Airline News Page 116
Airline Profitability to Strengthen Slightly in 2025 Despite Headwinds
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced updates to its 2025 airline industry financial outlook, showing improved profitability over 2024 and resilience in the face of global economic and political shifts.
Policy Shortcomings Puts SAF Production at Risk
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it expects Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production to reach 2 million tonnes (Mt) (2.5 billion liters) or 0.7% of airlines’ total fuel consumption in 2025.
$1.3 Billion in Airline Funds Blocked by Governments
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that $1.3 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of end April 2025. This is a significant amount, although it is an improvement of 25% compared with the $1.7 billion reported for October 2024. IATA urged governments to remove all barriers preventing airlines from the timely repatriation of their revenues from ticket sales and other activities in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations.
Emirates Partners with Al Ain FC
Emirates and Al Ain Football Club have today announced a partnership which will see the airline as an Official Partner of the Club. The partnership comes as Al Ain FC marks a historic milestone, earning a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™. The Club will compete at the prestigious FIFA tournament kicking off on 14 June in the US. Emirates will also become the Official Airline Partner of the Club during the 25/26 season.
Springboks to Face Barbarians FC in 3rd Edition of the Qatar Airways Cup
Qatar Airways is proud to announce the 3rd edition of the Qatar Airways Cup, an event that has quickly become an exciting staple in the global rugby calendar. The match will see reigning Rugby World Cup Champions South Africa face the famous British-based Barbarians FC at DHL Stadium, Cape Town, on Saturday, 28 June 2025. It will be the first-ever men’s teams clash between the two sides on South African soil.
Croatia Airlines outlines A220-100 deployment
Croatia Airlines is due to take delivery of its first 127-seat Airbus A220-100 aircraft in October. As the carrier continues its transition to an all A220 fleet, the jet will become the smallest aircraft in its fleet, which will be dominated by the slightly larger A220-300s. Starting October 26, the airline plans to deploy the aircraft exclusively between Zagreb and Brussels. It will replace the 76-seat Dash 8 turboprop which was primarily utilised on the service the previous winter season. At this point, between late October 2025 and late March 2026, the aircraft will not be used on any other route, however, this is subject to change at this early stage.
EgyptAir extends 777 leases and refurbishes fleet to sustain growth
EgyptAir has signed a deal with lessor AerCap to extend the leases on its fleet of five Boeing 777-300ERs.
IATA reports 13.6% rise in African airlines’ international passenger demand in April 2025
African airlines saw a 13.6% rise in international passenger demand in April 2025 compared to April 2024, showing steady recovery and growth in Africa’s aviation market amid a global rebound. This data was obtained from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s April 2025 report, which also showed African carriers increased international passenger capacity by 8.9% year-on-year. Despite this growth, Africa recorded the lowest load factor among regions at 76.3%, meaning fewer than eight in ten seats on international flights were filled.
Airline leaders assemble for IATA AGM in Delhi
Leaders of the global aviation industry are gathering for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) taking place in New Delhi, India from 1-3 June 2025.
Aviation Leaders Assemble in New Delhi for IATA’s 81st AGM
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that leaders of the global aviation industry are gathering for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) which will take place in New Delhi, India from 1-3 June 2025. India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is expected to deliver a keynote address to delegates. IndiGo is the host airline of the event, which was last held in India in 1983. Some 1,700 participants are registered to attend, including industry leaders, government officials and media.
JetBlue and United Announce Blue Sky: Unique Consumer Collaboration That Links Loyalty Programs
JetBlue and United today announced Blue Sky: a new and unique collaboration that gives customers of both airlines even more options to find flights that fit their plans as well as new opportunities to earn and use MileagePlus® miles and TrueBlue points across both airlines.
Alaska Airlines launches new era of inflight dining with Chef's (tray) Table
Alaska Airlines is further elevating inflight dining with the launch of its newest culinary initiative, Chef's (tray) Table, a First Class dining program designed by celebrated chefs up and down the West Coast.