WebWire | News by Industry : Airlines / Aviation

Lufthansa Group significantly improves operating result in first quarter and maintains positive full-year outlook

Fri, 8 May 2026 09:56:02 EDT

- - • Total revenues increase by eight percent to 8.7 billion euros in the first quarter - • Adjusted EBIT improves by 110 million euros to -612 million euros - • Middle East crisis negatively impacts fuel prices while positively affecting demand in passenger airlines and cargo business - • Lufthansa Cargo continues positive trend, improving Adjusted EBIT by 21 million euros compared to prior year - • Lufthansa Technik achieves Adjusted EBIT of 158 million euros, a result on par with...

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AirAsia X (AirAsia Group) makes history with record order for 150 Airbus A220s, with options for another 150; Debuts as launch customer for new 160-Seat configuration

Fri, 8 May 2026 04:39:03 EDT

- - • Fleet strategy now complete to build the first narrowbody global low-cost network carrier - • Strategic phase-out of the A330 fleet toward a high-utilisation, narrowbody operational model - • Deployment of A220-300 to expand connectivity into high-growth thin markets and increase flight frequencies on established trunk routes, offering guests ultimate schedule flexibility - • Future-proofing with the A220-500 as successor to the aging A320 fleet, providing a seamle...

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Millions of Velocity Members to Boost Rewards with Once-a-Year Pick Your Bonus Offer

Fri, 8 May 2026 04:32:23 EDT

Millions of Velocity Frequent Flyer members will be able to fast-track their next reward or status upgrade by choosing double Velocity Points or double Status Credits on eligible Virgin Australia flights*. - - The limited-time offer, one of the program's biggest of the year, is available on all eligible bookings made until midnight AEST next Friday 15 May 2026 for travel until 31 December 2026. - - Designed to deliver greater value, the offer gives Velocity members the flexibility to tailor...

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easyJet and easyJet holidays Booking with Confidence Promise

Fri, 8 May 2026 02:58:05 EDT

easyJet is not seeing any disruption to fuel supply. We continue to operate our flights and package holidays as normal and are not making changes or cancellations. - - We remain in close contact with suppliers who continue to provide uninterrupted supply and are diversifying exporting from additional countries globally to bolster supplies going forward. - - Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, said: - - “I want our customers to book with confidence this summer. We are operating as normal and are...

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Mindtrip launches travel's first all-in-one agentic AI flight booking experience, powered by partnership with Sabre and PayPal

Thu, 7 May 2026 10:31:21 EDT

Mindtrip, an AI-powered platform that empowers people to travel differently, today announced the launch of Mindtrip Flights, a new, conversation-led experience that makes it easier to find, compare, and book flights while making smarter decisions along the way. - - Powered by Sabre's AI-native travel platform, Sabre Mosaic™, offering agentic-ready Air APIs and integrated with PayPal's agentic commerce services, Mindtrip Flights brings real-time flight options and booking into one seamless...

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Guests can now earn Delta miles on qualifying experiences and services

Tue, 5 May 2026 18:45:16 EDT

Key Takeaways - - - • The decade-long partnership between Airbnb and Delta Air Lines has expanded, allowing travelers to earn Delta miles on Airbnb Experiences and Services, in addition to Airbnb Stays. - - • SkyMiles Members now earn 1 Delta mile per $1 USD spent on qualifying Airbnb Stays and 3 Delta miles per $1 USD on qualifying Airbnb Experiences and Services. - - • When Airbnb and Delta SkyMiles accounts are connected, travelers can now see an estimate of Delta miles they can earn...

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Lufthansa Launches Stopover Program

Fri, 1 May 2026 13:11:24 EDT

- - • Munich stopover now available for booking on Singapore and U.S. routes - • Flexible stays from 24 hours to seven days can be paired with tourist offerings in Munich - • Gradual expansion to additional destinations and stopover hubs planned - - - Turning a layover into a city trip: Lufthansa now offers passengers on Singapore and U.S. routes the opportunity to extend their stopover at the Munich hub for up to seven days. As an additional step, hotels and other tourist offerings i...

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easyJet and easyJet holidays announce 'Book with Confidence Promise'

Fri, 1 May 2026 13:02:10 EDT

- - • easyJet offers customers confidence to book their summer holiday as the season kicks off this Bank Holiday weekend - • Airline guarantees prices of booked flights and packages will not increase post-booking protecting customers from rising fuel costs - • easyJet intends to operate its full schedule of flights and holidays across its network with 30 new routes also now available from the UK for sun-seekers and city explorers - • Airline gears up for its largest summer progr...

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SAS: Lack of sustainable fuel could push aviation into new energy crisis

Fri, 1 May 2026 10:14:33 EDT

SAS warns that Europe is heading toward a structural shortage of e-SAF (electro-sustainable aviation fuel) just as the EU's ReFuelEU Aviation regulation enters into force. The new report, “The Need for e-SAF in Scandinavia,” shows that demand for e-SAF will rise sharply from 2030, while no European production facility has yet reached Final Investment Decision (FID). - - “What we are seeing now is a reminder of how exposed Europe remains to global fuel shocks. If we fail to build domestic e...

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IATA Pilots Billing & Settlement Plan in Somalia

Fri, 1 May 2026 04:51:51 EDT

IATA has launched a pilot of its Billing & Settlement Plan (BSP) in Somalia, paving the way for a full launch of the service at the end of May 2026. - - The launch of the BSP supports the Somali government's ambition to grow its aviation sector and expand global connectivity. With a global diaspora and growing trade links across Africa and the Middle East, demand for air travel has surged. - - Four travel agents and several airlines serving the country, including Ethiopian Airlines, will p...

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Stronger first quarter for KLM, but fuel prices put pressure on the rest of 2026

Fri, 1 May 2026 04:46:52 EDT

KLM Group realized a turnover of €3.0 billion in the first quarter of 2026, almost the same as a year earlier. The operational result improved by more than €84 million to -€114 million, partly thanks to a strong operation, capacity growth and the Back on Track improvement program. From the second quarter, KLM expects that the consequences of the geopolitical uncertainty will become highly visible. - - KLM CEO, Marjan Rintel: “The results for the first quarter show that we are taking good...

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Southwest Joins IATA Schedule Data Exchange Program

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:58:04 EDT

Southwest Airlines has joined IATA's Schedule Data Exchange Program (SDEP), bringing the number of contributing airlines to 190. - - The SDEP was launched in late 2023 to build a uniquely airline-owned schedule and minimum connecting time exceptions database. Schedule data underpins many aspects of an airline's business, including network planning, slot coordination, and interline agreements. Data coverage now exceeds 70% available seat kilometers (ASKs) of airlines based in Asia, Middle...

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KLM Embraer 195 E2 back into service after a temporary grounding at Twente Airport

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:58:22 EDT

In 2024, KLM Cityhopper temporarily parked four Embraer 195 E2 aircraft at Twente Airport due to problems with engine availabillity. To provide optimal protection for the aircraft during this period, they were innovatively encased in a so-called “cocoon.” Engine availability has since returned to normal, and the aircraft can gradually return to service. This week, the second aircraft will be unpacked. - - KLM Cityhopper's Embraer 195 E2 aircraft are equipped with engines from the Pratt &...

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Air New Zealand's refreshed loyalty programme Koru officially takes off

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:16:35 EDT

Air New Zealand is launching a refreshed loyalty programme today called Koru, marking a significant shift in how the airline recognises its customers and the role travel plays in their lives. - - From today, more than five million members will move across to Koru. It's been designed using feedback from customers and replaces the Airpoints™ programme with a simpler, more rewarding platform that caters to how people in New Zealand travel and use their loyalty programme. - - Air New Zealand...

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ITA Airways to save fuel and reduce emissions in 2026 thanks to AI-powered tool

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:15:19 EDT

AI-based climb profile optimization will help ITA Airways, Italy's national carrier, to reduce fuel consumption. The airline has already achieved substantial reductions and is on track to deliver more than 7,100 tons of fuel savings and over 22,100 tons of CO2 across 2025 and 2026. The airline's innovative, data-driven approach, supported by SITA OptiFlight®, will enhance performance while delivering benefits and cost savings. - - Rolled out across ITA Airways' fleet, SITA OptiFlight® calcu...

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Get set for summer with easyJet and easyJet holidays' Big Orange Sale

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:25 EDT

- - • Discounted fares of up to 20% off across selected flights departing between 1st May 2026 and 14 March 2027 - • Over 730K seats are now available to book from until 5th May - • Up to £400 off all easyJet holidays packages, with free kids places available until October 2027. - - - easyJet and easyJet holidays have launched their summer sale - the Big Orange Sale - for Brits looking to explore more of Europe and beyond with discounted flights available across this Summer thro...

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CNS Preparing for 2026 Annual Partnership Conference in San Francisco

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:57:56 EDT

Cargo Network Services Corporation (CNS) is gearing up to host its annual Partnership Conference in San Francisco (USA) from 18-20 May 2026. - - Being held under the theme “Elevating Air Cargo: Partnerships, Progress & Possibilities”, the conference is the premier networking event for the US air cargo industry, bringing together around 700 stakeholders and representatives from across the air cargo value chain. The CNS Partnership Conference combines informative plenary sessions and presen...

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Virgin Australia Supercharges Sale Releasing More Than 1 Million Additional Domestic Sale Fares from $55*

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:46:13 EDT

Virgin Australia has expanded its mega sale with fares starting from $55 (one-way, Economy Lite), giving travellers access to more than 1.5 million discounted fares across its domestic network since Monday, redefining what a real sale fare looks like 😉. - - For guests wanting a little extra travel comfort without the high price tag, the airline's premium extra legroom Economy seating, Economy X is available on selected flights starting from just $15 ** (per person, per sector, Adel...

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Thales, Viasat and partners complete Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) connectivity demo

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:51:37 EDT

Viasat Inc., a global leader in satellite communications, and partners Thales, Dimetor, TTP plc and the European Space Agency (ESA), have completed successful flight trials at Cranfield University using the National Flying Laboratory Centre's Bulldog light aircraft, as part of the Iris RPAS programme. - - The initiative is contributing to a coordinated effort to build real-world evidence around trusted, resilient connectivity for BVLOS uncrewed aircraft operations. - - The trial forms part...

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Bombardier and Vista Sign Service Agreement Focused on Smart Parts Programs

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:17:24 EDT

- - • Long-term services agreement of approximately US$300 million over the term of the agreement will provide Vista fleet with cost-predictability and essential peace-of-mind - • Agreement centered on Bombardier's pioneering Smart Parts cost-per-flight hour coverage for Vista's recent order of Challenger 3500 aircraft and a large portion of its existing fleet (1) - • Bombardier's Smart Parts programs have been providing customers with cost protection and predictable flight hour rates fo...

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SATNUS successfully completed the fourth flight demonstration campaign under Pillar 3 of the Next Generation Weapon System/ Future Combat Air System (NGWS/FCAS) program

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:16:02 EDT

During the third and fourth week of March, SATNUS successfully completed the fourth flight demonstration campaign under Pillar 3 of the Next Generation Weapon System/ Future Combat Air System (NGWS/FCAS) program at the INTA-CEDEA facilities. The campaign consisted of nine flights aimed at verifying the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUT) software led by SATNUS and developed in collaboration with the international partners Airbus GmbH and MBDA, integrated into the Next Generation Autonomy Compute...

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SAS and E.ON launch EV charging partnership

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:07:37 EDT

E.ON Drive Infrastructure runs one of Denmark's largest public charging networks and an expanding network in Sweden, covering ultra-fast motorway chargers and urban charging points. Together with SAS EuroBonus, a loyalty program with millions of members in Scandinavia, the partnership creates a direct link between everyday EV charging and the travel benefits members already use. - - “This partnership is a further step in our ambition to develop EuroBonus and strengthen the program's releva...

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Lufthansa Group Accelerates Strategy Implementation

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:02:56 EDT

- - • Accelerated capacity and fleet measures due to increased kerosene costs and additional burdens from labor disputes - • Capacity reduction in three steps: - - - • (a) During the current summer flight schedule: - Immediate and permanent removal of Lufthansa CityLine's capacity from the program - • (b) At the end of the summer flight schedule: - Retirement of the last four A340-600s and grounding of two B747-400s - • (c) During the 2026/2027 winter flight schedule: - Additional capacity reduc...

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IATA Statement on Potential Jet Fuel Shortages

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:51:08 EDT

“The IEA's assessment of potential jet fuel shortages is sobering. We have also estimated that by the end of May we could start to see some cancellations in Europe for lack of jet fuel. This is already happening in parts of Asia. Along with doing everything possible to secure alternative supply lines, it's important that authorities have well-communicated and well-coordinated plans in place in case rationing becomes necessary, including for slot relief,” said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director...

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New direct flight from Berlin to Kuusamo Airport this winter

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:08:35 EDT

Winter route connections to Kuusamo are set to become even stronger. The airline Eurowings will launch a new direct scheduled flight from Berlin to Kuusamo Airport next winter. The route from the German capital will operate once a week. “It's great to see growing interest in Kuusamo's unique nature and winter experiences. Eurowings' new direct connection from Berlin strengthens the region's international appeal and offers German travelers a smooth route straight to northern adventures,” say...

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NHV Group Introduces Airbus H160 Helicopters

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:05:23 EDT

NHV Group is proud to announce the introduction of factory-new Airbus H160 helicopters to its fleet, leased from GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF). The addition of these aircraft marks an important step in the company's ongoing development, further strengthening NHV's offshore operations and supporting the next phase of its growth. - - Lars-Henrik Thorngreen, CEO of NHV said: “The introduction of the H160 represents an important objective for NHV. It underlines our commitment to building a moder...

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Conny Braams and Ugo de Carolis join Royal Schiphol Group's Supervisory Board

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:33:18 EDT

Conny Braams and Ugo de Carolis are joining Royal Schiphol Group's Supervisory Board. They succeed Simone Brummelhuis and Declan Collier, who are stepping down. Royal Schiphol Group shareholders appointed Braams and De Carolis for a period of four years at the general shareholders meeting. - - Conny Braams was Chief Digital and Commercial Officer at Unilever and member of the executive committee until 2023. She was responsible for the company's worldwide digital and commercial transformat...

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easyJet marks major Morocco expansion with Marrakech base launch, adding 6 new routes and year-round connectivity on existing routes

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:00:27 EDT

- - • easyJet's first-ever base in Africa has now started operations. - • This launch has been enabled by the development partnership between easyJet and the Moroccan National Tourist Office (MNTO). - • The three-aircraft base in Marrakech cements easyJet's position as the #2 airline in Marrakech and helps create up to one hundred direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs. - • Based operations in Morocco will help easyJet connect the country to more European destinations and offer mor...

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If you go, make it unforgettable – KLM Netherlands new brand campaign

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:57:05 EDT

KLM Netherlands is launching the “Travel Well Instructions” campaign, in which the cabin crew inspires travelers on their journeys. “If you go, make it unforgettable” is the message of the new commercial. - - “Travel Well is about traveling for the moments that really matter,” says Femke de Zeeuw, Director of Marketing Communications & Brand at KLM Netherlands. “This film shows that traveling with KLM isn't just about where you're going, but above all about how you experience it. We contr...

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Aviation Holds the Key to Unlocking Economic Benefits for Kazakhstan

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:42:32 EDT

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted the value of air transport for Kazakhstan, emphasizing that the country's continued focus on aviation has delivered growing benefits for jobs and economic activity. - - In Kazakhstan, 44,700 people are directly employed in aviation, generating USD 2.1 billion (KZT 1,01 billion) in economic output—equal to 0.8% of total GDP. Wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities contribute a total of USD 6.4 bi...

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The future of long haul travel: Air New Zealand's Economy Skynest™ on sale from May 2026

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:03:13 EDT

On some of the world's longest commercial flights to and from New Zealand, Skynest is designed to make a real difference to the journey. Featuring six lie-flat pods in a bunk-style layout between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, it gives customers the opportunity to stretch out, lie flat and get a few hours' proper rest in the air. Air New Zealand Chief Executive, Nikhil Ravishankar, says Skynest is another example of the airline backing innovation that improves the travel experience...

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YDA Dalaman Airport Enhances Operations With a Real-Time Platform to Support Reliable Travel to T�rkiye

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:00:35 EDT

YDA Dalaman Airport, the gateway to T�rkiye's stunning Turquoise Coast, announced a milestone digital transformation of its operations. By implementing a single real-time management platform in partnership with SITA, the airport has achieved total visibility over its infrastructure, ensuring seamless travel during peak tourism seasons. - - When systems are disconnected, even minor disruptions can become more complex to manage, particularly as demand increases. This can impact gate availabil...

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SES, Japan Airlines to Expand Multi-Orbit Inflight Connectivity to Long-Haul Fleet

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:17:45 EDT

SES, a leading space solutions company, today announced that Japan Airlines (JAL) has selected SES to deliver new multi-orbit inflight connectivity (IFC) for its Airbus and Boeing long-haul fleet, supporting the airline's ongoing commitment to an onboard experience that enables passengers to stay connected with fast, dependable internet access. - - Under the agreement, JAL will install SES's multi-orbit electronically steered antenna (ESA) system on 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft (linefit), 10...

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Thales launches FlytEDGE Aura: the power of FlytEDGE with a future-ready IFE seat-end

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:53:27 EDT

- - • FlytEDGE Aura is the lightest In-flight Entertainment (IFE) solution on the market with an optimized seatback architecture, featuring a timeless and sleek design and stunning 4K HDR10+ Tandem OLED displays. - - • Fast-charging power with dual in-screen USB-C ports, 2 Bluetooth 6.0 connections and Wi-FI 7.0 for unmatched wireless experience. - - • 6 x more powerful than before – ultra-smart, ultra-fast performance is enabled by a cutting-edge Qualcomm processor embedded in e...

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Viasat Enters Technical Evaluation Process with Boeing to Qualify Viasat AERA for 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Aircraft

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:39:27 EDT

Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today during the Aircraft Interior Expo (AIX), announced it has entered Boeing's technical evaluation process to assess and qualify Viasat AERA, the company's next-generation electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal, across all current Boeing commercial airplane programs. Viasat AERA is designed for installation using the Boeing Aerodynamic Shroud antenna fairing, reinforcing its alignment with Boeing's future-f...

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