FLEET - Air New Zealand marks Dreamliner milestone as final aircraft returns from storage

Air New Zealand has welcomed back its final Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from long-term storage, marking a major milestone in the airline's response to one of the most significant global supply chain challenges facing aviation in recent years.

For the first time since the global Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine shortage impacted aircraft availability, Air New Zealand now has no widebody aircraft in storage. At the peak of the engine shortage, the airline had five of its fourteen Boeing 787-9 aircraft grounded.

Air New Zealand GM Fleet Baden Smith says the milestone is one step closer to having the full Dreamliner fleet operational.

"With the completion of our retrofit programme and the delivery of our two new Boeing 787-9 aircraft by the end of this year, we'll see targeted growth in widebody capacity over the next two years.

"This additional capacity opens up opportunities across our network, including our recently announced services between Christchurch and Singapore, Tokyo and Perth.

"As the country's national airline our focus isn't just growth; it's building a resilient, future-fit airline that keeps New Zealand connected to the world. Every aircraft we return to the fleet strengthens our ability to connect people, support trade and grow tourism."

For Air New Zealand Fleet Project Lead Robert Cox, the milestone reflects the success of a complex and coordinated programme of work.

"The challenge wasn't just finding somewhere to store the aircraft. We needed to keep them maintained, protect the condition of the fleet and keep the engine overhaul programme moving so we could get these aircraft back into service for our customers as soon as possible.

"Long-term aircraft parking is limited in Auckland and New Zealand's climate isn't ideal for extended aircraft storage, so Alice Springs became the preferred location for the grounded Dreamliners."

Air New Zealand worked with partners to carry out Trent 1000 engine changes in Alice Springs, allowing engines to be removed and sent for overhaul while the aircraft remained safely in storage.

"Carrying out engine changes in Alice Springs was a significant logistical challenge, but it helped us get engines into the shop at least six months earlier than if they had remained on the aircraft," says Cox.

Air New Zealand's narrowbody fleet is also nearly back in full service, with just two Airbus A320neo aircraft currently grounded due to challenges with the Pratt & Whitney engines, down from six at the peak of the disruption.

Editors Notes

All fourteen 787-9 Dreamliners will have been retrofitted with the airline's new cabin experience by the end of 2026

The airline's two new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are scheduled to be delivered from Boeing by the end of this year

Air New Zealand / Photo: Dunacan Stewart - LAX

FLEET - Miracle Air Expands Fleet with Third Cessna Grand Caravan

Miracle Air, Tanzania’s premium charter airline, has welcomed a brand-new Cessna Grand
Caravan EX into its fleet, boosting capacity to meet rising demand in the country’s tourism
sector.

Miracle Air

 

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT - JY-AGL was an Airbus A310-304 aircraft (serial number 661) that primarily flew for Royal Jordanian

Flyingphotos - LHR
 

VINTAGE Special Colours - Austrian Airlines / A321-200 / OE-LBB - Famous Austrians 'Millenium' colours

Flyingphotos - Faro, Portugal
 

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

Paul Bannwarth

SPECIAL LIVERY - Hong Kong Airlines × Ocean Park Panda Friends Livery Aircraft Receives Comprehensive Upgrade Themed Cabin Interiors and Limited-Edition Collectibles Make Maiden Flight to Chengdu as Giant Pandas Soar Skyward as Tourism Ambassadors

Since its debut in mid-March this year, the Panda Friends livery aircraft, jointly created by Hong Kong Airlines and Ocean Park, has been warmly embraced by passengers worldwide as Hong Kong’s conservation ambassador in the sky, carrying the city’s compelling stories and conservation ethos to the world and showcasing the appeal of Hong Kong tourism to global audiences. To further elevate the passenger experience, Hong Kong Airlines today unveiled a brand-new suite of Panda Friends-themed cabin interiors and bespoke collectibles, debuting on board the carrier's flight to Chengdu — the hometown of the giant panda — where the six Hong Kong giant pandas will accompany travellers across the skies in an even more vivid and engaging form.

 The fuselage design of the Panda Friends livery aircraft creatively incorporates Ocean Park's beloved IP characters, namely An An, Ke Ke, Ying Ying and Le Le, alongside the Hong Kong-born giant panda twins — elder sister Jia Jia and younger brother De De. In the artwork, the six pandas set off from Ocean Park with their passports and cameras in hand, taking on the role of tourism ambassadors as they journey around the world with passengers on board.

Hong Kong

SPECIAL LIVERY - STARLUX Airlines and Pantone Announce New Standard for Metallic Aircraft Liveries with AIRSORAYAMA Silver and Gold Custom finishes bring Hajime Sorayama’s liquid-metal aesthetic to STARLUX’s A350-1000, redefining the aesthetics of aviation

Two new colors have emerged from the STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA project, with Pantone translating acclaimed Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama’s signature metallic aesthetic into bespoke aviation colors. Developed in a collaboration between STARLUX Airlines and global color authority Pantone, these colors serve as the defining element of the STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA aircraft, a three-year initiative that required solving technical problems never before confronted at this scale.

On the AIRSORAYAMA aircrafts, Sorayama’s iconic metallic “silver” and “gold” aesthetic are translated to precision-engineered shades designed for consistent reproduction. The result, visible at scale on STARLUX’s Airbus A350-1000, is a fluid, liquid-metal effect that shifts in depth and tone depending on viewing angle and lighting conditions, transforming the aircraft fuselage into a striking visual statement.

“This time we aren't just tuning color, we are tuning light.” said Laurie Pressman, Vice President of Pantone Color Institute™. “Through specialized formulation, all visible shimmer particles were removed to achieve an almost liquid smoothness. They embody future luxury—not the ostentation of traditional gold and silver, but a quiet confidence: precise, elegant, and technologically refined. ”

The project united STARLUX, Airbus, and German premium coating specialist Mankiewicz around a fundamental challenge: Sorayama’s signature mirror-like metallic finishes could not be used on the Airbus A350-1000 due to aviation safety, structural, and lightning-protection requirements. A new technical solution needed to be developed.

The solution was a family of high-concentration mica-based pigments capable of producing reflective metallic luster while meeting the rigorous standards of commercial aviation. After extensive testing and validation, the formulation underwent more than 10 iterative adjustments before receiving final approval from Sorayama himself. This process yielded the signature finishes of the AIRSORAYAMA Silver and Gold aircrafts. 

With the formula approved, engineers implemented a precision multi-layer coating process to apply the colors at aircraft scale, balancing visual performance with engineering requirements. It took a team of 16 specialists over 20 days to complete the livery. 

The STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA livery marks a new milestone in commercial aviation—establishing that color science, artistic collaboration, and aerospace engineering can be integrated at the highest level of craft. “STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA | PANTONE - Colors That Capture Light” documentary is available here: https://youtu.be/X9vWlWHSF90 

STARLUX
 

NEW AIRLINE - Mukhtara Air is a developing full-service Indonesian charter and commercial airline based in Tangerang, primarily targeting Hajj and Umrah travel

PK-MKU- A330-343

Photo: Benedictus Nathaniel

Hub Airport: Soekarno–Hatta International Airport.

Fleet: Currently consists of an Airbus A320-200 for domestic feeder routes and an Airbus A330-300 for international long-haul operations.Routes: 

The A330 primarily serves international destinations such as Madinah and Makkah in Saudi Arabia.

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