NEW AIRLINE - Zoom (US) is a new airline being planned by industry veteran Ed Wegel

It will launch with E190/E195 as it awaits A220s in a few years. Zoom will work closely with his other planned venture, UrbanLink to connect passengers and prepare pilots.

 

FLEET - AIR NIUGINI WELCOMES ANOTHER BOEING 737 AIRCRAFT

Air Niugini has announced the arrival of its third Boeing 737 aircraft into Port Moresby last night(Sunday 12th May).

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gary Seddon said the Air Niugini fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft will support the domestic and international operations while progress is made toward the introduction of the new Airbus A220 aircraft from late 2025.

Carrying the registration P2-PXB (Bravo), the new addition has a total of 162 seats: 12 business and 150 economy class. The 737s are replacing Fokker aircraft operations (where possible) as Air Niugini introduces greater capacity on domestic trunk routes, similar to the very popular Lae Express.

“The Fokker jet aircraft have done a tremendous job over the decades; safely and reliably meeting our air transport needs. The new Airbus A220s will replace the retiring Fokkers and become the backbone to Air Niugini’s fleet. In the meantime, our Boeing 737s provide excellent reliability, comfort and safety.”

Mr Seddon thanked Air Niugini’s valued customers for their continued support and loyalty.

“ We look forward to the near future when the challenges of jet fuel and airport infrastructure are behind us. We can focus on expanding our network, providing more value for money, and greater reliability in the schedule.” Mr Seddon concluded.

AIR NIUGINI 

 

NEW AIRLINE - SmartLynx's A321P2F arrives in Brazil, first of its kind to operate in South America

The first Airbus A321P2F (freighter converted from passenger to cargo) to operate on the South American continent has arrived in Brazil ahead of its entry into service with the new Brazilian cargo company, Levu Air Cargo. The aircraft, leased to Levu Air, will fly exclusively on routes within the continent on behalf of DHL Express.

 Levu Air Cargo plans to operate in national and international markets through its own fleet and strategic partnerships. The company is headquartered in Campinas, one of the main aviation hubs in Brazil. It also plans to operate from bases in Recife, Belém and Manaus.

Photos: SmartLynx`s

AIRCRAFT - Cessna SkyCourier earns FAA certification for new Combi option, bringing further innovation and functionality to cargo and passenger transport

Textron Aviation today announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted certification of a new Combi interior conversion option for the passenger variant of the twin-engine, Cessna SkyCourier turboprop aircraft.
 

ROUTES - flydubai is considering the B787 for routes to London, Bangkok and Australia

Flydubai, the sister airline of mega carrier Emirates, is considering serving an as yet undisclosed number of Australian cities when it begins taking delivery of its new fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners it currently has on order. The company has ordered 30 787-9 Dreamliners, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026.

Russian-made planes will be renamed ‘Yakovlev’

Russian-made commercial aircraft, such as the Superjet SJ-100 regional jet and the single-aisle MC-21 medium-sized airliner, could soon receive a new brand.

 

FLEET / HYBRIDS c/s - Uzbekistan Airways wet-leases two A330s

Uzbekistan Airways (HY, Tashkent International) has wet-leased two A330-200s from local carrier Qanot Sharq (HH, Tashkent International) for one year, meaning the latter has reverted to narrowbody-only in-house operations.

UK-33020 (msn 1237) entered into service for the flag carrier on May 20, operating the Tashkent International-Istanbul Airport-Tashkent rotation. It is configured for up to 265 passengers, including 18 in business class and features a hybrid livery with Uzbekistan Airways branding. The aircraft was last in service with Qanot Sharq on April 25, 2024, used by the privately owned carrier mainly to run leisure and Umrah charters for just over two months.

The other A330, UK-33021 (msn 1260), was delivered to Tashkent in mid-December 2023 but has not been active since then. It has the same cabin layout. Both aircraft are of ex-Air China stock and are just under 13 years of age.

"The decision to add A330 aircraft was made as part of the airline's development strategy and Uzbekistan Airways' plans to expand its flight geography and increase the frequency of existing routes. Our goal is to consistently grow each year to maintain Uzbekistan Airways' status as one of the most reliable and safe carriers on the international stage," the flag carrier's chief executive, Shukhrat Khudaykulov, said.

The state-owned carrier's in-house widebody passenger fleet comprises five B767-300ERs and seven B787-8s. It does not have any outstanding orders for widebody aircraft.

Following the wet lease of the two A330s, one of which was never in revenue service with the airline, Qanot Sharq relies on narrowbody aircraft, operating two A320-200s and two A321-200NX.

CH Aviation
Photo:Daniil Shulimov

UK33020 - Airbus A330-243

SPECIAL SCHEME - JAL Unveils 'JAL MYAKU-MYAKU JET' for International Routes in Expo 2025 Celebration

Japan Airlines announces the introduction of a special livery on its international flight aircraft, the Boeing 787-8, to commemorate the 2025 World Exposition (EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan) held in Yumeshima, Osaka, from April 13 to October 13, 2025. This special design, featuring the Expo's official character 'MYAKU-MYAKU' among other original elements of the EXPO 2025, is scheduled to begin operations on June 3. This initiative follows the introduction of a special livery on the Embraer 190 aircraft operated by J-AIR, based at Osaka International (Itami) Airport, marking it as the second phase in this series.

The deployment of the second aircraft is aimed to introduce both domestic and international passengers to EXPO 2025, encouraging visits not only to the exposition but also to various destinations throughout Japan. Details regarding the launch date and flight schedules will be provided on the JAL website.

Furthermore, plans are in place to introduce a third special livery aircraft (for domestic flights) in the future. Please look forward to further updates.

With the operation of the ‘JAL MYAKU-MYAKU JET,’ Japan Airlines is committed to contributing to the success of the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

Details of the ‘JAL MYAKU-MYAKU JET’

◆Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8（Ship Number: JA823J）
Length: 56.7m Height: 16.9m Width: 60.1m
Seat Capacity: 206（Business Class: 30 seats, Economy Class: 176 seats）

◆Scheduled Launch Date: June 03, 2024

◆Serving Route:

Tokyo (Haneda) to Seoul (Gimpo), Taipei (Songshan), Dalian, Shanghai (Pudong), Ho Chi Minh City

Tokyo (Narita) to Bangkok

Osaka (Kansai) to Bangkok, Taipei (Taoyuan)

◆Scheduled Serving Period: August, 2025

About EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan:

https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/

About the official character ‘MYAKU-MYAKU’:

A symbol of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

A mysterious creature born from the unification of cells and water.

Its identity is unknown.

The red part is the “cell,” which divides and increases.

The blue part is “clean water,” which can be transformed to flow.

The character will be utilized to publicize and foster the momentum of the Expo. To learn more, visit: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/overview/character/

AIRBUS ORDER - Saudia Group orders 105 A320neo Family aircraft to support Saudi Arabia’s aviation goals

 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 20 May 2024 - Saudia Group, represented by Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and flyadeal, the group’s low-cost carrier, has signed a firm order for an additional 105 A320neo Family aircraft. The order comprises 12 A320neo and 93 A321neo aircraft. This increases Saudia Group’s Airbus aircraft order backlog to 144 A320neo family aircraft.

The agreement was announced at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh in the presence of H.E. Saleh bin Nasser AIJasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: "Saudia has ambitious operational objectives to meet growing demand. We are increasing flights and seat capacity across our existing 100+ destinations on four continents, with plans for further expansion. The progress of Saudi Vision 2030 is attracting more visits, tourists, entrepreneurs, and pilgrims each year. This motivated our decision to secure this significant deal, which will create jobs, increase local content, and contribute to the national economy."

“The new additions of the A320neo family aircraft will play a vital role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’ ambitious Vision 2030 plan,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “It will enable Saudia Group’s strategy to advance the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities while enabling both airlines to benefit from the A320neo Family’s exceptional efficiency, superior economics, highest level of passenger comfort as well as lower fuel-burn and emissions."

Saudi Arabia is creating unprecedented opportunities for global aviation through the Saudi National Tourism Strategy, which targets more than 150 million tourists by 2030. This order with Airbus will play a significant role in strengthening the Kingdom’s ambition of becoming one of the top global tourism destinations.

The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single aisle aircraft having won over 18,000 orders from over 300 customers in all markets. The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and at least 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximizing passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky. As with all Airbus aircraft, the entire A320 Family is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

FLEET / ROUTES - CORENDON DUTCH ADDS LEASED CANADA JETLINES A320-200 / G-GJLQ IN NS24

Photo:Bjorn Van der Velpen

Corendon Dutch Airlines in Northern summer 2024 season is leasing Airbus A320 aircraft from Canada Jetlines, mainly operating on following routes throughout the season from 19APR24.

Amsterdam – Burgas
Maastricht – Antalya
Maastricht – Burgas
Maastricht – Irakleion
Maastricht – Palma de Mallorca
Maastricht – Malaga
Maastricht – Zakynthos
Rotterdam – Al Hoceima
Rotterdam – Antalyta
Rotterdam – Izmir
Rotterdam – Kayseri

AIRPORT - Los Angeles International Airport - 03/ 2024

K.C.Wong
 

AIRPORT - EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg - 05/2024

Paul Bannwarth

 

AIRLINE - Riyadh Air (Saudi Arabia) plans to expand its fleet with additional aircraft orders, including a large narrowbody order, on top of the 2023 order for 39 B787-9 jets, with options for 33 more.