quarta-feira, 5 de agosto de 2026
NEW AIRLINE - AVi8 Airways (Cambodia) has launched with plans to establish a new ACMI, charter and cargo airline platform in Southeast Asia, targeting the start of operations out of Phnom Penh in May 2027
Beyond ACMI and charter, the carrier intends to offer cargo and scheduled passenger services across the Asia-Pacific. It plans to provide ACMI and charter capacity to China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Middle East, with potential expansion into Europe.
The company will be headquartered in Phnom Penh, with operational bases at Phnom Penh Techo International and Ho Chi Minh City.
Founder Ed Wegel is leading the company alongside managing director Minh Nguyen, the airline said. Nguyen said the business model was designed to draw on Southeast Asia's pool of pilots, cabin crew, licensed engineers, and operations personnel, as well as what he described as an undersupplied regional charter market.
The start-up has not disclosed its planned fleet, though its promotional materials depict an A321-200(P2F) in company colours, but do not confirm an aircraft commitment.
The launch appears to advance AVi8 Air Capital's previously disclosed plan for a branded Southeast Asian ACMI carrier. ch-aviation reported in June 2026 that the investment company wants to establish a Ho Chi Minh City-based operator using A320-200 and A321-200(P2F) aircraft.
ch-aviation has reached out to AVi8 Air Capital for more details, including a certification timeline.
DHL Express raises B777-200LR(MF) commitment to 13
DHL Express has increased its commitment for Mammoth Freighters-converted B777-200LR(MF)s from nine to 13 aircraft, with four due to enter service in 2026. The company said in a press release that the first unit will be placed with DHL Air (D0, Nottingham East Midlands).
The initial aircraft is N703DN (msn 32222), a 2009-built, General Electric GE90-powered B777-200LR formerly operated by Delta Air Lines. Mammoth Freighters converted the airframe at Manchester, equipping it with a main-deck cargo door and advanced cargo-handling systems.
Mammoth Freighters received a supplemental type certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration for the conversion in April 2026. The company said in July that its first two B777-200LR(MF)s, one for DHL and one for Qatar Airways, were expected to enter commercial service in autumn 2026.
As ch-aviation previously reported, DHL Express originally ordered nine B777-200LR(MF)s from Jetran in April 2023. At the time, deliveries were scheduled to run from 2024 to early 2027 to replace ageing B747 freighter capacity across DHL-owned and partner airlines.
While N703DN is DHL's first converted B777, it is not the programme's first completed unit. The Qatar Airways-earmarked N705DN (msn 29742) completed the programme's inaugural post-conversion flight in May 2025 prior to the STC award in April 2026.
CH Aviation
2026 ROUTES
BeOnd Launches Direct Services Connecting Six Major European Destinations to The Red Sea
Yemenia plans launch Jeddah – Socotra – Mukhalla – Jeddah triangle routing on 29 September 2026, with A320.
Wizz Air (Hungary) is opening a new base in Santiago de Compostela, with one based aircraft and seven new routes.
Vietravel Airlines (Vietnam) plans to launch direct flight connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Shenzhen starting 15 August 2026.
Syrian Arab Airlines plans to resume service at Deir ez-Zor flights on 03 August 2026, from Damascus and Kuwait City with A320.
SolitAir (UAE) began a new route connecting Dubai World Central to Jinan Yaoqiang airport via Dhaka on 01 July 2026, with B737-800BCF.
British Airways (UK) plans to launch London Heathrow – Fuerteventura route on 13 December 2026, with A320neo.
Air India will resume direct flights between Shanghai Pudong and Delhi starting in September 2026.
Southwind Airlines (Turkiye) launched Antalya – Bucharest charter flight on 18 July 2026, with A321.
LOT Polish Airlines plans direct flights from Warsaw to Hanoi on 31 March 2027, B787
Condor (Germany) will operate a daily nonstop seasonal service between Frankfurt and Chicago O’Hare on 14 May 2027, with A330neo.
Sky Fru (Kyrgyzstan) plans Bishkek – Moscow Domodedovo nonstop flight on 05 August 206, with B737-300.
Jazeera Airways (Kuwait) will launch direct flights between Kuwait and Addis Ababa from 07 September 2026.
EgyptAir schedules Cairo – Stockholm Arlanda route from 18 December 2026, with A321neo.
Air India plans to launch codeshare with Azerbaijan Airlines, covering AZAL’s service between Baku and India
*Check with the airline.
terça-feira, 4 de agosto de 2026
Thai Airways International will have a fleet of 111 aircraft by 2027, including 17 new aircraft: eight additional A321neo.
Deliveries of nine new B787-10s will begin at the end of 2027, and one B777-200ER will be decommissioned. The carrier aims to increase its fleet size to 150 aircraft by 2033, with six A330-300 remaining in service until 2028-29 before being replaced.
Photo: Ton Jochems - AMS
NEW AIRLINE - ALMA Air Receives Provisional Operating Permit for Amphibious Airline Operations in Colombia
ALMA Air has received a Provisional Operating Permit from Colombia’s Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil), marking a signi!cant milestone in the certi!cation process for the country’s !rst new amphibious airline operation in years.
The permit authorizes ALMA Air to operate as a non-scheduled public air carrier for the transportation of passengers, cargo and mail, including air taxi services.
The company said the approval follows more than two years of technical development and regulatory work with Colombian authorities.
As part of its certi!cation program, ALMA Air has completed more than 75 amphibious water takeo"s and landings at Ayapel, Mompox and the Guatapé Reservoir without accidents or incidents.
The fight testing validated the airline’s operational procedures, safety management systems and coordination with relevant aviation authorities.
ALMA Air said the next phase of the certi!cation process will focus on completing the remaining institutional and regulatory approvals required to begin commercial operations.
The airline plans to use amphibious aircraft to improve connectivity for riverside communities, tourism destinations and regions with limited transportation alternatives across Colombia.
Medellín - Calima - 79 minutes
Medellín - Bahía Solano - 45 minutes
Leticia - Puerto Nariño - 22 minutes
Bogotá - Villavicencio - 42 minutes
Medellín - Ayapel - 1 hour
Medellín - Guatapé - 17 minutes
Bogotá - Guatapé - 52 minutes
Cartagena - Santa Marta - 40 minutes
Barranquilla - Isla Barú - 52 minutes
Barranquilla - Cartagena - 25 minutes
Cartagena - Ayapel - 58 minutes
Santa Marta - Ciénaga - 37 minutes
Cartagena - Mompox - 49 minutes
Cartagena - Isla Múcura - 28 minutes
Cartagena - Magangué - 38 minutes
Cartagena - Isla Barú - 22 minutes
FLEET - FlyPelican adds first BAe Jetstream 41
McCabe said the aircraft had already arrived in Australia. It remains registered in the United States and was ferried from Smyrna to Newcastle Williamtown via multiple stops between July 21 and 25.
The 31.6-year-old aircraft is configured for 30 passengers and powered by Honeywell Aerospace TPE 331 engines. It was originally delivered to Independence Air in 1995 before being withdrawn from service in 2008. Contour Aviation subsequently operated the frame between 2011 and 2017.
According to ch-aviation data, US-based Aircraft Propulsion Leasing was the most recent owner and manager of the aircraft.
FlyPelican is a regional airline and charter operator based at Newcastle Williamtown that currently operates five BAe Jetstream 32s for scheduled services on the Newcastle-Canberra, Newcastle-Sydney Kingsford Smith, Newcastle-Gold Coast Coolangatta, Sydney-Narrabri, and Sydney-Cobar routes. It also provides contracted and ad hoc charter services across Australia, including corporate, leisure, fly-in-fly-out, and cargo operations.
FLEET - Alaska Airlines receives 100th 737 MAX
Alaska Airlines employees participated in the delivery of the airline’s 100th 737 MAX in Seattle, Washington. (photo © Boeing)
Alaska Airlines recently took delivery of its 100th 737 MAX, a milestone that reflects the carrier’s confidence in Boeing airplanes.
Why it matters: The delivery comes as Alaska continues to grow and renew its fleet with new 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner jets, supporting the airline’s plans to expand both domestic and international service.
The milestone also reflects the strength of Alaska’s decadeslong partnership with Boeing, rooted in a shared emphasis on safety and quality.
“We appreciate the fact that your values are the same as ours – leading with safety and quality,” said Shane Jones, Alaska Airlines senior vice president of fleet, products and guest experience. “The Boeing people are the difference makers.”
Partnership in action: Today, Alaska Air Group, which includes Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air, operates nearly 250 737s and five 787s. For many Boeing teammates, that means building airplanes they and their families later fly on.
“I take a lot of pride in working on airplanes, but especially Alaska Airlines’ airplanes,” said Nathan Gonzalez, a temporary Preflight Operations manager on the 737 program. “My wife and I fly Alaska at least once a year going home for the holidays, so it’s special knowing I’ve been involved in producing the planes we actually fly on."
“We couldn’t be prouder of this partnership,” Jones said. “We both go above and beyond to really help each other when the other side needs it.
The big picture: In January, Alaska signed the largest airplane order in its history – 105 737-10s, with options for 35 more, plus five 787s.
That announcement kicked off a series of milestones between Alaska and Boeing, including unveiling a new livery for the airline’s 787 fleet, and CEO Ben Minicucci visiting Boeing’s Renton, Washington, factory.
“I have so much more confidence coming out of today in what you’ve done in the last three years,” Minicucci told 737 teammates during his visit. “I’m so impressed with all the quality improvements that have been put in place. I could see the hard work.”
By the numbers:
Alaska took delivery of its first 737 MAX in 2021 and has grown its fleet to 100 737 MAX jets in just five years.
The airline has nearly 180 Boeing airplanes – both 737s and 787s – being delivered over the next decade.
Alaska’s partnership with Boeing began in 1966, with the delivery of a 727-100 airplane.
By Erica Peterson
AIRCRAFT - U.S. FAA certifies new Boeing 737-7 airplane
Regulatory approval clears another 737 MAX variant for service
Preparations underway to support first deliveries
SEATTLE, Aug. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has granted Boeing [NYSE: BA] an amended type certificate for the new 737-7 airplane, clearing it for commercial service.
"This important certification validates the rigor of our airplane's design and recognizes the determination and resilience of our 737 MAX development team," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has granted Boeing an amended type certificate for the new 737-7 airplane, clearing it for commercial service.
"Our team of dedicated engineers and test experts worked through challenges, an extended pandemic, and the transition to new certification processes," Pope added. "Through it all, our team stayed focused on completing all requirements and delivering a safe and more capable airplane to our customers."
The smallest and longest-range member of the 737 MAX family, the 737-7 model serves an important market segment by offering 135 to 160 seats (in a two-class configuration) while providing about 10% more range potential than its siblings. Like other 737 MAX jets, the 737-7 reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 20% and noise footprint by 50% compared to the airplanes it typically replaces.
The regulatory approval caps a multi-year certification effort in which Boeing demonstrated through comprehensive testing and analysis that the airplane meets all commercial aviation regulations. The test program, which began in 2018, included:
More than 1,000 hours of flight and ground testing
Extensive system safety analysis and human factors reviews
An updated engine anti-ice system to address a potential condition that was discovered during flight testing
Our Boeing team held regular and detailed discussions with the FAA to ensure Boeing understood the requirements and provided transparency of our progress," said Mike Sinnett, senior vice president of Product Strategy, Product Development and Development Programs. "With this certification program, Boeing has developed a clearer understanding of the latest regulatory requirements, which is expected to accelerate future airplane development with a renewed emphasis on human factors, safety and quality."
Boeing and Southwest Airlines, the 737-7 launch customer, are preparing for delivery of the first airplane. A team is readying the first airplanes, including implementing updates to the airplane's final configuration.
The FAA also updated Boeing Production Certificate No. 700 (PC 700) to include the 737-7.
The 737 MAX family order book stands at more than 7,200 airplanes, of which more than 2,300 have been delivered through the end of June 2026.
The 737-7 typically seats 135-160 passengers in a two-class configuration and offers a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles (7,040 km). The airplane is designed for exceptional performance for operators flying out of airports at high altitudes and hot climates.
The other 737 MAX family members offer other unique capabilities:
The 737-8 seats 160-180 passengers with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). It can profitably serve almost any short and medium-haul market.
The 737-9 has three more seating rows than the 737-8 and serves 175-195 passengers with a range of up to 3,300 nautical miles (6,110 km).
The 737-10, the largest in the family, offers the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane. It seats 185-210 passengers with a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km). Boeing is working to certify the 737-10 this year.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "intends," "projects," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and other similar words or expressions, or the negative thereof, generally can be used to help identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements relating to future development of commercial airplanes, outlooks, plans and objectives, and as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable when made, but that may not prove to be accurate.
These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors, including economic conditions in the United States and globally, general industry conditions as they may impact us or our customers, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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.
Boeing
AIRCRAFT - Five airborne 777-9 jets and one big milestone
The 777-9 test fleet had a busy 24 hours putting systems, propulsion and interiors through their paces.
The seventh 777-9 test plane prepares for its first flight at Payne Field. (Marian Lockhart photo © Boeing)
The 777-9 test fleet recently completed a first: five jets airborne in 24 hours.
During the two-day campaign, the team conducted systems, propulsion and interior tests and reached a first-flight milestone. They completed six flights, nearly 18 hours of flight testing and additional ground tests.
Boeing commemorated the moment on LinkedIn and other social media: Five for flying!
Catch up quick: The 777-9 program has logged more than 4,800 flight test hours across the 777-9 test fleet. In addition to the dedicated test airplanes, production-configured airplanes – like this seventh 777-9 to fly – are supporting certification work ahead of first delivery in 2027, the company said.
“Airplane development is not easy, but it is such a worthy endeavor because we are creating incredibly capable airplanes that will safely transport people around the world for generations,” said Terry Beezhold, 777-9 vice president and program manager. “A big thank you to our team for their continued hard work and to all of our 777X customers.”
segunda-feira, 3 de agosto de 2026
FLEET / ROUTES - FASTJET ZIMBABWE Signs Short-Term Lease Agreement For An Airbus A320-200
The aircraft is expected to enter service on 1 August 2026 and will operate primarily on the high-demand Harare–Johannesburg and Victoria Falls–Johannesburg routes.
The temporary operation of the Airbus A320 forms part of fastjet Zimbabwe’s strategy to increase capacity during the peak season while evaluating the aircraft type as a potential permanent addition to its fleet from 2027.
AIRLINE Suspended - Bamboo Airways suspends scheduled operations
AIRLINE Suspended - Izhavia grounded
The civil aviation authority of Russia, Rosaviatsia, has announced it has grounded Izhavia until at least February 2027. The decision was made after the airline failed to address issues with maintenance and crew scheduling found at an inspection three months earlier.
Izhavia was operating a fleet of two Boeing B737-800s and six Yakovlev Yak-42s. It called Izhevsk home.
IATA - I8ICAO - IZA
Call sign - IZHAVIA
Founded - 1992
Ceased operations - 1 August 2026
Hubs - Izhevsk Airport
Fleet size - 8
Headquarters - Izhevsk, Udmurtia, Russia
Boeing 737-800 - 2
FLEET - Fiji Airways eyes more widebody leases
prioritising greater utilisation of its existing fleet for near-term growth, chief executive Paul Scurrah
said during a recent CAPA event.
LAM Plans to Expand Fleet to 13 Aircraft by End of 2026
Mozambique Airlines (LAM) plans to expand its operational fleet to 13 aircraft by the end of 2026 as part of its fleet renewal and business recovery strategy, according to Management Committee Chairman Dane Kondic.
The airline expects to add four aircraft by December, provided its ongoing technical and operational restructuring progresses as planned. The expansion is intended to support growing demand on domestic and regional routes while improving flight punctuality and operational reliability.
The fleet growth will include the return of aircraft that have undergone major maintenance as well as the introduction of additional aircraft, increasing LAM’s available capacity and network resilience.
LAM said the initiative forms part of a broader modernization program aimed at restoring operational stability, strengthening its competitive position and improving the long-term financial sustainability of Mozambique’s national carrier.
NEW AIRLINE - Caliphate Air receives first two E145s
According to social media posts and ADS-B data, the first two E145s, 18.1-year-old 5N-SOK (msn 14501024), previously registered as VT-GSS, and 21.7-year-old 5N-SOL (msn 14500871), previously registered as VT-GSF, arrived at Kano, Nigeria, on July 9.
They were ferried there from Mbombela in South Africa, where they had been in pre-delivery maintenance with Embraer specialist CDMA (South Africa). Their ferry flights had routed via Windhoek International and Luanda 4 De Fevereiro.
Caliphate Air managing director Abioye Abdulkareem has confirmed to ch-aviation that the third E145, 5N-SOM (msn 14500845) previously registered as VT-GSC, is expected in Kano in early August.
He also confirmed that all three aircraft are fully owned by Caliphate Air, which bought them from Ghodawat Enterprises Pvt Ltd, part of Indian conglomerate Sanjay Ghodawat Group. Star Air (India), an aviation brand that is part of the group, previously operated the three E145s.
According to ADS-B data, Star Air withdrew the three aircraft from service on different dates between June and December 2025. 5N-SOM was ferried from Bengaluru International in December 2025, followed by 5N-SOK in January 2026 and 5N-SOL in April 2026. They arrived in Mbombela in January, February, and April 2026, respectively.
In early July 2026, the NCAA said Caliphate Air was redoing the formal application (Phase Two) of its air operator's certificate (AOC) process, which includes detailed operational documents.
FLEET - Somon Air Receives Its First Boeing 737 MAX Jet
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, Aug. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Somon Air today announced the delivery of the airline's first 737 MAX, as the Tajik national carrier continues to modernize its fleet and grow its network. The 737-8 is the first of two airplanes leased from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) to be delivered and represents the first 737 MAX in Tajikistan.
Somon Air Receives Its First Boeing 737 MAX Jet
"Considering the central geographic location of Tajikistan and the improved range capability of Boeing 737-8, this fleet expansion gives Somon Air opportunity to open new routes with improved economics considering the new aircrafts' fuel efficiency," said Abdulkosim Valiev, CEO of Somon Air. "Somon Air greatly values its unique long-term relationship with the Boeing company and looks forward to continuous growth of its fleet by adding more efficient and modern Boeing aircraft."
The 737-8 is central to Somon Air's fleet renewal strategy and will be used to fly short- and medium-haul routes across Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. With longer range and stronger operating economics than previous-generation airplanes, the 737-8 gives Somon Air the flexibility to serve high-demand routes while positioning the airline for future growth, including planned service to London, Beijing and Guangzhou.
Firoz Tarapore, CEO of DAE, added, "DAE is delighted to a part of this momentous occasion, delivering both Somon Air's first Boeing 737-8, and the first Boeing 737-8 in Tajikistan. This aircraft is part of a two aircraft commitment, and we are excited to further our relationship with Somon Air. We wish the management team success in deploying these aircraft across their network. DAE Capital has over 190 Boeing 737 MAX Family aircraft in its fleet, and the family form a key pillar of our commitment to operating the newest, most fuel-efficient aircraft."
As the most versatile variant of the 737 MAX family, the 737-8 can carry up to 210 passengers depending on configuration, with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). The 737 MAX will support Somon Air's fleet modernization by reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes they replace.
"We're honored by Somon Air's trust in Boeing, and the 737 family, as they evolved from a regional carrier into an emerging international presence over the past 20 years," said Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Eurasia, India and South Asia. "The 737-8 is the right airplane for the airline's modernization, and we look forward to supporting Somon Air's continued growth for many years to come."
Last year, Boeing and Somon Air announced(opens in a new tab) the airline's commitment to purchase up to 14 fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes.
sexta-feira, 31 de julho de 2026
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.