Airline News Page 18
Skytrax confirms ITA Airways’ 4-Star Rating
ITA Airways announces that Skytrax has once again awarded it a 4-star rating for 2026: a result that reflects the airline’s high-quality service and rigorous standards. ITA Airways’ overall rating across the various parameters remained stable compared to 2025, with some indicators (food and beverages, onboard amenities, cabin ambience and airport services) showing an improvement over the previous year. “By retaining its 4-star Skytrax rating for 2026 as well, ITA Airways proudly reaffirms that customer focus is at the heart of its strategy”, said Lorenza Maggio, Chief Strategy, Integration, IT & Touchpoints at ITA Airways. ”
Hong Kong Airlines Officially Moves into Terminal 2 Unveils Refreshed Brand Identity
Hong Kong Airlines’ check-in counters at Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal 1 (T1) have officially relocated to the new Terminal 2 (T2) today. From now on, passengers travelling with Hong Kong Airlines may choose to check-in and drop off their baggage at the counters in Aisle Q or the Self-service Check-in Zone at Aisle R of T2. After passing through security screening and immigration clearance, passengers will proceed to the Midfield Concourse at T1 for boarding.
From the cabin to the catwalk: Eurowings flight attendant is “Germany’s Next Top Model 2026”
From the cabin to the catwalk – and straight into the spotlight: Aurélie Carina, a flight attendant with Eurowings, has won the final of “Germany’s Next Top Model”. The 22-year-old from Pulheim near Cologne wowed both the judges and the audience with her charisma, professionalism and authentic personality – and has thus written a very special success story above the clouds.
Condor Launches New Cargo Express Product for Urgent Air Freight
Condor is further expanding its cargo portfolio: Effective immediately, the new “Express” product enables even faster and more efficient transportation of highly time-critical freight across the entire Condor route network. The product is primarily aimed at shipments where short transit times are essential to maintain production chains, avoid disruptions, and deliver goods to end customers on schedule. Customers benefit from significantly reduced delivery cut-off times, guaranteed capacity availability, and prioritized transportation throughout the entire Condor network. The service is complemented by a fully digital, seamless booking process with instant confirmation, providing customers with transparency and planning reliability.
Atlas Air Worldwide Announces Strategic Investment in Air Atlanta
Atlas Air Worldwide (“Atlas”) today announced it has signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire a 49% minority equity stake in Air Atlanta, a leading global provider of ACMI and aircraft management services headquartered in Iceland with operating platforms in both Iceland and Malta. This transaction establishes a strategic partnership that expands Atlas’ global operating platform and enhances access to widebody capacity in key international markets.
One Million Passengers On Long-Haul Wings: Air Serbia Marks Historic Milestone
Air Serbia hit a significant milestone in its operations: carrying one million passengers on its long-haul network since the launch of intercontinental operations in 2016. This milestone confirms the national carrier’s stable growth and continuous demand for faraway destinations, as well as Air Serbia’s increasingly pronounced role in improving international connections for Serbia and the region.
Air India earns Skytrax 4-star rating as passenger experience transformation gains momentum
Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced it has been awarded the Skytrax 4-Star Airline Rating for Business Class and Economy Class, reaching another milestone in its ongoing transformation under the Vihaan.AI programme. Air India’s elevation from 3-star to 4-Star status follows a comprehensive transformation spanning fleet modernisation, product upgrades, digital innovation, on-ground experience, and service culture enhancements, among several other aspects combining to deliver a significantly improved passenger experience across touchpoints.
airBaltic Marks 10 Years in Iceland
In May 2026, Latvian airline airBaltic marks the 10th anniversary of the route between its home base in Riga, Latvia and Reykjavík, Iceland. The airline currently operates up to four weekly flights on this route, offering customers convenient and flexible travel options for holidays, work trips, or onward connections.
Porter Airlines Celebrate Inaugural Nonstop Service Between Austin and Toronto
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) welcomed Porter Airlines as its newest airline partner this week, celebrating the launch of the carrier’s inaugural nonstop service between Austin and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The new route marks an important step in strengthening international connectivity between Central Texas and Toronto, while expanding Porter's growing North American network.
Middle East War Leads to 3.4% Fall in Air Passenger Demand in April
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2026 global passenger demand: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was down -3.4% compared to April 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand increased by 1.2%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), decreased -2.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.1% (-0.4 ppt compared to April 2025).
Air Cargo Demand Up 4.0% in April Amid Middle East Disruption
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2026 global air cargo markets showing: Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), increased by 4.0% compared to April 2025 levels (+4.0% for international operations). Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), decreased by -0.4% compared to April 2025 (-0.9% for international operations).
Northern Jet Expands Heavy Jet Fleet with Two Bombardier Challenger 604 Aircraft
Northern Jet has expanded its heavy jet fleet with the addition of two Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft, further strengthening the company's ability to serve clients seeking spacious, long-range private aviation solutions across North America and select international routes.