AIRLINES HISTORIC DEFUNCT - Air BVI was an airline which operated and was based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Founded in 1971, Ceased operations in 1993

Air BVI highlighted over the full Dan Air London color scheme / 1997 / Photo: Guido Allieri Collection


Air BVI was an airline that operated and was based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Founded in 1971, Air BVI primarily flew between Beef Island Airport (EIS) in Tortola and SJU Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, providing connecting flights to and from major airlines serving San Juan in order to allow tourists to visit the British Virgin Islands, as well as providing transportation for local BVI residents and also serving other destinations in the BVI such as Anegada and Virgin Gorda. Air BVI went into liquidation due to insolvency in 1991, although it continued to operate out of bankruptcy for almost two and a half years.

VP-LVN was a Hawker Siddeley HS 748-101 sr.1A c/n 1538 that flew in April 1961 and was used internally by Avro Corporation as G-ARMX until December 1964, when it was sold to Skyways London. In April 1972, it was acquired by Dan Air London, which retired the aircraft in May 1990 and sold it to Air BVI as VP-LVN. It even operated in Dan Air colors before being retired and dismantled for spare parts.

IATA - BL
Founded - 1971
British Virgin Islands
Ceased operations - 1993
Operating bases : Tortola Airport (airline headquarters)
San Juan Airport
Fleet size - 3

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - Avistar Airlines Cyprus (1990 - 1998)

5B-DAZ / Boeing 707-328C / Flyingphotos

ICAO Code: KJA.

Region: Cyprus. 

Avistar (ICAO code: KJA) is listed as an airline based in Cyprus

It appears to be a distinct entity from the Russian cargo operator Aviastar-TU, which has no direct affiliation with Cyprus. Further detailed operational or fleet information for Avistar specifically based in Cyprus is limited in public search results. 

Türkiye's Southwind Airlines returns to European Union

Southwind Airlines (2S, Antalya) resumed flights to Western Europe on March 2, 2026, with a charter service from Antalya to Berlin Brandenburg tied to the ITB Berlin travel trade fair, ch-aviation research reveals.

The flight was conducted with a dry-leased 189-seater B737-8, TC-GRK (msn 43359), according to ADS-B data.

Announcing the flight on social media, the airline said that it now intends to expand its network with more European destinations, but it did not elaborate.

Launched in 2022, Southwind was banned from European Union airspace on March 29, 2024, due to its alleged Russian ties. The ban stemmed from the Finnish authorities' denial of traffic rights to Southwind on March 25 of that year over suspected Russian ownership/control.

A Southwind court challenge to overturn the ban failed in August 2024, as the European Union General Court ruled that no challengeable EU decision existed, and that instead it was member-state led. The court said that a European Commission email to Southwind, while stating the ban was in place and providing justification, was not a legal decision. Consequently, no EU decision could be challenged in court.

The airline serves at least eight Russian destinations, two destinations in Saudi Arabia, and four domestic routes within Türkiye, according to ch-aviation data. It operates a fleet of 14 aircraft: four A321-200s, one A321-200NX, two A330-200s, three B737-8s, three B777-300s, and one B777-300ER.

CH Aviation

FLEET - Thai Airways leases additional B787-8

Thai Airways has announced it has signed a lease-agreement with an unnamed lessor for additional Boeing B787-8s. In total, the deal is for ten aircraft, which are expected to be delivered from June onwards.

Being B787-8s, deliveries starting relatively quick, and the number of aircraft involved, we at Scramble suspect that these Dreamliners are former China Southern Airlines-aircraft that have been retired from service and were offered for sale previously. They are vintage 2013 and 2014 aircraft.

According to the airline, the new additional aircraft will replace (to be) retired aircraft and be used as a bridge until its own newly ordered B787s will be delivered. It currently has open orders with Boeing for 39 B787-9s and six B787-10s which are planned to begin to arrive in 2027.

Thai Airways is undergoing a fleet renewal and simplification programme, planning to standardize the fleet to the Airbus A321neo, A350-900 and Boeing B787-8, -9, and -10.

Today, the airline's fleet is made-up of 20 A320s, two A321neos (30 more on order), six A330-300s, 23 A350-900s, two B777-200s, seventeen B777-300ERs, six B787-8s and four B787-9s.

Photo: Ton Jochems

ETIHAD AIRWAYS / A321NEO / A6-LRK

Ton Jochems - AMS
 

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - Serendib Express commenced operations in 1995 and merged into Aero Lanka in 2004

4R-SEN photos / Fairchild SA227-AC Metro III - Photo: Cascais - Flyingphotos

 
Serendib Express commenced operations in 1995 and merged into Aero Lanka in 2004. Aero Lanka was a joint venture between Serendib Express in Sri Lanka and Airsmith Inc. of Florida USA

provided air charter services, including troop transport for the air force, and also operated scheduled flights to places like Jaffna

Operating Dates: 2002 - 2004
Code: QL : RNL
Country: Sri Lanka

 

ROUTES - Qantas adds Singapore fuel stop on Perth-London route

Qantas (QF, Sydney Kingsford Smith) has added a fuel stop at Singapore Changi to its long-haul flight between Perth International and London Heathrow. The operational change affecting flights operated daily on a B787-9 is a result of flight path adjustments necessitated by the regional conflict in the Middle East. The carrier will not alter any other operated routes, including its scheduled operations between Singapore and London.

CH Aviation / Photo: Duncan Stewart

Proud to be American: American Airlines partners with America250 to celebrate nation’s 250th anniversary

 WASHINGTON, D.C. — America250, the national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, is proud to announce that American Airlines will serve as an official sponsor and partner in this historic nationwide celebration. As one of the country’s most iconic and enduring brands, American will join a growing coalition of leading companies helping to engage more than 350 million Americans in this once-in-a-generation milestone.

The partnership comes at a uniquely symbolic moment for American, which is celebrating its own centennial year in 2026. For 100 years, American has connected communities, powered economic growth and supported national priorities, defining what it means to move America forward.

Founded in the early days of commercial aviation, American has grown alongside the nation itself. Through periods of expansion, challenge, innovation and renewal, American has shepherded the rise of air travel as a driver of commerce and culture, connecting communities across all 50 states and beyond.

As part of the partnership, American will play a visible and dynamic role in bringing the Semiquincentennial to life nationwide. The airline will paint two aircraft in the official America250 livery, ensuring the celebration quite literally takes flight across the country and around the world. In addition, American will serve as the Official Airline of America Innovates, a traveling showcase of the nation’s ingenuity that will highlight the creativity, progress and pioneering spirit that have defined the United States for 250 years.

“As American Airlines marks our centennial year, we’re honored to join the nation in celebrating 250 years of American independence,” said Caroline Clayton, Chief Marketing Officer at American. “Our history is deeply intertwined with the country’s own story — one of ingenuity, resilience and a belief that connecting people and places makes us stronger. For a century, our team members have helped move America forward, carrying families, service members, innovators and dreamers on their journeys to every corner of this nation and around the world. Partnering with America250 is a meaningful way to honor that legacy and to help inspire the next generation as we look toward the future together.”

The airline serves more than 600,000 customers every day — over 200 million passengers per year. From carrying service members, families and business travelers to supporting disaster relief efforts, American’s 130,000 team members are eager to foster interconnectedness in American communities and ensure passengers get where they need to go.

“American Airlines has spent 100 years connecting our nation and showcasing the spirit of innovation that defines the United States,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “As we approach this historic 250th anniversary, their reach and leadership will help bring Americans together - across cities, states, and generations - to commemorate our shared history and shape our shared future.”

American joins a distinguished group of America250 partners, including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz and Stellantis, whose collective engagement underscores the essential role of the private sector in making the 250th anniversary the most ambitious and inclusive commemoration in U.S. history.

Additional details about the American Airlines-America250 partnership and events will be announced in the coming months.

To learn more about America250 and its national commemorative efforts, visit America250.org.

ROUTES - Wizz Air Receives Authorization for Transatlantic Flights Between the UK and the US.

Wizz Air has received authorization to launch transatlantic flights between the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) as part of its plans to transport European fans and teams to the FIFA World Cup this summer
The low-cost airline intends to provide customized charter flights for European football teams, fans traveling to the World Cup, and groups seeking direct access to the US East Coast.

ROUTES - KM Malta Airlines to launch intercontinental ops in 2Q26

KM Malta Airlines (KM, Malta International) has announced that it will launch its first Asian route, debuting a Malta International-Tel Aviv Ben Gurion service on May 26, 2026. The airline plans to operate it 2x weekly with its fleet of A320-200Ns. It will be KM Malta Airlines' first scheduled route outside Europe.

CH aviation / Photo: KM Malta

IndiGo's B787s parked as Europe ops suspended

 

LN-FNE

LN-FNO

IndiGo's entire fleet of widebody aircraft, consisting of six Boeing 787s that flew to various international destinations, including London, Manchester, and Amsterdam

Photos: Ton Jochems  - AMS

FLEET - Brazil’s GOL to take five A330-900Ns, avianca - two

Image AI

GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes (G3, São Paulo Congonhas) will add five A330-900Ns on operating leases from Avolon, after parent Abra Group confirmed that it would allocate the aircraft for use by the Brazilian carrier.

The arrival of the five Airbus widebodies is scheduled for 2026, but further details remain scarce at this time.

“The incorporation of the A330-900N aircraft into GOL’s airline fleet is aligned with Abra Group’s broader strategic planning, aimed at expanding operations in the region and internationally,” the company said in a notice to the market.

Abra Group has two more A330-900Ns on contract from the lessor and said it would initially allocate them to avianca airlines.

The group said that its Spanish subsidiary, Wamos Air, "will support GOL's internationalizstion strategy and avianca's expansion during this growth period". The Brazilian airline currently does not operate any widebodies and has never served long-haul routes beyond the range of its B737-8s.

Earlier in the month, GOL reserved the registrations for seven A330-900Ns, according to data from Brazil’s civil aviation authority (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil - ANAC). The seven aircraft are currently in the fleet of local rival Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras. The registrations are PS-WGA, PS-WGC, PS-WGD, PS-WGE, PS-WGF, PS-WGG, and PS-WGH, attached to the following serial numbers, respectively: 1876, 1895, 1924, 1934, 1952, 1901, and 1903.

Of the seven, those that are currently under lease by Azul from Avolon are PR-ANV (msn 1952), PR-ANW (msn 1934), PR-ANX (msn 1924), PR-ANY (msn 1895), and PR-ANZ (msn 1876). The remaining two, PR-ANB (msn 1901), and PR-ANC (msn 1903), are leased from Park Aerospace Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Avolon.

The arrival of the five widebody jets will end GOL’s history of operating exclusively with Boeing through its B737 family. However, after the company emerged from Chapter 11 and formed Abra Group with avianca, management was vocal about the new possibilities this holding could bring, including long-haul opportunities for GOL.

ch-aviation fleets data shows GOL’s fleet comprises 148 aircraft, namely twelve B737-700s, sixty B737-8s, sixty-seven B737-800s, and nine B737-800(BCF)s.
CH Aviation

FLEET - Austrian Airlines will take delivery of total of three B787-9s in 2026

Austrian Airlines will take delivery of total of three B787-9s in 2026, while decommissioning three B767s and six B777s. Ten more Dreamliners will be added to the current two in the fleet by the end of 2028.

Aviator / Photo: Austrian

 

AIRPORT - Phuket Int'l - VTSP, Thailand

Photos:Markus Altmann

 

SPECIAL COLOURS - WIZZ AIR / HA-LGI / A321-271(NX) - (PANNONIA- Hungarian Student Mobility Programm)

Paul Bannwarth
 

VINTAGE Special Colours - Qantas Airways / Boeing 747-438 / VH-OJB - c/n 24373-746 - Qantas The Spirit of Australia - in the 'Wunala Dreaming' livery,

Photographed in Lisbon on a charter flight.

Photo: Flyingphotos 

This aircraft was the second of four Boeing 747-438s ordered new by Qantas Airways - March 2, 1987

Rolled off the Boeing production line at Seattle (Everett) - June 6, 1989

Powered by Rolls Royce RB211-524G2 engines

First flown as VH-OJB - August 18, 1989

It was the 32nd Boeing 747 delivered to Qantas

Operated its first revenue service London - Singapore - Sydney (Kingsford Smith) as QF704 - September 19, 1989

Operated its final revenue Service Sydney (Kingsford Smith) - Los Angeles as QF107 - April 25, 2012

Ferried Los Angeles - Victorville in 'Qantas' delivery pattern for storage as QF6021 - April 26, 2012

Noted stored in Victorville in 'Qantas' delivery pattern missing one engine - April 28, 2013

Scrapped at Mojave by Q747LLC - 2018

FLEET - Air Canada’s Fleet Transformation Takes Flight as 737 MAX Aircraft Begin Air Canada Rouge Service

First Air Canada Rouge 737 MAX aircraft featuring personal seatback entertainment, Fast, Free Wi-Fi and reclining seats, is now in service
Air Canada Rouge’s new Vancouver crew base opens today, growing leisure travel options from Western Canada
45 Boeing 737 MAX are expected to transition to Rouge by the end of 2026, supporting Air Canada cabin upgrades across North America

Air Canada today announced the first of its updated Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft has entered service at Air Canada Rouge, introducing the industry’s best leisure carrier experience. This marks the latest milestone in Rouge’s comprehensive cabin renewal program, focused on delivering a more comfortable, connected, and consistent onboard experience.

This fleet transition will allow most customers flying Rouge leisure and sun routes across North America and the Caribbean to enjoy upgraded interiors, including personal seatback entertainment, reclining seats and complimentary Fast, Free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell.

“When customers step onto our aircraft, they should instantly feel a sense of comfort, care, and pride,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada. “Supported by award-winning service from co-workers across the company, this renewal program is about delivering that feeling consistently, across every flight. Every update is designed with our customers in mind, as we introduce an entirely new Air Canada Rouge product with cutting-edge in-flight entertainment, Fast, Free Wi-Fi, and seats that recline for all customers.”

To support this leisure-focused growth, Air Canada has opened a new Rouge crew base in Vancouver, coinciding with the entry into service of the first Rouge Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This investment directly supports more sun and leisure flying from Western Canada, such as the recently announced return of winter service from Calgary to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.

Bringing More Comfort to Air Canada Rouge

Customers flying Rouge will enjoy free wine, beer – including non-alcoholic beer - and Canadian-made premium snacks on all North American and Caribbean flights. The in-flight menus showcase beloved Canadian brands, for an elevated in-flight experience tailored to a range of tastes, including Canadian favourites like MadeGood Morning Bars (on flights before 10 a.m.), TWIGZ pretzels, and Leclerc Célébration cookies.

Improvements to the Rouge fleet focus on what matters most to customers on shorter trips: an upgraded cabin, improved technology, and small details to make the journey easier and more comfortable. The cabins are configured to give customers a choice of 12 Business Class seats, 18 Preferred seats offering extra space, and 147 Standard Economy seats.

Modernizing the North American Fleet

The transformation extends across the entire network. Air Canada’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, currently operated by Rouge, will be retrofitted to Air Canada’s latest design standard, as the airline also prepares for the introduction of new, longer-range Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Upgrades to the customer experience also extend to regional travel, with Air Canada Express aircraft operated by Jazz to be fitted with new cabins and next generation Fast, Free Wi-Fi.

Upcoming Additions to the Fleet

As part of its ongoing fleet modernization program, Air Canada recently announced an order for eight Airbus A350-1000s. This is in addition to the 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners expected to start entering service later this year. Air Canada is also set to welcome in the coming months the first of its 30 Airbus A321XLRs, while continuing to take deliveries of the Canadian-built Airbus A220, with 23 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65.

These aircraft will enter service with Air Canada’s next generation cabin design and standards, including improved connectivity and in-flight entertainment offerings.

 

FLEET - TrueNoord delivers three factory-new Airbus A220s to Breeze Airways

“This transaction introduces the first Airbus aircraft into the TrueNoord fleet, marking another important strategic milestone for the Company.” Anne-Bart Tieleman, Chief Executive Officer, TrueNoord.

Specialist regional aircraft lessor, TrueNoord, has delivered three factory-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Breeze Airways under a long-term sale-and-leaseback agreement. This landmark transaction marks TrueNoord’s first Airbus deal and the largest aircraft type to join its portfolio to date. All three aircraft were delivered to the American low-cost carrier in February 2026.

Maarten Grift, TrueNoord Sales Director Americas, comments: “We are very pleased to support our existing customer Breeze with the lease of these modern and highly efficient A220s. The aircraft type is central to Breeze’s strategy of transitioning to a single-type fleet and expanding its network across under-connected Tier 2 and Tier 3 city pairs. The right-sized seat capacity and lower operating costs of the type are enabling Breeze to profitably serve routes that larger narrowbody jets cannot sustain. A trend we are increasingly seeing across the Americas as operators seek to expand or renew their fleets with new-generation aircraft.”

“Partners like TrueNoord enable us to continue our mission of providing affordable and convenient air service to our Guests across 86 cities in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean,” said Trent Porter, Breeze Airways’ Chief Financial Officer.

Paul Murphy, TrueNoord Chief Financial Officer, adds: “These deliveries reflect TrueNoord’s disciplined approach to capital allocation, strengthening our portfolio with assets that support long-term financial resilience and operational efficiency for our partners.”

“This agreement underscores TrueNoord’s commitment to supporting innovative operators, such as Breeze, with next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft,” comments Anne-Bart Tieleman, TrueNoord CEO. “The A220 complements TrueNoord’s existing Embraer E2 order book and highlights our appetite for new generation 100-150 seat class aircraft. This important announcement sets the tone for the months ahead as we continue on our strong upwards growth path into 2026 and beyond.”

NEW AIRLINE - SkyHop Aviation (India) took delivery of one DHC6-400, registration VT-SHE, on lease.

SkyHop Aviation Private Limited is an emerging Indian startup aiming to revolutionize regional connectivity through seaplane services. Led by CEO Avani Singh, the company plans to launch services in early 2026, targeting routes from Kochi to Lakshadweep. They have leased a Twin Otter amphibian

Status: Active/Preparations for launch.

Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana, India.

Core Business: Seaplane operations, charter services, and medical transport.

Leadership: Founded and led by CEO Avani Singh.

Fleet: Inked a lease for a Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.

Key Operations: Planning to connect Kochi with five Lakshadweep islands (Agatti, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kiltan, and Kadmat).

Regulatory Status: Received No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in June 2025

AIRLINE - Transair to resume ops after nine-month pause

Senegal's Transair to resume ops after nine-month pause

 

IATA - R2 

ICAO - GTS 

Callsign - TRANSGROUP
Full Name - Groupe TRANSAIR SA
Country -  Senegal
Headquarters  - Dakar
Main Hub - Dakar Leopold Sedar Senghor International (DKR / GOOY)
Fleet Size  - 4 Aircraft

Boeing 737-300

Boeing 737-500

Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia

Embraer ERJ-145

Average Fleet Age - 32 Years

FLEET - ETF Airways (Croatia) will receive its first ATR72-600 aircraft on a six-year lease from Avation

The airline plans to add another ATR to its fleet by 2027.

ROUTES - Aero Dili plans to launch service to From Dili to Darwin and to Kuala Lumpur, with A319 or A320.

Photo: Aero Dili

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

Paul Bannwarth
 

FLEET - Malaysia Airlines takes delivery of its 10th A330-900neo

The airline stated that it plans to deploy the growing A330neo fleet on important long-haul routes, including Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Tokyo, and Bali.

The tenth aircraft follows the arrival of the ninth A330neo, registration 9M-MNO, which landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) on December 21, 2025. The first four A330neos in the fleet have already entered service on routes to Melbourne, Auckland, and Bali, featuring a completely redesigned premium cabin layout.

 

FLEET - Sin-Kung Airways / 9M-SLB / Boeing 737-4M0(SF) - The first aircraft of Sin-Kung Logistics' cargo aircraft fleet.

Photo: : Michael_5284

Sin-Kung Logistics launched a new air cargo airline in 2025 to enter the air cargo sector.

The initiative follows the acquisition of Prima Air, now Sin-Kung Airways, by Sin-Kung Logistics.

The company stated that the rebranding is part of a broader corporate strategy to align all operations under a unified identity.

The airline's initial operations will cover routes between Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Labuan, and Hong Kong International Airport.

Sin-Kung Airways plans to focus on key air cargo markets, including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, oil and gas, and perishable goods.

SPECIAL COLOURS - "Queen of the Skies" now also features XXL crane for 100th founding anniversary

Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 with blue anniversary livery

D-ABYN lands in Frankfurt on March 5

Anniversary fleet in special "100 Years" design now comprises 6 aircraft

For Lufthansa's 100th founding anniversary, the Boeing 747-8, the Queen of the Skies, now also wears the blue special design with XXL crane. The aircraft received its new livery in San Bernardino in the US state of California. Under flight number LH9913, the "Jumbo" will make its way to its home airport Frankfurt on Wednesday and is expected there on Thursday, March 5, at around 10 a.m. The aircraft, christened "Niedersachsen," is expected to land on the airport's center runway, clearly visible for spotters, journalists, and fans.

The Boeing 747-8 with registration D-ABYN will enter scheduled service on March 6, flying back to sunny California – specifically to Los Angeles.

The Lufthansa Jumbo is now the sixth aircraft in the iconic 100 Years special design. Most recently, last week, an Airbus A380 and an Airbus A320neo with the anniversary livery landed in Munich.

An Airbus A350, a Boeing 787-9, and another Airbus A320neo are also already flying with the XXL crane.

In autumn 2026, an Airbus A350-1000 will receive the special design, completing the anniversary fleet as the seventh and final aircraft.

SPECIAL COLOURS - Pegasus / TC-RDP / A321-251(NX) - 'Cumhuriyet' (100Th livery)

Paul Bannwarth