A regional/low-cost carrier focused on domestic and international routes within South America withoperational planning centered around Jorge Chávez International Airport
sexta-feira, 20 de fevereiro de 2026
NEW AIRLINE - Meteorito Aerolíneas has secured significant investment and now is expanding its fleet to support regular domestic flights across Peru together with international ones.
FLEET - Safarilink Strengthens its East African Network with Acquired Dash 8 Aircraft
Safarilink operates from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, the busy hub that serves as the starting point for most domestic and safari air connections in Kenya.
The Dash 8-200, often called the Q200, is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft originally manufactured by the Canadian company de Havilland Canada, later produced under the Bombardier brand. With a capacity of approximately 37 passengers in standard configuration,
These are not long-haul flights, but rather short and frequent flights connecting Nairobi to destinations such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, Diani Beach, Lamu, Nanyuki, and Kilimanjaro, across the border from Tanzania.
Safarilink already operates Dash 8 and Cessna Caravan aircraft.
NEW AIRLINE - Raila Airways plans to launch an airline to connect Asia to the world
The expectation is that the airline will begin operations in 2026. The project is being led by Sheila Mutundi, a model and businesswoman based in Singapore.
The company will focus on international routes from the start, rather than beginning with domestic flights. One of the initial proposed routes is a direct link between Kenya and Malaysia.
As Raila Airways is still in its early stages of development, details about the airline's fleet have not been publicly confirmed.
FLEET - Oman Air Continues Fleet Modernization with Latest Boeing 737 Max-8 Delivery
Photo: Oman Air
NEW AIRLINE - Fly Girma (South Sudan) plans to launch domestic operations from Juba in 2H 2026 with ATR72-600, EMB120 and Cessna 208B Grand Caravan.
FLEET - Croatia Airlines retires last A320
CH-Aviation / Photo: Flyingphotos
FLEET - Centrum Air Expands Fleet with New Airbus A321neo
Centrum Air plans to deploy the Airbus A321neo on services to the Far East, Europe and other international destinations.
quinta-feira, 19 de fevereiro de 2026
ORDER - Vietnam Airlines Finalizes Order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX Airplanes
787 Dreamliner operator places first Boeing single-aisle order as part of its growth strategy
Versatile 737-8 jets will expand Vietnam's short- and medium-haul network amid rising travel demand
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Vietnam Airlines announced today the Vietnamese flag carrier finalized its first Boeing single-aisle order for 50 737 MAX airplanes. The addition of the 737-8 will enable Vietnam Airlines' domestic and regional route growth plans as air travel demand continues to rise across Southeast Asia.
"Vietnam Airlines is taking a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to strengthening its capabilities, spanning fleet modernization, financial resilience and the development of high-quality talent, to support our long-term growth ambitions," said Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines.
Vietnam and U.S. government officials joined Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Dang Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Airlines, at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. today to announce an order for 50 737 MAX airplanes.
At an event in Washington, D.C., Vietnam Airlines ordered 50 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes to expand its future single-aisle fleet.
General Secretary To Lam and U.S. government representatives witnessed the announcement of the previously unidentified order, which solidifies the airline's commitment to partner with Boeing in Vietnam's growing civil aviation industry.
"The investment in 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft marks a significant step in building a modern, fuel-efficient fleet while enhancing operational performance and elevating service standards to meet international benchmarks," Chairman Hoa said. "This agreement also deepens the long-standing strategic partnership between Vietnam Airlines and Boeing, creating a strong foundation for our ambition to become a five-star international airline by 2030."
Vietnam Airlines will gain reliability and capacity by introducing the 737-8, as the country's air traffic is expected to double to more than 75 million annual passengers over the next 10 years. As the market's most versatile single-aisle airplane, the 737-8 can carry up to 200 passengers depending on configuration with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km) for the airline's short- and medium-haul network expansion.
"We are proud to build on our partnership with Vietnam Airlines and support them as they pair the 737 MAX with the 787 Dreamliner to further scale regional networks and strengthen connectivity across Asia," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737‑8's capabilities, economics and passenger experience make it an ideal airplane to support Vietnam Airlines' growth plans."
Vietnam Airlines currently operates 17 787 Dreamliners, serving regional and international routes between Vietnam and Europe. Together, the 737 MAX and 787 deliver 20-25% fuel-use improvement compared to the airplanes they replace, supporting the airline's network expansion while lowering operating costs.
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
ORDER - Boeing and Sun PhuQuoc Airways Announce Order for Up to 40 787 Dreamliner Jets
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Sun PhuQuoc Airways today announced the new Vietnam-based carrier has ordered up to 40 787 Dreamliner jets to serve as the backbone of its widebody fleet. The airline will leverage the ultra-efficient, long-range 787 Dreamliner to connect international travelers to its Vietnam hub at Phu Quoc International Airport.
With a range of 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), the 787-9 will position Sun PhuQuoc Airways to efficiently connect Phu Quoc with major cities and other tourist destinations across Asia, Europe and North America.
The 787 Dreamliner delivers superior comfort to passengers with the largest windows of any widebody airplane flying today and air that is pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, allowing passengers to arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed.
"We are excited to work with Sun PhuQuoc Airways as they join other global airlines in flying the 787 Dreamliner, which connects the most countries of any widebody fleet," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787-9's unmatched range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort will give the airline flexibility to open new long‑haul markets, lower operating costs and contribute to local tourism growth."
Since airlines began flying the 787 Dreamliner family in 2011, the global fleet has helped launch more than 535+ new nonstop routes globally and carried more than 1.2 billion passengers, further enhancing connectivity and expanding global travel options.
With Southeast Asia poised for significant air travel growth over the next 20 years, Vietnam is expected to be the region's fastest-growing aviation market with annual passenger growth of nearly 8% by 2030.
FLEET - American Airlines chooses CFM International engines to power future deliveries of Airbus A321neos
- American and CFM are building on a multidecade relationship that supports American’s narrowbody fleet.
- The engine order will power the Airbus A321neo aircraft ordered by American in March 2024.
- CFM will continue to provide long-term maintenance for American’s CFM LEAP-1A engines, providing predictable and cost-effective servicing over the life of the engines.
“American is proud to operate more CFM/GE Aerospace-powered mainline and regional aircraft than any other airline in the world, and American’s aircraft have flown with GE Aerospace technology for almost a century,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “We are excited that CFM LEAP engines will power our next phase of A321neo deliveries, maximizing the power of our fleet investments to deliver the best network to our customers utilizing the best-performing engine in the business.”
The financial terms and conditions of the CFM LEAP-1A engines purchase and long-term maintenance agreement have not been disclosed.
“We are proud to be under wing powering American’s modernized fleet, and appreciate their continued trust,” said H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at GE Aerospace. “We are committed to delivering best-in-class LEAP engines to support the growth of American’s network as they serve more destinations for their customers.”
The airline recently debuted the A321XLR, elevating transcontinental travel. As the only U.S.-based airline to operate the aircraft, American offers customers luxurious Flagship Suite® seats, relaxing Premium Economy seats and a reimagined Main Cabin, all featuring high-speed Wi-Fi and complimentary seatback entertainment with Bluetooth connectivity throughout the journey.
American first selected the CFM LEAP-1B engine in 2011 when it announced its purchase of 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The airline currently has 93 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in operation with an additional 125 on order. The relationship expanded three years later when American chose the LEAP-1A engine for its order of A321neos.
CFM LEAP engines have experienced the fastest ramp-up in commercial aviation history. Advanced technologies like composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites deliver an engine that is 15% more fuel efficient, with 15% lower carbon emissions than prior-generation CFM56 engines. Backed by advanced health monitoring systems and an open MRO ecosystem, CFM LEAP engines offer mature reliability and enable high asset utilization for narrowbody aircraft.
quarta-feira, 18 de fevereiro de 2026
FLEET - US’s Spirit Airlines seeks approval to sell 20 aircraft
Spirit Aviation Holdings, parent entity of Spirit Airlines (NK, Fort Lauderdale International), is seeking authorisation from the Chapter 11 bankruptcy court to sell thirteen owned A320-200s and seven owned A321-200s via bidding as part of its ongoing financial restructuring. It seeks to raise at least USD533 million from the sale.
It has scheduled an auction to take place on April 20, 2026, with the deadline to participate in the bidding on April 1. At this time, the 'stalking horse' buyer is CSDS Asset Management LLC, which can be outbid if larger offers are presented.
The company is contemplating the sale of all aircraft to a single buyer, as this is “critical to maximising value for the debtors estates,” chief financial officer Fred Cromer said in a statement before the court.
The ultra-low-cost carrier owns forty-eight Airbus aircraft. As part of its revised business plan, it has been actively marketing twenty of these as part of “efforts to optimise the fleet and monetise certain assets” to improve its financial position. Removing them from the fleet will reduce related labour, maintenance, storage, flying, and other associated costs.
Spirit embarked on its latest Chapter 11 process with a fleet of over 200 aircraft. At this time, the company expects to emerge with a fleet of 94 Airbus narrowbodies, 28 owned and 66 leased, it said in a filing.
All aircraft to be bid were previously included in a now-failed sale to GA Telesis, Spirit explained. At the time, in October 2024, Spirit sought to sell twenty-three A320 and A321 aircraft to GA Telesis for USD519 million, as part of the company’s first Chapter 11 bankruptcy procedure. The sale was eventually cancelled, with only three aircraft removed from Spirit’s fleet, A320-200s N632NK (msn 6331) and N695NK (msn 8696), and A321-200 N657NK (msn 6672).
According to the terms and conditions between Spirit and CSDS Asset Management, all aircraft will be delivered in “as is, where is” and “with all faults” conditions.
Spirit will sell the following aircraft, along their V2500 engines: N694NK (msn 8632), N638NK (msn 6463), N639NK (msn 6487), N650NK (msn 7724), N649NK (msn 7679), N647NK (msn 7635), N658NK (msn 6736), N696NK (msn 8824), N693NK (msn 8659), N692NK (msn 8611), N682NK (msn 7957), N681NK (msn 7908), N678NK (msn 7857), N675NK (msn 7668), N674NK (msn 7462), N640NK (msn 6507), N642NK (msn 6586), N691NK (msn 8614), N673NK (msn 3795), and N641NK (msn 6566). All A320-200s are priced at USD26.5 million and all A321-200s are priced at USD27 million.
The aircraft will be delivered to the buyer in five separate lots, with the first four arriving 45 days after the entry of the sale approval order, Spirit said. The fifth group, comprising two aircraft, will be delivered 150 days after the order.
CH-Aviation / Photo: Duncan Stewart
NEW AIRLINE - Sky Bound Airways is a regional airline under development launched by UrTripO Aviation using ATR 72-600 aircraft.
SkyBound Airways was founded in late 2025 /early 2026 by UrTripo Aviation Pvt. Ltd., (a Bangalore-based aviation and tourism group)
regional airline focused on connecting cities in Karnataka and potentially South India and will operate out of Kempegowda International Airport (BLR/VOBL) in Bengaluru as its main hub
Image: Sky Bound
ORDER - Air Astana Finalizes Order For Up to 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner Jets
Boeing and Air Astana JSC announced today the Kazakhstan flag carrier has finalized an order for up to 15 787 Dreamliner jets to grow and modernize its Boeing widebody fleet. The agreement for additional 787-9 airplanes will enable Air Astana to expand its operations and enhance its passengers' experience. The order, previously announced as a commitment in November 2025, represents Air Astana's largest single airplane purchase. With three more 787-9 airplanes to be delivered via lessors, Air Astana's 787 fleet will grow up to 18 787-9 airplanes to fuel its long-haul capabilities.
Boeing and Air Astana JSC announced today the Kazakhstan flag carrier has finalized an order for up to 15 787 Dreamliner jets to grow and modernize its Boeing widebody fleet.
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
FLEET - PNG's Air Niugini cancels its B787-8 order
Air Niugini (PX, Port Moresby) has cancelled its order for two B787-8s, according to Boeing orders and deliveries data for January 2026. The move leaves the state-owned carrier without a confirmed replacement for its B767-300ER fleet, which is scheduled to exit service this year.
Both B767s are due to be returned to lessors in 2026 upon lease expiry. The B787s had been intended to directly replace these aircraft and open new routes to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
The cancellation aligns with earlier caution expressed by the airline's board. In a January 2025 press release detailing the carrier's refleeting programme, chairman Karl Yalo noted that while the government had previously approved the purchase, "changing circumstances" had compelled the airline to review the agreement.
However, Air Niugini's then-CEO Gary Seddon told ch-aviation in May 2025 that the commitment remained "intact" and was central to the carrier's long-term international strategy, although he acknowledged the delivery timeline had slipped to late 2027. Seddon said at the time that the airline was "actively considering bridging lift capacity options" to ensure operational continuity.
ch-aviation data shows that Air Niugini operates a passenger fleet comprising two A220-300s, three B737-800s, two B767-300ERs, eleven Dash 8 turboprops, five F100s, and four F70s. It has remaining commitments for eight A220-100s directly from Airbus Canada.
CH-Aviation
ROUTES / FLEET - Air India announces date for inaugural flight of new Boeing 787-9 to London Heathrow
From July 1, 2026, flights between Mumbai and London Heathrow will be operated with a combination of Air India's new B787-9s and modernized B787-8 aircraft.
Air India received its first "ready-to-use" Dreamliner (VT-AWA) in January.
ROUTES / FLEET - GOL confirms A330-900-operations
In October 2025, Scramble reported that the Abra Group, the owner of Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air, signed a lease-agreement with Avolon for up to seven Airbus A330-900s. We also mentioned that it was expected that these would be operated by GOL Linhas Aéreas.
Now, we can confirm that this is indeed happening as GOL has announced it expects to take delivery of its first Airbus in June 2026. Initially, they will be used domestically for crew familiarization but later deployed to destinations in Europe and the US.
All seven Airbuses are no strangers to the Brazilian aviation scene as they are coming from Azul Linhas Aéreas. The aircraft involved are:
PS-WGA (1876), currently flying as PR-ANZ
PS-WGC (1895), currently flying as PR-ANY
PS-WGD (1924), currently flying as PR-ANX
PS-WGE (1934), currently flying as PR-ANW
PS-WGF (1952), currently flying as PR-ANV
PS-WGG (1901), currently PR-ANB and stored at Campinas since May 2025
PS-WGH (1903), currently PR-ANC and stored at Campinas since July 2024
To replace the capacity of the A330-900s, Azul in its turn is planning to add four former ITA Airways A330-200s to the fleet. It also has two open orders for A330-900s, which are almost ready for delivery.
Scramble
NEW AIRLINE - Pyramids Airlines (Egypt) plans to begin operations in 2026
Offering charter and scheduled flights across the Red Sea regions, Gulf area, CIS countries, and Europe.
Aviator
ROUTES / FLEET - United Nigeria Airlines will commence direct flights from Lagos to New York by the end of 2Q 2026
The six B737-800s recently announced deliver by June 2026, helping open new routes.
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.
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.
FLEET - airBaltic Receives its 54th Airbus A220-300 Aircraft
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.
segunda-feira, 16 de fevereiro de 2026
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.
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
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