sábado, 28 de fevereiro de 2026
sexta-feira, 27 de fevereiro de 2026
AIRLINES HISTORIC DEFUNCT - Air Sicilia was an Italian airline founded in 1991 and remained in business until 2002; it was declared bankrupt in January 2003
Flyingphotos
Operating Dates: 1994 - 2002
Country: Italy
Region: Europe
IATA - BM
ICAO - SIC
Call sign - AIR SICILY
The carrier ceased operations in early 2001 but restarted 2 months later, only to completely stop on 22Feb2002
domestic and international scheduled services throughout Europe
domestic and international scheduled services throughout Europe
Aircraft In fleet
ATR 42 - 4
Boeing737-200 - 3
Fokker F28 - 1
McDonnell Douglas MD-87 - 1
Boeing737-200 - 3
Fokker F28 - 1
McDonnell Douglas MD-87 - 1
Destinations
Palermo
Rome
Milan
Pantelleria
Lampedusa
Bergamo
Florence
Palermo
Rome
Milan
Pantelleria
Lampedusa
Bergamo
Florence
FLEET - Motu Link Airline (French Polynesia) took delivery of its first ATR72-500F
Motu Link Airline’s first aircraft has arrived at its new home in Tahiti after a ten-day journey.
The 2004-vintage ATR 72-500F (713, ex-Binter Canarias) landed in Papeete (PPT) on Feb. 21 and will enter service in a matter of weeks after a series of audits and inspections with local authorities.
Photo: Motu Link
ROUTES - Skyway Airlines (Philippines) has begun flying to China with a B737-400F, following CAAC approval.
Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi celebrations and mentorship take flight at Hawaiian Airlines
Editor’s note: To inspire our readers’ language-learning journey, this story is offered in both English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. We encourage reading both paragraph versions to deepen understanding of Hawaiʻi’s native language.
Throughout February, Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month) takes center stage at Hawaiian Airlines, uniting employees as they share their love for ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi with guests, their families, their communities and each other. At its core, the month is about inspiring and empowering speakers, of all ages and skill levels, who continue to normalize a language that was once nearly extinct by using it in their homes, workplaces and everyday life.
I kēia makahiki no ka manawa ʻelua o ka welo o ia papahana i hoʻokipa ʻia ai ma ke kahua hana o ka Hui Waʻalele ʻo Hawaiian he 11 mau haumāna mai loko mai nō o Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Ānuenue, ʻo ia kekahi kula ma lalo o ka malu o ka mokuʻāina ʻo Hawaiʻi. Ua laulima maila nā limahana i ʻano mākaukau ma ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi he ʻumikūmākahi e hoʻokipa ana i nā momi ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi o ko kākou kaiaulu. Aia nō ka nui o nā haumāna ma ka papa ʻumikūmākahi a i ka papa ʻumikūmālua, a ua holo koke ka manawa i ka mākaʻimākaʻi ʻana me nā mahele keʻena like ʻole o Honolulu. Ua kau pū lākou ma nā mīkini aʻo pailaka, ua hōʻike hoʻi nā kuene mokulele i kekahi mau hiʻohiʻona o ka papa aʻo, ua wehewehe ko nā kānaka halihali ʻukana i ke ʻano o ia hana a ua hōʻike akula kekahi ʻākena a me kekahi mea mālama mokulele i ke ʻano o ko lākou hana, pau pū me ka wehewehe ʻia ʻana o nā hana ʻē aʻe i loko o nā keʻena e hoʻopā ʻole aku ana i kekahi mokulele. He mea paha ia e pūlama ai ka manaʻo e lawelawe ua mau ʻōpio nei i ka hana ma Hawaiʻi ko kākou home aloha.
ROUTES - Korean Air brings Boeing 787-10 to Zurich route for 50th Anniversary
Next-Generation Efficiency and Sustainability
The Boeing 787-10 is the largest variant of the Dreamliner family. Its fuselage spans 68.3 meters, making it approximately five meters longer than the 787-9, increasing passenger and cargo capacity by 15%. Constructed with advanced carbon composites, the aircraft reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions by over 20% compared to similar-sized aircraft. Additionally, specialized “chevron nozzles” on the engine nacelles significantly reduce noise for a quieter cabin experience.
Korean Air's 787-10 aircraft is configured with a total of 325 seats, including 36 Prestige Class seats and 289 economy class seats.
Elevated Cabin Experience
The Boeing 787-10 features the new “Prestige Suites 2.0,” designed with high partitions to ensure maximum passenger privacy. The cabin interior incorporates elegant patterns inspired by Jogakbo, traditional Korean patchwork, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. Each suite offers a 180-degree full-flat bed with a generous length of 78 inches (198 cm), a 46-inch (117 cm) pitch, and a 21-inch (53 cm) width. To provide a refined entertainment experience, the suites are equipped with 24-inch 4K monitors and seamless Bluetooth audio connectivity.
The “New Economy” class, configured in a 3-3-3 layout, has also been upgraded for enhanced comfort. It offers a 32-inch (81 cm) seat pitch, 17.2-inch (44 cm) width, and a 120-degree recline for optimal comfort. Every seat is equipped with a 13-inch (33cm) 4K monitor—two inches larger than those on previous models—and individual USB-C ports.
Additionally, in-flight Wi-Fi service is available, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the journey.
50 Years of Excellence
“We are proud to celebrate 50 years of connecting Zurich and Seoul,” said the Regional Manager for Switzerland. “The introduction of the Boeing 787-10 reflects our dedication to providing our passengers with the highest standards of privacy, comfort, and sustainable travel. We look forward to another 50 years of excellence on this flagship route.”
※ Flight Schedule for Boeing 787-10 Service on the Zurich-Incheon Route
(From June 2 to October 24 2026)
“We are proud to celebrate 50 years of connecting Zurich and Seoul,” said the Regional Manager for Switzerland. “The introduction of the Boeing 787-10 reflects our dedication to providing our passengers with the highest standards of privacy, comfort, and sustainable travel. We look forward to another 50 years of excellence on this flagship route.”
※ Flight Schedule for Boeing 787-10 Service on the Zurich-Incheon Route
(From June 2 to October 24 2026)
FLEET - Challenge Group took delivery of its first B777-300ERSF conversion, on lease from AerCap
Significance: This is the first of six 777-300ERSFs Challenge Group plans to add to its fleet by 2027, making it the first operator of this conversion type in Europe.
Registration & Operations: The aircraft is registered on the Maltese AOC (9H) and is scheduled to enter commercial service in March 2026.
The 777-300ERSF is a passenger-to-freighter conversion developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in partnership with AerCap, capable of carrying approximately 100 metric tons of payload.
Photo: Challenge
SPECIAL COLOURS - ANA to Launch Three New Liveries for Pokémon 30th Anniversary
In celebration of Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, ANA will introduce three new Pokémon Jet liveries, scheduled to enter service in 2026.
・The aircraft designs are inspired by the classic Pokémon Red, Green and Blue games.
・ANA will operate the new 'Pokémon Jet' on both domestic and international routes for the first time in about 10 years, connecting the world's skies.
The collaboration builds on a partnership that began in 1998 with the world’s first Pokémon Jet. ANA currently operates the “Pikachu Jet NH” and “Eevee Jet NH” as part of the Pokémon Air Adventures project, an initiative dedicated to connecting people and communities worldwide. To date, a total of eight aircraft has featured special Pokémon liveries.
The three new aircrafts will be introduced sequentially throughout 2026.
“This project goes beyond just a livery; it’s about creating an immersive world that sparks imagination, inspires curiosity and brings the joy of discovery to our passengers throughout their journey,” said Keiji Omae, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience at ANA. “Whether you first began your journey on a Game Boy screen decades ago, or are currently exploring new regions through your mobile apps, we invite you to take your next 'adventure' into the real world with ANA. Many of our passengers flying with us today were the kids who marveled at our first Pokémon Jet in 1998. We are honored to be the wings that carry not just passengers, but also their cherished memories and future adventures.”
■ A Dual Celebration: Pokémon’s 30th and ANA’s 40th International Anniversary
The year 2026 marks a milestone for both companies. It is the 30th anniversary of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, released on Feb. 27, 1996, and the 40th anniversary of ANA’s first international flight.
ANA views this historic convergence as an opportunity to express gratitude to fans worldwide and create new experiences for the next generation of travelers, centered around the key concept: "Experience the Excitement and Fun of the Journey with Pokémon."
■ Aircraft Overview and Design
The three newly commissioned jets draw inspiration from the original Pokémon Red, Green and Blue games.
・Pokémon Jet Red (Boeing 787-8)： Scheduled Service: Domestic Routes・Pokémon Jet Green (Boeing 787-9) ：Scheduled Service: International Routes・Pokémon Jet Blue (Boeing 737-800) ：Scheduled Service: Domestic Routes
In addition to the aircraft liveries, the project will include special campaigns allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the world of ANA and Pokémon. Updates will be posted on the ANA website.
Together with the Pokémon Jets, the ANA Group will continue to serve as “wings of the heart,” connecting the world and delivering the joy and excitement of travel to all.
ROUTES - Air Congo plans to launch services from Kinshasa to Cotonou, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg in late March 2026, with B737-800.
The airline also expects to take delivery in March 2026 of an ATR72-600 for domestic operations. It is the first of two from Ethiopian Airlines
Aviator / Photos: Air Congo
AIRLINE HISTORY / REBRANDING - V Australia was a long-haul international airline launched in 2009 by Virgin Australia Holdings to operate routes like Sydney–Los Angeles with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
It was fully rebranded and subsumed into the main Virgin Australia brand on December 7, 2011. The airline no longer exists as a separate entity.
Key details regarding the history and evolution of V Australia:
Launch and Operations: Launched as a subsidiary of Virgin Blue, it targeted international routes, specifically flying from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to the U.S..
Rebranding: In 2011, it was rebranded to become part of the broader Virgin Australia airline group.
Fleet and Structure: Initially operated with five Boeing 777-300ERs. Following the 2020 voluntary administration, the parent company phased out long-haul operations and the 777 fleet to focus on a domestic, all-Boeing 737 model.
Current Status: V Australia flights are now operated under the Virgin Australia banner, which serves as Australia's second-largest airline
Photos: Duncan Stewart / LAXLaunch and Operations: Launched as a subsidiary of Virgin Blue, it targeted international routes, specifically flying from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to the U.S..
Rebranding: In 2011, it was rebranded to become part of the broader Virgin Australia airline group.
Fleet and Structure: Initially operated with five Boeing 777-300ERs. Following the 2020 voluntary administration, the parent company phased out long-haul operations and the 777 fleet to focus on a domestic, all-Boeing 737 model.
Current Status: V Australia flights are now operated under the Virgin Australia banner, which serves as Australia's second-largest airline
quinta-feira, 26 de fevereiro de 2026
SPECIAL COLOURS - Lufthansa A380 now with XXL crane
- Lufthansa Airbus A380 with blue anniversary livery
- D-AIMH in regular service from March
- Already the fourth aircraft in the special “100 Years” design
35 colleagues worked on the Airbus A380 for exactly 34 days. They brought the 47-meter-long stylized crane on the aircraft to life and painted a total area of over 4,000 square meters. That is equivalent to about 16 tennis courts. The Airbus with the registration D-AIMH will start regular service in March.
The Airbus A380 is already the fourth aircraft to feature this extraordinary design. At the beginning of the month, a freshly painted blue Airbus A350-900 landed in Munich. A Boeing 787-9 and an Airbus A320neo, both based in Frankfurt, are also flying in the “100th anniversary colors.” Tomorrow, Friday, another Airbus A320neo with an XXL crane is expected in Munich.
SPECIAL COLOURS - McLaren Racing announces Etihad Airways as an Official Partner
The partnership brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to innovation, ambition and delivering exceptional experiences for fans and customers around the world. With a strong synergy between racing and travel, this unique partnership will bring fans closer to the action through Etihad’s fast-growing network of more than 100 destinations.
As McLaren competes across multiple series around the globe, Etihad will support the team through its global network spanning premier racing destinations such as the UAE, Australia, China and Japan to the UK, Spain, Italy and the US.
Etihad branding will feature prominently across McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team race cars and the McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar Team, including the MCL40’s rear wing and halo as well as McLaren Mastercard F1 Team driver helmets. The partnership also provides extensive digital and experiential rights, enabling McLaren and Etihad to create meaningful fan experiences over the course of the partnership.
Later in the year, Etihad will also welcome a stunning new livery to its fleet, with the McLaren Racing brand featured on one of its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The partnership builds on Etihad’s long-standing commitment to racing, including its role as title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009.
Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said: “We’re excited to welcome Etihad Airways as an Official Partner. As we travel to more races around the world, working with a global airline that shares our passion for excellence is a natural fit. Etihad’s commitment to delivering high‑quality experiences aligns strongly with our values and we look forward to working closely together across both Formula 1 and WEC.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO, Etihad Airways, said: “Today, we are thrilled to team up with McLaren Racing to begin an extraordinary partnership. Formula 1 racing brings together fans from around the world in one of the most exhilarating sports, and we’re excited to see the Etihad brand across the 2026 McLaren car as it competes worldwide. In celebration of the partnership, we will also unveil a stunning new aircraft livery designed with McLaren branding, which will fly across the fast-growing Etihad network engaging with fans around the world.”
FLEET - Air New Zealand reveals the ten new B787 deliveries expected from 2026 to 2031
Air New Zealand reveals the ten new B787 deliveries expected from 2026 to 2031 will be a mix of B787-9 and B787-10 aircraft. Contractual options were exercised for two B787-10s, with expected delivery in 2028.
NEW AIRLINE - Aerolinee Siciliane (Italy) now plans to begin operations in May 2026
Status: Startup/Development phase (previously planned 2020 launch, now eyeing mid-2Q26).
Hub: Comiso Airport (CIY), Sicily.
Target Routes: Initial operations aimed at connecting Comiso to Rome and Milan.
Future Routes: Planned destinations include Bologna, Stuttgart, London, Paris, and Tunis.
Aircraft: Intends to operate with leased Airbus A320s.
Objective: To reduce the high cost of air travel to and from Sicily
Hub: Comiso Airport (CIY), Sicily.
Target Routes: Initial operations aimed at connecting Comiso to Rome and Milan.
Future Routes: Planned destinations include Bologna, Stuttgart, London, Paris, and Tunis.
Aircraft: Intends to operate with leased Airbus A320s.
Objective: To reduce the high cost of air travel to and from Sicily
NEW AIRLINE - Nigeria’s Caliphate Air, Targets H2 2026 Launch
Based in Abuja with hubs in Sokoto, it aims to boost connectivity in Nigeria using Embraer jets, with potential expansion to Niamey, Niger.
Launch Target: H2 2026.
Backing: Fully controlled by the Sokoto State government.
Bases: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja) and Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport (Sokoto).
Status: Obtained Air Transport License (ATL) in 2025; currently progressing with Air Operator Certificate (AOC) certification.
Fleet Strategy: Focused on operating Embraer jets for domestic and regional routes.
quarta-feira, 25 de fevereiro de 2026
FLEET - Boliviana de Aviacion plans to operate 15 aircraft by June 2026, in order to expand its fleet and meet passenger demand.
The current fleet stands at 12 aircraft.
Photo: Leandro Ferreira
ROUTES - Air Greenland will launch a new service between Ilulissat and Copenhagen on October 29
Air Greenland will launch a new service between Ilulissat and Copenhagen on October 29, coinciding with the inauguration of Greenland Airports' new airport in Ilulissat. The inaugural flight will be operated by the company's Airbus A330-800 aircraft. The route will then be operated by Jettime with a Boeing 737-800NG until Air Greenland receives an A320neo in the spring of 2027.
Photo: Air Greenland
FLEET - TAAG Angola Airlines Welcomes Fifth A220-300
TAAG Angola Airlines has reinforced its fleet with the arrival of a fifth Airbus A220-300 at Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in Luanda, registration D2-TAK, marking the first such addition across the African continent.
The aircraft is configured with a two-class cabin, with 12 seats in business class and 125 in economy class, offering a total capacity for 137 passengers.
FLEET - Russia's Polar Airlines plans for three custom Il-114-300s
Polar Airlines (RKA, Yakutsk) is planning to expand its fleet with three modified Il-114-300s. Deputy flight director Semyon Semyonov said that manufacturer Ilyushin Design Bureau has promised to fit these aircraft with protective engine shields to prevent the intake of foreign object debris on unpaved runways in Russia’s Far East. Similar customisations were required for the airline's two DHC-8-Q300s, currently the airline's largest type. The first Il-114-300s are scheduled for delivery in 2026, although regular deliveries are only expected in 2028. Polar Airlines expects the design modifications to be finalised in 2026.
Full Story : Yakut-Sakha Information Agency (Russia) / Via CH-Aviation / Photo: Polar Airlines
terça-feira, 24 de fevereiro de 2026
1992 / 2011 - AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - Agroar Carga Aérea was a cargo airline based in Portugal. Having originally been specialized on agricultural aviation
Agroar Carga Aérea was a cargo airline based in Portugal. Having originally been specialized on agricultural aviation, Agroar launched commercial airline business with cargo flights between Lisbon and Funchal, using a Boeing 737-300 jet aircraft, which was owned by Flyant.
Evora, Portugal
Agroar also offered aviation-related services like the launching of paratroopers, firefighting, and sightseeing and event flights, as well as aircraft maintenance.
Lisboa
Call sign - GRR Founded - 1992
Ceased operations - 2011
Destinations - Evora, Funchal and Lisbon
Headquarters - Évora, Portugal
Evora
Photos: Flyingphotos K2 Airways is expanding its cargo operations and is acquiring another B747-400F.
Meanwhile, K2 Airline, which was already operating cargo services, is expanding its operations and is acquiring another Boeing 747-400 series aircraft.
Photo: K2
ROUTES - Lao Airlines to resume direct Vientiane – Da Nang service
The carrier said it will operate two flights per week on Thursdays and Sundays, using the Comac C909 aircraft configured with 90 economy-class seat.
A Comac C909 aircraft of Laos Airlines (Source: Laos Airlines)
Vientiane (VNA) – Lao Airlines, the national flag carrier of Laos, has announced it will resume direct flights linking the Lao capital of Vientiane with Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang from March 29.
The carrier said it will operate two flights per week on Thursdays and Sundays, using the Comac C909 aircraft configured with 90 economy-class seats. The flight time is estimated at about one hour and 20 minutes.
Under the schedule, Flight QV317 will depart from Vientiane at 11:20 and arrive in Da Nang at 12:40 the same day. The return flight, QV318, will leave Da Nang at 13:50 and land in Vientiane at 15:10 the same day.
Tickets will be available at Lao Airlines ticket offices in Laos, through authorised agents, as well as on the carrier’s website and mobile application. The proposed round-trip fare listed on the website is 290 USD for bookings made in April.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lao Airlines operated the Vientiane – Da Nang route using ATR-72 aircraft with 70 seats, transiting in Pakse city in southern Laos. In 2023, it attempted to relaunch a direct Vientiane – Da Nang service using Airbus A320 aircraft, but later suspended operations as market demand had yet to fully recover after the pandemic.
According to Lao Airlines, the route resumption this time is expected to be more favourable as the airline has introduced the C909 aircraft with 90 seats, which is considered better suited to market demand compared to the previously operated ATR-72 (70 seats) and A320 (148 seats).
The announcement comes amid rising international arrivals to Da Nang, which is projected to welcome around 19 million visitors in 2026. Currently, many travellers from the Republic of Korea and China view Da Nang as a hub while demand for short-haul flights to popular Lao destinations such as Luang Prabang and Vientiane has increased markedly. Lao Airlines expects these international tourists to help fill seats on its C909 aircraft./.
Vietnam
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