Ton Jochems - BRU
quinta-feira, 30 de abril de 2026
FLEET / ROUTES - Emirates SkyCargo (UAE) has launched a weekly freighter service from Dubai to Toronto Pearson via Amsterdam.
Ton Jochems -A6-EFO-B777-200F- AMS
FLEET - Air Congo to Take Delivery of Two ATR 72-600s
Air Congo is preparing to take delivery of its two new ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, already delivered to its technical partner Ethiopian Airlines.
FLEET - China Southern orders 102 A320neo, Xiamen orders 35
Deliveries for China Southern are set to take place in batches from 2028 to 2032, while Xiamen’s new aircraft will start entering the fleet in 2029 with final deliveries expected also in 2032.
The filing states that China Southern and Xiamen Airlines received a significant discount compared to the list price.
China Southern’s fleet already includes 178 A320neo family aircraft, while Xiamen Airlines operates 19 A320neo family aircraft in its fleet.
The announcement comes shortly after Germany's chancellor, Friedrich Merz, announced during a state visit to Beijing that China was looking to purchase up to 120 Airbus aircraft. Airbus operates an A320neo final assembly line in Tianjin.
CH Aviation
FLEET - Electra Airways to add three aircraft by YE26
Electra Airways (3E, Sofia) has revealed plans to add three unspecified aircraft in 2026, which would take the ACMI/charter specialist’s fleet total to 15. Speaking at a press conference in Sofia, CEO Stefan Trifonov elaborated that the carrier’s strategy remains focused on the use of "mid-life aircraft, about 15 years old".
According to ch-aviation fleets data, Electra Airways currently operates eleven A320-200s (five owned, six leased) and one leased A321-100.
CH Aviation
CH Aviation
Air Sierra Leone suspends Gatwick ops over lack of aircraft
Air Sierra Leone (SXE, Freetown) has been forced to suspend all commercial operations, effective immediately, as its only route, a fifth freedom arrangement to London Gatwick from Freetown via Banjul, was forced to end abruptly. The move came after partner Ascend Airways (YD, London Gatwick) shut down its UK AOC and returned its aircraft to lessors, leaving the African carrier with no aircraft.
All flights on the route are suspended at least until the end of May, Air Sierra Leone said in a press release, adding that it was “actively discussing alternative aircraft arrangements with several operators.”
The company added that it wanted to “allow sufficient time for new aircraft to be registered with the relevant civil aviation authorities in Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, and The Gambia.”
Air Sierra Leone Group COO Sukhjinder Mann elaborated: “We are equally shocked by the immediate cessation of Ascend Airways’ operations. They have been an excellent business parter, and we had no indication that they were experiencing financial difficulties. That said, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to have a significant impact on the aviation sector, with several airlines announcing closures or reducing their networks or frequencies.”
Air Sierra Leone used an all-economy 189-seater B737-8 from Ascend Airways, without relying on a fixed msn. The airline previously used only one other partner for the route, Titan Airways, when Ascend aircraft were unavailable.
The Freetown-based carrier’s website shows no bookings are available in May. But London services from Freetown and Banjul can be booked as of June, although the site still lists Ascend Airways as the operating carrier.
Mann previously told ch-aviation that Air Sierra Leone was mulling regional expansion as it continued to await its own air operator's certificate. The company currently needs partners to fly to Europe, as Sierra Leone was slapped with a ban over safety standards in 2008.
CH Aviation
SPECIAL COLOURS - Mandarin Airlines / ATR-72-212 / B-16868 / MSN: 1756 - "Matsu"
Photo: SHI HENG WEI
VINTAGE Aircraft - Princess Airlines / Boeing 737-2P5 Adv / SX-BFX
Flyingphotos - Lisboa - SX-BFX Princess Airlines Boeing 737-2P5 Adv
HS-TBA - Thai Airways - Apr 1988
HS-TBA - Siam Kampuchea Air - Sep 1993
HS-TBA - Thai Airways - Dec 1993
HS-TBA - Kampuchea Airlines - Oct 1994
RDPL-34133 - Lao Aviation - Feb 1996
HS-TFS - Thai Flying Service - Apr 1998
N440GB - EA-727 - Sep 1998
SX-BFX - Princess Airlines - Apr 1999
N440GB - EA-727 - Nov 1999
CU-DRF - Cubana - Mar 2000
PK-LIA - Lion Air - Jun 2000
PK-LIA - Jatayu Airlines - Feb 2004
VINTAGE Aircraft - AIR TRANSAT / C-GTSZ / Lockheed L-1011-100 Tristar / 193P-1103
Flyingphotos - Lisboa
quarta-feira, 29 de abril de 2026
SPECIAL COLOURS - American Airlines and America250 take flight, unveil commemorative aircraft at DFW
Aircraft will fly from DFW to MIA to service the inaugural flight from Miami to Caracas, Venezuela.
The aircraft was revealed during a special event at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), attended by American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, America250 Executive Vice President Jen Condon, and American Airlines leadership and frontline team members who power the airline’s operations every day. Together, they marked a milestone moment that celebrates two historic anniversaries — 250 years of American independence and 100 years of American Airlines connecting the nation and the world.
“For a century, American has helped move our country forward by connecting people, places and possibilities,” said Isom. “As we celebrate our centennial, it’s especially meaningful to unveil an aircraft that honors our country’s 250th anniversary and the shared story of progress, perseverance and innovation that defines both America and our airline.”
The America250 aircraft reflects American’s role as an official partner of America250, the national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress with leading the nation’s semiquincentennial commemoration. In addition to servicing the inaugural flight to Venezuela, the aircraft will fly across American’s global network, serving as a traveling tribute to the nation’s past, present and future — and to the communities American has proudly served for 100 years.
“American Airlines has spent a century connecting people across this country and beyond,” said Condon. “As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, this aircraft is a powerful symbol of how American innovation, mobility and partnership continue to bring our country together.”
The unveiling also recognizes the role American’s more than 130,000 team members play in carrying American’s story forward. Their dedication has shaped a century of aviation progress and continues to define what the airline will be in its next hundred years.
American will also serve as the Official Airline of America Innovates, a traveling showcase of the nation’s ingenuity that will highlight the creativity, progress and pioneering spirit that have defined the United States for 250 years. Additional details about American’s centennial activities and its partnership with America250 will be shared in the months ahead.
SPECIAL COLOURS - Southwest Airlines: Independence One dedicated to America's 250th anniversary
Independence One during water cannon salute
Southwest Independence One mid water salute upon first departure (Credit: BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Fire and Rescue Department)
NEW AIRLINE - JOY Airline is a new premium regional airline based in Argentina, currently in the pre-operational phase of obtaining certifications from the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC). It intends to focus on premium, efficient regional flights with 50-seat aircraft, rather than mass-market travel, serving destinations like Buenos Aires, Jujuy, and San Luis.
The airline focuses on premium regional connectivity, with a, comfort-oriented, and efficient travel experience.
Fleet: Operations will feature smaller aircraft configured with only 50 seats (2x2 layout, no middle seat) to offer more space and comfort.
As of April 2026, the company is in the process of finalizing, training, and obtaining necessary certifications, with tickets not yet on sale.
Destinations: Planned routes include connections from Buenos Aires to Jujuy, San Luis, Villa Mercedes, and Merlo, as well as routes between San Luis and Córdoba, Iguazú, and Bariloche.
joyairline.com.ar
NEW AIRLINE - A new French airline, Air Inter Région, will be launched in 2027
The company is targeting the market for "direct, interregional, low-capacity, short-haul routes." The service will therefore focus on routes of "less than 500 kilometers, less than two hours of flight time, with aircraft carrying fewer than ten passengers at launch."
The company plans to serve 18 airports in the long term, including five regional capitals (Lille, Rouen, Rennes, Nantes, and Bordeaux) and the entire English Channel and Atlantic coastline (Calais, Le Touquet, Le Havre, Deauville, Caen, Dinard, Brest, Lorient, Vannes, La Baule, Saint-Nazaire, La Rochelle, and Biarritz).
Icelandair expects to increase its A321LR fleet from six to nine by summer 2027
One A320 will be delivered in May 2026 as one A321LR is delayed until fall 2026.
The carrier is working on securing aircraft for 2027-28 as B757 and B767 phase out may be sped up due to market unrest — with both potentially exiting in late 2026.
Aviator / Photo: Ton Jochems - AMS
FLEET - JetBlue says there has been a slight shift to its A220 deliveries, and it now expects 12 total aircraft deliveries in 2026
The carrier expects approximately US$275 million of CapEx in the 2Q and approximately $800 million in 2026.
Aviator / Photo: Ronald Vermeulen - FLL
FLEET - Norwegian may extend leases to grow in line with the market if needed.
Flyingphotos - Lisboa
The fleet will consist of 95 aircraft during summer 2026, growing to 104 during the next couple of years. Overall, ownership will probably be more than 50% of the fleet moving forward.
Aviator
ROUTES - Turkish Airlines will radually suspends 18 destinations from May and June 202
including Aqaba, Billund, Bissau, Ferghana, Freetown, Havana, Hurghada, Juba, Kinshasa, Kirkuk, Leipzig/Halle, Libreville, Luanda, Lusaka, Monrovia, Najaf, Pointe Noire and Turkistan.
Photo: Duncan Stewart - LAX
FLEET - Volaris (Mexico) expects 14 A320neos to delivery in 2026, with four A320s sold already to a lessor.
Additionally, the carrier postponed seven 2027 deliveries and three 2028 deliveries until 2033. There is no incremental aircraft investment planned until the GTF advantage engines enter service.
will reduce its contractual fleet from 155 to 137 by December 2027, as its productive fleet increases from 112 to 125 in 2026. The move will result in US$360 million reduction in lease liabilities by 2027.
Aviator / Photo: Duncan Stewart - LAX
ORDER - Boeing and Copa Airlines Announce Order for up to 60 737 MAX Jets
Panamanian flag carrier to grow, modernize its all-737 fleet over the next eight years
PANAMA CITY, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Copa Airlines today announced the Panamanian operator has ordered 40 737 MAX airplanes. Under the agreement, Copa Airlines also has options to acquire up to 20 more of the single-aisle airplane family.
Copa Airlines CEO Pedro Heilbron and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope were joined by President of Panama José Raúl Mulino, U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera and other government representatives at a signing ceremony in Panama to recognize the previously unidentified purchase.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; President José Raúl Mulino of Panama; Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines; and Larry Culp, CEO of GE Aerospace, gathered in Panama to announce Copa’s 737 fleet expansion plans.
Copa Airlines plans to expand its fleet by more than 100 737 MAX airplanes between this agreement and its existing order book. The carrier will leverage the efficiency, range and capacity of its larger 737 MAX fleet to modernize and expand its network from its Hub of the Americas® to fly to popular destinations across the Americas and Caribbean.
"For Copa Airlines, the signing of this agreement represents an important step in further strengthening the operation and connectivity we provide from Panama," said Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines. "Through the Hub of the Americas®, we have built a connecting hub that today allows us to respond to market demand with a safe, efficient, and reliable operation. The addition of new aircraft will be key to continuing to expand our operations and route network, while supporting the economic development of Panama and the region, generating new jobs and growth in the tourism sector."
Heilbron said the airline benefits from operational commonality across its fleet of more than 110 737 jets, which includes the Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX and 737 Boeing Converted Freighters.
The versatility and reliability of the 737-9 and 737-8 airplanes enable Copa Airlines to fly high-density shorter flights and some of the world's longest 737 MAX routes ─ connecting Panama with North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.
"This major order builds on more than 40 years of partnership with Copa and the airline's history of success with the Boeing 737 family," said Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The additional 737 MAX aircraft will help Copa maintain one of the world's youngest and most capable fleets, while further supporting Panama as a key destination for business and tourism."
The longtime 737 operator connects 88 destinations in 32 countries across North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
According to Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook, airlines throughout the Latin American and Caribbean markets will need more than 2,300 new airplanes over the next 20 years – with single-aisle jets like the 737 MAX making up nearly 90% of deliveries.
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.
ORDER - Boeing and SCAT Airlines Announce Order for Five 737 MAX Jets to Support Growth
- Kazakhstan carrier will add capacity and range with the 737-9 to serve growing air travel demand and expand international routes
- First Central Asian 737 MAX operator continues fleet modernization with fuel-efficient airplanes
SHYMKENT, Kazakhstan, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and SCAT Airlines today announced the carrier will expand its fleet and boost capacity with the fuel-efficient 737 MAX. The airline's previously unidentified order for five more 737-9 jets will support operational efficiency and expand longer-range single-aisle service, including more routes to Europe.
SCAT also converted five 737-8 jets from a previous order to the larger 737-9.
Boeing and Kazakhstan's SCAT Airlines announced that the carrier will expand its fleet and boost capacity with the fuel-efficient 737 MAX.
SCAT Airlines will leverage its larger 737-9 fleet to operate long-haul flights from Kazakhstan and pioneer seventh-freedom routes from Central Asia across Europe and Asia. The airline recently launched a landmark Prague-Sanya service, connecting the Czech Republic and China with a technical stop in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan ─ a journey of more than 14 hours.
"This fleet update allows SCAT Airlines to better meet growing passenger demand while maintaining the flexibility to serve a diverse and expanding route network," said Vladimir Denissov, president of JSC SCAT Airlines. "Converting five of the previously ordered 737-8s to 737-9s, together with the new firm order for five 737-9s, enhances our seating capacity per flight and will improve schedule reliability as we expand our international network."
The 737 MAX family delivers exceptional efficiency and performance, reducing fuel use by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces. The 737-9 seats up to 220 passengers and has a range of up to 6,110 kilometers (3,300 nautical miles), giving airlines the capacity and extended range to open new routes and profitably serve high-demand markets.
"SCAT's decision to grow its 737-9 fleet highlights the versatility and economic advantages of the 737 MAX family," said Paul Righi, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Eurasia, India and South Asia. "The 737-9 offers the right combination of capacity, range and efficiency to help airlines expand their networks while lowering operating costs. We're proud to support SCAT as it connects Central Asia with more destinations across Europe and beyond."
Based in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, SCAT Airlines operates an extensive domestic and international network across Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States with nearly 40 Boeing jets in service. The airline was the first in Central Asia to fly the 737 MAX and currently operates nine 737-8 and five 737-9 airplanes.
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. Boeing's global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. The company is committed to fostering a culture based on its core values of safety, quality and integrity.
ROUTES - Benvenuti! Alaska Airlines launches historic first nonstop flight between Seattle and Rome
- Alaska Airlines launches Seattle’s first‑ever nonstop flight to Rome, celebrating its expansion into Europe and a major milestone in its growth as a global carrier. The seasonal, daily service begins April 28 and runs through Oct 23.
- Alaska’s international business class Suites experience debuts just in time for new service to Rome, underscoring the carrier’s commitment to elevating the onboard experience as it expands its international footprint across Asia and Europe.
The new service signals Alaska’s official expansion into Europe and reinforces its role as a global carrier, further establishing Seattle as a premier international gateway for Alaska Airlines.
Launching our first flight to Europe is a significant step in executing our long–term growth strategy. Service to Rome expands how we connect our guests to the world, strengthens Seattle’s role as a global gateway and is made possible by our people who deliver safety, care and performance with every flight. Andiamo!”
Ben Minicucci
CEO
Alaska Air Group
This new European service will also enable some of the best connectivity between Hawai‘i to and from Europe with just one stop through Seattle, benefiting Hawai‘i-based travelers and opening a new European visitor gateway to the Hawaiian Islands.
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