Flyingphotos - Faro, Portugal
terça-feira, 3 de março de 2026
FLEET - Jin Air (South Korea) reportedly plans to acquire six B787-9 aircraft on lease, specifically the six remaining -9 Dreamliners on order with parent Korean Air
The potential move comes as the LCC plans to retire its four B777-200s by March 2026.
AIRCRAFT - France's Pan Européenne Air Service firms order for Aura ERA
Pan Européenne Air Service (PEA, Chambéry Aix-lès-Bains) has firmed an order for a single Aura Aero (Toulouse Francazal) ERA electric regional aircraft with options for a further three.
"Aura Aero's ambition and values are perfectly aligned with our vision of tomorrow’s aviation," Antoine Foessel and Clément Jacquot, co-CEOs and owners of Pan Européenne Air Service said in a joint statement.
"The technological and industrial choices made in the design and development of ERA since the company’s creation have consistently proven extremely relevant, and it was only natural for us to select this aircraft in order to offer the first fully decarbonised air transport solution in history," they added.
The French business charter specialist previously signed a letter of intent (LOI) for four units.
The ERA is a 19-seat hybrid-electric aircraft designed for regional markets. The OEM, which is building a family of Integral training and acrobatics aircraft, plans to begin flight testing for the new model in 2027, to achieve the entry into service by 2030.
Pan Européenne Air Service currently operates one E135, one E145, one Phenom 100E, one Phenom 300, and one Phenom 300E.
FLEET - Deucalion Arranges Acquisition of Three A330 Aircraft on Lease to Wamos Airlines
LONDON and NEW YORK and DUBLIN, March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Deucalion Aviation, a global aviation investment and asset management platform, today announced the acquisition of three Airbus A330 aircraft currently on lease to Wamos Air. Deucalion acted as arranger and servicer in connection with the transaction on behalf of institutional investors. Deal terms were not disclosed.
The aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent engines, were sourced and executed through Deucalion's global origination network and reflect the firm's continued focus on mid- to end-of-life widebody aircraft with durable lease profiles and strong asset optionality.
The transaction expands Deucalion's managed A330 portfolio and underscores the platform's capabilities in sourcing, underwriting, and actively managing complex widebody assets across market cycles.
"We are delighted to add Wamos as a lessee in a transaction that highlights Deucalion's ability to originate and execute multi-aircraft acquisitions in the mid-life widebody market," said Nate Riggs, Chief Commercial Officer of Deucalion Aviation. "Our team focuses not only on identifying attractive relative value opportunities, but also on actively managing aircraft throughout their lifecycle — including lease transitions, extensions, and end-of-life strategies. The A330 remains a highly versatile variant, and this transaction reflects our continued conviction in this segment of the market."
Karl Trowbridge, Chief Operating Officer of Deucalion Aviation, added: "Mid- to end-of-life aircraft require hands-on operational oversight, deep technical capability and market knowledge to preserve and enhance value. Our platform is built around active servicing — from detailed technical management and lease compliance to transition planning and remarketing. This transaction demonstrates how Deucalion integrates sourcing discipline with operational execution to deliver consistent outcomes for our capital partners."
NEW AIRLINE - Fischer Air (Slovakia), a new airline project spearheaded by Václav Fischer, is planning to commence operations in October 2026 following multiple delays
Operational Status: The airline is currently in the "final phase of operational preparations".
Context: The relaunch, which previously eyed a 2024 launch and later 1Q 2026, was postponed again to autumn 2026.
Business Model: The airline aims to focus on holiday charter flights, with initial plans to operate from German regional airports like Kassel and Friedrichshafen to destinations such as the Canary Islands and Hurghada, utilizing Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Management: The venture is being led by Václav Fischer, who previously operated the original Fischer Air until its bankruptcy in 2005.
The startup is still subject to securing the necessary Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and finalizing operational arrangements.
British Airways (UK) to base the first of its 32 B787-10s on order at London Gatwick in 2029
British Airways to base the first of its 32 B787-10s on order at London Gatwick in 2029, starting the replacement of its existing B777-200 fleet.
Aviator
Air New Zealand celebrates 60 years of trade, travel and partnership between New Zealand and Hong Kong
On 3 March 1966, Air New Zealand operated its inaugural DC8 service from Auckland to Hong Kong, opening a new chapter in the airline's long haul history.
The route quickly became known for its memorable arrival into Kai Tak airport, famed for its dramatic approach. Pilots navigated sharp turns between high rise apartment blocks, offering passengers a close up view into neighbouring flats before landing on the harbour side runway.
3 March 1966: Air New Zealand operates its first Auckland to Hong Kong service using a DC8, travelling via Sydney and Darwin.
28 October 1973: The first DC10 service begins operating from Auckland to Hong Kong via Sydney.
2 April 1978: Air New Zealand launches its first non-stop DC10 service between Auckland and Hong Kong, operating twice weekly.
3 November 1982: A once weekly Boeing 747 service operates Auckland–Port Moresby–Hong Kong in association with Cathay Pacific and Air Niugini.
1983: Air New Zealand establishes a long term relationship with Cathay Pacific.
2 April 1985: A non-stop Boeing 747 service between Auckland and Hong Kong is reintroduced, operating until 3 December 1986.
4 December 1986: Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific introduce a bipartite weekly service between Auckland and Hong Kong.
2 April 1992: Air New Zealand resumes operating a non-stop Boeing 747 service exclusively, continuing twice weekly flights.
1 November 1995: The first Boeing 767 service between Auckland and Hong Kong begins, replacing one of the two weekly Boeing 747 frequencies.
April 1998: The final non-stop Boeing 747 service operates between Auckland and Hong Kong, with the route transitioning fully to Boeing 767 aircraft.
April 2003: Air New Zealand increases the route to daily services.
2013: Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific launch a major strategic alliance, further streamlining services between Auckland and Hong Kong.
Air New Zealand General Manager Long Haul Kylie McGillivray-Brown says the anniversary highlights the airline's long standing commitment to the region.
"Reaching 60 years of service between Auckland and Hong Kong is a proud milestone for Air New Zealand and a testament to the strength of this important connection.
"For six decades, this route is helped connect New Zealand to the world, supporting Kiwi travellers exploring Asia and beyond, enabling our exporters to reach global markets, and welcoming visitors, students and business partners to our shores."
The route is also a critical freight link for New Zealand. In 2025, the majority of products air freighted between Auckland and Hong Kong were carried on an Air New Zealand aircraft. Key commodities include e-commerce, accounting for 70 percent of volume, and consumer electronics at 20 percent.
"Reaching 60 years of service between Auckland and Hong Kong is a proud milestone for Air New Zealand and a testament to the strength of this important connection.
"For six decades, this route is helped connect New Zealand to the world, supporting Kiwi travellers exploring Asia and beyond, enabling our exporters to reach global markets, and welcoming visitors, students and business partners to our shores."
The route is also a critical freight link for New Zealand. In 2025, the majority of products air freighted between Auckland and Hong Kong were carried on an Air New Zealand aircraft. Key commodities include e-commerce, accounting for 70 percent of volume, and consumer electronics at 20 percent.
In 2025 the airline transported:
900 tonnes of milk formula, equivalent to one million cans
133 tonnes of eggs
85 tonnes of mussels
210 tonnes of meat
159 tonnes of avocados
*Celebratory sale fares
To mark the milestone, Air New Zealand has launched special sale fares for travel between New Zealand and Hong Kong:
One way Economy fares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch from $699
One way Premium Economy fares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch from $1,499
One way Business Premier™ fares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch from $3,599
900 tonnes of milk formula, equivalent to one million cans
133 tonnes of eggs
85 tonnes of mussels
210 tonnes of meat
159 tonnes of avocados
*Celebratory sale fares
To mark the milestone, Air New Zealand has launched special sale fares for travel between New Zealand and Hong Kong:
One way Economy fares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch from $699
One way Premium Economy fares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch from $1,499
One way Business Premier™ fares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch from $3,599
FLEET - Virgin Australia expects 12 more B737-8 aircraft to deliver over the next 12 months,
Virgin Australia expects 12 more B737-8 aircraft to deliver over the next 12 months, with nine to be purchased rather than leased. Two more E190-E2 will deliver in the next six months, while A320s will be fully replaced by B737s in 2H fiscal 2026.
Aviator / Photo: Duncan Stewart
ANA Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of International Scheduled Flights
- ・ANA celebrated the 40th anniversary of its international scheduled flights on March 3, 2026. The airline's international network has grown to 55 routes serving 40 cities worldwide, including recent additions such as Milan, Stockholm and Istanbul.
- ・The ANA Group aims to expand its international passenger and cargo business by 1.3 times by fiscal 2030, continuing to drive international operations as a primary growth driver.
- ・On March 3, the anniversary of its inaugural scheduled flight (the Narita-Guam route), ANA held a commemorative event at Narita Airport. Activities included a talk session with long-serving employees and a banner send-off for the day's departing flight (Flight NH881). Also, ANA is launching various anniversary initiatives, including the sale of commemorative merchandise, special feature articles in its inflight magazine, TSUBASA GLOBAL WINGS, and a dedicated website
On March 3, 2026, a commemorative ceremony was held at Narita Airport Terminal 1. Preceding the ceremony, a talk session featuring employees who remember the airline's early days reflected on the passion of the frontline staff who have supported ANA's 40-year history. The ceremony was vibrantly accented by a traditional "Choshi Hane-Daiko" drum performance from Narita. Representing the host, Shinichi Inoue, President and CEO of ANA, expressed his deep gratitude for the journey thus far.
"Forty years ago, ANA's inaugural international flight from Narita to Guam was a bold step into the unknown for a carrier then largely unrecognized outside Japan," said Shinichi Inoue, President and CEO of ANA.
"Today, that single route has blossomed into a global network of 55 routes serving 40 cities, built on the dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our customers. Our mission to connect people and cultures has never been more vital. As we look toward the expansion of Narita Airport in 2029, this anniversary is a springboard to our next chapter. By fiscal 2030, we aim to expand our International passenger and cargo business by 1.3 times, evolving as a premier 'combination carrier' to deliver world-class service for the next 40 years and beyond."
Upon the departure of Flight NH881 (Narita-Perth), employees held a banner on the ramp area to send the flight off. All passengers flying that day received a commemorative sticker, while passengers on the Perth flight were gifted a boarding certificate and an original luggage tag.
The ANA Group will continue to leverage its international business as a core engine for further growth, striving to deliver exciting air travel to customers worldwide.
segunda-feira, 2 de março de 2026
FLEET - Finnair (Finland) plans to add six more E190s to the fleet operated by its Nordic Regional Airlines (Finland) unit, bring the total to 18 aircraft..
ORDER - Delta continues fleet renewal with additional narrowbody aircraft
Deliveries from this order are scheduled to arrive in Delta’s fleet beginning in 2029.
"The A321neo has proven to be an exceptional aircraft for Delta, delivering industry-leading efficiency while offering the premium experience our customers value,” said Kristen Bojko, Delta’s vice president of Fleet. “By exercising these options, we’re continuing to invest in a fleet that improves our cost structure, supports our sustainability goals and gives us powerful flexibility to serve our customers well into the next decade.”
With this transaction, Delta’s total A321neo fleet will grow to 189 aircraft, making it the largest-scale fleet type in Delta’s history and underscoring Delta’s focus on efficiency and premium growth.
Delta took delivery of its first A321neo in 2022, and the fleet has since expanded to 92 aircraft in service, with 97 additional firm orders, inclusive of this option exercise. Delta also retains options for 36 additional A321neos, providing flexibility to support future fleet and network needs.
A high gauge, highly efficient narrowbody supporting a premium customer experience
As the highest gauge next generation narrowbody in Delta’s fleet, the A321neo delivers strong cost performance while supporting Delta’s sustainability goals. The aircraft offers the lowest unit cost of any narrowbody in Delta’s fleet and is 20–30% more fuel efficient than the current generation aircraft it replaces.
A critical element of Delta’s premium strategy, the A321neo features more Delta First and Delta Comfort seats than any other narrowbody aircraft in Delta’s current fleet. This premium capacity allows Delta to better meet premium demand across domestic and short haul international markets. Year-to-date, the A321neo has the highest cabin satisfaction scores among Delta’s narrowbody fleet, according to internal analysis.
The aircraft’s modern cabin includes Delta First, Delta Comfort and Delta Main, with customer-focused features such as seatback entertainment, power at every seat, larger overhead bins and upgraded seating designed to elevate comfort across all cabins.
All aircraft from this order will be powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, which deliver fuel burn and noise reduction benefits that support Delta’s efficiency and sustainability objectives. Delta’s longstanding partnership with Pratt & Whitney (spanning more than 90 years) is further supported by Delta TechOps, which maintains these engines using industry leading inhouse maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. Delta TechOps joined the GTF MRO network in 2019 and has steadily expanded its capabilities, opening a 155,000squarefoot dedicated GTF facility in Atlanta and supporting both next generation and legacy Pratt & Whitney engines.
As Delta positions its fleet to support growth in the decade ahead, the A321neo remains central to the airline’s strategy to serve customers more efficiently while continuing to elevate the onboard experience.
This is the third aircraft order announced by Delta this year. Last month, the airline announced two separate orders — totaling more than 60 widebody aircraft — for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as well as the Airbus A330-900 and A350-900.
Delta
ORDER - Air Astana finalises order for 25 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft
Air Astana Group, the leading airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size, has signed a firm order for 25 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, the largest ever direct order by the group. The agreement was made on the 20th anniversary since Air Astana started operating its first A320 in 2006, and includes five A320neo and 20 A321neo aircraft.
“Air Astana’s large order for a new fleet of Airbus A320neo Family aircraft reflects a commitment to maintaining its reputation for operational efficiency and service excellence in the long term,” said Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana. “The Airbus A320neo Family has proven to be an outstanding success in service with Air Astana over many years. In particular, the A321LR in its premium configuration allows us to offer what we believe is the world’s best narrow-body long-haul product, combining true long-range capability with an exceptional onboard experience. I’m confident that the new fleet will continue to boost sustainable growth and profitability in the long term.”
Air Astana Group will deploy the new aircraft with both Air Astana and its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan as part of the overall fleet expansion and renewal. Currently the group operates a fleet of 59 Airbus A320 Family aircraft.
“This order further validates the unmatched economics and market appeal of the A320neo Family in one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “We are pleased to support Air Astana’s vision to connect Kazakhstan to the world. This deal solidifies a decades-long bond, ensuring they continue to set the regional gold standard for fleet modernisation, operational excellence and passenger experience.”
The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft having won more than 19,000 orders globally. The Family includes the largest member, the A321neo offering unparalleled range and performance. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A320 Family is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A320 Family is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.
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