Airline News Page 13
Norwegian named Europe’s most punctual airline as it heads into the busy summer season
Norwegian has been named Europe’s most punctual airline in May 2026, according to the latest On-Time Performance (OTP) rankings from Cirium, the leading aviation analytics company. With an On-time performance score of 88.58 percent as measured by Cirium, Norwegian ranked first among all European airlines, underlining the company’s strong operational performance and reliability ahead of the peak summer travel season.
RYANAIR’S NEW SUMMER 2026 MANCHESTER ROUTES TAKE OFF
Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, has announced that the first flights of its new Summer 2026 routes from Manchester to Castellon, took off on Mon, 1 June, and to Rimini, which took off on Wed, 3 June. Ryanair will operate 2 weekly flights on these exciting new Summer 2026 routes, providing its UK customers with even more choice at Europe’s lowest fares.
AROYA Cruises Announces Strategic Partnership with Lufthansa City Center International
AROYA Cruises, the first Arabian cruise line and a subsidiary of Cruise Saudi, a Public Investment Fund portfolio company, today announced a strategic international travel trade partnership with Lufthansa City Center International (LCCI), the international franchisor of the Lufthansa City Center (LCC) global travel agency network. This partnership marks an important step in AROYA Cruises’ global distribution strategy, supporting the cruise line’s ambition to bring its "Remarkably Arabian" hospitality to new international audiences and strengthen its reach across key source markets.
Aeroflot to continue regular flights to Seychelles during the summer season
Aeroflot will continue operating regular flights to Seychelles during the summer season. Flights will commence on July 8 on will be operated using wide-body Airbus A350 aircraft in a three-class configuration: Economy, Comfort, and Business. Tickets are available.
Etihad and TAROM Open New Links Across Eastern Europe
Etihad Airways and TAROM, the national airline of Romania, have signed a codeshare agreement that connects Etihad’s global guests with Romania and Eastern Europe, and links travellers from Romania to Abu Dhabi, Etihad’s home and gateway to its worldwide network. The agreement was signed at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro. Under the partnership, Etihad guests can book a single ticket on TAROM flights from Bucharest to six cities across Romania: Baia Mare, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Oradea, Suceava, and Timisoara. The codeshare also extends to four Eastern European capitals: Belgrade, Budapest, Chisinau, and Sofia. Guests from Romania, in turn, can reach Abu Dhabi from Bucharest on Etihad’s new service.
ANA and Lufthansa Group to add ITA Airways to Their Europe Japan Joint Venture
ITA Airways takes another step towards becoming part of the Lufthansa Group. The strategic Japan Europe Joint Venture of All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Lufthansa Group (LHG) will be expanded to include ITA Airways by the Lufthansa Group as of autumn of this year. A corresponding agreement was signed the previous day at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro.
Jetstar introduces Points Plus Pay for Business Class upgrades
Jetstar has launched Points Plus Pay for Business Class upgrades, adding a new upgrade option for eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer members. Through Points Plus Pay, eligible Frequent Flyers can bid for a Business Class seat on Jetstar‑operated Boeing 787 international flights using a combination of Qantas Points and cash, creating additional flexibility and great value when upgrading.
Winners of the 8th Edition of IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards Announced
“Diversity and inclusion give opportunities for the broadest of talent pools to build long-term, sustainable careers. Moreover, it brings airlines even closer to the diverse communities they connect to global networks. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s awards. They demonstrate the many ways that the aviation industry is growing stronger by advancing diversity and inclusion best practices,” said Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief, Air Transport World and Chair of the judging panel.
WIZZ AIR DECLARES THE BEGINNING OF THE END FOR AIRPLANE MODE
Today, Wizz Air announces plans to roll out Starlink connectivity across its fleet in 2027, becoming the first European ultra-low-cost carrier to bring Starlink's advanced in-flight internet technology to millions of travellers. This announcement marks a significant milestone not only for Wizz Air, but for the evolution of affordable and always-connected air travel.
Boeing Delivers Riyadh Air's First Two 787 Dreamliner Jets
Boeing and Riyadh Air announced that the new carrier's first two passenger airplanes, 787 Dreamliners, were delivered and arrived in Riyadh, a milestone for the airline as it prepares to launch commercial service.
Air Canada and Abra Group to Expand Travel and Connectivity between Canada & Latin America
Air Canada and Abra Group today announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a broad, long-term strategic partnership. The agreement between Canada's largest airline and the Latin American air transport company, whose carriers include the Avianca and GOL brands, would enable the partners to expand their global reach, providing customers and shippers greater connectivity across North, Central and South America and beyond. Any final agreement is subject to final documentation and regulatory approval.
Roberto Alvo Chairs the IATA Board of Directors
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, has taken up duties as Chair of the IATA Board of Directors. His one-year term began at the conclusion of the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 8 June 2026. Alvo is the 84th Chair of the IATA Board of Directors on which he has served since 2020. Alvo succeeds Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG). Gallego will continue to serve on the Board.