terça-feira, 19 de maio de 2026

NEW LIVERY - ISRAIR / Airbus A330-243 / N285AY

Photo: Juan Carlos Alvarez

AIRPORT - Fort Lauderdale Airport,








Ronald Vermeulen
 

NEW AIRLINE - Noor Airways plans to initially focus on domestic routes across Pakistan.



Noor Airways plans to initially focus on domestic routes across Pakistan.
The airline intends to operate using Airbus A320 aircraft during its early operational phase. 
The Truth International

 

NEW AIRLINE - Aglow Air (Nigeria) is actively working to finalize its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and launch dedicated cargo operations across West and Central Afric


The startup cargo carrier is currently exploring the lease of Embraer E190-100AR(F) converted freighters due to availability constraints with ATR72-500 freighters

The airline is actively completing its Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) process and is considering leasing Embraer E190-100AR(F) converted freighters for its regional routes.

Utilizing its operational base in Lagos, the airline has partnered with Turkish Airlines to service 10 established routes across the West African region.
As a member of Cargo iQ, the company standardizes its supply chain processes to align with global logistics best practices

NEW AIRLINE - Iran's JSKY Airlines restarts as ACMI provider



 

JSKY Airlines is a full-service regional carrier based in Esfahan, Iran.

Operating out of Isfahan International Airport (IFN), the airline utilizes a small fleet of Boeing 737-300 aircraft to provide scheduled passenger flights and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) charter operations

Following its market relaunch, JSKY Airlines operates as both a scheduled regional carrier and an ACMI provider. Its fleet consists of two Boeing 737-300s (registrations EP-JIA and EP-JIB), which are frequently seen operating at various domestic hubs including Tehran Mehrabad and Bandar Mahshahr


Base country: Iran
Base city: Esfahan
Base airport: Isfahan International Airport
Airline ICAO code: ISP
Base city IATA code: IFN
Base airport IATA code: IFN
Airline category: Scheduled
Airline type: Full service carrier

Images: Sky

FLEET - Air Peace Secures Purchase of Three Ex-Jeju Air Boeing 737- 800s, Adds Two Wetleased A320s


Nigerian carrier Air Peace is buying three Boeing 737-800s from South Korea's Jeju Air for 144.72 billion won ($97.5 million), according to a May 13 stock exchange filing, and is wet-leasing two additional Airbus A320s from Lithuania's Avion Express, 
NewsAero 

AIRPORT - Lisboa-Humberto Delgado-Portugal











Flyingphotos
 

A New Viking Takes Flight: SAS Names Its Latest Airbus A350 in Honour of King Frederik X

SAS names its latest Airbus A350-900 “Frederik Viking” in honor of His Majesty King Frederik X, the King of Denmark, during a ceremony at Copenhagen Airport, as the airline celebrates its 80th anniversary year.

His Majesty King Frederik X attended the naming ceremony on 18 May. The aircraft operated flight SK987 from Copenhagen to Seoul Incheon later that evening.

“It is a great honor to name this aircraft after His Majesty The King, and to celebrate Denmark in this special way,” says Anko van der Werff, President and CEO of SAS. “King Frederik X represents a modern and outward-looking Denmark, with a strong international perspective. For decades, SAS aircraft have carried Viking names, reflecting a shared Scandinavian heritage and spirit of exploration. As we celebrate 80 years of connecting Scandinavia with the world — and the world with Scandinavia — we continue to strengthen our position as one of the leading airlines in Northern Europe. The A350 is an important step in the continued modernization of our fleet, supporting more efficient, comfortable and sustainable travel. Frederik Viking will play a key role in connecting our customers across Scandinavia with destinations worldwide in the years to come.”

SAS aircraft traditionally carry Viking-inspired names, reflecting the airline’s Scandinavian heritage.

The Airbus A350 is the flagship of SAS’ long-haul fleet and serves intercontinental routes from Copenhagen to destinations across North America and Asia. From its Copenhagen hub, SAS continues to expand its global network, linking Denmark with the wider Scandinavian region and key international markets.


The aircraft forms part of SAS’ fleet renewal program and represents the most modern and fuel-efficient aircraft in its category, contributing to lower fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions compared with previous generations.

Designed to enhance the travel experience, the A350 features a quiet cabin environment, improved air quality and advanced onboard comfort, offering customers an enhanced and more enjoyable long-haul experience.

Founded in 1946, SAS brings together the national aviation heritage of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, united by a shared ambition to connect Scandinavia globally.

The Airbus A350-900 is certified to operate using alternative aviation fuel (SAF) blends and plays a central role in SAS’ ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable future for air travel.




 

FRONTIER AIRLINES / A320NEO / N387FR - Joaquin the KIT FOX

Duncan Stewart
 

FRONTIER AIRLINES / A321NEO / N718FR - Cali the MOUNTAIN LION

Duncan Stewart
 

segunda-feira, 18 de maio de 2026

NEW AIRLINE - Koala Airlines is an upcoming Melbourne-based Australian budget carrier planning to launch operations

Aiming to challenge the Qantas and Virgin duopoly, it intends to service major routes with Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, offering guaranteed cash refunds if flights are canceled.


The airline is not currently flying. Tickets are not yet available for purchase.
Flights are scheduled to launch in late 2026.
It will focus on major trunk routes connecting major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, though exact route details are kept confidential to avoid competitor interference.
Koala Airlines plans to hold ticket fares in a trust account and promises guaranteed cash refunds if a flight is canceled, rather than issuing credit vouchers.
Leadership & Background: Founded by CEO Bill Astling in 2018, the airline was formed after acquiring Desert Air Safaris in 2019, taking advantage of their existing air operators' certificate. 

Alternative Airlines


FLEET - FlyGabon, the state-backed Gabonese carrier, operates a Bombardier CRJ900ER wet-leased from South African regional airline CemAir to bolster its regional network

The aircraft (such as registration ZS-CEA) supports routes to Central African destinations like Bangui (CAR) and is used for regional connectivity

Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Int'l - FAOR, South Africa
Photo: master aviation

FLEET / ORDER - IAG increases B737MAX-order

Image; Flyingphotos

The International Airline Group has announced it has decided to convert options it held on the Boeing B737MAX into firm orders. In total, the deal is for ten additional MAXs, with no exact type specified. 
The new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in 2028 and 2029.

With this latest increase, IAG now was firm orders for 60 B737MAXs, 25 we know will be B737-8200s and 25 B737-10s. 
The number of remaining options is 40.

All new MAXs are assigned to Vueling, which currently operates an all-Airbus fleet of six A319s, 93 A320s, seventeen A320neos, eighteen A321s, and four A321neos. 
Delivery of the first MAX is expected to take place in the final quarter of this year.

Korean Air to merge with Asiana Airlines in late 4Q26

Korean Air (KE, Seoul Incheon) and Asiana Airlines (OZ, Seoul Incheon) will integrate on December 17, 2026, after the respective boards approved the merger agreement on May 13. The two carriers signed a contract to execute the merger the day after.

Korean Air will absorb all assets, liabilities, and employees of Asiana Airlines. The carrier submitted a merger application to South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on May 14. In June 2026, it also plans to apply for amendments to its Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) to incorporate Asiana Airlines' aircraft and safety systems under Korean Air's existing air operator's certificate.

The merger ratio was set at one Korean Air share for every 0.2736432 Asiana Airlines shares, resulting in an expected capital increase of KRW101.7 billion won (USD68.3 million) for Korean Air.

Asiana Airlines will hold an extraordinary shareholders' meeting in August 2026 to vote on the merger. Korean Air, meanwhile, will approve the transaction through a board resolution as the deal qualifies as a small-scale merger under South Korea's Commercial Act.

The two airlines are also consulting the Korea Fair Trade Commission to finalise the integration plan for their frequent-flyer programmes.

The consolidation follows an initial acquisition agreement signed in November 2020, when the South Korean government and creditors injected KRW3.6 trillion (USD2.4 billion) to stabilise Asiana Airlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Korean Air said it has since repaid the public financial support.

As previously reported by ch-aviation, Korean Air plans to complete the acquisition of the remaining 36.1% stake in Asiana Airlines in the second quarter of 2026 and gradually phase out the Asiana Airlines brand and corporate entity after the integration. The airline has been working to align operational standards, employee compensation, and safety systems ahead of the merger.

Korean Air is also upgrading its operational infrastructure ahead of the integration, including renovations to its operations control centre and cabin crew training facility in Seoul, as well as expansions to engine maintenance shops and hangars at Seoul Incheon.

"The integration will elevate Korean Air's global market presence and establish Incheon International Airport as a dominant global hub through optimised network connectivity and increased transit efficiency," the carrier said.

Ch-Aviation / Photos: Duncan Stewart

FLEET /ORDER - Starlux Airlines to sell, leaseback three A330-900s


Starlux Airlines (JX, Taipei Taoyuan) will sell and leaseback three A330-900Ns to First Commercial Bank Leasing and Taishin Daan Leasing for up to USD345 million in total, or no more than USD115 million per aircraft. The carrier will then lease the aircraft back for a total consideration of about TWD3.8 billion New Taiwan dollars (USD120.5 million) per aircraft, subject to interest-rate adjustments. The board approved the agreements on May 12, 2026.

CH Aviation / Photo: Duncan Stewart

NEW AIRLINE - Zinc (Australia) plans to raise US$145 million to launch a ULCC out of Western Sydney International with A321neo aircraft.


Founded by former Qantas executive Peter Kelly, the startup aims to model its operations after the European airline Ryanair.

The airline plans to operate from Western Sydney International Airport, focusing on underserved or underutilized regional and domestic routes.

Zinc would initially fly between Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, before potentially expanding to the Gold Coast, with a fleet composed exclusively of Airbus A321neo aircraft.

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - AeroLyon was a French holiday charter airline operating from 1996 to 2002

Flyingphotos-Faro- F-BTDD McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30

Owned by the French tourism company Nouvelles Frontières, the airline operated long-haul flights from Lyon, Paris, and other French cities to the Caribbean, West Indies, and French overseas territories.Fleet: The fleet exclusively consisted of three McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 aircraft.Status: AeroLyon ceased operations in May 2002 and was officially declared bankrupt later that year.

Ceased operations: 2002
Homebase: Lyon, France
Founded: 1996
IATA - 4Q
ICAO - AEY
Call sign - Aerolyon
Fleet - McDonnell Douglas DC10-30 - 3

FRONTIER AIRLINES / A320NEO / N391FR - Grizwald the BEAR

Duncan Stewart
 

FRONTIER AIRLINES / A320NEO / N337FR - Hunter the BOBCAT

Duncan Stewart
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - Returning to the Runway: JetBlue Debuts ‘Blueprint II’ on an Airbus A220

The airline’s iconic “see-through” design returns with new details and icons that reflect JetBlue’s history, network and spirit of exploration

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today began scheduled flying on ‘Blueprint II,’ a reimagined take on one of the airline’s most beloved special liveries, now featured on a brand-new Airbus A220.

First introduced in 2017 on an Embraer E190, the original Blueprint livery became an instant standout across JetBlue’s fleet for its imaginative “see-through” design, which blended illustrations of everyday travel items with the aircraft’s mechanical structure. Inspired by stories from crewmembers and customers alike, the design featured everything from slices of pizza to potted plants, capturing the joy, personality and memorable moments that define travel in a distinctly JetBlue way. Retired in 2024 as part of JetBlue’s broader fleet transition, the livery remained a favorite among customers, crewmembers and aviation enthusiasts.

Now reimagined for the Airbus A220, Blueprint II builds on the original concept with bolder visuals, greater detail and new hidden touches throughout the aircraft. The updated design includes a collection of icons that celebrate JetBlue’s network, heritage and spirit of exploration, including:


 JetBlue's Blueprint II Livery (photo credit: JetBlue).

The fan-favorite oversized teddy bear, now seated in its own passenger seat
A crown honoring JetBlue’s first European destination, London
A sextant in the flight deck recognizing the history of navigation
Fins, a mask and snorkel, and a swimming pool float nodding to the warm-weather vacation destinations at the heart of JetBlue’s network.
Blueprint II also includes dozens of additional “Easter eggs” hidden throughout the livery, giving customers and plane spotters new details to discover with every glance.

“Our aircraft liveries are an important expression of the JetBlue brand and the humanity that defines our customer experience,” said Marty St. George, president, JetBlue. “Blueprint II honors a design our customers and crewmembers have loved for years, while celebrating the personal journeys, memories and sense of discovery that continue to shape the JetBlue experience.”

With the retirement of its Embraer E190 fleet on September 9, 2025, JetBlue completed its transition to an all-Airbus fleet, anchored by next-generation A220 and A320 aircraft. Blueprint II continues JetBlue’s award-winning tradition of using aircraft design as an extension of the brand, creating liveries that spark curiosity, invite discovery and connect with customers in unexpected ways.

HYBRIDS c/s / FLEET - Laser Airlines expanded its European routes with an Airbus A330 wet-leased from the Portuguese-Maltese aviation specialist Hi Fly.


While Hi Fly does operate an Airbus A330-300 (registered 9H-HFI) within its versatile fleet, the specific aircraft dedicated to the transatlantic operations for Laser Airlines (between Caracas and Madrid)

Laser Airlines (HiFly) - 9H-HFI - Airbus A330-302 - Serial #: 805 - Madrid Barajas - LEMD, Spain
Photo: Juan Manuel Gibaja

 

domingo, 17 de maio de 2026

NEW LIVERY -Berjaya Air presents new livery


The world’s first ATR 72-600 with 26-seat Business Class HighLine Cabin introduces a new level of comfort and style.
Berjaya Airlines