FLEET - Qantas takes delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR

Hamburg, Germany, 30 June 2025 - Australia's Qantas Airways is set to become the Asia-Pacific launch operator of the latest generation single aisle A321XLR following the delivery of its first aircraft from the Airbus assembly line in Finkenwerder, Hamburg.

Reflecting the long range capability of the A321XLR, the aircraft is flying from the Airbus facility to Sydney with just one crew rest stop in Bangkok.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, the Qantas A321XLR features a two class layout with 20 seats in Business Class and 177 in the main cabin. Qantas will initially operate the A321XLR on domestic services across Australia, with potential to open future new services on secondary routes to Asia.

Altogether the Qantas Group has ordered 40 A321XLRs under its fleet modernisation programme, with 28 aircraft allocated to Qantas and 12 to low cost subsidiary Jetstar. These are part of the airline’s outstanding orders with Airbus for 128 single aisle aircraft and 24 A350-1000 widebodies.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step of the A320neo Family, responding to market needs for more range and payload, creating even more flexibility and value for the airlines.

In typical airline service it offers the longest range of any single aisle aircraft - up to 4,700 nautical miles - and brings a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of 30% compared with previous generation competitor aircraft. To date, Airbus has secured more than 500 orders for the type.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A321XLR aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft capable of flying with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

AIRBUS
 

FLEET - Air Premia Adds Eighth Aircraft, Accelerating Global Route Expansion

Eighth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner delivered on June 25

SEOUL, South Korea,  /PRNewswire/ -- Air Premia, South Korea's leading hybrid airline, has taken delivery of its eighth aircraft—a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner—on the morning of June 25, signaling a major step forward in its fleet and route expansion strategy.

The new aircraft, identical in model to the existing fleet, is equipped with advanced Rolls-Royce engines. It features a total of 344 seats, including 35 in premium economy and 309 in standard economy class.

Air Premia adds eighth aircraft, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, accelerating global route expansion.

The Dreamliner will enter service following standard inspections by regulatory authorities. With this addition, Air Premia aims to enhance operational stability and further improve service quality across its network.

This marks the airline's second aircraft delivery in 2025 and sets the tone for business growth in the second half of the year. The company is also preparing to add a fourth spare engine, reinforcing its operational flexibility and readiness.

With the expanded fleet, Air Premia plans to scale up service on existing high-demand routes while launching new destinations. The airline currently operates four transpacific routes—Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Honolulu—as well as four key routes in Asia: Bangkok, Tokyo Narita, Da Nang, and Hong Kong. This strategic focus on mid- to long-haul markets reflects Air Premia's distinctive service model.

"This eighth aircraft is more than just a fleet addition—it represents a key milestone in expanding our global network," said an Air Premia spokesperson. "We remain committed to delivering safe, on-time operations and earning continued trust from our customers."

Air Premia positions itself as a Hybrid Service Carrier (HSC), offering essential premium services at competitive prices. The company's mission is to become an airline loved for smart, value-driven travel. In a recent development, AP Holdings (Tire Bank Group) acquired a 70% stake in Air Premia, becoming its largest shareholder.

About Air Premia
Air Premia, the only long-haul specialized airline in South Korea, operates on the philosophy of being a "beloved airline that provides high-quality services with only the essentials" as a Hybrid Service Carrier (HSC) at reasonable prices.

Since commencing its first international flights in July 2022, Air Premia has rapidly established itself by flying to destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Bangkok, and Narita. Notably, it operates long-haul routes that low-cost carriers (LCCs) typically do not cover, all while maintaining a competitive edge in pricing compared to HSCs. This aligns well with the current trend of "value-for-money travel."

 

ONEWORLD - Oman Air becomes 15th alliance member

oneworld customers now have access to Oman Air's route network throughout the Middle East, Far East, Africa and Europe

Oman Air customers gain access to oneworld benefits across the network of more than 900 global destinations

MUSCAT, Oman, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- oneworld® today welcomes Oman Air as its 15th member airline. As the flag carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, Oman Air strengthens the alliance's presence across the Middle East and unlocks new opportunities for global travel.

Oman Air joins oneworld

"We are proud to welcome Oman Air to the oneworld family," said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. "Oman Air brings valuable strategic reach and award-winning product and service to the alliance. This partnership opens up exciting new connections for our customers, particularly across the Gulf and South Asia, and reinforces oneworld's position as the premium alliance for international travellers."

Effective 1 July, oneworld customers can access an extended network of destinations across Oman Air's growing global schedule — including the launch of a new non-stop Muscat–Amsterdam service.

As a full oneworld member airline, Oman Air will provide oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers with benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access. Likewise, Oman Air's top tier customers will gain access to oneworld priority benefits including a network of nearly 700 premium airport lounges globally, as well as newly opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam's Schiphol and Seoul's Incheon Airports.

"Oman Air is honoured to be joining the oneworld alliance, whose members and global footprint represent the best of what international travellers want to experience," said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. "We are thrilled to be able to welcome oneworld customers to the Sultanate of Oman to experience our unique culture, stunning mountain excursions, beautiful beaches, and, above all, the warm hospitality of the Omani people."

Oman Air, with its hub at Muscat International Airport, serves 42 destinations across 22 countries and territories globally, including key oneworld hubs around the world. The airline offers three cabins, including its exclusive Business Studio with private suites on select longer-haul flights. Known for its exceptional in-flight hospitality, the airline has received several international awards including most recently Best Food & Beverage and Best Cabin Service in the Middle East at the Apex 2025 Awards. In late 2024 it also became one of only 10 airlines in the world to be awarded the prestigious APEX WORLD CLASS by YATES+ award, and the first to gain the APEX WORLD CLASS by YATES+ status for its Business Class Lounge at Muscat International Airport.

ONEWORLD 

ORDER - Taiwan's China Airlines defers retirements amid delays Support

China Airlines (CI, Taipei Taoyuan) is deferring retirements of older B737-800s and A330-300s because deliveries of replacement aircraft are delayed. Chairman George Kao told Reuters that Airbus is running behind schedule with A321-200NX deliveries and Boeing may have to pay compensation because of B787-9 delays.
The Taiwanese operator is awaiting delivery of nineteen A321-200NX (including the recently announced batch of eight new leases) and eighteen B787-9s, part of a bigger order book that also includes additional A350-900s, A350-1000s, and B777X. China Airlines already operates 17 of the A321NX, which are gradually replacing older B737-800s in the fleet, while the B787-9s will replace existing A330-300s.
"We are at present being greatly impacted," said Kao. "Some aircraft that were scheduled to be phased out, or handed back at the end of their lease, as some are leased, will remain and have their leases extended."
He said Boeing had "indicated" that the first B787-9s should start ferrying in later this year. The B787 order also includes six B787-10s. China Airlines does not currently operate any B787s. Kao said compensation for late B787s was "written into the contract," adding the caveat that certain delivery delay reasons may let the aircraft manufacturer off the hook.
CH Aviation

 

Icelandair operated a Boeing 757-23N aircraft in Pan Am livery as part of the "Tracing the Transatlantic" initiative, recreating historic Pan Am routes. The aircraft, named "Yankee Clipper II", flew from the US to Europe, with stops in Lisbon and Shannon, among other locations.

Photos: Daniel Carneiro - Lisboa
 

AIRPORT - Los Angeles International Airport

 K.C.Wong

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg,

 Paul Bannwarth

HYBRIDS LIVERY - TRANSAVIA / A320-200 / LY-NVL -

Flyingphotos

Transavia reinforces fleet with three A320 aircraft on wet lease - Dutch low-cost airline Transavia has taken delivery of three Airbus A320 aircraft. These aircraft, serial numbers 3968, 3741 and 3771, are on wet lease from Avion Express

SPECIAL LIVERY - IBERIA / A321-200 / EC-JZM - "Cantabria"

Marco Moutinho

 

FLEET - Air Europa / B737 MAX8 / EC-OGS

Marco Moutinho

FLEET - ULS Airlines Cargo (TC-GOL) has begun operations with its first A330-300(P2F) dry-leased from Air Transport Services Group

Marco Moutinho - MAD
 

ROUTES - Etihad touches down with daily A380 flights to Toronto

Picture: Kevin Prentice

Flagship aircraft increases capacity by 31%, ahead of Etihad’s 20th anniversary of flying to Canada

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has begun operating its iconic Airbus A380 on daily flights to Toronto, boosting capacity by 31% and marking a new chapter in the airline’s long-standing commitment to Canada ahead of its 20th anniversary.

Etihad’s famous big bird was welcomed with a water-cannon salute at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Tuesday 24 June.

The upgraded service introduces the unparalleled luxury of Etihad’s flagship A380 aircraft to Canadian skies for the first time. This includes the airline’s award-winning First Apartments and the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, The Residence, offering an exceptional flying experience for guests on the route between Zayed International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The increased capacity responds to strong demand for travel between the UAE and Canada, particularly across business, leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segments.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: "We are proud to introduce the A380 and offer guests flying between Abu Dhabi and Canada an extraordinary new travel experience with Etihad. Toronto has been a cornerstone of our North American network since 2005, when we became the first airline from the Gulf region to operate flights to Canada. The introduction of our flagship aircraft on this route reflects our deep commitment to the Canadian market.”

Unmatched Guest Experience

Etihad’s A380 features 486 seats across four cabins, including:

The Residence: A private three-room suite with living room, bedroom and ensuite bathroom with shower

First Apartments: 9 fully enclosed suites with personal space, 80-inch lie-flat beds and separate ottoman seat

Business Studios: 70 lie-flat seats with aisle access, premium dining and exclusive access to The Lobby, a serviced lounge in the sky

Economy Smart Seats: 405 seats with fixed-wing headrests and adjustable support, including 68 extra legroom seats

Abu Dhabi Stopover

Guests flying to or from Canada via Abu Dhabi can also take advantage of Etihad’s stopover programme, with complimentary hotel stays offering a chance to experience the UAE capital’s rich cultural landmarks, pristine beaches, and world-class attractions.

 Etihad

FLEET - QANTASLINK TO INVEST IN MAJOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA FLEET RENEWAL

QantasLink today announced the Embraer 190 (E190) as the preferred aircraft type for a major fleet renewal program at its Western Australia-based regional operation, Network Aviation.

The renewal program would see QantasLink’s Fokker F100 (F100) aircraft retired and replaced with up to 14 E190 aircraft. Qantas is currently assessing sourcing options for mid-life E190 aircraft and is targeting the first aircraft to arrive toward the end of 2026.

Network Aviation, which operates charter and FIFO services across Western Australia as well as regular passenger flights, will benefit from the enhanced fuel efficiency, reliability and improved passenger comfort that the E190 platform provides. E190s are a popular aircraft with regional airlines globally.

Qantas recently announced that Network Aviation will receive four Airbus A320 aircraft from Jetstar Asia (JSA), which enables the earlier retirement of four of the Group’s F100 aircraft. These A320 aircraft will commence entering service before the end of 2025. The earlier retirement of the four F100 aircraft, enabled by the A320 aircraft from Jetstar Asia, will trigger an incremental accelerated depreciation charge, as noted in Jetstar Asia’s recent announcement, and will be excluded from underlying earnings. FY26 capex guidance remains unchanged at $4.1bn to $4.3bn.

QantasLink Chief Executive Officer Rachel Yangoyan said: “This fleet renewal represents a significant investment in the future of our regional aviation capabilities, and our commitment to serving the critical resources sector and regional communities in Western Australia.

“The E190 is a proven platform that operates across Australia today and will deliver improved operational efficiency and reliability, while also creating opportunities for our people in the West.”

Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer Dino Otranto said: “With more than 50 flights a week out of Perth, we’re on track for around 640,000 passenger movements this financial year – a clear reflection of how vital our partnership with Qantas and Network Aviation is to keeping our operations running efficiently.

“This new fleet will bring more comfort and reliability for our people, and that makes a real difference when you’re flying in and out as frequently as we do.”

The retirement of the F100s is part of the Group’s wider fleet renewal program. Qantas will take delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR later this month, making it the first airline in Asia Pacific to operate the extra long-range narrowbody aircraft type.

The Company expects to provide further updates on the mid-life E190 acquisition and specific delivery timelines in the coming months as procurement discussions progress.

QANTAS 

AIRLINE - Air Algérie to take-over

The owner of Tassili Airlines, state-owned oil company Sonatrach Group, has signed an agreement on 19 June 2025 with Air Algérie in which the national airline is set to take ownership of Tassili Airlines. 

The deal is part of the plan to improve Algeria's internal air connectivity.
No timelines have been communicated about when the ownership is transferred and it's also unclear if the Tassili Airlines-brand will continue to exist.
The airline was established in 1998 by Sonatrach to shuttle staff and material for their oil operations across Algeria. 

It later also developed into a domestic and international scheduled airline.
Today, Tassili Airlines' fleet is made up of seven Boeing B737-800s, four DHC-8-200s, and four DHC-8-400s.
Photo by Tassili Airlines. 

NEW LIVERY / REBRANDS - AeroUnion rebrands into Avianca Cargo Mexico

 Mexican cargo carrier AeroUnion announced it will rebrand itself to Avianca Cargo Mexico. The airline, which in which Avianca holds a minority stake, will continue to operate as a separate carrier.

AeroUnion was launched in 1998 and started flying in 2001 with the Airbus A300F. Later, it also operated the Boeing B767-200F. Since last year, it's fleet consists of two Airbus A330-300P2Fs.

Illustration by Avianca Cargo Mexico.

ORDER - Japan's Skymark Airlines orders more B737-10s

Skymark Airlines (BC, Tokyo Haneda) has placed a new firm order for three B737-10s and converted two previously ordered B737-8s into the larger variant. The deliveries of the newly ordered units are scheduled to begin in the fiscal year 2027 (starting April 1, 2027).

The aircraft will be financed through a sale-and-leaseback financing with Atlantis Aviation Corporation. The lessor will provide approximately USD104 million in financing starting in June 2025, which the airline will use to finance pre-delivery payments to Boeing. The financing will be offset against the proceeds from the sale-and-leaseback deal on the delivery of the aircraft.

The Japanese airline said in a stock market filing that its fleet renewal will begin with the addition of six leased B737-8s starting in March 2026. Its direct orders from Boeing now comprise an additional seven B737-8s (one due in FY2027 and the other six after FY2030) and seven B737-10s.

The aircraft will partially replace Skymark's current-generation fleet comprising twenty-nine B737-800s.

NEW AIRLINE - FLY YO / A320-200 / YR-ADD

Rui Silva
 

AIRPORT - Toulouse-Blagnac Airport-France

 Alain Charpentier

SPECIAL LIVERY - ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ – not painted but applied

SWISS’s first Airbus A350-900 has made its début public appearance in all its special glory. The new long-haul twinjet was rolled out in its stylish and unique ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery today at Airbus’s Toulouse factory site. The flying artwork is a global first – and a love letter to Switzerland, too.

The delivery of the new Airbus A350 marks a further milestone in the SWISS story. And to mark the occasion, the first of these brand-new long-haul SWISS twinjets has been given a very special look. It may appear to be a sophisticated paint job; but the elaborate new livery has actually been achieved through the use of specially certificated precision-cut films. It’s an innovation for Airbus, too: never before has one of its aircraft had so much film so extensively applied.

An artwork through precision

The application of the artistically designed motifs onto the new aircraft required the most careful preparation. The specialists at Airbus used tailored 3D software to project the designs onto the airframe, and then divided the resulting ‘picture’ into some 360 precision-cut films. Each of these was then applied manually to the millimeter to its assigned location on the fuselage or the engine nacelles.

Each of the motifs thus consists of multiple painstakingly-matched film elements, which collectively cover a total area of some 380 square meters. Airbus even developed a special procedure for the project that pays due and full regard to all the relevant safety, durability and aerodynamic requirements, while still maintaining all the livery’s artistic merit and appeal.


The special livery for SWISS’s first Airbus A350 is a playful, creative and storied homage from the company to its Swiss roots and home. Its various motifs include famous buildings, well-known landmarks and traditional sports and cultural events. Each illustration thus captures a key facet of Switzerland, ranging from its natural attractions to its people and its cultural variety.

Ready for takeoff – and further tests and trialsSWISS’s initial Airbus A350 – which is also the world’s first ‘flying art gallery’ – will soon be taking to the skies. Before it is delivered to Switzerland in late summer, though, the new long-haul twinjet will complete its final preparations at Airbus in Toulouse. There, as part of the flight line, the aircraft will have its engines and all its systems thoroughly checked and tested, and will also perform its first pre-delivery flights.

Treasure hunt still on till October

The various elements of the striking special livery of SWISS’s first Airbus A350 – like the marmot, Freddie Mercury and the Federal Parliament Building – are more than just images and designs. They offer an interactive experience, too. Visitors to swiss.com/treasurehunt can use augmented reality (AR) to explore all the livery’s illustrations. As they do so, they can also take part in a special ‘SWISS Treasure Hunt’ to find hidden details, solve intriguing puzzles and – with a little luck – win the main prize of an A350 flight for two in the new SWISS Business Class cabin.

The motifs featured in the special ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery:

A350 Wanderlust - Montreux

Montreux, often called the Pearl of the Swiss Riviera, is home to the famous statue of Freddie Mercury, the legendary rock star who found such inspiration here. The statue features in the special livery’s Montreux item, together with the impressive Chillon Castle and the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival.

A350 Wanderlust - St. Moritz

St. Moritz, the Engadine resort steeped in tourist tradition, blends luxury charm with a venerable history as a pioneer of winter tourism. The spectacular horse racing on frozen Lake St. Moritz is a particular local highlight. And the event is deftly captured in the special livery’s St. Moritz feature.

A350 Wanderlust - Wengen

Wengen is the venue for the legendary Lauberhorn races, a genuine highlight of the World Cup skiing calendar. Every year the world’s best skiers gather in the alpine resort to compete on the longest downhill course in the World Cup season. The event forms the centerpiece of the special livery’s Wengen feature, accompanied by the Schilthorn cable car and the nearby Lauterbrunnen Valley.

A350 Wanderlust - Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland’s vibrant financial and cultural hub, is home to the famous Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping streets. The city further offers a wide range of arts attractions and nightlife options, all of which underline its cosmopolitan vibe. Alongside the iconic Prime Tower, the special livery’s Zurich item features the city’s Grossmünster cathedral and its striking Guardian Angel statue by Niki de Saint Phalle.

A350 Wanderlust - Basel

Basel plays host to the annual Art Basel show, one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs that is a landmark event on the contemporary art scene. The special livery’s Basel item features the Messe Basel exhibition buildings along with the city’s Tinguely Fountain and its Rhine River ferry.

The further illustrations featured in the first SWISS Airbus A350’s special ‘SWISS Wanderlust’ livery include:

a marmot, a much-loved emblem of the alpine world;

the apple shot through by Wilhelm Tell, the legendary Swiss folk hero;

Helvetia, the personification of Switzerland;

a treasure chest representing the online Swiss-wide treasure hunt competition that is a further feature of the special livery concept.

AIRPORT - Los Angeles International Airport, USA

K.C.Wong