SPECIAL LIVERYS - United Celebrates America with Custom 250th Anniversary Livery and Military Pilot Hiring Program Milestone

United's new "Stars and Stripes" livery takes to the skies this summer on a U.S.-built Boeing 787-10 and Boeing 737-800 featuring a bold red, white and blue design

Nearly 600 pilots have transitioned from military service to United since 2024 through its military pilot pathway program

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and United CEO Scott Kirby visit Washington Dulles International Airport to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and the airline's pilot hiring milestone

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- United today unveiled a new specialty "Stars and Stripes" livery that celebrates the nation's 250th anniversary and announced a milestone to the airline's United Military Pilot Program, an initiative that provides currently serving active-duty U.S. military pilots access to a conditional job offer with the airline much earlier than they were previously afforded.

Since 2024, nearly 600 military pilots have transitioned to United through the program, with 500 more expected by the end of 2027.

To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, United's new specialty livery takes to the skies this summer on a U.S.-built Boeing 787-10 and Boeing 737-800. Painted in Amarillo, Texas, the bold red, white and blue design features 50 stars representing states across the country, while diagonal red and white stripes reflect the energy and momentum of a nation always moving forward. Both aircraft will include a commemorative plaque dedicated to United's active-duty service members and veterans who have selflessly served our country.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and United CEO Scott Kirby were joined by United employees, including those from United's Veterans' Business Resource Group, and local dignitaries at Washington Dulles International Airport to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and the airline's pilot hiring milestone.

"America is the greatest country in the world, and we're proud to play a role in celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary," said Kirby. "For 100 years of that history, United has been a pioneering U.S. company, investing in people and communities across the country. Today, we proudly employ more than 8,300 military veterans, of which 1,500 are active members of the National Guard and Reserve forces. Our 'Stars and Stripes' livery pays tribute to their service to our country that continues to make America strong."

"It's great to see United join this administration's call to celebrate America's historic birthday," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "This patriotic design will remind the American people of the many freedoms we enjoy and how lucky we are to be part of the Great American Experiment!"

United's Support of Military and Veterans

United supports service members, veterans and military families through hiring programs, employee engagement and military-focused organizations in communities across the United States.

United Military Pilot Program: This initiative offers active-duty and active reserve military pilots a path to a United flight deck with a conditional job offer as a First Officer. Candidates must be more than 12 months away from the date of availability to start full-time with United, and a minimum of 12 months from the separation date. Applicants are not required to hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate at the time of application to receive a conditional job offer, providing flexibility for service members, including starting at United when the time is right for them and their families. Currently, United has over 18,000 pilots, including more than 4,500 who are veterans.
United for Veterans: United's business resource group for employees who are military veterans, service members and their supporters includes more than 5,300 members and supports the company's efforts to recruit, develop and retain veteran talent across the airline.
United Support for Military Organizations: United supports organizations serving veterans, service members and their families through flight support for veterans to visit memorial sites in the nation's capital and around the world, career mentorship, volunteerism and other in-kind contributions. This includes support for organizations such as the USO, the Greatest Generations Foundation, as well as the Fisher House Foundation where United has provided more than 16,000 flights to military and veteran families in need, and United teams across the country have volunteered at local Fisher Houses helping cook meals, garden and decorate homes for the families who stay there.
United's Miles on a Mission: MileagePlus® members can donate unused miles to the USO to support traveling service members and their families, as well as directly to Fisher House Foundation's Hero Miles program to help bring family members to the bedside of injured service members.

FLEET - Kenya Airways Pushes MAX Entry Into Service to 2027, Weighs E2 and 777F Additions

Kenya Airways has decided to delay the entry into service of its first Boeing 737 MAX jets to early 2027, citing cash constraints stemming from the outbreak of the war in Iran, its interim chief executive told Air Transport World (ATW) on the sidelines of the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
Newsaero

AIRPORT - Rome Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino - LIRF - Italy

Gianluca Mantellini
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - Volaris launches special pink design for Airbus A321neo to celebrate 20 years of operations.

Volaris

SPECIAL STICKER - The Boeing 767-300ER (registration ZS-NEX) from the South African company Aeronexus was chartered by Azul Linhas Aéreas to transport the Brazilian National Football Team to the World Cup in the United States.

The aircraft offers exclusive business class service, operating with a VIP configuration of 96 seats.

AZUL

NEW AIRLINE - Cargo Wings Express Obtains Air Operator Certificate (Tunisia)

Tunisian carrier Cargo Wings Express announced on Thursday that it has obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, clearing the way for the launch of its commercial cargo operations. 

Tunisian carrier Cargo Wings Express has acquired two Boeing 737-300 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft as it prepares to begin operations.

FLEET - Cape Verde: LACV Secures $6 Million Sovereign Guarantee for Two Leased ATR 72- 600s

The Government of Cape Verde has authorized sovereign guarantees worth $6 million (€5.2 million) for state-owned carrier Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde (LACV), covering the lease of two aircraft for inter-island services.

Newsaero

SPECIAL STICKER - AIR CORSICA / F-HXKE / ATR72-600 - "Paoli 2025"

Ton Jochems - NCE
 

SKY ANGKOR AIRLINES / A320NEO / XU-730

Ton Jochems - NCE
 

AIRPORT - Barcelona El Prat-LEBL-Spain

Alain Charpentier
 

FLEET - Air Côte d'Ivoire Reinstates A320neo After Year-long Grounding

Air Côte d'Ivoire repatriated its Airbus A320-200neo after nearly a year of storage in France. 

The aircraft returns to the Ivorian company's fleet at a time when two other planes are grounded.

NEW LIVERY - First A330 to receive the latest SAS scheme.(LN-RKT)

Photo: Dave Corry
 

AIRLINE - Handling firms ground Nigeria's MaxAir over debt

The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has suspended all services to
MaxAir (Nigeria) (VM, Katsina), except its Hajj operations, over an estimated NGN1 billion
naira (USD735,000) debt, the BusinessDay newspaper has reported.
"We took the decisive action on Max Air today (June 11, 2026) because the airline refused to
negotiate with us. 

While the other debtor airlines are negotiating with us, Max Air has blatantly refused to negotiate with the handling companies," AGHAN chairperson Olaniyi Adigun said.

MaxAir has been struggling with financial issues for years. 

While it nominally operates ten commercial aircraft, four out of its five B737-300s, its sole B737-400, and one of two B747-400s are in long-term storage, while the fifth B737-300 was parked on May 11, 2026. 

This leaves the airline with a recently active fleet comprising one B737-500, one B747-400, and
one B777-200.

The airline did not respond to ch-aviation's request for comment.

CH Aviation

FLEET - Jeju Air (South Korea) has reduced its firm order for B737-8 from 40 to 32 MAX, with the deliveries now extended by one year to the end of 2028

  The carrier notes the changes are due to aircraft production and delivery plans.

Photo: Jeju Air

NEW AIRLINE - Mada Airways, almost ready to launch

The first local airline to be created since Middle East Airlines (MEA) was granted its monopoly in 1969 plans to operate exclusively from Rene Moawad Airport in Qleiaat after its rehabilitation.

A new Lebanese airline is preparing to enter the market: Mada Airways, the sister company of IBEX Air Charter, a private jet and charter flight operator based in Beirut and Congo. The carrier is awaiting its license and the rehabilitation of Rene Moawad Airport in Qleiaat, Akkar, to launch operations.Mada Airways plans to move into scheduled commercial aviation and to operate exclusively from the northern airport.This development comes as Lebanon’s aviation market enters a new phase, following the expiry of Middle East Airlines' (MEA) long-standing exclusivity agreement earlier this year, which had granted the national carrier a monopoly over the local market since 1969

The airline is expected to begin operations with Airbus A320 aircraft and target budget-conscious travelers

L'Orient Today

FLEET - Middle East Airlines (Lebanon) now expects its A330neo deliveries to begin in September 2026, replacing the airline’s older A330s.

The first A321XLR is due in November 2026 and will use the aircraft to open new destinations in Africa

MEA

AIRCRAFT - Roll-Out of the Do228 NXT

General Atomics AeroTec Systems GmbH (GA-ATS) celebrated a landmark moment in its history with the official roll-out of the Do228 NXT, the next generation of the iconic Dornier 228 aircraft, during a high-profile ceremony held at the company's hangar in Oberpfaffenhofen. 

The Do228 NXT is the latest-generation version of the renowned Dornier 228, unveiled by General Atomics AeroTec Systems in June 2026. It is not an entirely new aircraft design; rather, it is a thoroughly modernised evolution of the proven Do228 platform that has been in service since the early 1980s.

The Do228 has long been recognised for its exceptional Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) performance. It can operate from short, rough, and semi-prepared airstrips where many conventional aircraft cannot. The NXT retains this capability, making it particularly attractive for remote regions, island operations, humanitarian missions, and military applications.

GA-ATS is not primarily targeting the traditional regional airline market with the Do228 NXT. Instead, the company is focusing on niche sectors where the aircraft's STOL performance, ruggedness, and mission flexibility provide a clear operational advantage.

Main target markets

Emerging markets with limited infrastructure
GA-ATS has specifically identified South America, Central America, and Caribbean nations as key markets. These regions often rely on short runways, unpaved airstrips, remote communities, and island networks. The company has stated that the Do228 NXT was tailored for these international markets and has established regional sales partnerships to support its expansion.
Asia-Pacific operators
The company is also actively marketing the aircraft in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, where the combination of islands, extensive coastlines, and limited infrastructure aligns well with the aircraft's strengths. Key mission profiles include maritime surveillance, coast guard operations, search and rescue, and regional transport.
Government and security agencies
This appears to be one of the company's primary focus areas, including border surveillance, coast guard operations, maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and law enforcement missions. GA-ATS has repeatedly highlighted the aircraft's suitability for security, defence, and special-mission operations, positioning the Do228 NXT for civilian, military, and government operators alike.
Military operators
The aircraft fills a niche between small utility aircraft and costly dedicated surveillance platforms. Potential military applications include: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), maritime domain awareness, paratrooper transport, logistics support, medical evacuation, disaster response. For countries with limited defence budgets, a multi-role aircraft capable of performing a wide range of missions offers a particularly attractive solution.

Credit photo: General Atomics AeroTec Systems

FLEET - Azorra Completes Acquisition And Placement Of Egyptair A220-300 Portfolio

Azorra is today announcing the successful acquisition of 12 Airbus A220-300 aircraft from EGYPTAIR.

Purchased in February 2024 to support EGYPTAIR’s fleet transformation program, the twelfth and final aircraft has been delivered to Breeze Airways.

John Evans, Chief Executive Officer at Azorra, says: “This transaction highlights Azorra’s ability to create innovative solutions that deliver value across the aviation ecosystem. Beyond expanding our A220 portfolio, these aircraft are helping address critical spare engine and parts availability challenges while supporting operators around the world.

“We appreciate the partnership and professionalism demonstrated by EGYPTAIR throughout a complex transaction process, as well as the collaboration and support of Airbus and Pratt & Whitney. We remain strong believers in the A220 and the tremendous value it creates for airlines through its economics, performance and passenger experience.”

Capt. Ahmed Adel, Chairman & CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company, says: “We are pleased to have successfully completed this transaction with Azorra, which formed an important part of our fleet transformation strategy. We appreciate the professionalism and collaboration demonstrated throughout the process and are confident the aircraft will continue to deliver strong value.”

Azorra has 28 A220s in service around the world, following the delivery of the first aircraft from its orderbook in May 2024, with 15 remaining on order.

FLEET - AZORRA DELIVERS FIRST ATR 72-600 TO LOGANAIR

Azorra has delivered the first of two ATR 72-600 aircraft to Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, marking a new customer relationship and further strengthening Azorra’s footprint across the UK and Europe.

The twin-engine turboprop aircraft will support Loganair’s diverse network, improving connectivity for underserved communities throughout the UK.

John Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Azorra, says: “Loganair is a highly respected regional airline and an excellent addition to our growing portfolio of partners. The ATR 72-600 is a proven platform, delivering the efficiency and flexibility required to support Loganair’s operations. This delivery marks another important milestone in Azorra’s global expansion, and we look forward to building a long-term partnership with the Loganair team while supporting its evolving fleet requirements.”

Luke Farajallah, Chief Executive Officer, Loganair, says: “These ATR 72-600 aircraft provide valuable flexibility as we evolve our network and meet demand across our markets. We are pleased to partner with Azorra and appreciate the team’s collaborative approach throughout the transaction.”

 

NEW AIRLINE - Middle East Airlines (Lebanon) plans to launch its LCC subsidiary Middle East Airlines (Lebanon) plans to launch its LCC subsidiary Fly Beirut with an initial fleet of up to six A320s in June 2027, according to chairman and CEO Mohamad El-Hout. The first three A320s, on lease, will operate for MEA initially from June 2026.with an initial fleet of up to six A320s in June 2027, according to chairman and CEO Mohamad El-Hout.

Fly Beirut, Lebanon’s new low-cost carrier, is set to launch in June 2027 with an initial fleet of five Airbus A320 aircraft

The airline will operate as a separately managed subsidiary of Middle East Airlines, designed to offer more accessible fares while maintaining operational independence from the legacy carrier. 

Fly Beirut is expected to connect Beirut to several key destinations including Paris, Copenhagen, Berlin, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Dubai, and Düsseldorf. 

The model aims to serve routes with lower demand for business class, focusing instead on a streamlined, low-cost travel experience. 

The livery shown in photo 1 is a CGI concept and not the official design. 

SPECIAL LIVERY - Three new Hawaiian Airlines liveries set sail this summer for Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’

Hawaiian Airlines today unveiled the first of its three aircraft designs for Disney’s live-action “Moana” on an Airbus A321neo, ahead of the film’s July 10 debut.

In July, the remaining two designs will make a splash on an A330 — Hawaiian’s flagship transpacific aircraft — and on a Boeing 717 flying between the Hawaiian Islands.

Disney’s live-action “Moana” is set to make waves in theaters July 10, and Hawaiian Airlines is marking the courageous voyager’s next great adventure with three commemorative liveries that capture the daring spirit of exploration and wayfinding.
Hawaiian today unveiled the first of its three “Moana” aircraft designs on an Airbus A321neo (N227HA) that connects Hawaiʻi to the U.S. West Coast and the Cook Islands. In July, the remaining two designs will make a splash on an A330 — Hawaiian’s flagship transpacific aircraft — and on a Boeing 717 flying between the Hawaiian Islands.

The new “Moana” liveries will inspire guests around the world with a message of exploration – “Voyage beyond the reef” – on all three aircraft ahead of the theatrical release of Disney’s highly anticipated reimagining on July 10. Characters from the film – including the shape-shifting demigod Maui as a powerful hawk wielding his iconic fishhook and the coconut-armored Kakamora catching rides in the sea breeze – appear throughout each design. Guiding the crew on their journey from the wingtips are Moana’s animal friends Heihei, the clumsy chicken, and Pua, the adorable pot-bellied pig. Moana’s beloved island friends will also appear in the overhead luggage bins inside the aircrafts’ cabin.

Voyaging is at the heart of who we are as the airline of Hawaiʻi, a place grounded in a legacy that began with navigators who crossed the Pacific using traditional wayfinding techniques. We’re proud to continue carrying that spirit forward and bring Moana’s journey to life once again as we connect our island home to the world.”

Alisa Onishi

Managing Director of Hawaiʻi Marketing

Hawaiian Airlines 

The three live-action “Moana” aircraft join previous liveries that celebrated the Disney film’s animated predecessors, “Moana” and “Moana 2.” Hawaiian, which has served Hawaiʻi for more than 96 years, has also long honored the legacy of early Polynesian voyagers and celestial navigation across its fleet, including naming each aircraft after native birds, stars, plants and forests.

FRONTIER AIRLINES / A321NEO / N720FR - Crockett The RACCOON

Duncan Stewart
 

FLEET - Cambodia Airways Expands Fleet with ATR Turboprops

Cambodia Airways received the first of two ATR 72-600 aircraft in early June, marking the entry of the turboprop model into its fleet. 

The incorporation of the ATR 72-600 is part of the company's strategy to expand its offering of short-haul flights to neighboring countries. The model will be used on regional routes
 

Airbus and Lufthansa Group celebrate 50 years of partnership and agree on future strategic cooperations

• 700th Airbus aircraft for the Lufthansa Group to be delivered later this year
• New component services agreement for the Lufthansa Group’s Airbus A220 fleet
• Commitment to more sustainable aviation

Airbus and Lufthansa Group, at the opening of ILA Berlin Air Show, agreed on a series of further cooperative efforts and officially celebrated the 50th anniversary of their partnership which started with the delivery of the first A300 to Lufthansa in 1976.

“Today, we are working together towards the delivery of the 700th aircraft for the Lufthansa Group which is scheduled for later this year. This major milestone is just one example of how Airbus and Lufthansa jointly worked on making aviation one of the key industries for Germany”, says Lars Wagner, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.

“As the world leading aviation groups, Airbus and the Lufthansa Group share a long-standing, trusting, and very special partnership. Over the past half-century, we have not only taken delivery of more aircraft from Toulouse and Hamburg than any other airline in the world, but have also supported the development of numerous aircraft models as launch customers. We intend to build on this foundation together to further advance aircraft technology and expand Europe’s leading role in the aviation sector”, says Carsten Spohr, CEO Lufthansa Group.

The Lufthansa Group has been operating all Airbus aircraft families including the A220, A300, A320, A330/A340, A350 and A380. For several aircraft, Lufthansa was the launch operator, continuously driving innovation forward in commercial aviation. Lufthansa has recently finalised a firm order for 10 additional A350-900 aircraft to complement its existing fleet of 43 of the type. In total, Lufthansa has now ordered 75 A350s – including the soon to be delivered A350-1000.

The agreement signed in the presence of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz at ILA comprised several areas. Lufthansa signed a component services agreement covering its entire Airbus A220 fleet, ensuring efficient operation of the smallest member of the Airbus aircraft family across the various airlines of the Lufthansa Group.

Airbus and Lufthansa also reaffirmed their commitment to the future of sustainable aviation. As an example both companies also presented recently a SharkSkin aircraft coating for the A330 to further reduce fuel consumption.

Photo caption: Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr and Lufthansa Group CTO Grazia Vittadini signing the agreement with Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and Commercial Aircraft CEO Lars Wagner in the presence of Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the opening of ILA Berlin Air Show

 

FLEET - Philippine Airlines studies order for up to 20 widebodies

Philippine Airlines (PR, Manila Ninoy Aquino International) is evaluating an order for up to 20 widebody aircraft to replace older A330-300s and B777-300ERs, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.

The Philippine flag carrier, which recently announced plans to join Oneworld by mid-2027, is reportedly considering the B787 as well as the A330neo and A350 families, though no decision has been made on a manufacturer or aircraft type.

The sources also said Philippine Airlines does not intend to order the B777X because it is considered too large for operations at Manila Ninoy Aquino International.

ch-aviation has requested comment from Philippine Airlines, Airbus, and Boeing.

Rightsizing the fleet

Speaking at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, president Richard Nuttall said capacity constraints at the Philippines' main gateway were encouraging the airline to focus on larger aircraft and additional long-haul services.

"What it really means is that we're concentrating more on increasing the size of our aircraft and operating more intercontinental flights," he said.

Philippine Airlines and regional subsidiary PAL Express collectively operate eighteen A320-twenty-two A321-200s, six A321-200Ns, two A321-200NX, eleven A330-300s, two A350-900s, two A350-1000s, ten B777-300ERs, and eleven DHC-8-Q400s.

According to ch-aviation data, the flag carrier has outstanding orders for seven A350-1000s and thirteen A321-200NX aircraft. According to Nuttall, deliveries of the narrowbody aircraft have slipped from their original schedules.

Philippine Airlines temporarily reduced capacity by 15% and deferred approximately USD100 million in capital expenditure as it prioritises cash management amid elevated fuel prices, although Nuttall said the deferral is temporary.

CH Aviation / Photo: Duncan Stewart 

ORDER - UGANDA AIRLINES Announces Order For 10 Boeing Aircraft

The agreement includes eight passenger jets, likely Boeing 787-9s, as well as two freighters.

The agreement was signed in the presence of President Yoweri Museveni on June 10 and includes eight passenger aircraft and two freighters: a Boeing 767 converted to freighter and a Boeing 737 BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter).

First UK-built Islander passes 75% completion at Bembridge, on schedule for delivery

Britten-Norman has confirmed that the first new Islander to be produced through its fully reshored UK production line has reached 75% completion at the company’s Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight, with final assembly scheduled in the coming weeks.

The aircraft, contracted to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), will be the first to be delivered from the new Bembridge line. A second airframe is now nearing 25% complete on the line, and components for follow-on aircraft are already in manufacture.

The new production line at Bembridge marks the return of full civil Islander manufacturing to the United Kingdom. Previously, major assemblies were manufactured overseas before final assembly in the UK. Since announcing its reshoring programme, Britten-Norman has invested in state-of-the-art CNC equipment and grown its workforce by more than 40%.

Since reaching 50% completion earlier this year, the build has advanced across every major area. Fuselage sub-assemblies and fin were joined at the end of Q1, fuel tank tests were completed, and the 15-metre wing assembly has been completed and attached to the fuselage. The airframe has been re-positioned on the production line, with installation of the undercarriage, engines, flight control surfaces and remaining systems well underway.

“Reaching the current level of completion is an excellent achievement for our team and a clear demonstration of the capability we have built at the Bembridge site.

“Each milestone and stage of completion brings us closer to delivering brand-new, British-built Islanders for our customers. The dedication and quality of work achieved by our team is outstanding.”

Richard Milne, Chief Operating Officer at Britten-Norman.

Beyond the aircraft now in production, Britten-Norman has Letters of Intent in place with operators across the regional passenger and special-mission sectors. Alongside the new-build programme, the company is investing in aftermarket parts availability and service to support a worldwide fleet of in-service Islanders.

With the first aircraft in advanced build, the second airframe on the line, and components for follow-on aircraft in manufacture, Britten-Norman is establishing a continuous UK production cadence and is on track to deliver the first new UK-built Islander to the customer as planned.

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

Powered by twin Rolls-Royce 250-B17F engines, it delivers enhanced performance while retaining the Islander’s long-established reputation as one of the world’s leading short take-off and landing aircraft.

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.”

SPECIAL LIVERY - Alaska Airlines teams up with Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026™ Local Organizing Committee to launch a new aircraft livery celebrating summer soccer in Seattle

Summary

Seattle is getting ready to welcome the world, and Alaska Airlines is marking the moment with a new aircraft livery launched as an Official Seattle World Cup 2026™ Host City Supporter, in partnership with Qatar Airways.

Displayed on a Boeing 737-9 MAX with tail number 985AK, the design features the Seattle Host City logo alongside a dynamic soccer ball in motion, symbolizing the speed, excitement and momentum of the game.

The airline’s partnership with SeattleFWC26 also supports key community initiatives throughout the spring and summer, including support for last month’s inaugural Blind Soccer international tournament and community art installations.

Seattle is getting ready to welcome the world, and Alaska Airlines is marking the moment with a new aircraft livery launched as an Official Seattle World Cup 2026™ Host City Supporter, in partnership with Qatar Airways.
As Seattle’s hometown global airline, Alaska is proud to unveil the custom aircraft decal honoring SeattleFWC26, a tribute to the many people working to bring an unforgettable tournament experience to the Pacific Northwest.
Displayed on a Boeing 737-9 MAX with tail number 985AK, the design features the Seattle Host City logo alongside a dynamic soccer ball in motion, symbolizing the speed, excitement and momentum of the game. Inspired by elements from the official Seattle Host City poster, the livery also incorporates the iconic whale tail graphic, creating a distinctive connection to the Pacific Northwest and Seattle’s maritime heritage. 

On the underside of the aircraft, the bold declaration “WE ARE SEATTLE” serves as a powerful statement of Alaska’s pride in its hometown and reflects the airline’s commitment to welcoming fans from across its network and beyond.

We could not ask for a better hometown supporter than Alaska Airlines to carry Seattle and our region’s story to the world. This livery is more than a design; it is a reflection of who we are as the Pacific Northwest, innovative, welcoming, and proud, and an open invitation to experience that firsthand.”

Peter Tomozawa

CEO

SeattleFWC26

The airline’s partnership with SeattleFWC26 also supports key community initiatives throughout the spring and summer, including: support for last month’s inaugural Blind Soccer international tournament, community art installations highlighting the airline’s nonprofit partnerships in the Seattle-area such as Northwest Association for Blind Athletes and the Museum of Flight and a flag raising ceremony where Alaska will join other Host City Supporters to help raise the Seattle Host City Flag atop the Space Needle.