FLEET - Sun PhuQuoc Airways (Vietnam) took delivery of its 20th aircraft, an A321LR, serial 13020.

The remaining eight A321LR aircraft are expected to join the fleet soon.

Photo: Sun PhuQuoc Airways

HiSky Europe reactivates A321LR after engine fixes

HiSky Europe (H4, Iasi) has returned the second of its A321-200NX(LR)s to service after a 1.5-year-long grounding caused by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine issues. 

YR-WIN (msn 10948) had been parked at Bucharest Baneasa since January 6, 2025, and was repositioned to Bucharest Henri Coanda on July 12, 2026, before restarting revenue operations with a flight to Hurghada later on the same day. 

The return of the aircraft enabled the airline to reposition the other unit of the type, YR-WOW (msn 10928), to Chisinau International, where it remains based.

CH Aviation / Photo: Hisky

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

ROUTES / FLEET - Hunnu Air mulls A321LRs, A330s for Europe push

Hunnu Air (MR, Ulaanbaatar) is considering leasing two A321-200NX(LR)s and two A330-200s to pave the way for a planned expansion into Europe, commercial director Turbold Tserenkhuu said at Routes Asia 2026, as cited by Aviation Week.

The A321LRs are targeted for delivery from late 2027, although delays could push their arrival into the first quarter of 2028. The A330-200s are also slated to enter service in the first quarter of 2028.

The additional aircraft would enable new routes to Berlin Brandenburg and Budapest. The airline is also evaluating adding an A330-200(P2F) around 2028 to potentially branch out into dedicated freighter services.

However, Tserenkhuu told ch-aviation that no final decisions had been made regarding any leases. He stressed that any fleet additions would depend on market demand, financial sustainability, and broader strategic priorities.

In an exclusive February 2026 interview, Tserenkhuu said the airline was studying the addition of two narrowbodies, most likely A320-200s, in late 2027 or early 2028, requiring at least 180 seats to upgauge from its E190-E2s.

He also reiterated plans to pursue wet-lease partnerships to manage seasonal demand, while the airline works towards obtaining IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.

According to ch-aviation data, the Mongolian carrier operates two E190s and two E190-E2s, alongside Cessna (single turboprop) C208s used mainly for domestic charters. It connects its main Ulaanbaatar hub to nine destinations, including Almaty International, Beijing Daxing International, and Tokyo Haneda.

 CH Aviation / Photos: Hunnu air

AIRLINE - Icelandair mulls buying 49% of PLAY Europe's Maltese AOC

Photo: Icelandair - A321LR

Icelandair (FI, Reykjavik Keflavik) has initiated discussions with the current owners of PLAY Europe (FPE, Malta International), a still active Maltese air operator's certificate left idle following the collapse of its erstwhile parent, PLAY (Iceland), concerning a potential acquisition of a 49% share.

"Having access to an air operator certificate in Malta in addition to the Icelandic one can open up new and exciting business opportunities and at the same time simplify our operations in Iceland and increase efficiency," president and chief executive officer Bogi Nils Bogason said.

The airline underlined that the discussions are preliminary and the terms of the potential acquisition are yet to be finalised.

However, explaining the rationale, Icelandair said that it was evaluating using the Maltese AOC to split its core fleet dedicated to scheduled operations out of Reykjavik Keflavik, and other aircraft currently operating charters or ACMI flights. "Acquiring a share in the company would open up new opportunities for Icelandair, for example, in charter services, as the Maltese company has access to more extensive air service agreements and double taxation treaties. At the same time, it would create opportunities to separate the company’s fleet operations," the airline said.

Bogason pointed out that having more than one AOC was "common" in Europe, and would increase Icelandair's flexibility and competitiveness.

Icelandair currently only has the Icelandic AOC.

PLAY used to compete with Icelandair as a low-cost carrier with a hub at Keflavik. While originally set up with the Icelandic AOC, it launched PLAY Europe in 2025 to lower the cost of its ACMI-out business. It later proposed closing the Icelandic AOC altogether to focus on ACMI and charter business with the Maltese certificate. This change never went through before PLAY ceased operations at the end of September 2025, buckling under the weight of sustained losses.

While PLAY's Icelandic AOC is no longer active, the Maltese one is. Three dry leased A320-200Ns remain registered in Iceland to the company, after the local regulator blocked their deregistration pending the settlement of all debts. The Maltese unit no longer has any aircraft.

Fly Play Europe, trading as PLAY Europe, is wholly owned by FPEHM Ltd., a Maltese company incorporated in January 2026. This firm is, in turn, wholly owned by Icelandic company Fly Play Europe Holdco. The Icelandic business register shows the beneficial owner of the firm is the CEO of PLAY, Einar Orn Olafsson.

 

ROUTES - Etihad Airways will launch nonstop service between Abu Dhabi and Luxembourg from Oct. 29, 2026

 

Becoming the first Middle East carrier to serve the country.

The service will operate three times a week to Luxembourg Airport using Airbus A321LR aircraft, featuring a three-class configuration.

The route targets demand from Luxembourg and surrounding Benelux, French and German markets fordirect access to Abu Dhabi.

Photo: Etihad Airways

ROUTES - Icelandair celebrates inaugural flight to Miami

Icelandair has started scheduled service to Miami, Florida, marking an exciting milestone in the airline’s route network. Icelandair will operate three weekly flights to Miami—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—until 2 May 2026. The route is served by the airline’s new Airbus A321LR aircraft, with a flight time of approximately eight hours.

Miami becomes Icelandair’s 19th destination in North America and the second in Florida, complementing the long-standing Orlando service. The city is renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and lively nightlife.

Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair President and CEO:

“We are delighted to launch flights to Miami and offer our passengers a new and exciting destination in Florida. Our new Airbus A321LR aircraft enable us to add exciting new destinations, and Miami is a perfect example. This route also creates convenient connections for travelers from Miami to our 38 destinations in Europe via Iceland—and vice versa.”

ICELANDAIR

FLEET - Icelandair: Icelandair Announces Lease Agreements for Two New Airbus A321LR Aircraft

Icelandair is pleased to announce lease agreements with the lessor CALC, for two brand-new A321LR aircraft. This marks the beginning of a new partnership between Icelandair and CALC, based on a shared vision and long-term collaboration. The aircraft will be delivered directly from Airbus in the winter season of 2026/2027 and will join Icelandair’s growing fleet of Airbus A321LRs, which are gradually replacing the Boeing 757s. The A321LR offers extended range, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions compared to the 757s, aligning with Icelandair’s sustainability goals, as well as enhancing passenger comfort with Airbus’ award-winning Airspace cabin design.

Bogi Nils Bogason, CEO of Icelandair:
“We are excited to welcome CALC as a new partner in our fleet development journey. The addition of these two Airbus A321LR aircraft supports our strategy to modernize our fleet with new, more efficient aircraft. Furthermore, it reflects our commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience while strengthening our route network.”

 

FLEET - Etihad Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A321LR aircraft

Hamburg, Germany/Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR (long range) following today’s ceremony at the Airbus Finkenwerder site, marking a transformational milestone in the airline's fleet expansion strategy.

The aircraft brings Etihad's signature widebody experience to short and medium-haul routes, with premium cabins typically found only on long-haul flights. This is the first of 30 A321LR aircraft scheduled to join Etihad's fleet.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "Today marks an extraordinary moment for Etihad as we welcome an aircraft that changes everything we thought possible on a single-aisle plane. The A321LR enables us to serve more destinations with the same premium experience our guests expect across all cabins, perfectly embodying our commitment to delivering luxury at every altitude."

Redefining Narrowbody Travel

The A321LR features a three-cabin configuration, including Etihad's first-ever narrowbody First Suites - private, enclosed spaces with sliding doors, fully-flat beds, and bespoke design touches normally reserved for long-haul widebody operations. Each window-facing First Suite features a large 20-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth pairing, wireless charging, and additional space for a companion to sit.

The aircraft's 14-seat Business cabin features widebody-style seats in a 1-1 herringbone layout, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access and window views. Each Business seat includes a 17.3-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing and wireless charging.

In Economy, 144 thoughtfully designed seats offer generous space and comfort, providing an elevated experience for single-aisle travel. Passengers enjoy 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen displays, USB charging, and Bluetooth connectivity. These seatback screens bring premium content back to narrowbody travel with over a thousand hours of movies, shows and games.

In addition, the cabin features enlarged overhead bins providing significantly more luggage space than traditional narrowbody aircraft.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft Business, commented: “The delivery of Etihad’s first Airbus A321LR is a powerful symbol of innovation and partnership, strengthening the long-standing relationship between Airbus and the UAE. This aircraft sets a new standard for comfort in the single-aisle category and paves the way for increased connectivity as Etihad expands its operations from its Abu Dhabi hub.”

Staying Connected Above the Clouds

A standout feature of Etihad's A321LR is its high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Viasat's advanced technology delivering speeds of up to 100’s of Mbps. Passengers can enjoy seamless streaming, gaming and browsing throughout their journey, bringing ground-level connectivity to the skies. This gate-to-gate connectivity, where permitted, ensures guests remain productive and entertained whether flying for business or leisure. Wi-Fi service on Asian routes is being progressively rolled out and will be available from September 2025.

Expanding Horizons

The A321LR supports Etihad's extraordinary expansion momentum, with the airline having launched or announced 27 new routes in a single year as part of its ambitious growth strategy. The aircraft will enter commercial service on 1 August 2025, initially operating between Abu Dhabi and Phuket before serving destinations including Algiers, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Krakow, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Tunis and Zurich.

The A321LR delivery supports Etihad's Journey 2030 vision, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global aviation hub. Additional nine A321LR aircraft will be delivered throughout 2025, supporting Etihad's ambitious growth plans as the airline works towards carrying 38 million passengers annually by 2030.

ETIHAD

FLEET - Etihad Airways accelerates growth with record aircraft deliveries

July 2025 becomes Etihad's busiest month for aircraft deliveries in company history

Five aircraft delivered throughout July including two B787s, an A350, an A321LR and an A320ceo

Fleet expansion supports ambitious network growth and passenger targets

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways achieved a significant milestone in its fleet expansion programme with July 2025 becoming the busiest month for aircraft deliveries in the airline's 22-year history. Throughout July, Etihad took delivery of five aircraft including its inaugural A321LR, two Boeing 787 Dreamliners, one Airbus A350-1000, and one Airbus A320.

This record-breaking month demonstrates the airline's commitment to rapid growth as it works towards its target to carry 38 million passengers annually by 2030. The five aircraft will significantly enhance Etihad's capacity across its expanding global network.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "July has been a remarkable month for Etihad Airways. Taking delivery of five aircraft is our most intensive delivery programme to date and showcases our ambitious growth trajectory. These aircraft will enable us to serve more destinations, offer increased frequencies, and deliver the exceptional experiences our guests expect across our network."

The delivery programme reflects Etihad's strategic approach to fleet modernisation, with each aircraft type serving specific network requirements. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will support long-haul operations to destinations across Asia, Australia, and North America, while the Airbus A350-1000 will enhance capacity on high-demand routes.

A particular highlight of July's deliveries was Etihad's first Airbus A321LR, which represents a significant milestone as the airline's inaugural aircraft of this type. Etihad defines luxury again with a revolutionary cabin configuration to Etihad's narrowbody operations, featuring dedicated First Suites alongside lie-flat Business seats, a first for narrowbody aircraft in the region, and enhanced Economy seating with seatback entertainment - bringing premium in-flight experiences to medium and short-haul routes. The deliveries bring Etihad's total fleet to 106 aircraft. The airline operates one of the world's youngest fleets,

with an average aircraft age of 8.7 years, supporting operational efficiency and enhanced passenger experience.

The aircraft deliveries support Etihad's recently announced network expansion, which includes 27 new destinations and increased frequencies across existing routes. The airline has experienced remarkable growth, carrying more than 20 million passengers in the last 12 months for the first time in its history, doubling passenger numbers from 2022 levels.

Etihad's fleet expansion programme continues beyond July, with 20 additional aircraft per annum expected for delivery throughout 2025 and 2026.

By expanding its fleet and network, Etihad Airways is strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub and offering unparalleled travel experiences to millions of passengers worldwide. For more information, please visit etihad.com

 

ROUTES - Etihad Airways’ Signature Long-haul Luxury now on Short-to-Medium-Haul Aircraft: Introducing Etihad’s A321LR

 Launching this August - a major step in Etihad’s Journey 2030 growth strategySpacious First Suites, lie-flat Business, and next-generation Economy redefine regional travelLatest generation, high-speed, streaming Wi-Fi for movies, surfing and gaming on board

Luxury from door-to-door, with expanded First class experience both in the air and on the ground, across more routes

Abu Dhabi/Dubai, UAE – Etihad Airways is setting a new standard for single-aisle flying with the debut of its all-new Airbus A321LR, delivering wide-body comfort on short and medium-haul routes. Etihad’s A321LR represents a leap forward in guest experience and innovation, bringing Etihad’s signature luxury and a true First class experience to narrowbody flying.“The A321LR is an amazing aircraft which proves our commitment to luxury, customer experience, and connectivity,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.

“With our new First Suites, 14 lie-flat Business seats with direct-aisle access, and upgraded Economy, we've taken the luxury experience which we are famed for on our widebody fleet and adapted it to offer guests the same experience in a single-aisle aircraft – all while keeping them seamlessly connected with superfast, streaming Wi-Fi throughout the journey.

“More broadly, the A321LR marks a transformational moment for Etihad as we accelerate toward our Journey 2030 vision: doubling our fleet size, tripling our passenger numbers, and opening 16 new destinations in 2025 alone.”

An Extraordinary Experience in Every Cabin

Etihad’s A321LR introduces an all-new First Suite - a private, enclosed space with a sliding door, lie-flat bed, elevated dining, and bespoke design touches.

With only two exclusive First suites on board, guests will enjoy an intimate, ultra-premium experience normally reserved for long-haul widebodies. This marks the first time Etihad brings the full widebody First experience to a narrowbody aircraft, redefining luxury on short and medium-haul routes.

The innovative and spacious First Suite offers additional space for a companion to sit as well as a large 20” 4K screen for entertainment, with Bluetooth pairing and wireless charging – ensuring comfort and connection at every touchpoint.

The new Business cabin features widebody-style seats, all forward facing with direct aisle access (1-1) in a herringbone layout with 14 fully-flat 78” beds. Each seat includes a 17.3” 4K screen, Bluetooth headphone pairing, wireless charging, and ample personal storage, ensuring a seamless, connected journey.

In Economy, 144 thoughtfully designed seats offer up to 5” recline, enhanced ergonomics, and generous space. At 18.4” wide, it’s one of the widest Economy seats in the industry, providing wide-body comfort to the narrow-body aircraft. Every guest enjoys a 13.3” 4K touchscreen, USB charging, and access to Etihad’s next-generation entertainment system.

Etihad’s aircraft are equipped with Viasat’s advanced, multi-orbit ready system, which is capable of speeds of up to 1 Gbps, and available from gate-to-gate where permitted. All guests have access to streaming, social media, surfing and gaming onboard, in addition to live television throughout the cabin.

Luxury Beyond the Cabin: The First Experience Redefined

Etihad’s First Suite is only the beginning of a truly end-to-end premium journey. The airline is expanding its First class offering across more routes – including the A321LR network - and significantly investing in every detail of the travel experience with new services to be rolled out from August with the introduction of the A321LR.

“As well as investing heavily to expand our First class offering, we’re taking the time to enhance every tiny detail of the experience and introducing a host of new premium services over the next couple of months – stay tuned,” said Neves.

From the moment guests choose to book First, they will be supported by personalised service from the new Etihad Concierge, which will be available 24/7 for tailored travel planning.

In the UAE and all First destinations, guests will enjoy a private chauffeur service to and from the airport, providing a seamless experience from door-to-door. First class guests will also be personally escorted through a dedicated Check In to the Etihad First Lounge and then for boarding. On arrival, guests will be accompanied from the aircraft door to their chauffeur, with porter services taking care of the luggage.

In Abu Dhabi, First guests will also soon benefit from complimentary Home Check-In and Land & Leave services, offering a baggage-free airport experience. At Zayed International Airport, First guests will be chauffeured to the aircraft door in a private limousine if the flight does not board directly from the terminal.

“First isn’t just a seat - it’s an experience that starts the moment you choose to fly with us,” added Neves. “We’re bringing First to more destinations and elevating it at every touchpoint, combining the elegance of champagne and caviar with the convenience of modern luxury."

Expanding Horizons

Etihad’s first A321LR enters service on 1 August 2025, with ten aircraft joining the fleet this year. The aircraft will fly from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to destinations including Algiers, Athens, Bangkok, Chennai, Chiang Mai, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Kolkata, Krabi, Medan, Milan, Paris, Phnom Penh, Phuket, Riyadh, Tunis, and Zurich.

With the A321LR at the heart of its fleet expansion, Etihad is reinforcing its role as a key enabler of tourism and economic development in Abu Dhabi, while delivering world-class service at every altitude.

Etihad 

ROUTES - ETIHAD EXPANDS PARIS SERVICE FROM MID-1Q26

Etihad Airways in last week’s schedule update filed service increase on Abu Dhabi – Paris Charles de Gaulle route, as the airline launches 3-class Airbus A321neo LR service on this route from 01FEB26. Overall service to increase from 14 to 18 weekly.

EY031 AUH0240 – 0730CDG 388 D

EY035 AUH0820 – 1300CDG 32Q x246

EY033 AUH1420 – 1910CDG 789 D

 EY032 CDG0945 – 1925AUH 388 D

EY036 CDG1450 – 0030+1AUH 32Q x246

EY034 CDG2050 – 0630+1AUH 789 D

Photo: Etihad

FLEET - Icelandair becomes Airbus operator with the A321LR

Hamburg, Germany, 3 December 2024 – Icelandair, based in Keflavik, has Share taken delivery of its first Airbus aircraft.

The A321LR marks the first step in the airlineʼs fleet renewal making it the newest Airbus operator.

The aircraft is the first of four to be leased from SMBC Aviation Capital Limited.

The airline will also take delivery of 13 A321XLRs.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, Icelandairʼs A321LR comprises 187 seats in a two-class configuration (22 Business and 165 Economy Class seats).

The aircraftʼs Airspace cabin features XL bins, providing 60% more stowage space compared to previous generation aircraft for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew alike.

In addition, Icelandair passengers will benefit from advanced gate to gate connectivity, next generation inflight entertainment and the latest lighting system enhancing well-being and the overall passenger experience on board.

The A321LR is ideally suited to transatlantic routes, providing extended range with an aircraft capable of flying routes up to 4,000 nautical miles.

The A321LRʼs cutting-edge technology and advanced fuel efficiency delivers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft. In addition, as with all Airbus aircraft, the A321neo aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), increasing to up to 100% SAF capability by 2030.

Icelandairʼs A321LR aircraft will support the airline's sustainability efforts, in regard to operational efficiency while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions.

To date more than 6,700 A321neo have been ordered by more than 90 customers across the globe.

 

ROUTES - ICELANDAIR OUTLINES A321NEO LR NETWORK FROM DEC 2024

Icelandair’s planned Airbus A321neo LR aircraft operation. At time the post went to press, AeroRoutes excluded selected routes due to end of schedule listing in the GDS involving Northern winter 2025/26 season from 26OCT25.

Latest summary of the carrier’s 187-seater (C22Y165) between December 2024 and December 2025 as follows, with information in underlined representing additional information previously not reported or specified in details on 07NOV24. Note selected routes will not see A321neo operation during selected periods or scheduled on selected dates only.

The carrier’s future A321neo LR operations remain subject to change.

Reykjavik Keflavik – Amsterdam One-time flight on 05JAN25, 2 weekly from 31OCT25

Reykjavik Keflavik – Barcelona First flight 02JUN25 (until 30AUG25)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Berlin First flight 01JUN25 (until 31AUG25)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Brussels 28MAY25 – 31MAY25 (followed by service from 01SEP25 – 24OCT25)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Copenhagen First flight 10DEC24 (A321neo LR operates 1 daily round-trip year round, 2 weekly from 27OCT25)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Dublin First flight 02FEB25 (until 25MAY25)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Frankfurt First flight 02NOV25 (1 weekly)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Glasgow First flight 30MAR25 (until 26OCT25)
Reykjavik Keflavik – London Heathrow First flight 23DEC24 (year-round A321neo LR service)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Manchester First flight 01APR25 (various dates in April 2025 until 18APR25)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Munich First flight 02MAY25 (Selected dates until 07MAY25, and selected dates 06SEP25 – 14SEP25)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Oslo First flight 24DEC24 (until 26OCT25)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Paris Charles de Gaulle First flight 02JUN25 (until 30AUG25)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Portland OR First flight 26OCT25 (A321neo LR-only service)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Rome Fiumicino First flight 01JUN25 (until 12SEP25)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Seattle First flight 07MAY25 (All flights operated by A321neo LR 01JUN25 – 13SEP25 during Summer season)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Stockholm Arlanda Tentatively scheduled as A321neo LR inaugural flight on 10DEC24

Reykjavik Keflavik – Tenerife South First flight 31OCT25 (2 weekly)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Toronto First flight 01MAY25 (No A321neo LR service scheduled 07MAY25 – 13SEP25. A321neo LR service scheduled until 25OCT25)

Reykjavik Keflavik – Zurich First flight 15SEP25 (until 26OCT25)
Aeroroutes

Photo: Icelandair

 

FLEET - Jetblue / A321LR / N4048J

Ton Jochems
 

NEW AIRLINE - Beond (UAE), which plans to begin operations in fall 2023

Beond (UAE), which plans to begin operations in fall 2023, will now initially operate a small fleet of A319, before switching to the A321 in 2024. Dubai and Delhi are the first two confirmed destinations. By the end of 2024, the airline plans to operate about a dozen aircraft, all on lease, including new A321LR

 

NEW AIRCRAFT - Romania's HiSky Europe eyes US services with A321neo(LR)s

HiSky Europe (H4, Iasi) has applied for a US Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) and an exemption to launch scheduled and charter services to the United States using its recently inducted A321-200NX(LR).

The carrier did not disclose any specific plans for the United States but applied for authority to operate scheduled and charter passenger, mail, and cargo services to the country. It did not respond to ch-aviation's request for added commentary.

HiSky Europe took delivery of the first of its two A321-200NX(LR)s on lease from Air Lease Corporation in early April 2023. YR-WOW (msn 10928) is currently deployed predominantly on medium-haul services from Romania to Dublin International, Dubai World Central, Hurghada, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion, and Malaga. Sistership YR-WIN (msn 10948) is currently under pre-delivery maintenance at Ostrava.

If granted an exemption and an FACP, HiSky would become the first carrier to run direct non-stop services between Romania and the United States since Tarom (RO, Bucharest Henri Coanda) did back in the 1990s/2000s.

The ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows the Romanian carrier also operates four A320-200s. Its sister carrier, HiSky (H7, Chisinau), operates a single A319-100.

CH Aviation

 

La Compagnie (France) will double its fleet by 2025, with the delivery of one A321LR in 1H 2024 and one in early 2025.

 

SAS Scandinavian Airlines chooses Digital Alliance’s Skywise Predictive Maintenance solution for its A320 Family fleet

 Dallas TX – April 26 2022 – The Digital Alliance has welcomed SAS Scandinavian Airlines as its first customer for its Skywise Predictive Maintenance (SPM) solution. The new solution chosen by the airline is called “SPM Alliance” and will enhance the operations of its A320 Family fleet of around 70 aircraft.

This is the first solution from the Digital Alliance combining predictive maintenance algorithms from Airbus as OEM, Delta TechOps as an MRO and operational expert and GE Digital as software expert. It encompasses a wide scope of components for aircraft and engines produced by various manufacturers.

“SAS is proud to be the launch customer of SPM Alliance and we look forward to using its powerful analytics,” said Marko Rudic, Head of Technical Operations at SAS. “Thanks to SPM Alliance, we will be able to pre-empt operational disruptions and accelerate maintenance decisions by predicting potential in-service issues across our large A320 Family fleet. This is the proactive approach to fleet technical management that SAS wants to take.”

“As airlines are on the path to recovery, it is more important than ever to support them in saving costs and optimising their fleets’ availability. This is precisely what SPM Alliance does: covering a wide scope of equipment, our new solution brings another dimension to predictive maintenance that will considerably reduce unplanned maintenance,” said Lionel Rouby, SVP Digital Solutions, Airbus.

The Digital Alliance was initiated with Delta TechOps in 2019 and then strengthened in 2021 with the arrival of GE Digital; it aims at developing a portfolio of nose-to-tail and cross-fleet solutions that will harness each member’s respective analytics capabilities expertise for airframes, systems and engines, to be accessed via a unified portal through the Skywise platform

TORONTO FROM COPENHAGEN AND STOCKHOLM

SAS expands its network in North America and will start direct routes to Toronto from Copenhagen and Stockholm in June 2022. SAS will operate three weekly flights from Copenhagen and four weekly flights from Stockholm with brand-new A321LR aircraft.



Toronto is the fourth largest city in North America, an international center for business and finance, a truly cosmopolitan city with a vast array of experiences for travelers, from major sports and culture events to great outdoor sceneries around the Great Lakes.

“We are happy to announce direct flights from Scandinavia to Toronto, taking the next step in strengthening our North America network. SAS’ new routes will make travel between Scandinavia and Canada easy and convenient for our travelers. Flights depart from Scandinavia at midday and from Toronto in the afternoon enabling good connections in either end to other destinations, says Karl Sandlund, EVP Commercial, SAS.

SAS direct routes to Toronto will start in June 2022, provided that SAS obtains the necessary approval from the authorities. Ticket sales will start soon.

The Toronto routes will be operated by A321LR aircraft in a three-class configuration with 157 seats; 22 seats in SAS Business, 12 seats in SAS Plus (premium economy), and 123 seats in SAS Go (economy).

“SAS aims to be a global leader in sustainable aviation. As we continue to phase in new, fuel-efficient aircraft we now have one of Europe’s most modern fleets. The new, state-of-the-art aircraft will give our customers a more pleasant, comfortable and sustainable way of traveling,” continues Sandlund.

In the coming summer season, SAS will fly to a total of seven destinations in the US and Canada: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Toronto.

Schedules to and from Toronto:

Copenhagen-Toronto: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Toronto-Copenhagen: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Stockholm-Toronto: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Toronto-Stockholm: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Facts about Airbus 321LR

The aircraft has 22 Business, 12 Plus and 123 Go, meaning a total of 157 seats in a single aisle aircraft. The seats are especially chosen for the A321LR to optimize the comfort in all three travel classes. Seats in SAS Business are fully flat seat beds and there are different mood light scenarios in the cabins, as well as hi-speed Wi-Fi. Every seat is equipped with IFE screens, PC-power and/or hi-power USB. The reduced noise level inside the cabin will further enhance the travel experience onboard.

The A321LR is part of SAS’ ongoing fleet renewal and will reduce climate-impacting emissions in comparison to previous generations of similar aircraft.

SAS