Photos: Gianluca Mantellini
quarta-feira, 13 de maio de 2026
FLEET - Uganda Airlines Adds Two Wet-Leased Boeing 737- 800s
Boeing April 2026 orders & deliveries
Photo: Duncan Stewart - N8790Q-Southwest Airlines-Boeing 737 MAX 8
Ordered were:
• 4 B737MAX by Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• 2 B787-9s by Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• 8 B787-10s by Biman Bangladesh Airlines
• 5 B787-9s by El Al
• 1 B787-10 by El Al
• 6 B787-9s by Ethiopian Airlines
• 1 B737MAX by TUI
• 52 B737MAXs by Undisclosed customer(s)
• 28 B777Xs by Undisclosed customer(s)
• 4 B787-9s by Undisclosed customer(s)
• 25 B787-10s by Undisclosed customer(s)
Of the undisclosed customers-orders, it is expected that 50 B737MAXs, all B777Xs and all B787-10s are the ones previously announced by Korean Air.
Cancelled was:
• 1 B737MAX by BOC Aviation
• 1 B737MAX by BOC Aviation
Delivered were:
• 2 B737MAXs to AerCap
• 3 B787-9s to AerCap
• 1 B737MAX to Air India Express
• 1 B737MAX to Air Lease Corporation
• 1 B737MAX to Akasa Air
• 4 B737MAXs to American Airlines
• 2 B737MAXs to Aviation Capital Group
• 3 B737MAXs to Avolon Aerospace Leasing
• 6 B737MAXs to CDB Leasing
• 1 B737MAX to Copa Airlines
• 2 B777Fs to Emirates
• 1 B767-300F to FedEx
• 2 B737MAXs to Jackson Square Aviation
• 1 B787-10 to Korean Air
• 1 B787-9 to Lufthansa
• 1 B777F to National Airlines
• 1 B737MAX to Norwegian
• 1 B787-9 to Qatar Airways
• 1 B737MAX to Singapore Airlines
• 1 B737MAX to Southwest Airlines
• 1 B737MAX to TUI
• 3 KC-46As to the USAF
• 6 B737MAXs to United Airlines
SPECIAL COLOURS - Sun Country Unveils Retro Livery Honoring 43-Year Legacy
The design pays tribute to Sun Country’s Minnesota roots and the customers and employees who shaped its journey
The special livery, inspired by Sun Country’s 1994 design, honors the airline’s Minnesota roots and the generations of employees and customers who helped shape its story. What began as a small hometown carrier founded by a passionate group of aviators has grown into an airline deeply woven into the fabric of the Twin Cities and the communities it serves.
“It is rare for an airline to be in business for 43 years,” said Jude Bricker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sun Country Airlines. “Sun Country’s founders were scrappy, and the airline weathered competition, economic downturns, 9/11, wars, multiple owners, bankruptcies, the pandemic, and the surging consumer desire to prioritize travel. Sun Country survived and thrived. That grittiness, pride, and entrepreneurial spirit continued for decades because our team members have been passionate about the uniqueness of this airline. Sun Country’s deep roots in the Twin Cities mean that our employees are serving customers we know, because they are our relatives, friends, and neighbors. Throughout the community, everyone has a story about the first time they flew Sun Country, the iconic cheeseburgers, or maybe even sipping a local brew at 35,000 feet. Our customer support shaped the growth of the airline and increased destinations.”
The aircraft is also dedicated to Sun Country pilot, co-founder, and first president Jim Olsen, who passed away in April 2026. Alongside his fellow founding members, Olsen defied the odds, building the airline from the ground up. Uniforms were hand-sewn, flights were catered with wholesale goods, and aircraft were cleaned every Tuesday by the very crews that flew them. That roll-up-your-sleeves spirit that defined Sun Country in its earliest days and remains central to the airline today.
This livery, while a nod to the past, is also meant to represent a bridge for the future. While much of the livery is the original 1994 design, the tail features the current Sun Country compass logomark as a nod to the current brand, which is set to be acquired by Allegiant Air in a deal expected to close May 13. Both brands represent strong value airlines, and their combination will bring more value and more service to their customers, with Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport being the largest hub of the future combined company. Following deal close, there will be no change in service or schedules for either Sun Country or Allegiant customers.
The aircraft is expected to touch down in Minneapolis for the first time on Wednesday, May 13. A photo and videos of the livery can be found here. Additional multimedia will be posted to Sun Country social media channels following its arrival.
Falcon Aviation Holdings LLC (a SpaceX subsidiary) / Boeing 737-800 / N154TS
Photo: Duncan Stewart
terça-feira, 12 de maio de 2026
NEW AIRLINE / FLEET - Britten-Norman delivers BN2T-4S Islander Aircraft to Xen Aviation
Britten-Norman has delivered a BN2T-4S Islander to Xen Aviation & Services, marking the operator’s introduction of its first Islander aircraft as it prepares to launch regional operations in Guyana.
The aircraft was completed at Britten-Norman’s UK facility and will support Xen Aviation’s planned commuter services in Georgetown, becoming the first BN2T-4S Islander to operate in the country. The BN2T-4S is the enlarged turboprop variant of the Islander, offering approximately 30% more cabin space and an increased Maximum Take-Off Weight of 8,925lbs (4,408kg).
This delivery demonstrates our ability to provide operators with aircraft configured to a consistent, OEM-defined standard. The BN2T-4S combines turbine performance, modern avionics and the Islander’s proven short-field capability, supporting reliable operations in demanding environments worldwide.
Corrin Stapleton, Director of MRO, Britten-Norman
Purpose-designed for reliable, day-to-day operations from short, challenging and infrastructure-limited airstrips, the BN2T-4S supports consistent access in environments where runway length, surface condition and weather variability are routine considerations. This capability is well-established across regions such as Guyana and the wider Caribbean, where the Islander has supported short-field operations from demanding and unprepared airstrips for decades.
The aircraft is equipped with a modern Garmin glass cockpit and integrated avionics suite, supporting enhanced situational awareness, operational safety and long-term supportability. The BN2T-4S can also be configured with full airframe de-icing, extending operational capability in more variable and demanding climates.
Britten-Norman continues to support operators worldwide with aircraft delivered to current operational standards, backed by OEM engineering, certification and through-life support. The BN2T-4S Islander is certified in the UK, EU, US, Canada and Guyana. The aircraft is approved for up to ten passengers, subject to local air operations regulations.
A spokesperson for Xen Aviation added: “Our operations depend on reliable access to remote and challenging airstrips, often in variable conditions. The BN2T-4S offers the twin-engine safety, performance, robustness and modern systems we wish to offer to our customers, while retaining the Islander’s well-established short-field capability. Completing the refurbishment directly with the manufacturer gave us additional assurance as we introduce the aircraft into service.”
FLEET - Air Mauritius Targets the B737 MAX or the A321 And Expects Three A350s by 2028
Newsaero / Air Mauritius
FLEET - Medsky Airways Strengthen Fleet With an Embraer E190
Newaero
Rano Air suspends routes
Images: Rano Air
Ethiopian Airlines is in early talks for a potential order with Airbus for six A350s and about 20 A220 aircraft.
Photo: Ton Jochems - ET-AWN A350-900 Ethiopian - BRU
ROUTES - JAL Group Announces Updates to First-Half FY2026 Cargo Flight Schedule for Narita-Chicago Route
Tokyo, JAPAN - The JAL Group revises its cargo flight operation plan on the Narita-Chicago route for the first half of fiscal year 2026 as follows. Any further changes will be announced separately.
SPECIAL COLOURS - AIR ASIA / A320-216 / 9M-AHX - "Watsons"
Photo: S.H.Yang
ORDER - Lufthansa Group orders ten Airbus and ten Boeing long-haul aircraft
Order for ten Airbus A350-900s and ten Boeing 787-9s at a list price of 7.7 billion U.S. dollarsDelivery of the highly efficient twin-engine long-haul jets between 2032 and 2034A consistent step toward greater efficiency and sustainability
Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, says: “By ordering 20 additional long-haul aircraft, we are making a sustainable investment in the future of the Lufthansa Group. It is a clear commitment to a modern fleet, to premium quality, and to further reducing CO2 emissions. After all, aircraft featuring the latest technology are the most powerful tool for more climate-friendly air travel. The state-of-the-art Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 are more fuel-efficient, quieter, and have lower emissions than their respective predecessors. We are thus continuing the largest fleet modernization in our history.”
The Airbus A350-900 and the Boeing 787-9 will replace older and therefore less efficient models starting in 2032. The decision regarding which airline and which hub the ordered aircraft will be deployed at will be made at a later date.
The gradual standardization of the fleet reduces complexity and increases efficiency, operational flexibility and operational stability. At the same time, maintenance and operating costs will be reduced. Additionally, further synergies will arise, for example in the areas of cockpit and cabin crew licensing and spare parts management.
Including today’s order, the Lufthansa Group currently has a total of 232 state-of-the-art aircraft on its order list, including 107 next-generation long-haul aircraft.
Lufthansa exercises option to acquire a majority stake in ITA Airways
Deutsche Lufthansa AG’s stake in ITA Airways is set to increase by 49 percent to 90 percent
Second block of shares to be acquired for 325 million euros
Completion of the majority acquisition expected in the first quarter of 2027
ITA Airways is already firmly integrated into the Lufthansa Group as its fifth network airline in many areas
The acquisition of the additional 49 percent stake will take place at a previously agreed purchase price of 325 million euros. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, primarily from the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027. Following this, ITA Airways will be fully integrated into the Lufthansa Group, both organizationally and financially.
Since 17 January 2025, Deutsche Lufthansa AG has held a 41 percent stake in ITA Airways as a minority shareholder. Upon the conclusion of the purchase agreement with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) in June 2023, an annually recurring option for Deutsche Lufthansa AG to acquire an additional 49 percent stake in ITA Airways was agreed upon. This option is now being exercised along with the accompanying acquisition of a majority stake in the Italian flagship carrier. The seller is the MEF, which will initially continue to hold the remaining 10 percent of the shares in ITA Airways. In 2028, this tranche may also be acquired by Lufthansa.
“Following the acquisition of the first 41 percent stake in ITA Airways last year, we promised the fastest airline integration in our history. We aimed to complete all major integration steps into the Lufthansa Group within just 18 months.
We have not only kept this promise. We were even faster: All customer-facing interfaces are already integrated today—with the exception of North Atlantic flights, where, as is well known, regulatory approval for our merger is still pending.
Passengers already experience ITA Airways as an integrated part of the Lufthansa Group. With unified booking, sales, and fare systems, the Miles and More frequent flyer program, Star Alliance membership, and access to our global network of premium lounges.
Integration is also progressing in the cargo business. Since last year, Lufthansa Cargo has been marketing ITA Airways’ cargo capacity, which alone corresponds to the additional capacity of three Boeing 777 freighters. In light of this success story, we decided to exercise our option to acquire an additional 49 percent stake as early as June of this year.”
Passengers already experience ITA Airways as an integrated part of the Lufthansa Group. With unified booking, sales, and fare systems, the Miles and More frequent flyer program, Star Alliance membership, and access to our global network of premium lounges.
Integration is also progressing in the cargo business. Since last year, Lufthansa Cargo has been marketing ITA Airways’ cargo capacity, which alone corresponds to the additional capacity of three Boeing 777 freighters. In light of this success story, we decided to exercise our option to acquire an additional 49 percent stake as early as June of this year.”
segunda-feira, 11 de maio de 2026
SPECIAL COLOURS - Cem Air / CRJ-200ER / ZS-CMF - New special scheme celebrating 20 years of operations.
Photo: MASTER AVIATION
CemAir is a South African airline founded in 2005, headquartered in Johannesburg at O.R. Tambo International Airport, offering scheduled, charter, and leasing services. Operating a fleet of over 30 aircraft (including CRJ and Dash 8 models), they fly to roughly 14-15 destinations in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe as of early 2026
AIRCRAFT - FedEx flies again with the MD-11F.
FedEx has begun the process of returning MD-11Fs to service. Since the model was grounded in November 2025 following the UPS crash, the company has been working with Boeing on a solution to reinforce the wing-mounted engine pylons. The solution still needs FAA approval, but it appears to be nearing completion, given that the airline has already conducted its first flights.
To date, two MD-11Fs have been modified. Aircraft N521FE (48478) conducted a round-trip test flight between Memphis (TN) and Los Angeles (CA) on May 10, 2026, and on the same day also made its first commercial flight from Memphis to Los Angeles (CA). Its sister aircraft, N621FE (48792), made a test flight on May 9, 2026, departing from Memphis, and made its first commercial flight on May 10, 2026, to Miami (FL).
Currently, FedEx has 29 MD-11Fs in its fleet, which have been relocated to various locations around the world after being decommissioned. The company is preparing dedicated repair teams that will be sent to the sixteen different locations where the aircraft are currently stationed.
FedEx plans to put 24 MD-11Fs into operation and use the remaining five as a "flexible reserve" for when there is an increase in demand. The model is expected to be retired in 2032, when replacement aircraft are delivered.
Scramble / Photos: Duncan Stewart
AIRCRAFT - IAI Marks Major Milestone as Airbus A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter Conversion Comes Off Jacks
The A330-300 P2F marks an expansion of IAI’s widebody conversion capabilities across both Airbus and Boeing platforms
The Company is one of a select few worldwide with proven capability to perform advanced conversions for aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus, including complex widebody platforms. As global demand for freighter aircraft continues to rise, IAI is expanding its worldwide network of conversion facilities, in order to deliver flexible, high-value solutions to airlines, leasing companies and cargo operators worldwide.
Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI: “This achievement marks another step in executing IAI’s long-term vision to expand its role in the global air cargo market. By continuously advancing our technological and industrial capabilities, we are positioned to deliver scalable and reliable solutions that align with our customers’ evolving operational needs, while reinforcing our leadership in the conversion arena.”
Yaacov Berkovitz, EVP & GM, IAI’s Aviation Group: “This milestone reflects IAI’s ability to transform decades of experience and advanced engineering expertise into long-term value for our customers. Our A330-300 passenger-to-freighter conversion has been purpose-built to meet evolving market demand, delivering a highly competitive value proposition and strong market appeal. As one of the few companies worldwide with the capability to execute comprehensive and highly complex conversions across both narrowbody and widebody aircraft, IAI offers customers greater fleet flexibility, long-term confidence and resilient investment value across market cycles.”
For more than 45 years, IAI has been a pioneer and global leader in passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversions, delivering comprehensive solutions across every segment of the aviation market. Trusted by industry leaders including Amazon, Gulfstream Aerospace and DHL, IAI is renowned as the world’s leading conversion house, with unmatched expertise across a broad range of aircraft models and operational requirements.
The Company is a global leader in widebody aircraft conversions and the first company worldwide to achieve an STC for the conversion of a B777-300ER from passenger to freighter configuration. In addition, IAI currently performs advanced conversions of the B767-200 and B767-300, as well as narrowbody conversions of the B737-700 and B737-800, offering a broad and unique product portfolio. This advantage enables IAI to provide flexible, tailored solutions to its customers worldwide.
IAI
SPECIAL COLOURS - GERMAN AIRWAYS / ERJ190 / D-AMWO - Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters"
VINTAGE Aircraft - Euroatlantic Airways - B737-300 - CS-TIO, CS-TIG, CS-TLL, CS-TMZ, PR-BRE, CS-TLI
Photo: Flyingphotos
domingo, 10 de maio de 2026
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