terça-feira, 10 de março de 2026
FLEET - Honduras' CM Airlines receives first Saab 340B
The 36.3-year-old turboprop, serial number 340B-173, was delivered on February 28, 2026. It is the first of a multi-aircraft Saab (Sweden) 340B commitment between Jetstream and CM, and it will be used for scheduled and chartered passenger services throughout Honduras and Guatemala.
N981ES (msn 340B-173) was ferried from Miami Opa-Locka to Tegucigalpa on March 4, ADS-B data shows. It was registered in Honduras as HR-SOL.
CM Airlines was not immediately available for comment on future deliveries. Jetstream Aviation Capital’s 340B portfolio consists of twelve Saab 340Bs, nineteen Saab 340B(F)s, and eleven Saab 340B(Plus).
segunda-feira, 9 de março de 2026
AIRLINES HISTORIC DEFUNCT - Angola Air Charter is a charter airline headquartered in Luanda, Angola, and wholly owned by TAAG Angola Airlines.[1][2] Established in 1987, the carrier primarily operates cargo charter flights to destinations across Africa, with capabilities for both domestic and international passenger and cargo services.
Angola Air Charter is a charter airline based in Luanda, Angola, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of TAAG Angola Airlines.
Established in 1987, the company specializes in cargo charter services, primarily serving routes across Africa.
The airline's headquarters and main operational hub are located at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Luanda, facilitating its regional cargo transport activities.
Its ICAO airline designator is AGO, reflecting its identity as a cargo-focused operator within the African aviation network.
Initial operations were based at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Luanda, serving as the hub for early flights.
The airline quickly acquired Boeing 707 variants for its fleet, enabling long-range cargo capabilities suited to regional and international charters starting in 1987
These aircraft supported the subsidiary's role in providing efficient air transport solutions during TAAG's expansion efforts in the late 1980s.
AIRLINES HISTORIC DEFUNCT - Alliance Airlines was a multi-national long-haul airline based at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. 1995 / 2000
The airline's formation was linked to the African Joint Air Services (AJAS) Accord which was signed in 1990 by Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, but the latter left in 1992 due to lack of funds.
Alliance Air had planned to serve Dar es Salaam, Dubai, Entebbe, Johannesburg, London and Mumbai. Flights to Rome would have been added at a later date.
It was renamed SA Alliance Air for a short while with an SA Alliance Express sister airline, as well as featuring a new logo based on the South African Airways flag inspired tail design.
AIRCRAFT - Bridges Air Cargo Begins Operations With First Embraer E-Freighter
The first Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3) E-Freighter has successfully entered service in Europe with launch customer Bridges Air Cargo. The jet completed today its first commercial flight departing from Cologne (Germany) and landing in Larnaca (Cyprus) carrying time sensitive Express materials. The aircraft will operate for Bridges Worldwide providing Network Solutions for the Express Industry in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Guy Bridges, CEO of the Bridges Group, said: “We have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months developing a bespoke container and devising handling systems to make this day possible. We are grateful to Embraer & Regional One for their unwavering support and expect the Embraer 190 freighter to play an important role for Bridges to provide network solution at between 8-12 tonnes to the Express Industry. Having obtained our own AOC registered in Malta provides the ideal platform for Bridges to develop and progress E190F operations”.
George Mamangakis, Chief Investment Officer of Regional One, stated: “Today’s entry into service is an important milestone for the E-Freighter program and a testament to the strength of the partnership between Embraer, Bridges Air Cargo, and Regional One. We are grateful for Embraer’s commitment and execution throughout the conversion process, and for Bridges’ leadership and operational focus as the launch operator. The successful first commercial flight reinforces our confidence in the E190F platform and its ability to deliver a compelling solution across the EMEA region. We look forward to building on this momentum as the program continues to mature.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: “We congratulate Bridges Air Cargo on completing its first commercial flight with the E-Freighter. This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our partnership. Embraer is fully committed to supporting Bridges’ operations and ensuring the highest levels of performance and reliability. We are proud to be part in this historic moment and look forward to advancing together toward new opportunities in the cargo market”.
In 2025, Embraer expanded its partnership with Regional One, Inc. with the addition of two passenger-to-freight (P2F) conversions, doubling its existing order of two. This continued collaboration highlights Regional One’s strong commitment to enhancing its cargo capabilities through Embraer’s innovative P2F conversion program.
E190F was launched to meet the changing demands of e-commerce and modern trade, which require fast deliveries and decentralized operations, driving the demand for faster delivery of shipments to secondary and tertiary markets. The jet was developed to fill a gap in the air cargo market and to replace older, less efficient models.
E-Jets converted to freighters will have over 40% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies. If combining capacity under the floor and main deck, the maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg.
FLEET - Lufthansa plans to deliver A220-300s to City Airlines in 2026
The aircraft, ordered in 2023, will be used on the Frankfurt-Munich route as the group restructures its European network.
The A220 was ordered in 2023 when Lufthansa signed an order for 40 A220-300 jets for the new subsidiary.
By the end of 2025, Lufthansa City Airlines operated 15 aircraft from Munich, including 11 Airbus A320neo and four A319s. Lufthansa stated that the fleet should grow to 25 aircraft by the end of 2026, including 20 A320neos, four A319s, and one A220-300.
SPECIAL COLOURS - Cathay and WKCDA Unveil “Spirit of Hong Kong” New Aircraft Livery Showcases Hong Kong’s Cultural Vibrancy to the World
Cathay and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (“WKCDA” or the “Authority”) have joined hands to unveil a striking new art-focused aircraft livery, “Spirit of Hong Kong – 80th Anniversary Edition”. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for two of Hong Kong’s most recognised home-grown brands, underscoring their shared commitment to supporting local cultural creativity and elevating the city’s arts and culture on the global stage.
Cathay has been WestK’s Travel Partner since 2023, supporting its world-class arts and cultural exhibitions and performing arts programmes through the provision of passenger and cargo services. Coinciding with Cathay’s 80th anniversary this year, the new art livery ingeniously combines WestK’s “Where Art Comes Alive” brand vision with Cathay’s commitment to creating an elevated and meaningful customer experience under its “Move Beyond” ethos, further solidifying both parties' shared long-term commitment to advancing the development of Hong Kong’s arts, culture and creative industries.
An unveiling ceremony for the new livery was held today at Hong Kong International Airport, officiated by Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board, WKCDA; Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group; Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer, WKCDA; Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Cathay; and Joyce Ho, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Corporate Development), WKCDA. Other distinguished guests include Steven Yiu, Executive Director, Airport Operations of Airport Authority Hong Kong, and renowned host and artist Do Do Cheng, who was the host for the “WestK in the Sky” video collaboration between Cathay and WestK.
Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board of the WKCDA, said, “As one of the world’s leading cultural arts hubs, WestK has strived to expand its network of partnerships, implementing its dual ‘bringing in’ and ‘going global’ strategies to foster Hong Kong’s development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Since 2023, Cathay has served as WestK’s Travel Partner, supporting our exhibitions, performing arts programmes and cultural events. The launch of the Spirit of Hong Kong livery highlights our shared vision to support Hong Kong’s outstanding artists and creations and to bring Hong Kong’s arts, culture, and creative prowess onto the global stage. Spirit of Hong Kong embodies WestK’s vision of transcending boundaries and connecting the world, inviting travellers from across the globe to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s profound cultural heritage and boundless creative spirit.”
Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “For eight decades, Cathay has grown alongside Hong Kong. As we mark ‘80 Years Together’ with our home city, we are honouring our heritage with the return of our classic ‘lettuce leaf sandwich’ livery on our Airbus A350 and Boeing 747 aircraft, while also embracing the future with a vibrant modern art livery on our Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
“In partnership with WKCDA and through ‘The Spirit of Hong Kong’ livery, we aim to support outstanding local artistic creativity and showcase the unique culture and spirit of Hong Kong to audiences around the world. Through our investment of well over HK$100 billion into our fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, we will continue to win hearts and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub — moving our city, customers and team forward together.”
Showcasing Hong Kong’s creative talent in the skies
Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft adorned with the Spirit of Hong Kong livery is inspired by Cathay Pacific’s award-winning “Gallery in the Skies” concept in its Business class cabins. The livery features an innovative artwork by Hong Kong multimedia artist Victor Wong using technology that allows him to generate landscapes from geographical data he provides. As a centrepiece of Cathay’s 80th anniversary and a platform to showcase WestK’s artistic vision, the new livery transforms the aircraft into a flying canvas that takes people, cultures and ideas forward while bringing fresh inspiration to the city. The livery carries both Cathay's “80 Years Together” anniversary mark and the WestK logo, representing a shared commitment to showcasing the essence of Hong Kong’s arts and culture to destinations around the world.
The Spirit of Hong Kong art livery aircraft entered service following today's unveiling ceremony. Passengers on the inaugural flight immersed themselves in a unique cultural experience upon boarding, including a newly reimagined rendition of Cathay’s sonic branding, Song of Cathay, performed by award-winning Hong Kong pianist, composer, arranger and music producer Patrick Lui. This piece, jointly presented by WestK and Cathay, has incorporated elements of modern jazz, offering travellers a refreshing and culturally rich prelude to their journey. The reimagined Song of Cathay will be available on specific Cathay Pacific passenger flights from mid-2026.
sábado, 7 de março de 2026
AIRLINES HISTORIC DEFUNCT - Air BVI was an airline which operated and was based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Founded in 1971, Ceased operations in 1993
Air BVI was an airline that operated and was based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Founded in 1971, Air BVI primarily flew between Beef Island Airport (EIS) in Tortola and SJU Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, providing connecting flights to and from major airlines serving San Juan in order to allow tourists to visit the British Virgin Islands, as well as providing transportation for local BVI residents and also serving other destinations in the BVI such as Anegada and Virgin Gorda. Air BVI went into liquidation due to insolvency in 1991, although it continued to operate out of bankruptcy for almost two and a half years.
VP-LVN was a Hawker Siddeley HS 748-101 sr.1A c/n 1538 that flew in April 1961 and was used internally by Avro Corporation as G-ARMX until December 1964, when it was sold to Skyways London. In April 1972, it was acquired by Dan Air London, which retired the aircraft in May 1990 and sold it to Air BVI as VP-LVN. It even operated in Dan Air colors before being retired and dismantled for spare parts.
Founded - 1971
British Virgin Islands
Ceased operations - 1993
Operating bases : Tortola Airport (airline headquarters)
San Juan Airport
Fleet size - 3
AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - Avistar Airlines Cyprus (1990 - 1998)
ICAO Code: KJA.
Region: Cyprus.
Avistar (ICAO code: KJA) is listed as an airline based in Cyprus
It appears to be a distinct entity from the Russian cargo operator Aviastar-TU, which has no direct affiliation with Cyprus. Further detailed operational or fleet information for Avistar specifically based in Cyprus is limited in public search results.
Türkiye's Southwind Airlines returns to European Union
Southwind Airlines (2S, Antalya) resumed flights to Western Europe on March 2, 2026, with a charter service from Antalya to Berlin Brandenburg tied to the ITB Berlin travel trade fair, ch-aviation research reveals.
The flight was conducted with a dry-leased 189-seater B737-8, TC-GRK (msn 43359), according to ADS-B data.
Announcing the flight on social media, the airline said that it now intends to expand its network with more European destinations, but it did not elaborate.
Launched in 2022, Southwind was banned from European Union airspace on March 29, 2024, due to its alleged Russian ties. The ban stemmed from the Finnish authorities' denial of traffic rights to Southwind on March 25 of that year over suspected Russian ownership/control.
A Southwind court challenge to overturn the ban failed in August 2024, as the European Union General Court ruled that no challengeable EU decision existed, and that instead it was member-state led. The court said that a European Commission email to Southwind, while stating the ban was in place and providing justification, was not a legal decision. Consequently, no EU decision could be challenged in court.
The airline serves at least eight Russian destinations, two destinations in Saudi Arabia, and four domestic routes within Türkiye, according to ch-aviation data. It operates a fleet of 14 aircraft: four A321-200s, one A321-200NX, two A330-200s, three B737-8s, three B777-300s, and one B777-300ER.
CH Aviation
FLEET - Thai Airways leases additional B787-8
Thai Airways has announced it has signed a lease-agreement with an unnamed lessor for additional Boeing B787-8s. In total, the deal is for ten aircraft, which are expected to be delivered from June onwards.
Being B787-8s, deliveries starting relatively quick, and the number of aircraft involved, we at Scramble suspect that these Dreamliners are former China Southern Airlines-aircraft that have been retired from service and were offered for sale previously. They are vintage 2013 and 2014 aircraft.
According to the airline, the new additional aircraft will replace (to be) retired aircraft and be used as a bridge until its own newly ordered B787s will be delivered. It currently has open orders with Boeing for 39 B787-9s and six B787-10s which are planned to begin to arrive in 2027.
Thai Airways is undergoing a fleet renewal and simplification programme, planning to standardize the fleet to the Airbus A321neo, A350-900 and Boeing B787-8, -9, and -10.
Today, the airline's fleet is made-up of 20 A320s, two A321neos (30 more on order), six A330-300s, 23 A350-900s, two B777-200s, seventeen B777-300ERs, six B787-8s and four B787-9s.
Photo: Ton Jochems
sexta-feira, 6 de março de 2026
AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - Serendib Express commenced operations in 1995 and merged into Aero Lanka in 2004
Serendib Express commenced operations in 1995 and merged into Aero Lanka in 2004. Aero Lanka was a joint venture between Serendib Express in Sri Lanka and Airsmith Inc. of Florida USA
provided air charter services, including troop transport for the air force, and also operated scheduled flights to places like Jaffna
Operating Dates: 2002 - 2004Code: QL : RNL
Country: Sri Lanka