FLEET - US’s Spirit Airlines seeks approval to sell 20 aircraft

Spirit Aviation Holdings, parent entity of Spirit Airlines (NK, Fort Lauderdale International), is seeking authorisation from the Chapter 11 bankruptcy court to sell thirteen owned A320-200s and seven owned A321-200s via bidding as part of its ongoing financial restructuring. It seeks to raise at least USD533 million from the sale.

It has scheduled an auction to take place on April 20, 2026, with the deadline to participate in the bidding on April 1. At this time, the 'stalking horse' buyer is CSDS Asset Management LLC, which can be outbid if larger offers are presented.

The company is contemplating the sale of all aircraft to a single buyer, as this is “critical to maximising value for the debtors estates,” chief financial officer Fred Cromer said in a statement before the court.

The ultra-low-cost carrier owns forty-eight Airbus aircraft. As part of its revised business plan, it has been actively marketing twenty of these as part of “efforts to optimise the fleet and monetise certain assets” to improve its financial position. Removing them from the fleet will reduce related labour, maintenance, storage, flying, and other associated costs.

Spirit embarked on its latest Chapter 11 process with a fleet of over 200 aircraft. At this time, the company expects to emerge with a fleet of 94 Airbus narrowbodies, 28 owned and 66 leased, it said in a filing.

All aircraft to be bid were previously included in a now-failed sale to GA Telesis, Spirit explained. At the time, in October 2024, Spirit sought to sell twenty-three A320 and A321 aircraft to GA Telesis for USD519 million, as part of the company’s first Chapter 11 bankruptcy procedure. The sale was eventually cancelled, with only three aircraft removed from Spirit’s fleet, A320-200s N632NK (msn 6331) and N695NK (msn 8696), and A321-200 N657NK (msn 6672).

According to the terms and conditions between Spirit and CSDS Asset Management, all aircraft will be delivered in “as is, where is” and “with all faults” conditions.

Spirit will sell the following aircraft, along their V2500 engines: N694NK (msn 8632), N638NK (msn 6463), N639NK (msn 6487), N650NK (msn 7724), N649NK (msn 7679), N647NK (msn 7635), N658NK (msn 6736), N696NK (msn 8824), N693NK (msn 8659), N692NK (msn 8611), N682NK (msn 7957), N681NK (msn 7908), N678NK (msn 7857), N675NK (msn 7668), N674NK (msn 7462), N640NK (msn 6507), N642NK (msn 6586), N691NK (msn 8614), N673NK (msn 3795), and N641NK (msn 6566). All A320-200s are priced at USD26.5 million and all A321-200s are priced at USD27 million.

The aircraft will be delivered to the buyer in five separate lots, with the first four arriving 45 days after the entry of the sale approval order, Spirit said. The fifth group, comprising two aircraft, will be delivered 150 days after the order.

CH-Aviation / Photo: Duncan Stewart

NEW AIRLINE - Sky Bound Airways is a regional airline under development launched by UrTripO Aviation using ATR 72-600 aircraft.

 

SkyBound Airways was founded in late 2025 /early 2026 by UrTripo Aviation Pvt. Ltd., (a Bangalore-based aviation and tourism group)
regional airline focused on connecting cities in Karnataka and potentially South India and will operate out of Kempegowda International Airport (BLR/VOBL) in Bengaluru as its main hub 

Image: Sky Bound

ORDER - Air Astana Finalizes Order For Up to 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliner Jets

Boeing and Air Astana JSC announced today the Kazakhstan flag carrier has finalized an order for up to 15 787 Dreamliner jets to grow and modernize its Boeing widebody fleet. The agreement for additional 787-9 airplanes will enable Air Astana to expand its operations and enhance its passengers' experience. The order, previously announced as a commitment in November 2025, represents Air Astana's largest single airplane purchase. With three more 787-9 airplanes to be delivered via lessors, Air Astana's 787 fleet will grow up to 18 787-9 airplanes to fuel its long-haul capabilities.

Boeing and Air Astana JSC announced today the Kazakhstan flag carrier has finalized an order for up to 15 787 Dreamliner jets to grow and modernize its Boeing widebody fleet.


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.

FLEET - PNG's Air Niugini cancels its B787-8 order

Air Niugini (PX, Port Moresby) has cancelled its order for two B787-8s, according to Boeing orders and deliveries data for January 2026. The move leaves the state-owned carrier without a confirmed replacement for its B767-300ER fleet, which is scheduled to exit service this year.

Both B767s are due to be returned to lessors in 2026 upon lease expiry. The B787s had been intended to directly replace these aircraft and open new routes to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

The cancellation aligns with earlier caution expressed by the airline's board. In a January 2025 press release detailing the carrier's refleeting programme, chairman Karl Yalo noted that while the government had previously approved the purchase, "changing circumstances" had compelled the airline to review the agreement.

However, Air Niugini's then-CEO Gary Seddon told ch-aviation in May 2025 that the commitment remained "intact" and was central to the carrier's long-term international strategy, although he acknowledged the delivery timeline had slipped to late 2027. Seddon said at the time that the airline was "actively considering bridging lift capacity options" to ensure operational continuity.

ch-aviation data shows that Air Niugini operates a passenger fleet comprising two A220-300s, three B737-800s, two B767-300ERs, eleven Dash 8 turboprops, five F100s, and four F70s. It has remaining commitments for eight A220-100s directly from Airbus Canada.
CH-Aviation

ROUTES / FLEET - Air India announces date for inaugural flight of new Boeing 787-9 to London Heathrow

From July 1, 2026, flights between Mumbai and London Heathrow will be operated with a combination of Air India's new B787-9s and modernized B787-8 aircraft.

Air India received its first "ready-to-use" Dreamliner (VT-AWA) in January.

Photo: Air India

ROUTES / FLEET - GOL confirms A330-900-operations

GOL confirms A330-900-operations

In October 2025, Scramble reported that the Abra Group, the owner of Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air, signed a lease-agreement with Avolon for up to seven Airbus A330-900s. We also mentioned that it was expected that these would be operated by GOL Linhas Aéreas.

Now, we can confirm that this is indeed happening as GOL has announced it expects to take delivery of its first Airbus in June 2026. Initially, they will be used domestically for crew familiarization but later deployed to destinations in Europe and the US.

All seven Airbuses are no strangers to the Brazilian aviation scene as they are coming from Azul Linhas Aéreas. The aircraft involved are:

PS-WGA (1876), currently flying as PR-ANZ
PS-WGC (1895), currently flying as PR-ANY
PS-WGD (1924), currently flying as PR-ANX
PS-WGE (1934), currently flying as PR-ANW
PS-WGF (1952), currently flying as PR-ANV
PS-WGG (1901), currently PR-ANB and stored at Campinas since May 2025
PS-WGH (1903), currently PR-ANC and stored at Campinas since July 2024
To replace the capacity of the A330-900s, Azul in its turn is planning to add four former ITA Airways A330-200s to the fleet. It also has two open orders for A330-900s, which are almost ready for delivery.
Scramble

NEW AIRLINE - Pyramids Airlines (Egypt) plans to begin operations in 2026

Offering charter and scheduled flights across the Red Sea regions, Gulf area, CIS countries, and Europe.

Aviator

 

ROUTES / FLEET - United Nigeria Airlines will commence direct flights from Lagos to New York by the end of 2Q 2026

With two recently acquired A330-200s yet to deliver.
The six B737-800s recently announced deliver by June 2026, helping open new routes.

 

AIRPORT / 2026 - Lisboa-Humberto Delgado-Portugal,

 Flyingphotos

FLEET - Sun PhuQuoc Airways has expanded its fleet to 10 modern Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, just three months after starting operations.

The company received four new aircraft between February 13th and 25th.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways not only meets growing domestic demand but is also ready to expand important international routes from the end of March 2026, beginning with the Phu Quoc – Taipei route.

Photo: Sun PhuQuoc Airways

 

SPECIAL COLOURS - Lift / ZS-GAO / Airbus A320-200 - "Europcar"

Photo: Lift
 

FLEET / NEW AIRLINE - beOnd and the Kingdom of Bahrain to Establish Premium Airline and Aviation Centre of Excellence

beOnd, the world’s first premium leisure airline, today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) of the Kingdom of Bahrain to explore the establishment of a Bahrain-based Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
The LOI creates a framework for long-term collaboration in airline operations, workforce development, maintenance, and innovation. It reflects shared goals to boost Bahrain’s appeal as a premium destination and connecting hub between Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

“Bahrain’s aviation legacy spans nearly a century and has consistently positioned the Kingdom as a regional centre of excellence in the region,” said Tero Taskila, CEO of beOnd. “Establishing a Bahrain-based airline is a natural next step in our multi-jurisdictional strategy. Together, we have the opportunity to build a premium aviation platform that strengthens connectivity, develops specialised talent, and supports innovation across the travel value chain.”
“We are delighted today to sign a partnership agreement between the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and beOnd, and we were pleased to have BeOnd present with us during the launch of our national aviation strategy of the kingdom of Bahrain,” said His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

“It was an opportunity for us to showcase the partnership and to share our part in its realization. We look forward to having beOnd aircraft with a Bahraini AOC. It's a pleasure to have beOnd as part of the aviation ecosystem and the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

beOnd plans to operate and base up to ten premium-configured aircraft in Bahrain by 2030, serving high-value leisure and business markets. Over its first five years of operations in Bahrain, the airline projects a contribution of approximately USD1.2–1.5 billion to Bahrain’s GDP. The initiative is expected to create more than 1,200 direct high-skilled jobs and support over 6,000 indirect roles across tourism, hospitality, logistics and associated services.
Aligned with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, the collaboration supports economic diversification, private-sector growth, and the development of specialised national talent within the aviation and technology sectors.

beOnd plans to build structured training programs for pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff, positioning Bahrain as a hub for advanced aviation skills with simulators and maintenance facilities. The airline will also leverage the Kingdom’s infrastructure and regulatory environment to develop and deploy AI across operations, maintenance, revenue management, distribution, and passenger experience, helping drive local expertise in next-generation aviation and digital transformation.

Unlike traditional volume-driven airline business models, beOnd’s premium leisure concept focuses on award-winning lie-flat comfort, refined service, and destination-driven travel. The Bahrain operation is designed to complement the Kingdom’s aviation landscape by prioritising tourism yield, high-value visitor flows, and technological advancement rather than passenger volume alone.

The development follows beOnd’s recent announcements and aligns with its multi-AOC vision, which includes new funding, expansion across the Middle East, and entry into new regions such as the United States and India. Looking toward 2030, beOnd plans to grow its fleet and establish new operating bases as it continues to scale its premium leisure offering globally, anchored in simplicity, thoughtful design, and elevated service.

FLEET - Guernsey's Aurigny Air Services retires last Do228

Aurigny Air Services (GR, Guernsey) retired the last of its two Do228-212(NG)s on February 13, 2026, ending an 11-year tenure of the type in the carrier's fleet.

G-ETAC (msn 8321) operated its last revenue flight from Guernsey to Manchester and back. The 7.5-year-old aircraft was the younger of the two Do228s in Aurigny's fleet, and had been operated by the Channel Islands' carrier since new. The other unit, G-OAUR (msn 8305), was retired in late December 2025.

Aurigny Air Services has replaced the aircraft with a DHC-6-300 wet-leased from Skybus (United Kingdom). The aircraft entered into service in Guernsey in November 2025. Skybus rotates the assigned aircraft; currently G-ISSG (msn 572) is deployed out of Guernsey.

The Do228s and now the Twin Otter are used predominantly for services to Alderney (from Guernsey and Southampton), which cannot accommodate larger aircraft due to runway length limitations.

The rest of Aurigny's fleet comprises five in-house ATR72-600s. The carrier also provides its code for Skybus' PSO flights from Newquay to London Gatwick, which are operated by Universal Air with a DHC-8-Q400.

 CH-Aviation / Photo: Aurigny Air

FLEET - Air Vanuatu eyes ATR72 return by mid-1Q26

Air Vanuatu (NF, Port Vila) expects its sole ATR72-600, YJ-AV73 (msn 1358), to return to service by the end of February 2026, according to a report in the newspaper Vanuatu Daily Post.

YJ-AV73 has been grounded since August 2025 due to engine maintenance issues. Consequently, the airline reduced its flights and recently relied on wet-leased capacity from Air Calédonie to maintain critical domestic connections between Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, and Tanna.

The Vanuatu government approved VUV300 million vatu (USD2.5 million) in September 2025 to fund repairs for the ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprop and a DHC-6-300. The delay was previously attributed to a global shortage of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines.

Air Vanuatu recently propped up its fleet with the arrival of its fourth DHC-6-300, YJ-AV15 (msn 481), in January. A second Twin Otter is scheduled to arrive in March. There have also been plans to acquire an ATR42 by 2030 to further expand domestic capacity.

ch-aviation fleets data shows that the carrier, which emerged from liquidation in 2024, operates a single ATR72-600 and three DHC-6-300s.

CH-Aviation / Photo: Alain Charpentier

 

FLEET - airBaltic Receives its 54th Airbus A220-300 Aircraft

the Latvian airline airBaltic welcomed its newest Airbus A220-300 jet, registered as YL-BTD, in Riga. This is the second aircraft delivered to airBaltic in 2026 and the 54th of this type overall.

The newest jet strengthens airBaltic’s Airbus A220-300 fleet, which operates across the airline’s route network, connecting passengers to a wide range of destinations. The aircraft is also used in cooperation with partners in other European markets through ACMI services. This flexible approach allows airBaltic to adjust capacity as needed and make efficient use of its fleet throughout the year, taking seasonal demand into account.
Since the introduction of Airbus A220-300 into its fleet in 2016, airBaltic has carried more than 24 million passengers on the Airbus A220-300, operated approximately 250 000 flights, and logged over 551 000 flight hours, demonstrating the suitability of this aircraft type for both shorter and longer routes.
The Airbus A220-300 aircraft offer improved passenger comfort features, including wider seats, larger windows, and increased overhead baggage space. At the same time, the aircraft feature a significantly lower noise level and reduced CO₂ and NOx emissions compared to previous generation aircraft, reinforcing their efficiency and environmental performance.
In 2025, airBaltic became the first European airline to offer free high-speed SpaceX Starlink internet on board. Currently, more than 20 aircraft are equipped with this technology, and installations are continuing on additional aircraft, allowing passengers to remain connected from boarding to landing throughout their journey.
Over the past 30 years, airBaltic has evolved into a globally respected carrier. Now the airline is connecting the Baltic States to 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus region, providing essential infrastructure and global connectivity for the region.

 

FLEET - Centrum Air (Uzbekistan) took delivery of its fourth A330-300

The carrier aims to expand its total fleet to 21 aircraft by the end of 2026.

Photo: Centrum Air

NEW LIVERY - Kish Air / EP-LCL / McDonnell Douglas MD-82

New livery

Photo: HH in the sky

Dubai Int'l - OMDB, United Arab Emirates
 

old livery / Kish Air

NEW AIRLINE - Benin Grants Operating License to Amazone Airlines

The National Civil Aviation Agency of Benin (ANAC) has granted an operating license to Amazone Airlines, paving the way for the start of commercial operations.

Image: Amazone Airlines

FLEET - Air Serbia plans to retain wet-lease capacity until at least October 2027

The current agreement is with Bulgaria Air for two E190s.
Photo: Air Serbia

Nigerian Carrier Max Air Returns Boeing 747 to Active Service

Photos: Max Air

 

NEW AIRLINE - Royal Airways (Chad) opens a subsidiary airline in Cameroon, Royal Airways Cameroon, .

Photo: Royal Airways
 

AIRLINE HISTORY DEFUNCT - CAIRO AVIATION - 1998 - 2018

SU-EAF - Tupolev Tu-204 - Madrid

SU-EAG - Tupolev Tu-204 Cargo  - Lisboa

IATA - OE
ICAO - CCE
Callsign - AIR CAIRO

Founded November 1998

Ceased operations - 2018

Hubs -  Cairo International Airport

Fleet - size 5

Destinations mainly Egypt and Europe

Headquarters Cairo, Egypt

Key people Ibrahim Kamel (President), Emad Sallam (VP-CEO)

Cairo Aviation was a charter company that operated Tupolev Tu-204-120 passenger aircraft and Tu-204-120C cargo aircraft under operating lease agreements with Sirocco Aerospace International.

In addition to domestic routes in Egypt, the company primarily operated international routes to various destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Furthermore, Cairo Aviation operated scheduled flights for the national airline Egypt Air on several occasions.

SU-EAF - Tupolev Tu-204 - 
SU-EAG - Tupolev Tu-204 Cargo 
SU-EAH - Tupolev Tu-204 
SU-EAI - Tupolev Tu-204 
SU-EAJ - Tupolev Tu-204 

Photos: Flyingphotos

AIRPORT - .EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

Paul Bannwarth
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - American Airlines unveils first commemorative livery for the North American World Cup.

Image: American Airlines
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - American Airlines / N840NN / Boeing 737-823 - 100 Years Livery

Photo:American Airlines