Photo: SuneKuma
sexta-feira, 31 de julho de 2026
SPECIAL LIVERY - All Nippon Airways (ANA) / Boeing 787-8 / JA819A - New Pokemon
Photo: SuneKuma
NEW AIRLINE - Air Indus (Pakistan) is preparing to resume flight operations after an 11-year suspension, with plans to relaunch domestic services before expanding to international destinations across the Gulf
FLeet plans include A320s and ATR72-600s.
Image: Flyingphotos AI
FRONTIER AIRLINES / A320NEO / N371FR - Parish e Daisy THE BURROWING OWLS
Frontier Airlines (US) took delivery of two A320neo and four A321neo during 2Q 2026, and returned 24 A320neo aircraft.
The delivery of one A321neo aircraft, originally scheduled for 2Q, was postponed by Airbus to 3Q. Frontier expects to take delivery of five A321neo and one A320neo aircraft in the 3Q.
NEW AIRLINE - Danfe Airlines (Nepal) plans to launch domestic operations by October 2026, initially with three aircraft flying out of Pokhara.
The three-year fleet plan includes 10 aircraft — seven ATR 72-600s and three Jetstream aircraft.
AIRCRAFT - First plateau version aircraft of C919 completes maiden flight
The first plateau version aircraft of C919 conducted its maiden flight test at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on July 29th, 2026.
It flew for 1 hour and 59 minutes, and completed all the scheduled flight test subjects, marking an important step forward in the series development of C919 aircraft.
On the basis of the baseline version aircraft, the plateau version aircraft of C919 has adopted targeted designs such as shortening the fuselage and improving the system functions to meet the requirements of operation at plateaus.
Photographers: Wang Jiliang and Xu Bingnan)
COMAC
FLEET - Air Peace adds first E175
Air Peace (P4, Lagos) is inducting its first new E175, 5N-CGH (msn 17501031), which was delivered from Embraer, expanding its regional fleet to connect underserved routes and increase frequencies across Nigeria and the region. The 88-seater aircraft, ferried via Recife and Praia, arrived in Lagos on July 7. Chairman and CEO Allen Onyema said the E175 will increase the carrier's operational flexibility and market reach. Air Peace ordered five E175s in September 2023, with options for five more. In 2025, it converted three to larger E190-E2s but retained two on backlog, with 5N-CGI (msn 17501044) still to be delivered. The E175 bridges the gap between the airline's seven smaller E145s and its larger two E190s, one E195, and five E195-E2s, with eleven of the latter still on order.
CH Aviation / Photo: Air Peace
quinta-feira, 30 de julho de 2026
Merlin and IAI Sign Agreement to Advance AI-Powered Autonomy for Commercial Cargo Aircraft
The agreement establishes a framework for joint development, integration and certification of advanced autonomous flight technology for Part 25 freight aircraft
BOSTON, Mass., June 2026 – Merlin, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRLN), an aerospace and defense technology company building the operating system of record for autonomous flight, today announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a world-class aerospace and defense leader, to advance the development, integration, and certification of AI-powered autonomy for commercial cargo aircraft. The agreement initiates a phased engagement, including joint market exploration, engineering collaboration, regulatory preparation, and initial platform selection to lay the groundwork for a definitive commercial agreement and a structured path toward civil certification.
IAI Chairman of the Board Boaz Levy: “Throughout its history, IAI has consistently been at the forefront of aerospace innovation, developing technologies that shape the future of aviation. Our collaboration with Merlin reflects a shared commitment to advancing next-generation capabilities that can enhance safety, efficiency, and operational flexibility across the aviation industry. We believe autonomy will play an increasingly important role in the years ahead, and we are proud to partner with innovative companies that are helping define that future.”
The collaboration with IAI is part of Condor, Merlin’s new product family for large, multi-crew aircraft. As a leading aerospace and defense OEM, IAI brings deep expertise in aircraft design and certification, advanced avionics, and MRO. The company is also a global leader in passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversions, with extensive and established relationships with leading freighter operators and lessors worldwide. By combining Merlin’s autonomy expertise with IAI’s engineering depth, certification experience, advanced avionics capabilities, and leadership in passenger-to-freighter conversions, the companies aim to advance autonomous flight technologies for Part 25 aircraft that underpin global air cargo operations.
“IAI sits at the center of the global cargo aviation ecosystem, and its deep expertise in aircraft certification, advanced avionics, and freighter conversions makes it a critical partner as we advance the Condor program”, said Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin. “Merlin’s collaborations with IAI and World Star Aviation reflect growing industry recognition that AI-powered autonomy can enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, and help operators scale existing fleets to meet increasing demand. Together, we’re laying the groundwork to bring certifiable autonomy to the aircraft that power global cargo networks.”
The agreement between Merlin and IAI builds on growing industry interest in advancing AI-powered autonomy across commercial aviation. Together with Merlin’s recently announced relationship with cargo aircraft lessor World Star Aviation, we believe the collaboration reflects increasing momentum behind the development of certifiable autonomous capabilities for cargo aircraft and the broader aviation ecosystem. Through partnerships that combine operational, engineering, certification, and fleet expertise, the industry is taking important steps toward the future integration of autonomous technologies into existing aircraft platforms.
Yaacov Berkovitz, EVP and GM of IAI Aviation Group: “Autonomous technologies have the potential to become a significant part of the future aviation ecosystem, but their adoption will require far more than software innovation alone. Success will depend on the ability to integrate new capabilities into certified aircraft platforms while meeting the industry’s rigorous safety and regulatory standards. By combining Merlin’s autonomy expertise with IAI’s decades of experience in aircraft engineering, certification, avionics, and freighter conversions, we aim to help advance practical and certifiable solutions for the commercial cargo market.”
AIRCRAFT - IAI’s Converted Passenger-to-Freighter Boeing 777-300ERSF Fleet Surpasses 20,000 Flight Hours
In less than just a year, IAI’s converted B777-300ERSF aircraft have accumulated more than 20,000 flight hours, another significant milestone for the world’s first and only B777 passenger-to-freighter conversion program
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a world leader in passenger-to-freighter conversions, announced today that its Boeing 777-300ERSF known as “The Big Twin” has surpassed 20,000 cumulative flight hours since the first converted aircraft entered commercial service in September 2025.To date, 11 Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft have been successfully converted by IAI and are in operational use by customers across Europe, North America and Asia. Surpassing 20,000 flight hours in less than nine months reflects the program’s rapid transition from certification to commercial service and demonstrates the operational maturity and reliability of the world’s first and only Boeing 777 passenger-to-freighter conversion program.
With an average of more than 350 flight hours per aircraft each month, the converted fleet has demonstrated high operational utilization since entering service, supporting demanding cargo operations on international routes.
Since receiving the world’s first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion, the program has continued to expand. Additional Boeing 777-300ERSF aircraft are currently undergoing conversion, with more aircraft scheduled to enter the conversion process in the near and long term. In parallel, IAI continues to expand its global conversion network through additional conversion sites, increasing production capacity to support customers worldwide.
Alongside the continued growth of the Boeing 777-300ERSF program, IAI is also advancing its Airbus A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter conversion program, further expanding its widebody conversion portfolio to address the evolving needs of the global air cargo market.
Boaz Levy, Chairman of Israel Aerospace Industries: “This milestone reflects the confidence our customers place in IAI and in the Boeing 777-300ERSF program. It demonstrates not only our engineering excellence, but also the aircraft’s proven operational reliability in commercial service around the world. As demand for advanced cargo aircraft continues to grow, we remain committed to delivering innovative, high-performance solutions that shape the future of global air cargo.”
Yaacov Berkovitz, EVP and GM of IAI Aviation: “Surpassing 20,000 flight hours in less than a year marks another milestone in the successful transition of the Boeing 777-300ERSF program from certification to full commercial operation. With 11 converted aircraft already flying
for customers across multiple continents, the program continues to demonstrate its reliability and value to cargo operators worldwide. The five additional aircraft currently undergoing conversion, together with additional aircraft scheduled to enter the conversion line, and the continued expansion of our global conversion network, reflect the growing confidence customers place in IAI and in the future of the Boeing 777-300ERSF.”
IAI is the world’s leading passenger-to-freighter conversion house, with more than four decades of experience and hundreds of converted aircraft delivered to customers worldwide. The company continues to expand its global conversion capabilities to support the growing demand for next-generation freighter aircraft.
FLEET - AirBorneo to grow narrowbody fleet to 5 by YE26
Megat did not disclose the specific aircraft types the Sarawak-owned carrier intends to add or the destinations it plans to serve. However, he said it intends to expand beyond Borneo into Peninsular Malaysia, followed by other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets, and eventually southern China.
The airline is also considering increasing its recently launched Kuching-Singapore Changi service to as many as 3x daily, to facilitate business travel. It currently operates daily flights from Kuching to both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur International.
AirBorneo began jet operations from Kuching on July 20, 2026, initially serving Kuala Lumpur, before adding Singapore. As ch-aviation previously reported, it is wet leasing two B737-800s from Batik Air Malaysia, 9M-LCV (msn 41607) and 9M-LCZ (msn 41812).
At a media roundtable in early July, Megat said the carrier would expand from two wet-leased B737-800s to five jets by the end of 2027. He also outlined plans to transition the five aircraft to dry leases from 2028 and expand the fleet to 17 by the end of 2030.
AirBorneo inherited eight ATR72-500s and six DHC-6-400s when it assumed the operations of MASwings on January 1, 2026. It has separately ordered five ATR72-600s and three ATR42-600s for delivery between 2027 and 2029 to renew its rural air services fleet.
CH Aviation
quarta-feira, 29 de julho de 2026
ORDER - Icelandair signs lease agreements for six Airbus A320neo aircraft
Icelandair has signed lease agreements with aircraft lessor Aircastle for six Airbus A320neo aircraft, which will enter service before summer 2028. This is in addition to the recently announced four aircraft of the same type from lessor AviLease, which will enter the fleet in spring 2027. The ten Pratt & Whitney powered aircraft are manufactured between 2018-2020.
The Company currently operates seven Airbus aircraft. In addition, three new Airbus A321LR’s are scheduled for delivery later this year. Once these ten A320neo aircraft have been added, Icelandair’s Airbus fleet will consist of 20 aircraft.
The introduction of these aircraft is part of Icelandair’s extensive fleet renewal program. Over the past decade, the Company has invested in a new generation of more fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320 family aircraft. At the same time, Icelandair has accelerated the retirement of its Boeing 757 and 767 fleet and plans to cease operating these aircraft in passenger service from January 2027.
Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair:
"We continue to invest in our extensive fleet renewal and are pleased to begin this new partnership with Aircastle and AviLease. Next year, we will reach the important milestone of operating our entire passenger network with new-generation aircraft that consume up to 30% less fuel per seat. Our fleet renewal also supports our ambitions to strengthen our route network, simplify the fleet, and continue to provide customers with outstanding service and great travel experience."
Icelandair / Image: Flyingphotos AI
2026 ROUTES
ZIPAIR to Offer Additional Service to Houston , Vancouver and Singapore
Tokyo, July 29, 2026 –ZIPAIR Tokyo announced the decision to offer additional service between Tokyo Narita = Houston, Vancouver and Singapore on the following dates.
Additional Service Details
● Houston
Applicable period：Oct 26, 2026 (Mon) – Dec 28, 2026 (Mon)
Flight frequency：(Before increase) 3 flights/week → (After increase) 4 flights/week
More informations: https://www.zipair.net/ja/notification/417
PAL Brings Flagship A350-1000 to Davao for Kadayawan Festival 2026
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will deploy its flagship Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to Davao City in celebration of the Kadayawan Festival on select days in August, giving travelers the chance to experience the airline's newest and most advanced wide-body jet during the height of the festivities.More information: https://www.philippineairlines.com/ph/en/newsevent-listingpage/press-releases-statements/PAL-brings-a350-1000-to-davao-for-kadayawan.html
FLEET - Philippine Airlines Welcomes Third Airbus A350-1000
The aircraft arrived in Manila from Airbus' delivery center in Toulouse, France, and will enter commercial service after completing the necessary regulatory and operational preparations.
The A350-1000 is PAL's flagship aircraft for long-haul operations, featuring the airline's latest Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins while delivering significantly improved fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions and larger cargo capacity than previous-generation aircraft. Philippine Airlines is the first and continues to be the only airline in Southeast Asia to operate the Airbus A350-1000.
The A350-1000 will make its debut on Philippine Airlines’ Manila–San Francisco route on August 5, 2026, initially operating Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday services before transitioning to daily flights in September, bringing PAL’s newest premium long-haul travel experience to even more customers.
RP-C3512 is the third of nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft ordered by Philippine Airlines in 2023. Last week at the Farnborough International Airshow, PAL announced orders for nine additional Airbus A350-1000s and 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for five more of each aircraft type. Together, these commitments underscore the airline's long-term strategy to modernize its fleet and strengthen its international network.
ORDER - ANA HOLDINGS Expands Fleet with Decision to Place Additional Order for 8 Embraer E190-E2 Aircraft
ANAHD will place an additional order for 8 Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, a technologically advanced regional jet, to expand the ACMI Agreement for ANA flights.
TOKYO, Jul. 29, 2026 - ANA Holdings, Inc. (President and CEO: Koji Shibata; hereinafter "ANAHD") today announced the decision to order 8 additional Embraer E190-E2 aircraft at the board of directors meeting held today, July 29, 2026.
The 100-seat class Embraer E190-E2 aircraft will achieve low fuel consumption and noise emissions by introducing the latest engines and technologies. It will also reduce operating costs in pursuit of a flexible supply-demand balance on domestic routes over the medium to long term. In addition to the 20 aircraft (15 confirmed orders and 5 options) ordered on February 25, 2025, ANAHD will order 8 aircraft (confirmed orders) to expand the ACMI agreement for ANA flights.
"This additional E190-E2 order accelerates our efforts to build a sustainable regional aviation network in Japan," said Koji Shibata, President and CEO of ANA Holdings.
"We are excited to deepen our partnership, elevating regional connectivity and delivering a superior passenger experience across Japan."
ANA Group will continue to build a sustainable regional aviation network for its domestic flight operations.
【Aircraft Specifications】 (Catalog information from manufacturer)
FLEET - Viva Jets expands into group travel with E140
Viva Jets (PJX, Lagos) has expanded into the corporate and group travel segment following the addition of an E140 configured for up to 44 passengers, the company announced.
The 2003-built aircraft, registered in Nigeria as 5N-ANQ (msn 145685) between late 2025 and early 2026, departed Ben Slimane on April 6 for Lagos, where it is based. Following a series of roundtrips to Warri in late June, the jet is now ready to enter service.
Previously registered in the United States as N845AE, the regional jet was operated by Envoy Air (MQ, Dallas/Fort Worth), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, until April 2020. In March 2024, the jet was ferried between Marana and Ben Slimane.
Viva Jets, which secured a Nigerian AOC in early 2025, operated only executive jets until now. The company's fleet comprises two Challenger 604s, one added in early 2026, a Hawker 850XP inducted in late 2025, and a Hawker 900XP added earlier that year.
CH Aviation / Viva Jets
FLEET - Somon Air takes first B737-8s
Somon Air (SZ, Dushanbe) has taken delivery of its first B737-8, VQ-BBA (msn 66771), on lease from DAE Capital. The aircraft was ferried from Seattle Boeing Field via Reykjavik Keflavik to Dushanbe on July 25-27, 2026, and has yet to enter revenue operations. The leases were financed by Somon Air's sister company, Oriyonbank. The airline expects to take another B737-8 on lease from DAE Capital shortly. In 2025, Somon Air announced a framework commitment for ten B737-8s and four B787-9s, with a general plan to take two or three aircraft per year.
CH Aviation / Somon Air
FLEET - Luxair to add 3 E190-E2s
CH Aviation
terça-feira, 28 de julho de 2026
FLEET - AirBlue to add 3 A320neo
AirBlue's current fleet comprises five A320-200s, five A321-200s, and two A321-200NX.
CH Aviation
FLEET - Jet2 (UK) has selected LEAP-1A engines to power an additional 54 A321neo aircraft, completing engine selection for its entire A321neo fleet
The order also includes a long-term engine maintenance agreement.
Photo: Flyingphotos
FLEET - ValueJet secures first B737-800
ValueJet, which until now operated a fleet composed exclusively of Bombardier CRJ aircraft, is adding Boeing 737s to increase its passenger and cargo capacity and expand its African network, with new routes planned for Abidjan, Libreville and Douala, followed by Kenya and South Africa.
Image: Valujet
De Havilland Canada Announces LOI for First Twin Otter Classic 300-G Aircraft in the Maldives
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) signed a letter of intent with Island Aviation Services Limited (Maldivian), the national airline of the Maldives, for the purchase of two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft. The order will mark the first Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft to be delivered to the Maldives, the world’s largest Twin Otter operating market.
The Maldives has relied on the Twin Otter for decades as the backbone of inter-island transportation. The introduction of the Twin Otter Classic 300-G represents the next chapter in that legacy, bringing the latest evolution of the iconic aircraft to an operator serving one of the world’s most demanding island aviation networks.
“The Maldives has long been known as the home of the Twin Otter,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales for De Havilland Canada. “As the largest Twin Otter market in the world, there is no better place to introduce the next generation of this legendary aircraft. We are proud that Island Aviation Services Limited will become the first operator in the country to bring the Twin Otter Classic 300-G into service, reinforcing a partnership that has connected the islands and their communities for generations.”
The Twin Otter Classic 300-G builds on the aircraft’s unmatched reputation for reliability, and operational flexibility while incorporating modern avionics, enhanced passenger comfort, and improved maintainability to meet the evolving needs of today’s operators.
Island Aviation Services Limited provides essential connectivity throughout the Maldivian archipelago, linking Malé with communities, resorts, and remote islands across the country. The addition of two Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft will further strengthen the airline’s ability to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient service while supporting the continued growth of tourism and regional transportation.
“We are proud that we will be the first airline in the Maldives to introduce the Twin Otter Classic 300-G,” said Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director, Island Aviation Services Limited. “The Twin Otter has been an integral part of aviation in the Maldives for decades, and this newest generation aircraft will allow us to continue providing the dependable service our passengers expect while benefiting from the aircraft’s latest technological and operational enhancements.”
The Twin Otter Classic 300-G retains the core strengths operators depend on: exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance and the ability to operate in some of the world’s most challenging environments, while incorporating modern enhancements that support reduced operating costs and increased mission flexibility. With significant weight reduction, the 300-G creates additional capacity for passengers and cargo, further strengthening its operating economics.
With more than 1,000 aircraft produced and millions of flight hours accumulated worldwide, the Twin Otter continues to be the world’s premier utility aircraft, operating in environments ranging from Arctic communities and mountain regions to tropical island destinations. Nowhere has its impact been greater than in the Maldives, where the aircraft has become the standard for safe, dependable inter-island transportation.
FLEET - Southwest Airlines ended the 2Q 2026 with a fleet of 803 aircraft after receiving 13 B737-8s and retiring 10 NG models.
For the full year, the carrier plans to take delivery of 64 B737-8s while retiring around 60 aircraft.
Photo: Duncan Stewart
2026 ROUTES
ZIPAIR Tokyo plans Tokyo Narita – Kuala Lumpur route on 20 October 2026, with B787-8.
United Airlines (US) has removed schedule listing for Chicago O’Hare – Guadalajara route in June 2027 with B737-800.
Sunrise Airways has launched a new nonstop route between Antigua and Barbados on 22 July 2026.
Loong air launch new flight between Taichung to Chengdu tianfu
Jin Air plans to launch Seoul Incheon – Yantai route on 18 August 2026, with B737-8.
Jeju Air schedules Daegu – Shijiazhuang charter service on 23 September 2026, with B737-800.
China Southern schedules Shenzhen – Surabaya route on 15 September 2026, with A321neo.
China southern airlines new flight between Addis Ababa to Guangzhou
Aurora (Russia) plans to launch Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – Harbin route from 28 October 2026, with A319.
Emirates back on board with SailGP at the Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth
SailGP, the most exciting race on water, makes a highly anticipated return to England’s south coast this summer with Emirates. The world’s largest international airline serves as Title Partner of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth, Global Partner and Exclusive Airline Partner of SailGP, and Naming Partner of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team.
Taking place on 25th –26th July in Portsmouth, the airline will be landside offering a range of unique fan experiences, including premium hospitality, exclusive behind-the-scenes Tech Base tours, and exciting giveaways.
‘Sail better’ with Emirates
Fans can look forward to an action-packed two-day tournament featuring ‘sail better’ moments with Emirates. Across the race venue, Emirates Cabin Crew will welcome guests and create memorable moments through a range of premium experiences, including the distribution of co-branded seat cushions, Polaroid keepsakes and Emirates gifting.
Following each day's racing, fans can enjoy live entertainment, with Jess Glynne performing on Saturday and Craig David presents TS5 on Sunday, rounding off an unforgettable weekend on Portsmouth's waterfront.
Emirates sponsorships in the UK
Emirates has championed the sport of sailing since 2004 as the naming sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup. The global SailGP calendar continues to showcase the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team competing on the world stage aboard its distinctive Emirates-branded F50.
Emirates was the first ever naming sponsor of one of Britain’s tallest landmarks outside London, Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth (from 2015 – 2020). The airline also had close ties with the America’s Cup World Series event that took place in Portsmouth in 2015, and again in 2016, as the Title Sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand. Emirates was also announced as ‘Presenting Partner’ of the America’s Cup World Series event which was scheduled to take place in Portsmouth in 2020.
In the UK, the airline is also a proud partner of Arsenal FC, the Emirates FA Cup, Lancashire Cricket Club in addition to Emirates Old Trafford, The Championships - Wimbledon, as well as the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.
domingo, 26 de julho de 2026
FLEET - Samoa Airways completes second Twin Otter overhaul
Samoa Airways (OL, Apia Faleolo) has taken back DHC-6-300 5W-FAY (msn 690) following a complete overhaul and refurbishment by Unity Aviation, the airline said in a Samoan government press release published on July 21, 2026.
"The refurbishment included major structural repairs and upgrades to ensure the highest standards of safety, reliability, and passenger comfort," the airline said. Work began in September 2025 and is expected to extend the aircraft's operational life by around 30 years.
According to ADS-B data, 5W-FAY was ferried from Calgary to Apia Faleolo between July 1 and 7, 2026, stopping at several airports, including Boise, Santa Maria, CA, Kiritimati, and Hilo. Samoa Airways inaugurated the aircraft on July 17 and returned it to service four days later.
The overhauls of 5W-FAY, and 5W-FAW (msn 827), cost approximately WST22 million tala (USD8 million), according to the release, and were funded entirely from Samoa Airways' revenues without borrowing.
Built in 1980 and acquired by Samoa Airways in 1998, 5W-FAY is the second of the airline's Twin Otters to complete the programme. The younger 5W-FAW returned from Canada in March 2025. Samoa Airways also operates the older 5W-STF (msn 402), bringing its overall fleet to three aircraft.
The airline's published schedule lists services between Apia Fagali'i and Pago Pago, as well as from Pago Pago to Fitiuta and Ofu in American Samoa.
CH Aviation
sábado, 25 de julho de 2026
ROUTES - A New Icon Takes Flight: STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA Debuts in North American Phoenix Sky Harbor receives the Sorayama-designed A350-1000 “flying masterpiece” on its first long-haul flight, ahead of scheduled service from October 1
The arrival was commemorated with a gate ceremony at Phoenix Sky Harbor, where STARLUX officials, Phoenix city leadership, and media gathered to witness the aircraft's first on-ground appearance in the U.S.
“Today’s flight is the realization of a vision to bring art into the skies, and we couldn't be prouder that Phoenix is where that vision lands in North America for the first time,” said Simon Liu, Chief Strategy Officer of STARLUX Airlines. “Through our collaboration with Sorayama-sensei, we have transformed this remarkable machine into something that asks passengers to feel something before they even board — a journey where the aircraft itself is the experience.”
The AIRSORAYAMA CONCEPT
The STARLUX AIRSORAYAMA project comprises two Airbus A350-1000 aircraft — AIRSORAYAMA GOLD and AIRSORAYAMA SILVER — each featuring the signature aesthetic of Sorayama’s artworks, with fluid contours and reflective metallic textures. The artistic vision extends beyond the exterior: passengers experience a fully immersive journey through specially curated cabin amenities, exclusive merchandise collections, and custom-designed inflight content. Each aircraft is configured with four First Class suites, 40 Business Class seats, 36 Premium Economy seats, and 270 Economy Class seats.
A Milestone for Phoenix
As one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States and an emerging gateway for commerce and travel across Asia, Phoenix was a natural first choice for STARLUX’s North American debut. “STARLUX Airlines continues to show that the future of aviation is landing in Phoenix,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “With the launch of the stunning AIRSORAYAMA aircraft in the United States, STARLUX Airlines is building on its six months of successful service in Phoenix.”
Inaugural Celebration at Phoenix Sky Harbor
To commemorate the AIRSORAYAMA aircraft’s North American debut, STARLUX held an inaugural ceremony at Phoenix Sky Harbor following the aircraft’s arrival. The event featured a commemorative aircraft model presentation to Mayor Gallego, guided cabin tours, and tarmac access for media photography.
Speakers at the ceremony included Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Aviation Director Chad Makovsky, American Airlines Head of Partnerships Jeff Ogar, Alaska Airlines Managing Director of Partnerships & International Alex Judson, and STARLUX Chief Strategy Officer Simon Liu. Remarks underscored the significance of the route in deepening cultural, economic, and aviation ties between Phoenix and Asia and highlighted STARLUX's commitment to redefining the travel experience through innovation and design.
Looking Ahead
Starting October 1, STARLUX Airlines will launch scheduled AIRSORAYAMA services to Phoenix, Tokyo, and Prague, further strengthening its global network and intercontinental connectivity.
Starlux
FLEET / ORDER - Aerolíneas Argentinas orders 20 aircraft.
FLEET - Air Seychelles confirms dry lease of two A321-200NY(XLR)s
Full Story : SMBC Aviation Capital
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