fleet in 2029 with final deliveries expected also in 2032.

The filing states that China Southern and Xiamen Airlines received a significant discount compared to the list price.

China Southern’s fleet already includes 178 A320neo family aircraft, while Xiamen Airlines operates 19 A320neo family aircraft in its fleet.

The announcement comes shortly after Germany's chancellor, Friedrich Merz, announced during a state visit to Beijing that China was looking to purchase up to 120 Airbus aircraft. Airbus operates an A320neo final assembly line in Tianjin.

CH Aviation

 

FLEET - Electra Airways to add three aircraft by YE26

Electra Airways (3E, Sofia) has revealed plans to add three unspecified aircraft in 2026, which would take the ACMI/charter specialist’s fleet total to 15. Speaking at a press conference in Sofia, CEO Stefan Trifonov elaborated that the carrier’s strategy remains focused on the use of "mid-life aircraft, about 15 years old". 

According to ch-aviation fleets data, Electra Airways currently operates eleven A320-200s (five owned, six leased) and one leased A321-100.
CH Aviation

Air Sierra Leone suspends Gatwick ops over lack of aircraft

Air Sierra Leone (SXE, Freetown) has been forced to suspend all commercial operations, effective immediately, as its only route, a fifth freedom arrangement to London Gatwick from Freetown via Banjul, was forced to end abruptly. The move came after partner Ascend Airways (YD, London Gatwick) shut down its UK AOC and returned its aircraft to lessors, leaving the African carrier with no aircraft.

All flights on the route are suspended at least until the end of May, Air Sierra Leone said in a press release, adding that it was “actively discussing alternative aircraft arrangements with several operators.”

The company added that it wanted to “allow sufficient time for new aircraft to be registered with the relevant civil aviation authorities in Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, and The Gambia.”

Air Sierra Leone Group COO Sukhjinder Mann elaborated: “We are equally shocked by the immediate cessation of Ascend Airways’ operations. They have been an excellent business parter, and we had no indication that they were experiencing financial difficulties. That said, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to have a significant impact on the aviation sector, with several airlines announcing closures or reducing their networks or frequencies.”

Air Sierra Leone used an all-economy 189-seater B737-8 from Ascend Airways, without relying on a fixed msn. The airline previously used only one other partner for the route, Titan Airways, when Ascend aircraft were unavailable.

The Freetown-based carrier’s website shows no bookings are available in May. But London services from Freetown and Banjul can be booked as of June, although the site still lists Ascend Airways as the operating carrier.

Mann previously told ch-aviation that Air Sierra Leone was mulling regional expansion as it continued to await its own air operator's certificate. The company currently needs partners to fly to Europe, as Sierra Leone was slapped with a ban over safety standards in 2008.

CH Aviation 

SPECIAL COLOURS - Mandarin Airlines / ATR-72-212 / B-16868 / MSN: 1756 - "Matsu"

Taipei - Sung Shan - Taiwan - April 29, 2026
Photo: SHI HENG WEI

VINTAGE Aircraft - Princess Airlines / Boeing 737-2P5 Adv / SX-BFX

Flyingphotos - Lisboa - SX-BFX Princess Airlines Boeing 737-2P5 Adv

HS-TBA - Thai Airways Company - Oct 1977
HS-TBA - Thai Airways - Apr 1988
HS-TBA - Siam Kampuchea Air - Sep 1993
HS-TBA - Thai Airways - Dec 1993
HS-TBA - Kampuchea Airlines - Oct 1994
RDPL-34133 - Lao Aviation - Feb 1996
HS-TFS - Thai Flying Service - Apr 1998
N440GB - EA-727 - Sep 1998
SX-BFX - Princess Airlines - Apr 1999
N440GB - EA-727 - Nov 1999
CU-DRF - Cubana - Mar 2000
PK-LIA - Lion Air - Jun 2000
PK-LIA - Jatayu Airlines - Feb 2004

AIRPORT - Lisboa-Humberto Delgado-Portugal

 Flyingphotos

AIRPORT - Fort Lauderdale Airport - US

Ronald Vermeulen