quinta-feira, 25 de junho de 2026

Royal Brunei Airlines expands deliveries of its four B787-9s on order from 2028, adding to its fleet of 12 aircraft.

Image: Flyingphotos IA




 

ROUTE - Xiamen Airlines (China) plans Xiamen – London Heathrow route on 06 September 2025, with B787-9.




 

FLEET - Delta Air Lines is accelerating the retirement of six B717, by four years to August 2026, due to the high engine maintenance costs and current fuel prices.

Dunan Stewart - LAX
 

Special Missions Cessna Skycourier To Appear At Farnborough International Airshow


Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, will return to the Farnborough International Airshow with a Cessna SkyCourier on static display, giving global customers and media an up‑close look at the aircraft’s expanding role in special missions, military and government operations.
Why It Matters
The Farnborough International Airshow provides an opportunity to highlight growing international interest in the Cessna SkyCourier as it enters new global defense markets.

“A fleet of five Cessna SkyCourier aircraft, similar to the one on display, was recently selected by Belgium to support its special operations forces,” said Travis Tyler, president and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense. “This first announced military purchase shows strong interest in the SkyCourier and proves it is ready for high‑stakes missions.”

More than 1,700 Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft manufactured by Textron Aviation operate across Europe today, including more than 850 Cessna Citation business jets, 450 Beechcraft King Air turboprops and 175 Cessna Caravan turboprops.

About the Special Missions Cessna SkyCourier
The twin‑engine, high‑wing Cessna SkyCourier turboprop is designed for flexible missions, low operating costs and operations from rough or remote airfields. The aircraft offers flexible cabin layouts, strong payload and proven performance from rough or remote airfields.
Optional special mission capabilities include:
· Two underwing stations per side (up to 625 pounds inboard and 465 pounds outboard) for mission equipment, external fuel or cargo
· Extended‑fuel system adding 79 gallons of overwing fuel to increase endurance by approximately 50 minutes
· Powered patient‑loading system to support aeromedical and humanitarian missions
· In-flight Operable Door supporting airborne mission flexibility
· Equipment for static-line jumps, with anchor points, jump lights and a dedicated control panel

VINTAGE Aircraft - IRAN AIR / B747SP / EP-IAB / (MSN 20999)

Photo: Flyingphotos - LHR


Was delivered to Iran Air in May 1976

As of 2026, this iconic, 50-year-old aircraft is retired and stored fully intact at Tehran Mehrabad International Airport (THR)
Originally configured for 22 Business Class and 283 Economy Class passengers
The aircraft was originally named Kurdistan, but was later renamed Khorasan around 1992

SPECIAL COLOURS - Shenzhen Airlines receives its first A350-900.

Illustration :Flyingphotos AI

Amazing Shenzhen is the official global tourism and city brand for Shenzhen, China, highlighting its fusion of high-tech innovation, lush natural landscapes, and vibrant culture. It showcases a metropolis where futuristic experiences—like robot baristas and drone deliveries—live alongside tranquil beaches, sprawling parks, and bustling urban hubs



Shenzhen Airlines has received its first Airbus A350-900. The aircraft, sporting a special "Amazing Shenzhen" livery, B-32F0 (614)

The A350 is the first of five A350-900s that Air China will transfer to its subsidiary as part of an investment program in Shenzhen Airlines.

Shenzhen Airlines announced that it will begin commercial operations with its new A350 at the end of June 2026.

 

AIRPORT - Brussels - Zaventem - Belgium






Ton Jochems 
 

AIRPORT - Brussels - Zaventem - Belgium

CT-07 A400 Belgian Airforce 
30610 C130J Canadian Airforce 

Ton Jochems


 

FRONTIER AIRLINES / A321NEO / N653FR - Klondike The POLAR BEAR

Duncan Stewart
 

quarta-feira, 24 de junho de 2026

SPECIAL LIVERY - From runway to home run: WestJet unveils Toronto Blue Jays co-branded aircraft

Livery signifies seven-year partnership renewal as the official airline of Canada’s team

WestJet today celebrated the renewal of its long-standing partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays by taking it to new heights – 35,000 feet to be exact. The airline unveiled a specially designed co-branded Toronto Blue Jays Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, connecting fans in communities across Canada and reinforcing WestJet’s position as a leading national airline.

“Our renewed partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays represents a shared commitment to bringing Canadians closer together through meaningful, memorable moments,” said Samantha Taylor, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Experience Officer.

“Together, we are creating opportunities to connect fans to the game they love while celebrating the spirit of community that unites us across the country. Our co-branded aircraft is a bold and visible symbol of that connection, proudly showcasing our partnership from coast-to-coast-to-coast and reinforcing our shared dedication to delivering exceptional experiences for Canadians.”

The co-branded livery on WestJet tail #386 was revealed during a special celebration at the WestJet YYZ hangar. Nearly 1,000 WestJetters, Toronto Blue Jays representatives, and community members gathered to commemorate the long-standing partnership and get an insider look at the aircraft livery. Among the celebrations were Toronto Blue Jays alumni Edwin Encarnación and Pat Borders, and even an appearance from ACE, the Toronto Blue Jays’ beloved mascot.

The livery connects the dynamic energy that defines both WestJet and the Toronto Blue Jays. The iconic colours paired with the sweeping design depict the action of an aircraft at takeoff and the arc of a ball soaring off the bat. Guests should keep their eyes to the skies as the aircraft is scheduled to take its first flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport on June 24.

“This partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays is rooted in uniting Canadians through shared experiences, a deep love of the game and building connections that go beyond the field,” said Steve McClelland, Vice President, Loyalty and Strategic Partnerships, WestJet.

Originally established in 2012, the renewed agreement coincides with a milestone year for both organizations, as the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate their 50th season and WestJet marks 30 years of connecting Canadians. The new livery and WestJet’s newest player ambassador, Ernie Clement, are just a few of the moments that celebrate the iconic partnership.

“Our partnership with WestJet has been instrumental in bringing Blue Jays baseball to fans across Canada,” said Mark Ditmars, Vice President, Partnerships, Toronto Blue Jays. “As we celebrate our 50th season, this renewed commitment – and the unveiling of this co-branded aircraft – reflects our share values of teamwork and building community.”

WestJet continues its commitment to building meaningful, long-term relationships that resonate with Canadians – fostering community connection and celebrating the moments that bring people together.

WestJet 


FLEET - COMAC and Deer Jet Launch CBJ Operations


    2026 marks the tenth anniversary of C909 commercial operations. Image: Deer Jet

COMAC and Deer Jet announced today the official commercial entry into service of the world's first COMAC Business Jet (CBJ), with a maiden charter flight operating from Shanghai Hongqiao to Beijing Capital Airport on June 22.

COMAC offers a range of customizable cabin configurations to suit different operator needs. Image: Deer Jet


 A ceremony marking the occasion was held at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Attendees included COMAC General Manager Shen Bo and COMAC Chief Accountant Yu Shihai; Liaoning Fangda Group Senior Vice President and HNA Aviation Group Chairman Ding Yongzheng; and Deer Jet Business Jet Group President and Shanghai Deer Jet Chairman Zhou Wei. Representatives from the Changning District Government, Civil Aviation Shanghai Regulatory Bureau, Shanghai Hongqiao Customs, Shanghai Hongqiao Border Inspection, Shanghai Airport Authority, and Shanghai East Hongqiao Investment Development Group were also present. Image: COMAC

The CBJ is a derivative of COMAC's C909 regional jet, originally designated the ARJ21‑700.
The ARJ21‑700 airframe received type certification in 2014. The CBJ configuration received its Validation Type Certificate in March 2021.

Seating capacity ranges from 12 to 29 passengers, with typical configurations accommodating 12 to 19 seats.

The aircraft offers a typical flight endurance of five hours, with optional supplementary fuel tanks available.

Designed for high-altitude performance, the CBJ is validated to operate at airfields up to 4,411 m (14,470 ft), including Daocheng Yading Airport—the world’s highest civilian airport, and is optimized for plateau and high-temperature operations.
COMAC offers a range of customizable cabin configurations to suit different operator needs.

Plan A seats 15 passengers with 11 luxury seats, two couches, two business-class seats, a VIP suite, two lavatories, and two crew seats.

Plan B accommodates 13 passengers with six couches, five luxury seats, two business-class seats, a VIP suite, two lavatories, and one crew seat.

Plan C maximizes lounge space for 17 passengers with 12 couches, three luxury seats, two business-class seats, a VIP suite, two lavatories, and one crew seat.

Plan D seats 18, balancing nine luxury seats, three couches, six business-class seats, nine flat-available seats, a VIP suite, two lavatories, and one crew seat.

The largest layout, Plan E, supports 29 passengers with 22 business-class seats, four luxury seats, three couches, two flat-available seats, a VIP suite, two lavatories, and two crew seats.
Across all configurations, the CBJ features a full VIP suite with a 1.5-m (4.9 ft) double bed and private lavatory, a reception area with lie-flat first-class seats, and a meeting/dining area with an eight-seat table and satellite phone.

The rear cabin includes a bar, coffee station, oven, and steward seat, while sound insulation keeps noise levels as low as 55 dB in the VIP suite and below 65 dB elsewhere.

Optional phased-array broadband satcom provides high-speed internet and cockpit-cabin connectivity, and foldable boarding ladders enhance operational flexibility at airports without jet bridges.
CHINAEVTOLNEWS



NEW AIRLINE - JCAS Airways delays launch to 2027


 
JCAS Airways (Osaka Kansai) has postponed its planned launch from autumn 2026 to 2027 after completing what it described as a comprehensive review of its preparations in terms of safety and operational frameworks, the start-up said in a notice published on June 19, 2026.

The airline apologised to customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders for the delay and said it would announce a more specific launch timeline once preparations are further advanced.

JCAS Airways said it aimed to provide services "with complete confidence" when operations begin.

The start-up airline had already deferred its planned debut from 2021 to 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic and later postponed its launch from the first half of 2026 to the second half of the year after production delays affected its first ATR72-600.

JCAS Airways has not taken any aircraft yet, but it signed a 12-year lease for one ATR72-600 from Singapore-based lessor Avation in 2024. The carrier plans to operate services from Osaka Kansai to Toyama and Yonago. It has not disclosed whether the revised launch schedule will affect those plans.

CH Aviation

JAPAN GOVERNMENT / B777-300ER / 80-1112 - 80-1111

Ton Jochems - AMS
 

FRONTIER AIRLINES / A321NEO / N671FR - Honey The BAGDER

Duncan Stewart - LAX
 

SPECIAL LIVERY - IBERIA REGIONAL / CRJ1000 / EC-LJX - Castillon c/s

Ton Jochems - PMI
 

terça-feira, 23 de junho de 2026

Asiana Airlines to Exit Star Alliance

The Alliance will continue to provide seamless global connectivity through 14 member airlines in Seoul.

Asiana Airlines, headquartered in Seoul, will formally leave Star Alliance on December 16, 2026, 23:59 Korea Standard Time.



 

FLEET - Shenzhen Airlines welcomes 1st A350


 
Shenzhen Airlines welcomed its first Airbus A350-900. The aircraft, featuring a special "Amazing Shenzhen"-livery, is former Air China B-32F0 (614) and was ferried from Beijing-Capital to Shenzhen.

The A350 is the first of five A350-900s Air China will transfer to its subsidiary as part of a capital investment programme at Shenzhen Airlines. With this transfer, Air China will retain its 51% share in the airline and control.

Shenhen Airlines has announced it will launch commercial operations with its new A350 at the end of June 2026. It has released a schedule until mid-August that will see the type initially being used from Shenzhen to Beijing-Capital, Hangzhou, Harbin and Shanghai-Hongqiao.

Before welcoming the A350, Shenzhen Airlines' largest type in the fleet was the A330-300, of which they have six. Next to these, the airline's fleet is made-up of 72 A320s, 35 A320neos, eight A321neos, 71 Boeing B737-800s, and sixteen B737-8s.



FLEET - Malaysia Airlines to decide on A350 replacement by 2026


Malaysia Aviation Group expects to make a decision on the future of the seven-unit A350-900 fleet operated by Malaysia Airlines (MH, Kuala Lumpur International) by the end of 2026 as it reviews long-term widebody requirements under its growth strategy, group chief executive officer Nasaruddin Bakar told the Business Times newspaper.

"We're assessing replacement options for the A350 fleet and have not made any decision on that," he said, adding that the review is expected to conclude in the fourth quarter.

Nasaruddin said new aircraft deliveries remain on schedule, with six already delivered in 2026, comprising two A330-900Ns and four B737-8s. MAG expects to receive eleven aircraft in total during 2026, and has not been advised of any delays by Airbus or Boeing.



The group has no plans to acquire dedicated freighters or replace the A330-200F fleet of MASkargo and is not considering the A350F. Meanwhile, Firefly's fleet strategy also remains unchanged, with no plans to replace its ATR72-500s.

Malaysia Airlines operates a fleet of 94 aircraft, comprising three A330-200s, three A330-200Fs, thirteen A330-300s, ten A330-900Ns, seven A350-900s, eighteen B737-8s, and forty B737-800s. It has commitments for twenty-six more A330-900Ns, twenty-five B737-8s, and twelve B737-10s.

Long-term plans

MAG is also sticking to its long-term business plan, called LTBP3.0, despite expecting a challenging financial year due to fuel price volatility and the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Launched in December 2025, the plan targets revenue of MYR24.6 billion ringgit (USD5.9 billion) by 2030 and calls for the mainline fleet to grow to 116 aircraft by 2035 through the addition of forty A330-900Ns, forty-three B737-8s, and twelve B737-10s.

The executive said fuel costs had risen from about 30% to 50% of the group's cost base. MAG has hedged around 36% of its 2026 fuel requirements at the crude level and 10% at the crack-spread level while using dynamic pricing, cost controls, and network adjustments to mitigate the impact.

He added that Malaysia Airlines had benefited from increased Australia-Europe traffic via Kuala Lumpur International and remains on track to resume its Doha Hamad International service on July 2, 2026.

CH Aviator / Photos: Malaysia Airlines

AIRPORT - Palma de Mallorca (PMI) - Spain






Ton Jochems - PMI
 

AIRPORT - Barcelona El Prat-LEBL-Spain






Alain Charpentier
 

segunda-feira, 22 de junho de 2026

SPECIAL LIVERY - FLYNAS / Airbus A320-251N / HZ-NS66 - "Aseer region's identity" It promotes the cultural and architectural heritage of Saudi Arabia.

Photo: Ilgaz DEGER


 

SPECIAL LIVERY - JUNEYAO AIRLINES / Airbus A320-271N / B-30FQ - "20th livery"


This commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Shanghai-based carrier, showcasing special commemorative decals on the standard livery to mark two decades of operations since its founding in 2005

Photos: PVG_SkyHunter

NEW AIRLINE - PRAGUSA ONE is a European startup, headquartered in Prague and Dubrovnik - with its main hub in Prague




From these destinations, PRAGUSA ONE will operate long-haul flights to destinations in the United States, China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Africa, with key cities such as New York, Johannesburg, Singapore, and Tokyo. Although its headquarters are in Prague, the airline's ownership is in the United Kingdom.

When the airline begins operations, it will do so with two A350-900s and two A330-300s, which will be leased with crew. This will be the start of the airline's plans to increase its fleet, with plans for four permanent A350-900s by 2024.

What makes PRAGUSA.ONE unique is the fact that the airline plans to offer only Premium Economy seats. Thus, their A350-900s will have only 251 seats, in an aircraft with a capacity for more than 400 seats in Economy.

Did you know? The airline's name is not a combination of "Prague" and "USA" (which will be a key market for the airline), but a combination of "Prague" and "Ragusa," the historical name of Dubrovnik.
Alternative

FLEET - AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines took delivery of its fourth A320neo, serial 13165, on lease and powered by LEAP-1A26 engines.

The carrier aims to reach a total fleet of 50 aircraft by 2032.
AZAL

FLEET / ROUTES - TAAG was authorized by EASA to operate the B787-9 on flights to Europe, initially to be introduced on the Luanda – Lisbon route.


 TAAG

SPECIAL LIVERY - HAINAN AIRLINES / B787-9 / B-6998 - Red c/s

Ton Jochems - BRU
 

VOLARIS / A320-200 / N506VL - El Chayan

Duncan Stewart
 

FRONTIER AIRLINES / A321NEO / N719FR - Midnight The WOLF

Duncan Stewart - LAX