SPECIAL LIVERY / Retrojet c/s - Northern Air Cargo / Boeing 737-800BCF / N3160G

Photo: Northern Air Cargo 

AIRPORT - Miami International Airport

Photos: Ronald Vermeulen
 

2026 ROUTES

Photo: Ton Jochems / F-HNCO / A321NEO / La Compagnie / NCE

La Compagnie has added Düsseldorf Airport to New York's Newark Liberty International Airport to its strictly business class network, beginning in Spring 2027.

Royal Air (Comoros) is planning to launch service to Mayotte. on 15 December 2026

Plus Ultra (Spain) will resume its commercial route between Madrid and Caracas on 08 September 2026.

Malaysia Airlines plans to resume Kuala Lumpur – Busan route from 02 December 2026, with B737-8.

Discover Airlines (Germany) expands its Italy route network for summer 2027, with direct routes from Munich to Alghero and from Frankfurt to Genoa.

Please confirm all flights with your airline.

AIRPORT - Lisboa-Humberto Delgado-Portugal

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ORDER - AIRCAIRO places order for 15 Airbus A320neo aircraft

El Alamein, Egypt, 8 September 2026 – AIRCAIRO, Egypt’s National growing Air-carrier, has signed a firm order for 15 Airbus A320neo aircraft at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026. The agreement marks an important milestone in the airline's strategy as it introduces direct aircraft ownership alongside its leased Airbus fleet to support long-term growth.

Having grown rapidly from seven aircraft five years ago to a fleet of over 45 aircraft today, AIRCAIRO is building on this momentum to grow to a fleet of over 130 aircraft by 2034. 

The firm order provides the airline with the capacity, flexibility, and operational efficiency needed to expand connectivity across its domestic, regional, and international networks.

Hussein Sherif, Chairman & CEO, AIRCAIRO, said: “This agreement represents a natural next step in
AIRCAIRO’s growth. Combining owned aircraft with our leased fleet gives us greater operational flexibility Latest Airbus global press releases and financial efficiency as we scale up. 

The A320neo will provide the capacity needed to expand our network, serve the growing demand for travel to and from Egypt, and support the country's aviation and tourism sectors in close partnership with Airbus.”

“We are delighted that this first direct acquisition from AIRCAIRO reaffirms the airline’s confidence in the AIRCAIRO places order for 15 Airbus A320neo aircraft A320neo to power its next phase of growth,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

“The A320neo provides AIRCAIRO with the efficiency and flexibility to scale up its network. 

This commitment highlights the strength of our partnership and AIRCAIRO’s confidence in the A320neo to expand connectivity between Egypt and key international destinations.”

is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft, having won more than 20,200 orders globally. 

The Family includes the largest member, the A321neo, offering unparalleled range and performance. 

The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky.

 

FLEET / SPECIAL Livery - CHINA AIRLINES to lease ATLAS Boeing 747-409F(SCD) ( N438GT)

Photo: snowman0308

https://www.jetphotos.com/photographer/292290


Taiwanese carrier China Airlines has signed an agreement with Atlas Air for the long-term wet-lease of two B747-400 freighters.
Atlas said both aircraft will be in operation by the end of the year, following delivery from Boeing.

FLEET - Afcom signs LOI for up to four B777-8Fs

Afcom (O9, Chennai) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Boeing for up to four B777-8Fs as it looks to expand into long-haul cargo operations, the company announced in a stock exchange filing on September 2, 2026.

Afcom said the freighters would be used on sectors of 10-12 hours or more and would offer around five times the payload capacity of its current B737 freighter fleet.

Chairman and managing director Deepak Parasuraman told Indian Transport and Logistics News that the final number could still change, although "the intent is to take four". He declined to disclose delivery dates or commercial terms and said the widebodies would be based at Chennai to support expansion towards the Far East and Africa.

Afcom had previously said in September 2025 that it aimed to induct four B777 widebody freighters by June 2027, with two to be funded through a preferential share issue and two through an institutional share placement. Its latest annual report lists two additional B737-800 converted freighters and four B777 widebody freighters as being in the pipeline.

Parasuraman said Afcom initially plans to source older B777s before adding new-build aircraft. It remains unclear whether the B777-8Fs would replace or supplement those earlier-planned aircraft.

Boeing currently plans the first B777-8F delivery in 2028, with Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Hamad International) as the type's launch customer.

According to ch-aviation data, Afcom operates two B737-800(BCF)s and one B737-800(SF).

CH Aviation

ROUTES / FLEET - Air Sierra Leone eyes London Gatwick relaunch with Corendon-leased Boeing 737-9

Air Sierra Leone is in advanced negotiations with Corendon Dutch Airlines to charter Boeing 737-9 aircraft, aiming to resume the Freedom of the West service between Freetown and London Gatwick, with a stopover in Banjul. The relaunch is scheduled for the end of October 2026.

FLEET - Vietjet Qazaqstan is set to receive its first Boeing 737 MAX in 2026

with up to twenty B737-8s scheduled for delivery through 2030 

The former Qazaq Air company plans to replace its current fleet of DHC-8-Q400s with single-aisle jets as part of its growth and integration with the VietJet Group.

 

AIRCRAFT - QANTASLINK'S First E190 Arrives In Perth

QantasLink’s first Embraer E190, VH-E9A, touched down in Perth today, marking a major milestone in the airline’s fleet renewal program for its Western Australian resources charter operations.
The aircraft started its 20-hour journey in Norwich, United Kingdom, making stops in Bulgaria, Tajikistan, India, Malaysia and Broome in Western Australia before touching down in Perth this morning.

The 100-seat jet aircraft is the first of up to 14 mid-life E190s which will progressively replace QantasLink’s F100 fleet, offering improved reliability, fuel efficiency and customer comfort. The first E190 will enter commercial service from January 2027*.

The airline also announced today that each E190 aircraft will undergo a cabin refresh prior to entering service. Wi-Fi will be installed on each aircraft so customers can stream content on their own device from the improved Qantas Entertainment App, and receive new, more spacious seats that feature adjustable headrests, USB-A/C charging and personal device holders. The aircraft will also feature Qantas Economy Plus, giving customers more legroom, priority boarding, and priority access to overhead baggage space.

The introduction of E190 aircraft will also unlock development opportunities for employees, with approximately 70 pilots, crew and engineers to receive a combined 18,000 hours of training by the end of the year to operate and maintain the initial E190 fleet. More than 600 pilots, crew, and engineers could be trained to operate the E190 fleet once it reaches scale.

The investment in the E190s is part of QantasLink’s broader investment in its Western Australia fleet. Nineteen Perth-based A320s are being fitted with Wi-Fi and undergoing seat and cabin upgrades, with the first to be completed by the end of October.

The first F100 entered Network Aviation’s fleet in 2008, before the airline joined the QantasLink operation in 2011. Today, they operate around 120 charter and passenger services per week to more than 25 destinations across regional Western Australia.

The F100 aircraft, each named after Western Australian destinations, have been the backbone of the network for two decades. The E190 fleet will continue with that legacy, with the first aircraft, VH-E9A to be named Exmouth.

Comments from Chief Operating Officer and Regional General Manager Network Aviation Australia Trevor Worgan:

“The arrival of our first E190 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. For almost 20 years, the F100 has played a vital role connecting regional Western Australia and supporting the resources sector, and now we're investing in the next generation of aircraft to serve our customers and communities for decades to come.

“These aircraft represent a step change in the customer experience for the more than three million journeys expected to benefit each year, with more comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, USB charging and the introduction of Qantas Economy Plus.

“They’re also quieter, more fuel efficient and can fly further than the F100, opening up new opportunities for our customers.

“The introduction of the E190 is also an investment in local skills, with our pilots, cabin crew and engineers undertaking specialist training to support the fleet here in Western Australia.”

*Subject to regulatory approval.
Qantas

 

AIRCRAFT - IAI Announces Maiden Flight of Airbus A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter Converted Aircraft

The flight marks a major milestone toward certification of the A330-300BDSF program and further expands IAI’s widebody conversion portfolio to include both Airbus and Boeing platforms

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a global leader in aircraft passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions, announced today the successful completion of the maiden flight of its converted Airbus A330-300 passenger-to-freighter aircraft. The flight was conducted as part of the certification campaign for the Company’s A330-300BDSF program and marks a significant milestone toward entry into service.

The successful flight follows the completion of the aircraft’s primary structural phase and extensive ground testing activities performed by IAI’s Aviation Group. During the flight, the aircraft and its systems were evaluated under multiple operational conditions as part of the ongoing certification process.

Guy Bar Lev, IAI President and CEO: “This milestone reflects IAI’s continued investment in advanced aviation technologies and industrial and engineering capabilities, while strengthening our position in the global air cargo market. The A330-300BDSF program further expands our broad conversion portfolio and reinforces IAI’s ability to provide long-term, flexible and reliable solutions to customers worldwide.”

Designed for regional and medium-haul cargo operations, the A330-300BDSF offers cargo operators a highly competitive solution, with capacity for up to 30 containers and payload capability of up to 61 tons. The aircraft features an electrical cargo loading system and optimized cargo flow, while the forward positioning of the main deck cargo door enables faster loading and unloading operations, improving operational efficiency and reducing turnaround times.

Yaacov Berkovitz, EVP and GM of IAI’s Aviation Group: “The successful completion of the first flight marks another important step in expanding IAI’s widebody conversion capabilities and advancing the A330-300BDSF program toward certification and commercial service. Leveraging decades of engineering expertise and operational experience, we are delivering a highly capable and competitive solution designed to address the evolving needs of the global cargo market. IAI approach is designed around the customer’s requirement for quick entry into service, supporting accelerated operational readiness and earlier revenue realization.”

The A330-300BDSF conversion further strengthens IAI’s position as one of the few companies worldwide with proven capability to perform advanced passenger-to-freighter conversions across both Boeing and Airbus platforms, including complex widebody aircraft. Building on the success of the world’s first and only Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter conversion program, the A330-300BDSF represents another major milestone in the continued expansion of IAI’s widebody conversion portfolio. As demand for efficient cargo solutions continues to evolve, IAI is expanding its global network of conversion facilities to support airlines, leasing companies and cargo operators worldwide.

For more than 45 years, IAI has been a pioneer and global leader in passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversions, with proven expertise across narrowbody and widebody platforms. IAI is the first company worldwide to achieve an STC for the conversion of a B777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighter configuration and currently performs advanced conversions for the B777-300ERSF, B767-200, B767-300, B737-700 and B737-800 platforms.

 

AIRPORT - Rhodes Diagoras-Paradisi-LGRP-Greece

Photos: Ton Jochems
 

AIRPORT - Lisboa-Humberto Delgado-Portugal

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AIRCRAFT - Boeing: Africa’s Airplane Fleet Will More than Double by 2045 to Meet Rising Air Travel Demand

• African airlines will need nearly 1,200 new airplanes; 75% will be single-aisle jets
• Aviation services demand will fuel the need for 75,000 new aviation professionals
• Intra‑Africa and Africa–Middle East traffic will lead regional fleet growth and network expansion

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 3, 2026 – Africa’s young, increasingly urban population, growing middle class and improving infrastructure will drive passenger traffic to grow nearly 6% annually through 2045, one of the fastest rates globally, Boeing [NYSE: BA] said today. The region’s commercial airplane fleet will more than double from 755 to 1,625 over the next 20 years to support this demand, as projected in Boeing’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa.

Fleet expansion

Of the nearly 1,200 newly delivered airplanes expected by 2045, 870 will be single‑aisle jets to support expanding domestic and regional networks.

Demand for widebody airplanes will more than double, supporting fleet modernization and long‑haul network growth. Boeing also forecasts that the cargo fleet will grow from 60 to 150 freighters as the continent’s logistics, e‑commerce and high‑value export markets develop.

Passenger traffic growth

Intra‑African passenger traffic is expected to grow at a faster pace than the regional average, enabled by better flight connections. Europe remains the largest international passenger market for flights to and from Africa and is forecast to remain so through 2045. This is driven by expanding economic ties, enduring cultural and family connections, and rising tourism investment.

“Africa’s aviation market is entering a period of sustained growth driven by improving connectivity, expanding intraregional travel and deeper economic ties across the continent and with key global markets. Meeting this demand will require a broader commitment to fleet modernization, expanded capacity, digital solutions and workforce development," said Shahab Matin, Boeing managing director of Commercial Marketing. "The opportunity extends well beyond airplanes. It will require investment in affordable access, and the people who will support a larger fleet."

Commercial services and workforce needs

The expansion of Africa’s aviation ecosystem will create growing demand for services and skilled personnel through 2045. Boeing’s Commercial Services Market Outlook forecasts a $140 billion market for maintenance, repair, overhaul and modifications (MRO), digital solutions.

Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook forecasts that as airlines grow their fleets and expand route networks, they will need 75,000 new aviation professionals: 22,000 pilots, 25,000 technicians and 28,000 cabin crew.

New deliveries (2026-2045)

Airplane type	Deliveries
Regional jet	40
Single-aisle	870
Widebody	240
Freighter	15
Total	1,165

The Boeing Commercial Market Outlook is an annual forecast published since 1961 that provides 20‑year demand projections for airplanes and services worldwide. For more information, visit: cmo.boeing.com(opens in a new tab).


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 has been a committed partner to African airlines and aviation institutions for over seven decades, supporting safe, reliable and sustainable growth across the continent.


Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "intends," "projects," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and other similar words or expressions, or the negative thereof, generally can be used to help identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements relating to future demand for commercial airplanes and aviation personnel, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable when made, but that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors, including economic conditions in the United States and globally, general industry conditions as they may impact us or our customers, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

AIRCRAFT - First fully UK-built Islander completes maiden flight

Pictured: Britten-Norman's first Islander aircraft to be assembled in the UK.

The first Britten-Norman Islander to be assembled in the UK from detail component level has taken to the skies, completing its maiden flight from Bembridge Airport on the Isle of Wight.

The aircraft took off at 14:25 on Thursday 3 September, marking a major milestone for Britten-Norman’s UK manufacturing operation, and has now entered its flight-test programme.

The aircraft is the first Islander to be built at Bembridge from individual detail components through to a complete airframe, rather than being brought to the site as major sub-assemblies for final assembly. The milestone marks the latest step in Britten-Norman’s efforts to establish a continuous production line for the Islander at its historic Isle of Wight facility.

A second aircraft is already progressing through the same production line, while components for subsequent aircraft have been ordered. The company is working towards a continuous production cadence, with a strategic ambition to build eight aircraft a year.

For Britten-Norman, bringing complete airframe assembly back under its direct control is intended to give the company greater control over production sequencing, tooling and quality. It also removes a road movement of major sub-assemblies across Europe from the middle of every aircraft’s production journey, while allowing customer specifications to be incorporated during assembly rather than fitted afterwards. But the immediate significance is that the first aircraft has now successfully made the transition from the factory floor to flight testing.

“Operators want to know two things. Will the aircraft do the job, and will it arrive when we said it would,” said Richard Milne, chief operating officer at Britten-Norman.

“The first has been settled for a long time. Assembling the airframe here is how we settle the second, because it puts the sequence, the tooling and the quality standard in our own hands.”

The aircraft’s first flight also comes as Britten-Norman draws on decades of manufacturing experience at Bembridge to rebuild production capacity. The site has previously assembled Islanders at rates of more than 30 aircraft a year, and experienced employees are now passing their knowledge to a new generation of workers.

Peter Dowers, who joined Britten-Norman as a fitter in September 1978, has completed his 500th Islander with the company. He has spent this year passing on his airframe-building expertise to colleagues working on the new production line. Significantly, Dowers’ 500th Islander is the aircraft that has now completed its first flight.

Callum Trueman, now production manager at Bembridge, began his apprenticeship under Dowers’ mentorship in 2006. “This aircraft is Pete’s 500th and my first, and the next one is already on the line,” he said.
The Islander has a long-established track record in service, with approximately 350 aircraft operating across more than 70 countries and six continents. The fleet has accumulated around 20 million flying hours.
The newly completed aircraft is destined for the Falkland Islands Government Air Service and will move into the final stages of its programme once flight testing is complete.

Britten-Norman, the UK’s only civil A2-approved aircraft manufacturer, is now focused on turning the successful first flight into a repeatable production rhythm — with the next Islander already taking shape behind it on the Bembridge line.

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

Paul Bannwarth