SPECIAL TITLES - FLY ONE / A320-200 / ER-0004 - (Titanic Hotels tls)

Ton Jochems
 

SPECIAL COLOURS - AIR HORIZONT / B737-400 / 9H-MPH (Tatratour stkr)

Ton Jochems
 

HYBRIDS C/S - FLY LILI / A320-200 / YR-LIB - (Arkia sticker)

Ton Jochems
 

ROUTES - TRANSAVIA FRANCE NS26 NETWORK ADDITIONS – 21SEP25

Transavia France during Northern summer 2026 season plans to introduce various international routes, recently opened for reservations.

Ajaccio – Rennes 18JUL26 – 05SEP26 1 weekly 737-800
Lyon – Catania 18JUL26 – 05SEP26 1 weekly 737-800
Lyon – Izmir eff 05APR26 1 weekly 737-800
Marseille – Seville eff 09APR26 2 weekly 737-800 (No service 13JUL26 – 09SEP26)
Montpellier – Djerba eff 20APR26 1 weekly 737-800 (Last served until March 2022)
Nantes – Bari eff 09APR26 2 weekly 737-800
Paris Orly – Burgas eff 20APR26 1 weekly 737-800
Paris Orly – Patrai eff 20APR26 1 weekly 737-800
Paris Orly – Pisa eff 17APR26 4 weekly A320neo
Paris Orly – Sarajevo eff 17APR26 2 weekly A320neo

Previously reported additions:
Paris Orly – Marseille eff 29MAR26 14 weekly 737-800
Paris Orly – Nice eff 29MAR26 51 weekly 737-800 (Frequency varies by week)
Paris Orly – Toulouse eff 29MAR26 49 weekly 737-800

Photo: Flyingphotos 

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

Paul Bannwarth
 

AIRPORT - Los Angeles International Airport

K.C.Wong
 

ORDER - Norwegian Group Places New Order for Boeing 737 MAX

- Leading Scandinavian airline extends its commitment to the 737 MAX with agreement for 30 737-8 airplanes

- Fuel-efficient, reliable 737 MAX airplanes to help Norwegian Group expand its network across Europe

OSLO, Norway, Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswir / -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Norwegian Group announced today that the airline group has placed an order for 30 737-8 airplanes as the airline looks to expand its service across Europe.
The agreement represents the group's first direct Boeing order since 2017 and increases their 737 MAX order book to 80 airplanes.
"This milestone aircraft order is on attractive terms and secures our fleet growth in a way that supports our planned growth and sustainability targets. By exercising the options and adjusting the delivery profile, we maintain flexibility while reinforcing our commitment to operating one of the most modern and fuel-efficient fleets in Europe," said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian. "These aircraft will not only lower emissions but also provide our customers with an even better travel experience. We are pleased to extend our solid long-term partnership with Boeing through this order."
Norwegian has predominantly operated Boeing single-aisle airplanes since placing its first order for the Next-Generation 737-800 in 2007. It was the first European airline to take delivery of the 737 MAX in 2017 and was also the first airline to operate the 737-8 model on transatlantic routes between Europe and the U.S.
In 2022, Norwegian restructured its order book, firming its commitment to 50 737-8s with options for an additional 30 airplanes.
"Norwegian's impressive performance over the past few years has demonstrated the strength of their network, business model and strategy. Today's agreement for an additional 30 737-8s will support their ambition to be the airline of choice in Scandinavia, providing flexibility to expand across Europe and beyond," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "Norwegian has been a great partner to the 737 program, having placed over 200 orders for the 737 NG and MAX since 2007. We are honored that Norwegian continues to place its trust in our 737 team to grow its business."
The 737-8 model can carry up to 200 passengers depending on configuration, with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). The 737 MAX family is well-suited to support airline fleet modernization by reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes they replace.
About Norwegian 
The Norwegian group is a leading Nordic aviation company, headquartered at Fornebu outside Oslo, Norway. The company has over 8,200 employees and owns two of the prominent airlines in the Nordics: Norwegian Air Shuttle and Widerøe's Flyveselskap. Widerøe was acquired by Norwegian in 2024, aiming to facilitate seamless air travel across the two airline's networks.
Norwegian Air Shuttle, the largest Norwegian airline with around 4,700 employees, operates an extensive route network connecting Nordic countries to key European destinations. In 2024, Norwegian carried 22,6 million passengers and maintained a fleet of 86 Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

ORDER - Turkish Airlines Orders up to 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Commits to More 737 MAX Jets

SEATTLE, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire / -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines announced today a firm order for up to 75 787 Dreamliners, the flag carrier's largest ever Boeing widebody purchase. The deal includes 35 of the 787-9 model, 15 of the larger 787-10, and options for 25 787 Dreamliners to grow and modernize the airline's fleet. The new order will support more than 123,000 jobs across the U.S.

The airline also announced its intent to purchase up to 150 more 737 MAX airplanes, which will be its largest Boeing single-aisle order when finalized. The 787 and 737 MAX orders combined will double Turkish Airlines' Boeing fleet as the carrier expands its capacity and network.





Turkish Airlines orders up to 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and commits to more 737 MAX jets.


"This landmark agreement represents much more than a fleet growth. It is a reflection of our leadership in the industry as well as our dedication to innovation and operational excellence," said Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee. "The addition of these advanced Boeing aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also become a significant element supporting Turkish Airlines' 2033 Vision of expanding our fleet to 800 aircraft."

Across a network that reaches the most countries of any airline in the world, Turkish Airlines operates more than 200 Boeing jets today, including the 787-9, 777, 737 MAX, Next-Generation 737 and 777 Freighter airplanes.

Adding the larger 787-10 to its future fleet will enable Turkish Airlines to benefit from additional passenger and cargo capacity while improving fuel efficiency on high-demand routes between Istanbul and destinations in the U.S., Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

The 787-10, like the 787-9, also offers superior passenger comfort with the largest windows of any widebody jet, air that is less dry and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

"We are honored that Turkish Airlines has once again chosen the 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX to power its future growth," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Turkish Airlines is one of the global operators that have made the 787 a versatile component of their long-haul fleets. With more than 1,200 airplanes delivered, the 787 Dreamliner family serves about 500,000 passengers daily and connects the most countries of any widebody fleet.

Pope added, "As a proud partner to Türkiye and the Turkish aviation industry for 80 years, we look forward to continuing our support of Turkish Airlines as they expand operations and deliver exceptional experiences to their passengers."

For eight decades, Boeing has supported Türkiye's airline operators with commercial jets and services, as well as the government with defense platforms.

With offices in Ankara and Istanbul, Boeing has invested $2 billion in supply chain development, creating nearly 5,000 jobs in Türkiye. These investments foster growth in the local aerospace sector, promote innovation, and enhance the integration of Turkish industry into the global aerospace supply chain through its supplier development program.

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.

 

Air Anka transports Easter pilgrims from the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) to Israel and Jordan.

The NCPC is an organization that provides excellent services and administration to Nigerian Christians who undertake pilgrimages to holy sites around the world.

It is an organization with a high spiritual content, capable of translating into actions for national development, security, probity, and accountability, in line with the policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

MISSION

The mission of the NCPC is to provide a conducive environment for the smooth air transportation of pilgrims to holy sites and to ensure greater well-being, responsible leadership at all levels, federal and state, for a smooth pilgrimage throughout the year; and to oversee any interested body or organization for the purposes of Christian Pilgrimage to holy sites around the world.

NCPC

About 350 Christian pilgrims from Imo and Abia states were flooded into the Holy Land at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, for the first time in the history of Christian pilgrimage in Imo State.

Photo: Markus Riemann

Air Anka / TC-NYB / A330-243 - Stuttgart-Echterdingen - EDDS, Germany

SPECIAL COLOURS - Soaring into a Silver Jubilee - Emirates Skywards turns 25!

Award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai is celebrating 25 years of redefining the loyalty experience.

To commemorate the milestone, Emirates has announced it will unveil a bespoke ’25 years’ aircraft livery that will traverse all corners of the globe starting next month.

Skywards gives back to its 37 million members with 25 days of generous giveaways.

Dubai, UAE: 25 September 2025 – 25 years of innovation, excellence and redefining the loyalty experience for more than 37 million members worldwide. Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is celebrating its Silver Jubilee by giving back to its members with 25 days of prestigious prizes from 25 September – 20 October. From bonus Miles, surprise activities, to a whopping 25 million Skywards Miles raffle – the loyalty programme is marking its quarter-century milestone with unforgettable ‘fly better’ moments in the air and on ground.

Emirates has also announced it will unveil a bespoke ’25 years’ aircraft livery featuring a striking silver design to celebrate the loyalty programme’s Silver Jubilee. The special decal aircraft is set to spread its wings starting from next month, flying across to all corners of the globe.

Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said:

“25 years! We are thrilled to celebrate such a monumental milestone. Emirates Skywards is a true success story – one that was born in Dubai and has now become one of the most recognised and loved loyalty programmes in the world with millions of members based in the UK, US, UAE, India, Australia and beyond.



Our success stems from always placing members first. Over the years, we listened, adapted, and innovated. We continuously introduced new, personalised offerings to create valuable and memorable rewards to our members worldwide. It has been an incredible journey made possible thanks to the trust and confidence of our members. Thank you for being at the heart of our story. And what better way to celebrate than give back to our community with 25 days of nonstop surprises and offers– all while we take our loyalty message global with the special Emirates A380 ’25 years’ livery.

Thank you to our partners, members, and dedicated team for making Skywards one of the most valued loyalty programmes in the world.”

25 days of giving back

Members can look forward to 25 days of exciting giveaways from 25 September – 20 October, including:


25 Million Miles Raffle draw: As part of a whopping 25 million Skywards Miles giveaway, members can enter the raffle for a chance to win 100,000 Miles or 250,000 Miles, with one lucky winner taking home 1 million Miles. Whether you're a longtime Skywards member or have just joined the programme - simply register and earn Skywards Miles between 25 September and 20 October with Emirates, flydubai and participating partners, to enter the draw and have a chance win.

Bonus Miles: members can boost their Skywards Miles in many ways

50% bonus Skywards Miles when booking with Emirates and flydubai.

25% bonus Miles just by booking with partner airlines, shopping, dining, or unwinding in the UAE with Skywards Everyday partners, shopping online on Skywards Miles Mall, booking through Emirates Skywards Hotels, using an Emirates Skywards Credit Card or spending with any participating travel and lifestyle partners.

Up to 50% bonus Miles on an early bird ‘Buy or Gift’ Miles offer.

Surprise & delight at Dubai International (DXB): In early October, passengers travelling to and from Dubai Airport (DXB) can play interactive quizzes to win Skywards Miles, as well as get complimentary airport lounge access and Dubai Duty Free vouchers. Customers can also look forward to complimentary ice-cream served from branded ‘Skywards’ ice cream trucks as a refreshing treat. Activity kicks off in Terminal 3 from 1-5 October and continues in Terminal 2 from 8-9 October.

‘Spot the tag’: Arrive in Dubai and keep your eyes peeled for special tags placed on luggage at the baggage belts. You will be rewarded with complimentary lounge access, Emirates branded merchandise, and bonus Skywards Miles via Skywards Everyday, Skywards Miles Mall, and Emirates Skywards Hotels. The special tags will be appearing for customers in Terminal 3 from the 1-3 October, and for customers in Terminal 2 from the 8-9 October.

Exclusive surprises unlocked for longstanding premium members: Loyalty pays off! Long-term members who have consistently made the most of Skywards can look forward to even more exclusive surprises including Tier upgrades, cabin upgrades, exclusive anniversary goodies and more.

Double the decade, close to 500X the growth
Since its inception in 2000, Emirates Skywards has grown at a rapid pace. The loyalty programme has achieved the following standout highlights;

Members
More than 37 million members from more than 190 countries.
From 76,000 members in its first year; to 37 million members in 2025 and growing!
More than 78,000 new enrolments every week.

Partners
Emirates Skywards features more than 100 partners in the programme including:

More than 1,400 flight destinations via Emirates, flydubai and other airline partners.
More than 30,000 hotel properties.
20 Emirates Skywards Credit/Debit Cards.
37 Points conversion partners.
Over 7200 retail and lifestyle brands.
5 Car rental partners covering 50,000 locations.

Earn & Spend
More than 120,000 transactions earning Skywards Miles every day.
Close to 400 billion Miles redeemed on upgrades and flight rewards since its first year.
Over 800 Classic Rewards redeemed every day on Emirates.
A total of 48 events have been offered for redemption to Skywards Members through Skywards Exclusives in the last 12 months, including unforgettable experiences at the FA Cup 2025 (UK), US Open (United States), Wimbledon (UK), Roland Garros (France) & Coca-Cola Arena (UAE)
1 upgrade reward on Emirates redeemed every minute!

‘Earn better’ and ‘Spend better’
Crowned ‘Best Global Airline Loyalty Program’ at the International Loyalty Awards 2025 – Emirates Skywards has topped the award charts for two decades with leading industry award wins. The programme offers four tiers of membership: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with each tier earning exclusive privileges. Members can earn Skywards Miles with partners ranging from airlines, hotels and car rentals to financial, leisure and lifestyle brands. Skywards Miles can be spent on an extensive range of rewards, including flight tickets with Emirates and partner airlines, flight upgrades, hotel stays, and money-can’t-buy experiences.

Enter the Emirates Skywards 25 Million Miles Raffle

FLEET - Nigeria's Air Peace Secures Fifth Boeing 777 Ahead of Abuja-London Flight Launch

The newest Boeing 777 is a 200ER, formerly operated by Japan Airlines. It is still in the US, but will likely be transported to Teruel for maintenance and refurbishment before continuing on to Lagos.


For the first time, Air Peace will begin service between Abuja and London Heathrow on October 26th. Two days later, a flight to London Gatwick will also launch. Flights will operate three times a week on each route.

Air Peace currently operates four Boeing 777s: two 777-300s, one of which is parked, and two 777-200ERs. To provide the necessary capacity, the carrier is leasing an additional Boeing 777, expected to arrive within a few weeks.

The fifth Boeing 777 is a 777-300, formerly owned by Emirates, which has been parked in Lagos since January 2023.
Photo: Air Peace

ROUTES - JET2 NS26 NETWORK ADDITIONS – 21SEP25

British carrier Jet2 during Northern summer 2026 season plans to introduce various new routes, including service resumptions. Latest summary of planned network additions as of 21SEP25 include the following.


Birmingham – Palermo eff 06MAY26 1 weekly 737-800
Birmingham – Samos eff 04MAY26 1 weekly 737-800
Bournemouth – Kos eff 06MAY26 1 weekly 737-800
East Midlands – Agadir eff 26MAR26 1 weekly 737-800
East Midlands – Almeria eff 24MAY26 1 weekly 737-800 (Last served until June/July 2020)
East Midlands – Chania eff 26MAY26 1 weekly 737-800
East Midlands – Preveza/Lefkada 06MAY26 – 14OCT26 1 weekly 737-800
East Midlands – Pula 24MAY26 – 04OCT26 1 weekly 737-800
East Midlands – Split 03MAY26 – 11OCT26 1 weekly 737-800 (Last served until September 2020)
East Midlands – Thessaloniki 23MAY26 – 03OCT26 1 weekly 737-800 (Last served until June/July 2020)
Edinburgh – Girona eff 03MAY26 1 weekly 737-800 (Last served until June/July 2020)
Edinburgh – Kalamata eff 05MAY26 1 weekly 737-800
Edinburgh – Kefallinia 04MAY26 – 05OCT25 1 weekly 737-800 (Last served until September 2019)
Glasgow – Dubrovnik 01MAY26 – 16OCT26 1 weekly 737-800 (Last served until June/July 2020)
Glasgow – Kos eff 26MAY26 1 weekly 737-800 (Last served until October 2022)
London Luton – Kerkyra (Corfu) eff 21MAY26 2 weekly A321neo
London Luton – Kos eff 21MAY26 2 weekly A321neo
London Luton – Mahon eff 05MAY26 1 weekly A321neo (2 weekly from 22MAY26)
London Luton – Preveza/Lefkada eff 24MAY26 1 weekly A321neo
London Luton – Skiathos 23MAY26 – 10OCT26 1 weekly A321neo
London Stansted – Jerez de la Frontera eff 01MAY26 2 weekly 737-800
London Stansted – Samos eff 07MAY26 1 weekly 737-800 (2 weekly from 25MAY26)
Manchester – Palermo eff 01MAY26 2 weekly 737-800
Manchester – Samos eff 01MAY26 2 weekly 737-800
Manchester – Santa Cruz de la Palma eff 03APR26 2 weekly 737-800
Newcastle – Agadir eff 29MAR26 1 weekly 737-800
Newcastle – Barcelona eff 21MAY26 2 weekly 737-800
Newcastle – Palermo eff 26MAY26 1 weekly 737-800
Newcastle – Porto eff 22MAY26 2 weekly 737-800
Newcastle – Preveza/Lefkada 27MAY26 – 07OCT26 1 weekly 737-800

Photo: Flyingphotos 

ROUTES - TRANSAVIA NS26 NETWORK ADDITIONS

Transavia during Northern summer 2026 season plans to introduce various new routes from Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Rotterdam. Planned network additions as of 21SEP25 as follows.


Amsterdam – Alghero eff 06APR26 2 weekly 737-800 (1 of 2 weekly by A321neo from 26JUN26)
Amsterdam – Antalya eff 18APR26 4 weekly A321neo (Last served until October 2018)
Amsterdam – Karpathos 24APR26 – 02OCT26 2 weekly A321neo
Amsterdam – Mytilene 09MAY26 – 03OCT26 1 weekly 737-800 (A321neo from 27JUN26; Last served until March 2016)
Amsterdam – Palermo eff 02APR26 3 weekly 737-800/A321neo (737-800 only 25JUN26 – 23AUG26; Last served until October 2017)
Amsterdam – Skiathos – Mytilene – Amsterdam 11MAY26 – 28SEP26 1 weekly 737-800
Eindhoven – Olbia eff 02APR26 3 weekly 737-800 (1 of 3 weekly by A321neo from 25AUG25)
Rotterdam – Catania eff 26APR26 3 weekly 737-800 (2 weekly from 25AUG26, A321neo-only from 04OCT26)
Photo: Flyingphotos

 

ROUTES - LUFTHANSA CITY LAUNCHES FRANKFURT OPERATION IN 1Q26

Lufthansa City in the first quarter of 2026 plans to launch service at Frankfurt, on board Airbus A320neo aircraft. Initially planned operation includes the following routes.

Frankfurt – Berlin eff 10FEB26 2 daily A320neo
Frankfurt – Dusseldorf eff 01MAR26 7 weekly A320neo
Frankfurt – Malaga eff 01MAR26 7 weekly A320neo
Frankfurt – Manchester eff 09FEB26 6 weekly A320neo
Frankfurt – Valencia eff 19FEB26 1 weekly A320neo
Photo: Lufthansa City 

ORDER - Royal Thai Air Force orders next generation Airbus A330 MRTT

Getafe, Spain, 25 September 2025 – The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has ordered an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+). The A330neo-based evolution of the combat-proven, aerial refuelling and transport aircraft A330 MRTT, will be equipped with both the hose-and-drogue, and a boom, as refuelling systems. Also included is the Airbus Medical Evacuation kit solution and will come in a VVIP cabin configuration.

The aircraft is scheduled to enter into military conversion at the A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, in 2026, with final delivery to customer in 2029.

“Thailand’s selection of the A330 MRTT+ underlines the trust placed in this platform, while embracing the next evolution in efficiency, capability and sustainability. This natural evolution of the A330 MRTT, which will be a key asset for the Royal Thai Air Force operations, builds on its proven performance over the past years in service with nine customers all over the world, accumulating more than 340,000 flight hours,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space.

This strategic addition to the RTAF fleet marks a significant step in bolstering Thailand’s national defence, and enhancing its ability to respond effectively during crises, ensuring the safety and security of the Kingdom. The A330 MRTT+’s advanced capabilities will be instrumental in securing Thailand’s sovereignty, providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and supporting Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions.

Launched at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow, the A330 MRTT+ introduces innovations from the A330-800 commercial airliner, including Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, optimised aerodynamics and wing-tips. These deliver up to 8% lower fuel burn and reduced noise. An increased maximum take-off weight of 242 tonnes (up from 233 tonnes) further extends range, increases fuel offload capacity, and enhances operational flexibility.

Retaining 95% airframe commonality with the current A330 MRTT fleet, the A330 MRTT+ ensures a common training process and access to a robust global maintenance network.

The A330 MRTT is cleared to refuel more than 25 aircraft types. Holding more than 90% of market share outside the US, the A330 MRTT has been ordered by Australia, Canada, France, NATO’s Multinational MRTT Fleet (MMF), Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. To date a total of 85 aircraft have been ordered by 11 customers.

In parallel with this new order, Airbus will further strengthen its collaboration with Thai Aviation Industries (TAI). Both companies have signed an expanded Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to include in-country maintenance support for the RTAF’s A330 MRTT+. This expansion builds on the existing cooperation for the sustainment of C295 transport aircraft in Thailand.

The expanded MoU also marks an important step in Airbus’ long-term strategy to align with the Kingdom’s “Make in Thailand” policy. By expanding TAI’s scope of activities to include A330 MRTT+ maintenance and in-service support, Airbus will support the Royal Thai Armed Forces in increasing self-reliance for critical operational needs, while contributing to local capability building.

“Through our partnership with TAI, Airbus is committed to transferring skills, know-how, and technology to further develop aerospace capabilities in Thailand,” added Jean-Brice Dumont. “This expanded MoU with TAI ensures that the RTAF’s A330 MRTT+ will be maintained in-country, while also reinforcing our contribution to Thailand’s defence ecosystem and industrial growth.”

 

AIRPORT - Lisboa-Humberto Delgado-Portugal

 

Flyingphotos

SPECILA COLOURS - CORENDON / B737-800W / 9H-CXG - (Hull City c/s)

Ton Jochems

 

HYBRID c/s - EGYPTAIR / A220-300 / SU-GFD (a/w n/t)

Ton Jochems
 

FLEET - Airlink: receives the first Embraer E195-E2

The aircraft flew for close to eight hours and a staggering 3,400 nautical miles from Brazil straight to South Africa

The aircraft, registered ZS-ARF, flew directly to Cape Town.

Airlink has a total of 10 E195-E2s on order.

Airlink already operates a fleet of Embraer E-Jets (E135, E145, E170, E190, and E195).

The aircraft will be the largest Airlink has ever flown.

While the E195-E1 has a maximum capacity of 124 passengers, the E2 adds three rows for an additional 12 passengers, allowing it to carry up to 146 passengers in total.

Image: Courtesy of Airlink

FLEET - Airbus A220 fleet amid ongoing engine issues

French carrier based in the Reúnion island confirms withdrawal of all three A220s after persistent technical problems disrupt regional operations

Air Austral has decided to withdraw its entire fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft, citing technical and operational challenges related to the type’s Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. The move, confirmed by company chairman Hugues Marchessaux at the IFTM TopResa event and reported by La Tribune, comes after several years of recurring groundings and disruptions impacting the airline’s regional network.

The French carrier, based in Réunion island in Indian Ocean, introduced its first Airbus A220-300 in July 2021 as part of a fleet renewal strategy aimed at regional efficiency. However, persistent engine problems have led to two of the three aircraft being grounded, the F-OLAV and F-OTER registrations.

Only one A220, F-OMER, remains operational, forcing the airline to adjust schedules and use larger long-haul aircraft on short-haul routes.

According to Air Austral, the decision to retire the A220s follows four years marked by recurring technical issues and aircraft immobilizations, particularly on routes connecting La Réunion with destinations such as Mayotte, Madagascar, Mauritius, and South Africa.

The company described the measure as obligatory after months of evaluation, as ongoing maintenance difficulties with the Pratt & Whitney engines have undermined fleet reliability and regional connectivity.

Widebodies take on short-range flights

The grounding of two A220-300s has resulted in significant changes to Air Austral’s flight program, particularly during the peak summer travel period. The airline has replaced some A220-operated flights with widebody aircraft, affecting both scheduling and passenger experience on key regional routes.

Data indicates that the last operational A220, F-OMER, has been serving intra-island and nearby international routes, but the limited capacity has constrained the airline’s flexibility.

The Airbus A220-300s were delivered to Air Austral between July and the months following 2021, making the airline the first French A220 operator in the Indian Ocean region. Each aircraft was configured with 132 seats in a two-class layout, targeting improved operational efficiency and comfort. However, ongoing engine reliability issues have prevented the fleet from fulfilling these objectives.

ADN / Photo: Air Austral