Flyingphotos
terça-feira, 17 de fevereiro de 2026
FLEET - Sun PhuQuoc Airways has expanded its fleet to 10 modern Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, just three months after starting operations.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways not only meets growing domestic demand but is also ready to expand important international routes from the end of March 2026, beginning with the Phu Quoc – Taipei route.
Photo: Sun PhuQuoc Airways
FLEET / NEW AIRLINE - beOnd and the Kingdom of Bahrain to Establish Premium Airline and Aviation Centre of Excellence
The LOI creates a framework for long-term collaboration in airline operations, workforce development, maintenance, and innovation. It reflects shared goals to boost Bahrain’s appeal as a premium destination and connecting hub between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
“Bahrain’s aviation legacy spans nearly a century and has consistently positioned the Kingdom as a regional centre of excellence in the region,” said Tero Taskila, CEO of beOnd. “Establishing a Bahrain-based airline is a natural next step in our multi-jurisdictional strategy. Together, we have the opportunity to build a premium aviation platform that strengthens connectivity, develops specialised talent, and supports innovation across the travel value chain.”
“We are delighted today to sign a partnership agreement between the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and beOnd, and we were pleased to have BeOnd present with us during the launch of our national aviation strategy of the kingdom of Bahrain,” said His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
“It was an opportunity for us to showcase the partnership and to share our part in its realization. We look forward to having beOnd aircraft with a Bahraini AOC. It's a pleasure to have beOnd as part of the aviation ecosystem and the Kingdom of Bahrain.”
beOnd plans to operate and base up to ten premium-configured aircraft in Bahrain by 2030, serving high-value leisure and business markets. Over its first five years of operations in Bahrain, the airline projects a contribution of approximately USD1.2–1.5 billion to Bahrain’s GDP. The initiative is expected to create more than 1,200 direct high-skilled jobs and support over 6,000 indirect roles across tourism, hospitality, logistics and associated services.
Aligned with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, the collaboration supports economic diversification, private-sector growth, and the development of specialised national talent within the aviation and technology sectors.
beOnd plans to build structured training programs for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff, positioning Bahrain as a hub for advanced aviation skills with simulators and maintenance facilities. The airline will also leverage the Kingdom’s infrastructure and regulatory environment to develop and deploy AI across operations, maintenance, revenue management, distribution, and passenger experience, helping drive local expertise in next-generation aviation and digital transformation.
Unlike traditional volume-driven airline business models, beOnd’s premium leisure concept focuses on award-winning lie-flat comfort, refined service, and destination-driven travel. The Bahrain operation is designed to complement the Kingdom’s aviation landscape by prioritising tourism yield, high-value visitor flows, and technological advancement rather than passenger volume alone.
The development follows beOnd’s recent announcements and aligns with its multi-AOC vision, which includes new funding, expansion across the Middle East, and entry into new regions such as the United States and India. Looking toward 2030, beOnd plans to grow its fleet and establish new operating bases as it continues to scale its premium leisure offering globally, anchored in simplicity, thoughtful design, and elevated service.
FLEET - Guernsey's Aurigny Air Services retires last Do228
Aurigny Air Services (GR, Guernsey) retired the last of its two Do228-212(NG)s on February 13, 2026, ending an 11-year tenure of the type in the carrier's fleet.
G-ETAC (msn 8321) operated its last revenue flight from Guernsey to Manchester and back. The 7.5-year-old aircraft was the younger of the two Do228s in Aurigny's fleet, and had been operated by the Channel Islands' carrier since new. The other unit, G-OAUR (msn 8305), was retired in late December 2025.
Aurigny Air Services has replaced the aircraft with a DHC-6-300 wet-leased from Skybus (United Kingdom). The aircraft entered into service in Guernsey in November 2025. Skybus rotates the assigned aircraft; currently G-ISSG (msn 572) is deployed out of Guernsey.
The Do228s and now the Twin Otter are used predominantly for services to Alderney (from Guernsey and Southampton), which cannot accommodate larger aircraft due to runway length limitations.
The rest of Aurigny's fleet comprises five in-house ATR72-600s. The carrier also provides its code for Skybus' PSO flights from Newquay to London Gatwick, which are operated by Universal Air with a DHC-8-Q400.
CH-Aviation / Photo: Aurigny Air
FLEET - Air Vanuatu eyes ATR72 return by mid-1Q26
Air Vanuatu (NF, Port Vila) expects its sole ATR72-600, YJ-AV73 (msn 1358), to return to service by the end of February 2026, according to a report in the newspaper Vanuatu Daily Post.
YJ-AV73 has been grounded since August 2025 due to engine maintenance issues. Consequently, the airline reduced its flights and recently relied on wet-leased capacity from Air Calédonie to maintain critical domestic connections between Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna.
The Vanuatu government approved VUV300 million vatu (USD2.5 million) in September 2025 to fund repairs for the ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprop and a DHC-6-300. The delay was previously attributed to a global shortage of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines.
Air Vanuatu recently propped up its fleet with the arrival of its fourth DHC-6-300, YJ-AV15 (msn 481), in January. A second Twin Otter is scheduled to arrive in March. There have also been plans to acquire an ATR42 by 2030 to further expand domestic capacity.
ch-aviation fleets data shows that the carrier, which emerged from liquidation in 2024, operates a single ATR72-600 and three DHC-6-300s.
CH-Aviation / Photo: Alain Charpentier
FLEET - airBaltic Receives its 54th Airbus A220-300 Aircraft
the Latvian airline airBaltic welcomed its newest Airbus A220-300 jet, registered as YL-BTD, in Riga. This is the second aircraft delivered to airBaltic in 2026 and the 54th of this type overall.
Since the introduction of Airbus A220-300 into its fleet in 2016, airBaltic has carried more than 24 million passengers on the Airbus A220-300, operated approximately 250 000 flights, and logged over 551 000 flight hours, demonstrating the suitability of this aircraft type for both shorter and longer routes.
The Airbus A220-300 aircraft offer improved passenger comfort features, including wider seats, larger windows, and increased overhead baggage space. At the same time, the aircraft feature a significantly lower noise level and reduced CO₂ and NOx emissions compared to previous generation aircraft, reinforcing their efficiency and environmental performance.
In 2025, airBaltic became the first European airline to offer free high-speed SpaceX Starlink internet on board. Currently, more than 20 aircraft are equipped with this technology, and installations are continuing on additional aircraft, allowing passengers to remain connected from boarding to landing throughout their journey.
Over the past 30 years, airBaltic has evolved into a globally respected carrier. Now the airline is connecting the Baltic States to 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus region, providing essential infrastructure and global connectivity for the region.
FLEET - Centrum Air (Uzbekistan) took delivery of its fourth A330-300
The carrier aims to expand its total fleet to 21 aircraft by the end of 2026.
Photo: Centrum Air
segunda-feira, 16 de fevereiro de 2026
NEW LIVERY - Kish Air / EP-LCL / McDonnell Douglas MD-82
New livery
Photo: HH in the skyDubai Int'l - OMDB, United Arab Emirates
old livery / Kish Air
NEW AIRLINE - Benin Grants Operating License to Amazone Airlines
The National Civil Aviation Agency of Benin (ANAC) has granted an operating license to Amazone Airlines, paving the way for the start of commercial operations.
Image: Amazone Airlines
FLEET - Air Serbia plans to retain wet-lease capacity until at least October 2027
Photo: Air Serbia
sábado, 14 de fevereiro de 2026
AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - CAIRO AVIATION - 1998 - 2018
IATA - OESU-EAG - Tupolev Tu-204 Cargo - Lisboa
ICAO - CCE
Callsign - AIR CAIRO
Founded November 1998
Ceased operations - 2018
Hubs - Cairo International Airport
Fleet - size 5
Destinations mainly Egypt and Europe
Headquarters Cairo, Egypt
Key people Ibrahim Kamel (President), Emad Sallam (VP-CEO)
In addition to domestic routes in Egypt, the company primarily operated international routes to various destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Furthermore, Cairo Aviation operated scheduled flights for the national airline Egypt Air on several occasions.
SU-EAF - Tupolev Tu-204 -
SU-EAG - Tupolev Tu-204 Cargo
SU-EAH - Tupolev Tu-204
SU-EAI - Tupolev Tu-204
SU-EAJ - Tupolev Tu-204
Photos: Flyingphotos
sexta-feira, 13 de fevereiro de 2026
SPECIAL COLOURS - American Airlines / N840NN / Boeing 737-823 - 100 Years Livery
FLEET / NEW LIVERY - Transavia receives fifteenth Airbus A321neo
The delivery took place in the presence of CEO Paul Terstegge, who joined Transavia in February, and CFO Pieter Wensveen. The visit focused not only on the delivery but also on the intensive collaboration with Airbus in the coming years.
The plane landed at Schiphol on Thursday afternoon, February 12.
New look
The PH-YHQ is the second aircraft to feature the new livery introduced in 2025. All new Airbus aircraft entering service from now on will have this look.
Complete switch to Airbus
The fleet renewal is proceeding gradually. Aircraft from the Airbus A320neo family are gradually replacing Transavia's Boeing 737s. This new generation of aircraft ensures less noise and lower CO₂ emissions per seat.
With the delivery of PH-YHQ, the Airbus fleet now consists of fifteen aircraft. Ten Boeing 737s have left the Transavia fleet. The complete transition to Airbus is scheduled for 2031.
SPECIAL STICKER - Turkish Airlines Unveils Its 500th Aircraft Featuring a Special Livery of 100,000 Employees
Joining the fleet at the end of 2025, the 500th aircraft named ‘TK Family’ was unveiled during a special launch event today by the Turkish flag carrier.
The unveiling of the 500th aircraft, featuring a special livery designed with photographs of Turkish Airlines’ 100,000 employees and retirees, was held with wide and meaningful participation, reflecting the spirit of unity and solidarity. The event at Istanbul Airport was attended by executives from Turkish Airlines and its subsidiaries, former senior executives, employees and retirees, as well as prominent figures from the aviation industry.
The launch also featured children of martyrs who gave their lives for the Turkish nation, representing all 81 provinces of Türkiye, and the cast of Turkish Airlines' memorable Iğdır* (When You Dream) commercial. This special gathering once again demonstrated that Turkish Airlines' growth story consists of not only numbers but also shared effort, loyalty, and solidarity.
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated at this special event: "Our 500th aircraft represents far more than a new addition to our fleet; it stands as a symbol of 93 years of dedication, determination, and shared vision. Having considerably accelerated our journey to the top after 2003 with 65 aircraft, today we take pride in reaching 356 destinations across six continents with over 500 aircraft. Twelve years ago, when we filmed our ‘When You Dream’ commercial with 247 aircraft and 247 destinations, the 500th aircraft was a dream. Witnessing that dream become reality today holds a special meaning for the entire Turkish Airlines family. We see our 500th aircraft not as a milestone marking an end, but as the beginning of the 'Second 500' era. In line with our goal of reaching a fleet of 1,000 aircraft by 2036, we remain committed to positioning our country as one of the global hubs of aviation."
As part of this unveiling, the “TK Family” aircraft performed a special ceremonial flight, tracing the number 500 in the sky to mark the beginning of the airline’s ‘Second 500’ era. Operated under flight number TK500, the flight carried the children of martyrs and their families, along with Turkish Airlines executives, former senior executives, and employees.
Aircraft representing key milestones in Turkish Airlines’ fleet expansion were also showcased at the event venue, alongside a full-scale replica of the airline’s first aircraft, drawing significant interest. The fleet milestone aircraft were introduced in the following years:
100th Aircraft– August 2006
200th Aircraft– November 2012
300th Aircraft– February 2016
400th Aircraft– March 2023
500th Aircraft– December 2025
While continuing to enhance operational efficiency and passenger comfort through investments in modern aircraft, Turkish Airlines remains committed to strengthening its fleet in line with its sustainable growth strategy. The 500th Aircraft symbolizes not only the airline’s current strength, but also its vision of reaching a fleet of 1,000 aircraft by 2036.
Drawing strength from its heritage as it confidently moves toward the future, Turkish Airlines continues to write new success stories in global aviation, guided by its principle of “growing together, rising together.”
Boeing has retired its last B787-8 test aircraft, registration ZA004, after more than 16 years in service.
Boeing’s last 787-8 Dreamliner test aircraft, ‘ZA004’, has retired to the Arizona desert, after performing more than 670 test flights over 16 years of service.
quinta-feira, 12 de fevereiro de 2026
SPECIAL COLOURS - Brussels Airlines unveils its newest Belgian Icon
Tintin discovers new horizons, this time in space
© Brussels Airlines / Hergé / Tintinimaginatio 2026
“After the incredible success of the first Tintin plane - Rackham - Brussels Airlines decided to continue with the adventure. And we accepted their proposition without any hesitation. We actually see this as the first step towards celebrating the 100th Anniversary of TINTIN on the 10th January 2029.”
- Nick Rodwell, CEO, Tintinimaginatio
- Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, Brussels Airlines
The two sides of the aircraft are different, which makes it possible to feature several characters (Tintin and the Moon on one side, Snowy and Captain Haddock on the other) without overloading the visual design of the livery. The cherry under the cake is the moon-rocket on the belly of the aircraft, which will take off, fly, and land “for real”. The background of the livery is a gradient going from midnight blue to black.
Passengers will also encounter Snowy and Tintin again as well as Thomson and Thompson on the bulkheads and the digitally printed floor carpet by Lantal Textiles is a subtle reference to outer space.
The aircraft’s inaugural commercial flight is scheduled for February 13, departing Brussels Airport for Milan Linate at 10:25am.
About the Belgian Icons
As with every Belgian Icon, the new aircraft embodies the airline’s ambition to bring a little piece of Belgium in the air and sharing the best of the country with the world.
Brussels Airlines introduced its very first Belgian Icon, Rackham (OO‑SNB), in 2015. More than a decade later, Rackham remains one of the most photographed aircraft in the world and will continue flying in the airline’s fleet until 2027.
With OO‑SNJ, Brussels Airlines expands its homage to Tintin, adding a second aircraft celebrating the timeless universe created by Hergé.
In November 2022, the new version of Trident - the aircraft dedicated to the Belgian Red Devils and Red Flames, the Belgian male and female national football teams - was presented. In April 2024, the second edition of Amare was revealed, which is a collaboration with the world-famous music festival Tomorrowland. Atomium, the fourth Belgian Icon, was unveiled in March 2025.
Previous Belgian Icons include:
Magritte, part of the fleet between 2016 and 2021, paying homage to René Magritte, the Belgian surrealistic painter.
Aerosmurf, which smurfed the fleet between 2018 and 2023, created following a design contest organized by Brussels Airlines.
Bruegel, celebrating Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder, which traveled the world between 2019 and 2023.
Copyright for all pictures: © Brussels Airlines / Hergé / Tintinimaginatio 2026
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