2026 ROUTES

Vietjet introduces direct Ho Chi Minh City–Cebu route, strengthening strategic connectivity between Vietnam and the Philippines

China southern airlines new flight between Frankfurt to Urumqi

Air China launch flight between Jeju to Wenzhou

Starlux airlines launch 2 flights between Taipei to Busan and Taichung to Busan

ORDER / BOEING - Boeing Delivers Riyadh Air's First Two 787 Dreamliner Jets

Saudi carrier welcomes first airplanes from its order for up to 72 787 Dreamliners

Riyadh Air to launch operations with the 787-9 on regional and long-haul routes, supporting the Kingdom's vision for growth

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Riyadh Air announced that the new carrier's first two passenger airplanes, 787 Dreamliners, were delivered and arrived in Riyadh, a milestone for the airline as it prepares to launch commercial service.

"To see our very first custom-built 787 Dreamliner airplanes touch down in Riyadh is a historic moment for us, and a momentous day for Saudi aviation," said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. "I couldn't be more excited or more confident about the future and the legacy we are creating. Not only are we building an airline, we are opening a new gateway to the world from the heart of the Kingdom. We are absolutely ready and excited to welcome the world to Riyadh."

The deliveries are a step forward for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's aviation strategy, which aims to attract 150 million visitors and serve 330 million passengers annually by 2030. Riyadh Air's fleet plan includes up to 72 787 airplanes that will play a central role in connecting the Kingdom to regional and long-haul markets, including Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.

"Riyadh Air is bringing to life a vision of modern world-class travel, and we are delighted to support them as they open new possibilities for the Kingdom and the world," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787 Dreamliner gives Riyadh Air unmatched efficiency, flexibility across routes and a beautiful interior that will deliver a phenomenal travel experience."

Riyadh Air plans to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030, deploying early 787 flights to cities including London, Cairo and Jeddah.

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 / EMBRAER - Azorra Places Additional Firm Order For 15 Embraer E195-E2

• E2 program surpasses 500 total orders and Azorra surpasses 50 E2 orders
• New agreement also secures purchase rights for another 15 aircraft for Azorra

Embraer and Azorra have signed an additional firm order for 15 E195-E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for 15 additional jets, further strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two companies.

With this new agreement, Azorra’s total firm E2 orders increase from 39 to 54 aircraft, reinforcing growing demand and confidence in small narrowbody aircraft. This marks the third increase to Azorra’s original E2 order, first placed in December 2021.

The order also marks a milestone for Embraer’s E2 program, taking the total number of E2 orders beyond 500 aircraft. Since entering service, the E2 family has continued to build momentum with more than 200 aircraft in operation and 24 airline customers, allowing them to right-size capacity, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance passenger comfort.

John Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Azorra, said: “Our continued investment in Embraer's E2 family reflects the strong demand we are seeing from airlines around the world for right-sized, fuel-efficient aircraft that deliver operational, economic and network planning advantages to our airline customers. The E2 has proven to be an ideal solution for airlines seeking to open new markets and modernize their fleets while enhancing the passenger experience and strengthening their brands.

As an early supporter of the program, Azorra has worked closely with Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to expand the E2 customer base and bring the aircraft to new operators across multiple regions around the world. We are proud to further strengthen our partnership with Embraer through this order and to play a role in the E2 program surpassing 500 orders. With this transaction, Azorra's firm E2 orderbook also surpasses 50 aircraft—two important milestones that reflect both our confidence in the program and the growing global momentum behind this exceptional aircraft.”

Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: “Azorra has been an important partner in the global success of the E2, and this latest order is another strong endorsement of the aircraft’s outstanding economics, performance and passenger appeal. Surpassing 500 E2 orders is a proud moment for Embraer and reflects the growing momentum behind right-sized, fuel-efficient aircraft.”

The E195-E2 is Embraer’s largest commercial aircraft and is recognized for its low fuel burn, reduced emissions, quiet operation, high reliability and outstanding passenger experience. Its two-by-two seating configuration means no middle seats, offering passengers more comfort while giving airlines the flexibility and efficiency needed to serve a wide range of markets.

This new order from Azorra will be added to Embraer’s 2026 second-quarter results and backlog.

Groundbreaking Ceremony in Frankfurt: Condor Expands Maintenance Capacity for Growing A330neo Fleet

German airline Condor today marked the official start of construction of a new temporary hangar for Condor Technik GmbH at Frankfurt Airport with a ceremonial groundbreaking event. The lightweight structure, located in Cargo City South, will provide approximately 6,400 square meters of space and accommodate maintenance work on either one Airbus A330 aircraft or two Airbus A32X family aircraft simultaneously.
The project is being realized in cooperation with partners SpanTech International SA as hangar constructor, KAP Architektur Development, WPV Baubetreuung, and Fraport, and is scheduled for completion in early 2027.
“Modern aircraft require modern technical infrastructure. With this new temporary hangar, we are creating additional maintenance capacity for our fleet, strengthening our in-house technical expertise, and gaining greater operational flexibility at our Frankfurt base,” said Heiko Holm, Chief Technical Officer of Condor and Managing Director of Condor Technik GmbH. “This project is an important milestone in the continued development of Condor Technik and a clear commitment by Condor to the Frankfurt location.”
Since 2008, Condor Technik GmbH has served as Condor’s maintenance organization and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the airline. The company employs approximately 450 people across its locations in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, and Munich.
With the new temporary hangar, Condor Technik will establish its first dedicated maintenance capabilities for the Airbus A330neo fleet at Frankfurt Airport. This will reduce reliance on external infrastructure while increasing flexibility in maintenance planning and execution.
At the same time, the investment strengthens technical value creation at Condor’s home base by enabling a greater share of maintenance services to be performed in-house. The additional capacity provides the foundation to support the continued growth of the A330neo fleet independently and further expand the airline’s technical expertise in a sustainable manner.
The investment not only enhances Condor’s competitiveness but also contributes to the long-term safeguarding of highly qualified jobs and reinforces Frankfurt’s position as a leading aviation hub. 

FLEET - BESTFLY ARUBA / ATR72-600 / P4-BFA

 Pierre Pm

 

SPECIAL LIVERY - ROYAL AIR MAROC / B787-9 / CN-RGY -One Team. One Nation. One Dream.

Morocco's national team travels to the World Cup.

Photo: RAM

SPECIAL LVERY - CABO VERDE / B737 MAX8 / D4-CCJ - "Cabo Verde Na Copa"

Photos: Cabo Verde
 

FLEET - UNITED AIRLINES TOOK delivery of its first A321XLR, serial 12581

The first of 50 ordered in 2019. The aircraft is powered by PW1133GR-JM engines.

Image: United

Emirates promotes its first Emirati female captains, inspiring the next generation of women in aviation

Emirates has promoted two accomplished Emirati female pilots to captains, marking a pivotal step forward in its commitment to empowering Emirati women in aviation. Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri both rose through the Emirates Group's National Cadet Pilot Programme, an initiative that has graduated numerous Emirati pilots.

Hanan Mohammed Jawad joined Emirates in 2008 through the cadet pilot programme, driven by ambition, passion, and a lifelong dream of taking to the skies. With strong mentorship and continued support from the airline’s fleet management, she steadily progressed through the ranks, building her career from the ground up.

Bakhita Al Mheiri began her journey with Emirates as a cadet pilot in 2011. Inspired by successful Emirati female pilots and driven by her passion for flying, Bakhita continued to achieve one milestone after another, building a strong and successful career with Emirates.

Hanan and Bakhita have both officially received their fourth stripe this year, becoming the first Emirati female captains at Emirates, both operating the Boeing 777 fleet. With many years of experience in their respective careers, they both reflect a determination as strong as ever, and their ambitions continue to reach new heights.

Hanan has accumulated a total of 9,253 flying hours throughout her journey as a pilot. Speaking about her promotion, Hanan said: “When I was 14, I saw the UAE’s first female pilot on TV and was struck by her confidence and presence. From that point on, all I wanted was to become a pilot.”

Receiving my fourth stripe is a proud milestone, but I don’t see it as the destination. This is just the beginning, I don’t believe the sky is the limit. The path to command is built over time, and my years as a First Officer prepared me for this moment.”

Hanan also reflected on how she’s grown, both professionally and personally, throughout her journey “You change as you grow, and that’s a strength. When I was younger, I loved drawing and reading. Today, I challenge myself in new ways. I’ve recently started skiing and I’m still a beginner, I enjoy being in that learning space. Balance matters to me now. I’ve moved from intense gym training to practices that build focus and calm yoga - aerial yoga, Pilates, and reformer. They support the clarity, discipline, and presence my role demands.”

On her personal and professional growth shaped by the mentorship at Emirates, Bakhita said: “My journey at Emirates has been deeply influenced by the mentorship and guidance I received from exceptional training captains and leaders throughout my flying and command journey. Their experience, professionalism, and willingness to share knowledge and experience not only strengthened my technical and leadership skills but also shaped me personally by teaching me the value of responsibility, discipline, and continuous learning. One of the most meaningful lessons I gained throughout this journey was the importance of passing knowledge and experience forward. With the opportunity and responsibility I have been given as a captain, I hope to carry forward the same values and mentorship that were invested in me, and to support and guide the younger generations beginning their own flying journey, so they too can continue contributing to the future and success of the UAE.”

A message from Hanan and Bakhita to the next generation of aspiring female pilots: “Our leadership has long recognised women as essential partners in shaping our nation's future, and Emirates is creating the environment and opportunities for women to thrive, and we will continue to build on this for future generations.”

Commenting on the airline’s commitment to developing Emirati talent, Capt Hassan Alhammadi, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Flight Operations said: “At Emirates, we have always committed to developing our UAE Nationals as part of professional workforce. The cadet pilot programme remains vital in providing a path to young men and women to pursue professions as commercial pilots at Emirates, supporting our future pilot requirements.

We are immensely proud of Hanan and Bakhita for becoming Emirates’ first Emirati female captains, a well-deserved achievement that reflects years of dedication, professionalism, and hard work, and underscores the airline’s ability to nurture Emirati talent from entry level through to the highest leadership roles.”

About the National Cadet Pilot Programme (NCPP)

Launched in 1993, the NCPP is a fully funded initiative by the Emirates Group and has so far graduated many Emirati pilots, including Hanan and Bakhita. These pilots have moved on to become captains, training pilots, and senior leaders at Emirates and across the UAE aviation industry. This demonstrates the airline’s ability to foster long-term career growth and progression for Emiratis.

The programme offers comprehensive flight training at Emirates’ Flight Training Academy, combining world-class instruction, advanced technology, and rigorous safety standards. From foundational theory to hands-on flying experience, cadets are guided through every stage of their journey, preparing them for long-term careers as professional pilots with Emirates and for other air carriers. Cadets also experience robust training at Emirates’ new pilot training centre as part of the programme.

 

EUROATLANTIC AIRWAYS (AZUL ) / B767-300 - CS-TSU

José Ramon Valero - MAD
 

AEROLINEAS ARGENTINAS / A330-200 / LV-KAN - "Argentina National Football Team"

José Ramon Valero - MAD
 

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

Photo: Paul Bannwarth
 

FLEET - VietJet Thailand remains committed to replacing its fleet with 50 new B737-8 planes over three years

while accelerating plans to phase out its existing A320 and A321 jets to streamline costs. If the carrier gets A330neos from its parent, Europe flights are on the table for early 2027.

Aviator / Photo: Vietjet

FLEET - ITA Airways (Italy) CEO Jorg Eberhart plans on adding more aircraft to the fleet within the next four years, growing the intercontinental fleet from 23 to 30 aircraft — all expected to be A350-900s.

Photo: Duncan Stewart - EI-IFC

AIRCRAFT - Emirates takes first B777-300(ERSF) post-conversion

Emirates (EK, Dubai International) has taken redelivery of the first B777-300(ERSF) after conversion by Israel Aerospace Industries. A6-EBK (msn 34481) was ferried from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion to Abu Dhabi International for repainting on May 28, 2026. The aircraft was operated by Emirates as a passenger-configured B777-300ER until late October 2025. It is the first of at least ten of its own B777s that Emirates is planning to convert into freighters.

CH Avaition / Phto: Flyingphotos

FLEET - AZORRA Delivers First Atr42-600 To JSX

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA Azorra has delivered the first of two ATR42-600 aircraft to Dallas-based public charter air carrier JSX, marking a new customer relationship for Azorra and its expanding footprint in North America. 

The ATR’s performance capabilities will enable JSX to expand its public charter service to thousands more airports across the United States – airports that generally do not or cannot receive service from network airlines.

Michael Davis, Chief Marketing Officer, Azorra, says: “We are happy to announce that Azorra has delivered the first of two ATR 42-600s on lease to JSX. Building on the momentum of their 10-year anniversary, JSX continues to innovate by connecting underserved airports across the United States and enabling travelers to bypass congested airport hubs.

“JSX offers a hassle-free flying experience, and the introduction of these aircraft will provide even more travel options for their customers. 

We greatly value JSX’s vision and are excited to begin this mutually beneficial partnership.”

Jeff Simmons, Chief Financial Officer, JSX, says: “We’re looking forward to expanding ATR42-600 operations as demand for our public charter service continues to rise. Balancing product and fuel efficiency is more important now than ever before and we appreciate Azorra’s partnership as JSX looks to shape the next generation of regional air travel.”

AZORRA

 

FLEET - Avation (Singapore) has signed an eight-year lease agreement, extending to 2034, at current market lease rates with FlyJaya (Indonesia), for an ATR72-600 aircraft.

Flyjaya

VINTAGE Aircraft - Fuerza Aérea del Perú (Peruvian Air Force) / Antonov An-32B / 327

Duncan Stewart - Lima Jorge Chávez (LIM / SPJC) - Peru

 

SPECIAL COLOURS - AEROMEXICO / B737 MAX9 / N804AM - "La Aerolínea Más Puntual del Mundo en 2024 & 2025"

Duncan Stewart

SPECIAL COLOURS - DELTA AIR LINES / A350-900 / N522DZ - LA28

 Duncan Stewart

FRONTIER AIRLINES / A321NEO / N709FR - Steve the EAGLE

Duncan Stewart - LAX
 

NEW AIRLINE - Fly2Galicia (Spain) plans to launch operations from Santiago de Compostela in November 2026, with leased B737-800 on routes within Europe.

The company has no AOC.
Aviator

2026 ROUTES

Aero Nomad (Kyrgyzstan) schedules Bishkek – Surgut on 16 June 2026. with A320.

Air Congo now plans Kinshasa – Brussels route on 01 July 2026, with B787-8 operated by Ethiopian 

Airlines.Asman Airlines (Kyrgyzstan) plans to launch flights from Tamchi to Tashkent on 24 June 2026. The carrier will operate from Osh and Karakol in 2H 2026 — all with DHC8-400.

Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong) plans to launch direct flights to Almaty from Hong Kong in 1Q 2027, with A330-300.

Dan Air (Romania) schedules Bacau – Paris Beauvais route from 16 June 2026, with A320.

El Al (Israel) to launch flights from Tel Aviv to San Francisco on 25 October 2026, with B787.Eurowings (Germany) plans to launch Berlin – Bologna route from 02 November 2026, with A320.

FlyOne Armenia launched Gyumri – Sochi route on 04 May 2026, with A320.

FlyOne Asia (Uzbekistan) launched flights from Tashkent to Baku in late May 2026, with A320.

Global Airlines (US) plans to launch flights to the Maldives before the end of 2026, with its sole A380.

Jazeera Airways (Kuwait) announced the relaunch of direct flights between Kuwait and Budapest, on 16 July 2026.

Juneyao Air (China) plans services from Shanghai Pu Dong to Jakarta and Manila in mid June 2026, with A320.

LOT Polish Airlines has launched flights to Crete and Mallorca in 30 May 2026.

MEA – Middle East Airlines (Lebanon) plans to resume Beirut – Amsterdam route from 03 July 2026, with A320.

Always check with your airline.

AIRCRAFT - KEPPLAIR Secures First ATR72 for firefighting conversion

 Kepplair Evolution presents the KEPPLAIR 72, an innovative project to convert an ATR 72 into a multi-role water bomber, designed to meet the growing challenges of forest fire fighting and post-disaster response. By building on an existing platform, this ambitious project will considerably reduce time-to-market, scheduled for 2027, while optimizing initial investment costs.

FIRE-FIGHTING

Kepplair-designed 7,500-liter tank controlled by Trotter FRDS gen IV.

Two release options: “blast” effect for direct attack with water, or constant peak flow distribution system for indirect attack with retardants.

Faster, more precise intervention to combat forest and urban fires, improving the efficiency of fire-fighting operations.

MULTI-MISSION TO BOOST PROFITABILITY

Cargo

• Large loading door
• Capacity 8,500 kg / 75m3
• Compatible with standard LD3/ABZ pallets
• The aircraft can quickly transport equipment to disaster zones. Its large cargo area and high load capacity make it a versatile tool for rescue and logistics missions.
• Ready for medical evacuation and troop transport
• The aircraft can be used for medical evacuation missions and passenger transport in emergency situations.
• In the future, the aircraft could be converted for troop transport, in addition to fire-fighting and freight transport missions.

Rapid arrival on the market

– the time-to-market is reduced to three years (from July 2023), compared with eight to ten years for competing projects. This speed is crucial to meeting the urgent needs of civil security services in the face of increasing forest fires.

Optimized release performance

– In collaboration with the IMFT, enables precise control of release, guaranteeing unrivalled footprint regularity. This precision enhances intervention efficiency, reducing the number of passes required and optimizing the use of resources.

Virtually no industrial risk

– The use of a proven platform and an industrial chain already in operation – over 1,200 ATR 72s are currently flying worldwide – means that we can benefit from a well-established maintenance and parts supply chain.

– The Kepplair 72 is directly derived from the cargo version of the ATR72, and as such benefits from all the structural reinforcements included in the STC P2F or in the ATR72-600F version.

– The STC Kepplair 72 creates no significant modifications to the aircraft (the hatches are in the belly fairing area, and no frame is cut).

– The signing of a CAP between our DOA and EASA means that the regulatory framework is fixed from the very start of design work.

Reduced development costs

– With an initial investment of less than 50 million euros, the project is well below the billion-euro development costs for new aircraft. This cost reduction is made possible by using an existing platform and optimizing development processes.

Lower operating costs

– The KEPPLAIR 72 offers over 30% lower operating costs than other aircraft on the market. These savings are due to the efficiency of the release system, simplified maintenance and the versatility of the aircraft, which can be used for a variety of missions throughout the year. What’s more, Kepplair 72 pilots don’t have to practice scooping, which reduces training hours by over 50%. For some operators, this represents up to 25% of their activity, with the number of cycles saved having a direct impact on the equipment’s depreciation period.

High availability

– Based on the ATR 72 platform, the project benefits from the maintenance and parts supply chain of the world’s leading regional aircraft. Over 75% of commercial airports know how to service an ATR 72, guaranteeing simple, efficient maintenance in all aircraft configurations.

Mastered maintenance environment

– Aerotec & Concept, a key partner in the project, has the necessary approvals for aircraft maintenance and modification.

Kepplair