Flyingphotos Magazine News

terça-feira, 10 de novembro de 2026

SPECIAL LIVERY - Etihad Airways and McLaren Racing take to the skies with first racing team livery on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Special aircraft celebrates the landmark partnership between Etihad Airways and McLaren Racing

The aircraft will take McLaren Racing’s iconic identity to guests and fans across Etihad’s global network

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled a striking new livery carrying the distinctive branding of partner McLaren Racing, marking the first time a Formula 1 team has been featured on a wide-body aircraft. Guests stepping onboard the Etihad Dreamliner will be a part of Formula 1 history.

The specially designed aircraft celebrates the partnership between Etihad Airways and McLaren Racing, creating one of the most prominent motorsport liveries ever carried by a commercial aircraft and a new way for guests and fans to connect with McLaren Racing.

Bringing together two globally recognised brands, the design transforms one of Etihad’s flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliners with McLaren’s distinctive identity and papaya colour. The aircraft will take the partnership around the world as it operates across Etihad’s extensive global network, connecting Abu Dhabi with destinations from Dublin, Milan and Vienna to Bali, Bangkok and Delhi.

The livery was revealed in a record-breaking event at the Etihad Engineering facility in Abu Dhabi, featuring the record title for the largest single piece kabuki reveal, independently verified by Guinness World Records.

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad and McLaren Racing are two ambitious global brands with a shared focus on performance and a drive to keep moving forward. This aircraft will proudly carry that story from our home in Abu Dhabi to cities around the world, bringing our partnership closer to fans wherever it flies and sharing the excitement of Formula 1 with people across our expanding global network.

“Formula 1 has a remarkable ability to connect people and create excitement across borders, and together with McLaren we have an opportunity to bring fans even closer to the action and create memorable moments for them around the world. I look forward to seeing the aircraft in the skies.”

Zak Brown, CEO McLaren Racing, said: “It's fantastic to see our partnership with Etihad Airways brought to life in such a unique way. The aircraft livery brings together two iconic global brands and will connect McLaren Racing and Etihad with fans and customers around the world. We look forward to seeing our trademark papaya up in the sky.”

The livery is the latest expression of the partnership between Etihad Airways and McLaren Racing announced earlier this year. Etihad is an Official Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren Hypercar Team for the 2026 season and beyond.

The relationship reflects the shared characteristics of two industries shaped by technology, teamwork and high performance. As McLaren competes around the world, Etihad’s network connects Abu Dhabi with many of the sport’s major destinations including Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, the UK, Spain, Italy and the United States.

Alongside the new aircraft livery, Etihad branding features prominently on the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team race cars including the MCL40’s rear wing and halo, as well as McLaren Mastercard F1 Team driver helmets.

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. Abu Dhabi will host the season finale this December.

FLEET / SPECIAL LIVERY - Lufthansa Group, the world’s largest Airbus customer, receives its 700th Airbus aircraft

Airbus and Lufthansa celebrate 50 years of partnership

A350-1000, named “Deutschland,” becomes Lufthansa’s new flagship

Anniversary fleet completed with the final XXL crane

First long-haul aircraft equipped with the new Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi powered by Starlink

The Lufthansa Group has taken delivery of its 700th Airbus aircraft, a factory-new A350-1000. The aircraft was handed over in the presence of Carsten Spohr, CEO of the Lufthansa Group, and Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft Airbus, marking 50 years of partnership between the two companies. The new flagship, registered D-AIFA and named “Deutschland,” is the seventh aircraft in the Lufthansa fleet to feature the special livery celebrating the airline’s 100th anniversary.

The Lufthansa Group has ordered a total of 15 A350-1000 aircraft, which are scheduled for delivery by 2030. The first ten will operate for the Lufthansa core brand and will be based at its Munich hub. The entry into service of the new A350-1000 is part of the largest fleet modernization program in the history of the Lufthansa Group and is a key lever on the path toward greater sustainability. The aircraft will be transferred to Munich on November 11, 2026, where it will be prepared for its planned inaugural flight to Tokyo/Haneda on December 3, 2026.

Carsten Spohr, CEO of the Lufthansa Group, says: “With our first A350-1000, Lufthansa is taking delivery of the world’s most modern long-haul aircraft. Our guests can look forward to the new Allegris premium cabin in all travel classes.

The A350-1000 will become our new flagship at our five-star hub in Munich. It uses up to 30 percent less fuel per passenger, while at the same time offering significantly lower unit costs.

The fact that, as the world’s largest Airbus customer, we are taking delivery of our 700th Airbus aircraft exactly 50 years after the first Airbus delivery to Lufthansa, and in the year of our 100th anniversary, makes this a very special moment for us.

Our partnership is a prime example of what Europe can achieve when it works together.

The success of Airbus as a European aircraft manufacturer and of the Lufthansa Group as Europe’s leading airline group is therefore far more than an economic success story.

It is part of Europe’s sovereignty. Both companies demonstrate that our continent can continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of global aviation.”

At 73.80 meters, the Airbus A350-1000 is seven meters longer than the Airbus A350-900 and accommodates 300 passengers in four travel classes: three to four seats in First Class, comprising two individual suites and one “Suite Plus”; 49 seats in Business Class, including eight seats in suites; 35 seats in Premium Economy Class; and 212 seats in Economy Class.

From its inaugural flight on December 3, the “Deutschland” will also be the first Lufthansa Group long-haul aircraft equipped with the new Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi powered by Starlink. Guests will benefit from internet speeds above the clouds that, in many cases, are faster than the connection at home or in the office. This will enable watching video content, cloud-based work, and other high-speed applications during the flight. The service will be available free of charge to all Miles & More members and Travel ID users across all travel classes.

The Lufthansa Group and Airbus share a special partnership. Over the past 50 years, the Group has operated aircraft from every Airbus aircraft family and has served as a launch customer on numerous occasions. The two companies also work closely together on new aircraft developments and research projects.

LUFTHANSA

SPECIAL LIVERY - Shenzhen Airlines / B737 MAX8 / B-225K - "Innovation & Cooperation (创新合作号)"

Shenzhen Baoan - ZGSZ China

Photo: SZX-Joker

FLEET - Delta: First A350-1000 Revealed in Toulouse

Registered as F-WZGN (841), it will become N651DK. Delivery is scheduled for early next year.

Delta ordered 20 A350-1000 aircraft in January 2024 and has options for 20 more.

Photo. A380_TLS_A350

SPECIAL LIVERY - Shenzhen Airlines / A330-343 / B-8865 - "Openness (开放号)"

Shenzhen Baoan - ZGSZ, China

Photo: SZX-Joker

FLEET - DHL (UK)Air begins B777-200LR(MF) ops

DHL Air (D0, Nottingham East Midlands) has commenced revenue operations with its first two B777-200LR(MF)s, becoming the launch operator of the Mammoth Freighters-converted type.

The aircraft, G-DHMH (msn 32222) and G-DHME (msn 29740), have been deployed on services connecting Nottingham East Midlands, Leipzig/Halle, Cincinnati International, Singapore Changi, and Hong Kong International, ADS-B data shows.

DHL Express has committed to thirteen B777-200LR(MF)s and previously planned to induct four of the type during 2026.

CH Aviation

FLEET - Emirates Secures Innovative Shariah-compliant French Lease Financing for Two Airbus A350-900 Aircraft

Emirates, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) and Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB) today announced the successful completion of a 12-year Shariah compliant French Lease transaction supporting Emirates’ acquisition of two new Airbus A350-900 aircraft in 2026.

The innovative funding approach combines two financing frameworks that are typically structured separately, aligning the features of the French lease with Shariah principles within a single financing structure.

The financing directly supports Emirates’ ongoing fleet expansion strategy, while demonstrating the growing versatility of Shariah-compliant structures in the global aviation market.

By blending optimised aviation structures with Islamic finance, this transaction demonstrates how airlines can access alternative, diversified pools of capital. It establishes a repeatable blueprint for future international aviation financings seeking to harmonise these two distinct frameworks while meeting Islamic law requirements

DIB and Natixis CIB acted as Islamic Financiers and Arrangers.

Derek Blaney, Acting Chief Financial Officer at Emirates Group said: "Emirates continues to pursue diverse solutions and innovative funding structures as part of our long-term financing strategy. Drawing on the complementary strengths of Dubai Islamic Bank and Natixis CIB, this landmark transaction combines Islamic finance with a French Lease structure, helping to diversify our funding sources while supporting the continued expansion of our fleet. Our strong financial performance and proven track record give us access to innovative solutions like this one, and we are pleased to have worked with both partners on a structure that sets a precedent for future aircraft financing."

Naveed Ali, Chief of Corporate Banking at DIB, said: “This transaction reflects the growing sophistication and international relevance of Islamic finance. By bringing together the French Lease framework and Shariah-compliant financing, we have helped structure a solution that supports Emirates’ long-term financing requirements while demonstrating how Islamic finance can be applied to complex, cross-border aviation transactions.

“Our role as Islamic Financier and Arranger and Shariah Structurer draws on the depth of DIB’s corporate banking and Shariah structuring capabilities. Our Shariah team also played an important role in aligning the relevant requirements of the French Lease structure, including the applicable French Lease considerations, with Shariah standards. This demonstrates the potential for sophisticated Islamic financing structures to support the evolving capital requirements of major international industries.”

Jean Chédeville, Head of Transportation Finance, Natixis CIB, said: “This transaction demonstrates our ability to develop tailored financing solutions and bring high added value to our clients. We are thrilled to support Emirates with another tailored aircraft delivery funding solution and very pleased to partner with Dubai Islamic Bank on such a unique and innovative project.

EMIRATES

segunda-feira, 9 de novembro de 2026

FLEET - airBaltic Signs Long- Term Wet Lease Agreement with Lufthansa Group for Up to Six A220-300s

airBaltic has signed a new long-term wet lease agreement with the Lufthansa Group.

Under the agreement, airBaltic will provide up to six crewed Airbus A220-300 aircraft during the summer season and four during the winter season, allowing the airline to adjust capacity allocation according to seasonal demand.

The agreement is part of airBaltic's new business plan, which envisions a fleet of 36 aircraft by 2027, with wet lease operations complementing its own scheduled passenger network.

Aviator / Photo: Flyingphotos

Airbus A350-1000ULR for Qantas breaks world distance record

The Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra-Long Range) has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the longest flight by distance by a commercial airliner. The record was based on aircraft data independently validated by the International Aeronautical Federation and flightradar24.

The Airbus-operated flight, with call-sign AIB35LR, departed Melbourne, Australia at 17.27 local time (06.27 UTC) on Monday 27 July and landed in Toulouse, France at 09.51 am local time (07.51 UTC) on Tuesday 28 July. The flight covered a distance of 12,503 nautical miles (equivalent to 23,155 kilometres), with a flight time of 24 hours and 24 minutes.

The mission was undertaken as part of the flight test campaign for the A350-1000ULR, which is being developed for Qantas Airways under Project Sunrise. This included a requirement for Airbus to operate one sector with a block time of 23 hours (from push-back at departure to chocks-on at arrival) to simulate the very longest commercial operations that will be possible with the aircraft.

After take-off from Melbourne the aircraft flew over Sydney before heading out over the Pacific on a north-easterly routing towards Los Angeles, crossing the international date line en route. It then flew across the North American continent and over the Atlantic before heading south towards the UK, flying over London and on to Toulouse. As the aircraft crossed three continents and two oceans, the crew witnessed two sunsets and two sunrises.

A total of 13 people were on board the aircraft. These included a flight crew of three Airbus flight test pilots, two pilots from Qantas and five Airbus flight test engineers. Two Airbus design engineers were also on board, plus a representative of the International Aeronautical Federation.

"This achievement reflects the pioneering and innovative spirit that is part of our DNA at Airbus. In responding to the challenge laid down by Qantas, our teams came together to extend the range of the A350-1000 in an efficient and economically viable way to undertake the world's longest ever commercial flights,” said Lars Wagner, Chief Executive Officer Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “Flying 12,503 nautical miles non-stop, we have fully proven the aircraft's capability to fulfill its mission. And the world record was the icing on the cake!”

“Huge congratulations to all the teams at Airbus who have made this project a reality. And thank you to Qantas for an incredible partnership that has seen us push boundaries together, to Rolls-Royce for its full support and to all our partners who have contributed to this exciting moment in aviation history. Today we can say that the A350 truly is the undisputed Long Range Leader!” Lars added.

The A350-1000ULR will enable Qantas Airways to operate non-stop flights between Sydney and London and New York for the first time ever - a distance of almost 10,000 nautical miles, with flight times of up to 22 hours. This is made possible primarily by the integration into the aircraft structure of an additional rear centre tank (RCT), enhancing further the aircraft performance and increasing the range of the aircraft by 1,000 nautical miles.

The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the best-selling A350 Family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR and the A350-1000. Together, the aircraft have set new standards in long haul air travel, with a step-change reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and new levels of comfort. The passenger line-up will soon be joined by the all-new A350F freighter, which took to the skies for the first time on 29 September for a nine month flight test programme.

At the end of October 2026, the A350 Family had won 1,628 orders from 70 customers, with more than 740 aircraft already flying with 42 operators, primarily on long haul services across the globe.

Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under Project Sunrise. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery next April with entry into service on the Sydney-London route later in the year. In addition, the carrier also has 12 standard A350-1000s on order for future operation across its long haul network.

Airbus

FLEET - Air France receives its 60th Airbus A220-300, completing an order placed seven years ago.

Air France

Air France celebrated a significant milestone with the arrival of its 60th Airbus A220-300 to its fleet. The aircraft, registration F-HOZJ, was named "Mimizan". With this delivery, the French airline completes the firm order placed by the Air France-KLM Group in 2019, concluding a renewal cycle initiated five years ago.

The acquisition of the A220s is part of Air France's plan to replace its older A318s, A319s, and part of its A320 fleet. Currently, the A220-300 operates on short and medium-haul routes, in conjunction with the A320ceo family of aircraft.

The contract signed in 2019 also included 30 options and 30 additional purchase rights for the A220-300, expanding the possibilities for future expansion.

FLEET / ORDER - Philippine Airlines firms nine more A350-1000s

Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) has firmed an order for nine additional A350-1000s from Airbus, with purchase rights for five more, bringing its total commitment for the type to 18 aircraft. The agreement, signed on November 5, 2026, finalises an MoU announced at the Farnborough Airshow in July, as previously reported by ch-aviation. The carrier has also finalised an agreement with Rolls-Royce for Trent XWB-97 engines and TotalCare maintenance support. Deliveries of the additional aircraft are scheduled between 2034 and 2036.

ch-aviation data shows the flag carrier currently operates four A350-1000s, delivered under its original 2023 order for nine aircraft, alongside two A350-900s, ten A330-300s, and ten B777-300ERs as part of its widebody fleet. Additionally, the carrier has commitments for up to twenty B787-10s.

CH Aviation