NEW AIRLINE - Alvir Airways is a startup airline based in Pakistan, focused on improving regional connectivity and tourism.

plans to operate domestic flights connecting major hubs like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi with tourist spots such as Gilgit, Skardu, and Gwadar.

 
Status: Startup airline with a license valid until June 2026.

Fleet Plans: Initially planned to use Embraer jets, with recent updates indicating a focus on ATR turboprop aircraft.

Management: Led by Syeda Huma Batool, recognized as the first female owner of an airline in Pakistan.

Focus: Aiming to connect smaller cities, promoting tourism, and regional integration.

Operations: The airline has been in the process of setting up operations and recruiting staff.

Images Alvir

DEFUNCT AIRLINES -Royal Air Philippines ceased all scheduled commercial passenger operations on January 4, 2026

Royal Air Philippines ceased all scheduled commercial passenger operations on January 4, 2026, amid financial struggles and potential Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation. Founded in 2002 and operating passenger flights since 2017, the Manila-based carrier cancelled all flights, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. The airline primarily served domestic routes and regional international destinations like China, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

 

Effective Date: All commercial passenger flights ended on January 4, 2026.

Reason for Closure: The airline cited low travel demand, specifically from China and South Korea, following the pandemic and increased geopolitical tensions.

Impact: Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 passengers with bookings through March 2026 were affected.

Future Operations: While passenger flights have stopped, reports indicate the company might continue with cargo or charter services.

Status: The airline is currently undergoing liquidation, though there were earlier mentions of a potential, but uncertain, restart.

Royal Air Philippines, which transitioned into a low-cost carrier, saw a drop in international passengers from over 100,000 in 2023-2024 to 51,800 in 2025.

 Photos: Royal Air Philippines

AIRPORT - ( Executive Jets ) EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg,

Paul Bannwarth
 

AIRPORT - ( Executive Jets ) - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

 Paul Bannwarth

K5 AVIATION / A350-941(CJ) / cn.443 / D-AKAY (ex.F-WJKP, F-WZNN)

Paul Bannwarth
 

AIRPORT - DAVOS 26 / Zurich Airport-Switzerland

Paul Bannwarth
 

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

Paul Bannwarth
 

FLEET - Italy's ITA Airways to fast-track four widebodies by 2027

ITA Airways (AZ, Rome Fiumicino) is working on a new, more ambitious fleet plan to fast-track the entry into service of four additional widebodies by 2027, CEO Jörg Eberhart said in an interview with Italian daily La Repubblica.

Responding to union criticisms of ITA's current growth plan to add one long-haul aircraft per year for the next four years, Eberhart said management was finalising a new plan that would see two widebodies added in 2026 and two more in 2027, accelerating long-haul growth and targeting a fleet of 30 long-haul aircraft by 2030. He did not specify the aircraft types to be fast-tracked.

According to ch-aviation fleets data, ITA Airways awaits delivery of three more A330-900Ns and two A350-900s, which would take its widebody fleet to 30 aircraft. It already operates a widebody fleet of 25, namely five A330-200s, fourteen A330-900Ns, and six A350-900s.

Eberhart emphasised that long-haul operations from Rome Fiumicino will remain the backbone of ITA’s strategy. ITA is currently evaluating potential new transatlantic routes, including Rome-New York Newark, subject to regulatory approval of its A++ alliance with United Airlines, Air Canada, and Lufthansa. "We're waiting for a response from the authorities, confident they're working on it. We're confident they'll give us the green light by November 2026," he said.

Quizzed on ITA's appetite for long-haul expansion to Asia, he said: "The war in Ukraine and the Russian blockade of the skies are making Asia more distant: it's a coveted destination, but expensive and complicated. We'll fly more to Latin America and North America."

Eberhart confirmed that the carrier continues to face disruptions from Pratt & Whitney engine inspections, which, he said, had resulted in an average grounding of 18, with 15 still parked in 2026, and with damages estimated at EUR150 million euros (USD176 million).

The airline's narrowbody fleet comprises twelve A220-100s, eighteen A220-300s (with two more ordered), ten A319-100s, seventeen A320-200s, nineteen A320-200Ns (11 more to be delivered), and seven A321-200NX(LR)s (two more to be delivered).
CH Aviation / Photo: Duncan Stewart

 

SPECIAL COLOURS - JetBlue Celebrates Dominican Pride with ‘RD Orgullo que Eleva’ Campaign and First Livery Designed by Dominican Artists

JetBlue partners with three Dominican artists to design livery; voting is open now through February 1

The selected design will be revealed in February and unveiled this spring

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU), the largest carrier serving the Dominican Republic, today announced the launch of RD Orgullo que Eleva (DR Pride That Lifts), a campaign inviting customers to vote on the design of its first-ever aircraft livery inspired by the Dominican Republic. Created in collaboration with three Dominican artists, the initiative celebrates the country’s rich cultural identity and JetBlue’s more than two decades of connection and service there.

Drawing inspiration from national folklore, color, music, and cultural pride, the artists translated Dominican heritage into custom aircraft designs. Starting today through February 11, customers and fans can vote for their favorite. The selected livery will be revealed in February and featured on a JetBlue Airbus A320 later this spring.

“As the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, we’re proud to introduce JetBlue’s first livery dedicated to the country, which will showcase the work of a local artist and be chosen by the community,” said Marty St. George, president of JetBlue. “This initiative honors the country’s vibrant culture and creative talent, while reflecting the strong bond we’ve built there for more than twenty years. This aircraft will serve as a flying symbol of Dominican pride and an invitation to explore the country we’re proud to serve.”

“As a proud Dominican American, I know how deeply our culture, creativity, and spirit run through every corner of our community,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “This aircraft design campaign is a wonderful opportunity for the Dominican public to celebrate our artistic heritage and vibrancy of our culture. I encourage all Dominicans, here in the United States and in the Dominican Republic, to participate in this new campaign and help choose the design that truly reflects our pride, identity, and unity.”

To vote and learn more about the artists, visit VotaJetBlueRD.com.

Dominican pride by Dominican artists
For its first Dominican Republic-inspired livery, JetBlue partnered with talented and renowned Dominican artists, reinforcing its commitment to supporting local talent and celebrating the country’s culture, traditions, and spirit. Each artist was compensated for their creative work, and while all three designs capture Dominican identity, one will be selected to take to the skies.


Willy Gómez: An art director, illustrator, and muralist with more than two decades of experience, Gómez’s work blends Neo-traditional and Art Nouveau influences while celebrating Latin culture. His bold, colorful design highlights music, nature, and coastal life.
Los Plebeyos: This Dominican design collective is known for its bold graphics and contemporary social lens. Their design draws from everyday Dominican life and folklore, incorporating playful illustrations of food, music, and family.
Lena Tokens: An internationally recognized illustrator, Tokens is known for blending surrealism, nature, and vibrant color. Her design incorporates the colors of the Dominican flag and features two people, representing the country’s traditions, creativity, and rhythm.
More than 20 years of commitment to the Dominican Republic
JetBlue has served the Dominican Republic for nearly 22 years, beginning with Santiago as its first international destination. Today, the airline offers more seats between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic than any other carrier, operating from Santiago, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and Punta Cana. This spring, JetBlue expects to average more than 30 daily departures, making travel easier for leisure, business, and family connections.


Beyond air service, JetBlue supports communities across the country through volunteerism, charitable partnerships, and JetBlue Foundation grants, including a five-year partnership with the Mariposa DR Foundation to expand educational opportunities for girls. As part of its long-standing partnership with the DREAM Project, JetBlue most recently supported book fairs held in El Mamón and La Unión last year, aimed at promoting early childhood literacy.


JetBlue continues to expand its network in the Dominican Republic, recently relaunching service between Fort Lauderdale and Santiago and introducing new service between Tampa and Punta Cana, strengthening connections with Florida.


Through continued growth, community investment, and cultural celebration, JetBlue remains committed to the Dominican Republic and its long-term success.

AIRCRAFT - Air France releases a special documentary to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s first commercial flight

To mark the fiftieth anniversary of Concorde’s first commercial flight, Air France is unveiling a never-before-seen documentary entitled “Concorde Air France: They Made the Legend Fly”. Serving as a true historical reference, this film brings together firsthand accounts from the airline’s employees who were actively involved in the success of the “Great White Bird”, retracing part of this legend of French aviation. This exceptional documentary is available exclusively on Air France’s YouTube channel.

“Concorde Air France: They Made the Legend Fly”

Presented by Benjamin Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Air France-KLM and Chair of the Air France Board of Directors, this exceptional documentary offers nearly 40 minutes of immersion into the heart of the legendary aircraft, more than twenty years after it was retired from service. Filmed at the Air and Space Museum in Le Bourget, where the aircraft is on display, the film provides rare, up-close access, from its iconic cockpit, opened especially for the occasion, to the timeless elegance of its cabin designed by Andrée Putman. It offers a unique opportunity for viewers to go behind the scenes of this true aviation legend.

The documentary features interviews with five Air France employees who are still working today, representing key professions to Concorde's operations: a pilot, two flight attendants, a mechanic and a Concorde lounge agent. Though their exclusive stories, anecdotes and personal photos, as well as rarely seen archival footage, they reveal the secrets and excellence of an iconic flight, from the airport lounge overlooking the aircraft to the prestigious experience on board.

This documentary enriches the legacy of French civil aviation and provides a new landmark for the world to celebrate Concorde’s powerful historical heritage.
Concorde, the supersonic odyssey

On January 21, 1976, Air France operated its first commercial Concorde flight to Dakar and Rio de Janeiro. Fifty years later, the airline is celebrating this iconic legacy and symbol of excellence in French aviation.
A genuine technological showcase and masterpiece of innovation, the Concorde is a legendary aircraft that embodies Air France’s aeronautical prowess. This pivotal chapter in the airline’s history has left a lasting technological and cultural imprint. A symbol of Franco-British expertise and cooperation, it remains a defining element of Air France’s identity – a precious heritage and an endless source of inspiration that continue to shape innovation and the modern customer experience.

 

AIRCRAFT - Air France commemorates the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s first commercial flight

On 21 January 1976, Air France operated its first commercial Concorde flight to Dakar and Rio de Janeiro. Fifty years later, the airline is celebrating this iconic legacy and symbol of excellence in French aviation by launching an exclusive collection of merchandise that will soon be available on shopping.airfrance.com. The airline will also premiere a special documentary retracing the history of this French aviation legend on its YouTube channel starting January 21, 2026, at 7 a.m.

The White Bird takes to the skies

On Wednesday 21 January 1976, at 12:40pm, the Air France Concorde, registration F-BVFA, made its first commercial flight to Rio de Janeiro, with a stop-over in Dakar. After a flight time of just 7 hours and 26 minutes, Air France inaugurated its supersonic era, which would continue for 27 years, until 2003. With a cruising altitude of around 60,000 feet – twice as high as other long-haul aircraft – passengers were able to admire the Earth’s curved horizon through the windows.

With a seat capacity of 100, the Concorde reached a cruising speed of Mach 2.02, or 1,350mph. Its sleek, unique and instantly recognizable silhouette featured a wingspan of 84 feet, a length of 204 feet, and a height of 37 feet.

A genuine technological showcase and masterpiece of innovation, the Concorde is a legendary aircraft that embodies Air France’s aeronautical excellence. This pivotal chapter in the airline’s history has left a lasting technological and cultural imprint. A symbol of Franco-British expertise, it remains today a major reference of Air France’s identity – a precious heritage and an endless source of inspiration shaping innovation and the contemporary customer experience.

“Concorde Air France: They Made the Legend Fly”
Tune in to the Air France YouTube channel from January 21 at 7 a.m. to discover an exclusive special documentary about the Air France Concorde. Featuring testimonials from airline employees who helped keep the "Oiseau Blanc" flying, as well as Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM and President of Air France, this exceptional documentary offers nearly 40 minutes of immersion into the legendary aircraft.

Concorde, the pinnacle of aviation luxury
From its inaugural flight in 1976, the Concorde stood out for its excellence. The service reflected the ambitions of the supersonic, with champagne and fresh Périgord truffle pastries by Lenôtre a classic choice. On board, every detail counted in delivering a luxury travel experience. The narrow cabin was an ultra-modern reminder of the golden age of prestige aviation.
Air France initially worked with French industrial designer, Raymond Loewy, in charge of fitting out the first version of the supersonic jet, including the décor for the lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle with furniture designed by Le Corbusier, the cabin interior featuring seats in various colours, lighting, and pristine, sleek tableware, and meal tray. In 1985, and subsequently in 1988, Pierre Gautier-Delaye created two difference styles of cabin interior, the first version featuring tulip red, blue and beige livery, and subsequently a décor of yellow and grey shades. In 1994, Andrée Putman gave the Concorde interior a new, contemporary look, updating it for the modern era. The White Bird remained more than ever the emblem of luxury in the sky. The “goddess” of design unveiled her new interior, based on her idea of adding headrest covers and fitting a carpet with a black and white geometric pattern. She also redesigned the meal tray to resemble a small, delicately pleated, corrugated cardboard box. The result was an elegantly-designed white porcelain service, with a delicate blue border, comprising a range of tableware items from appetizer dish to coffee set.
Particular attention was paid to the uniforms worn on board the Concorde. In 1976, to celebrate this new era of supersonic travel, fashion designer Jean Patou and his artistic director Angelo Tarlazzi designed a uniform exclusively for stewardesses on board the Concorde. The blouse dress was patterned with navy blue and beige strips, the alternating colours creating an optical effect evocative of the airline’s logo. In 1985, to celebrate Concorde’s tenth anniversary, Nina Ricci designed a new uniform for the stewardesses. The slate blue, navy blue or pearl grey crepe dresses were designed to stand out against the new décor of the aircraft, designed by Pierre Gautier-Delaye. These classic dresses were enhanced by a scarf worn around the neck or as a belt.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s first commercial flight, Air France also honors the memory of the victims of the tragic accident of July 25, 2000, and extends its thoughts to their families and loved ones.

Air France Legend – a new Concorde anniversary collection
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s inaugural flight, Air France is launching an anniversary collection that pays tribute to this icon of French aviation and to the pioneering vision that marked an entire era. Inspired by the aircraft’s clean lines and supersonic performance, the collection’s distinctive graphic identity expresses movement, speed, and precision. Blending heritage with modernity, this visual identity magnifies a pioneering aircraft – symbol of elegance, innovation, and dreams.
Model aircraft, silk scarves, shawls, notebooks, and keyrings feature among the ten exclusive items, some of them limited editions, to gradually go on sale as from February 2026 on shopping.airfrance.com.

Air France Legend, a prestigious historical heritage
With the Air France Legend collection, visitors explore nine decades of the airline’s history, where heritage and innovation, myth and the future intertwine. Legends shape the story of the Air France brand and live on in the collective memory. These compilations of extraordinary adventures and innovations create a truly distinctive brand narrative. They forge the mythic history of Air France, highlighting the importance of passing on its legacy while continually looking to the future. 

Air France