Airline News Page 21
JAL and ANA Release Second Joint Report on Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) today released the second edition of their joint report, "Toward Net Zero CO2 Emissions from Air Transport in 2050," outlining the current state of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Japan and the actions needed to support aviation decarbonization. The report calls for a society-wide effort to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions in air transportation by 2050.
JAL Group Launches "ARGO PROJECT," the World's First Lunar Transport Service by an Airline
JALUX Inc. (JALUX), the trading company of Japan Airlines (JAL), and ispace, inc. (ispace), a global lunar exploration company, today announced that the two companies have signed a payload service agreement (PSA) for ispace's next lunar landing mission, Mission 3, currently scheduled for 2028. Under the agreement, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) and JALUX will begin selling payload transport capacity to private companies and local governments on May 27, 2026, for delivery to the lunar surface.
flydubai and Cyprus Airways announce interline partnership to expand global connectivity
flydubai and Cyprus Airways have announced the launch of a new interline agreement, designed to enhance international connectivity and provide passengers with seamless access to an expanded network of destinations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the GCC. The partnership enables customers to travel on a single itinerary with coordinated baggage handling and streamlined transfers via Dubai International (DXB), one of the world’s leading aviation hubs.
American Airlines to install Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky
American Airlines today announced a sweeping modernization of its narrowbody inflight customer experience with the installation of Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, on more than 500 narrowbody aircraft beginning in Q1 2027. Starlink is widely regarded as the world's most advanced satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting inflight streaming, online gaming, collaborative meeting tools and more. With thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit, Starlink can deliver multigigabit connectivity to aircraft using its Aero Terminal, which can support up to 1 Gbps per antenna.
Pegasus Airlines invests in new AI-powered operations platform
Based in Silicon Valley and focused on developing partnerships with the global technology ecosystem on behalf of Pegasus Airlines, Pegasus Innovation Lab is collaborating with Overwatch AI, a platform developed specifically for the needs of airline operations. The platform enables teams to quickly retrieve information through natural language to support operational decision-making across a range of topics, including technical issues, weather assessments and airport and airline requirements. Pegasus has also begun actively using the platform within its operations.
EU Air Connectivity Flatlined Under High Costs and Onerous Regulation
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data showing that European air connectivity essentially flatlined in 2025 with a net 1% growth in the total number of routes connecting the continent (both internally and with other parts of the world). This is below the compound annual growth of 1.5% over the last decade. “The growth of airline route networks reflects both developments in demand and the operating environment. That the European Union (EU)’s air connectivity virtually flatlined in 2025 is no surprise.
IATA Launches Baggage Community System (BCS) to Modernize Global Baggage Messaging
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has developed the Baggage Community System (BCS), a secure digital platform to support the progressive adoption of the Modern Baggage Messaging (BIX) standard. BCS will enable airlines, airports, ground handlers, and solution providers to gain the operational and passenger experience benefits of BIX even while parts of the industry are in transition from legacy Type B messages for baggage handling.
Malaysia Airlines Marks 200th Boeing Aircraft Delivery Milestone With Latest 737-8 Arrival
On May 24, Malaysia Airlines marked the arrival of its Boeing 737-8 aircraft, the fourth of the type delivered to the airline this year, and a milestone that also represents the 200th Boeing aircraft delivered to Malaysia Airlines in its history. Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of MAG, said, “This delivery holds special significance as it marks the 200th Boeing aircraft to join the Malaysia Airlines fleet since 1972. More than just an addition to our fleet, this milestone reflects a long-standing operational history that has supported our capacity growth and fleet evolution over the decades as we continue our deep-seated mission to connecting Malaysia to the world. The introduction of these next generation aircraft will further strengthen our ability to support future growth opportunities and evolving market needs, while continuing to deliver a more modern and comfortable travel experience for our customers.”
Emirates makes its product debut at ITB China 2026
Emirates, the world's largest international airline, today marked its debut at ITB China 2026, treating show visitors to an immersive preview of the airline's world-class travel experience and signature onboard products. Taking place from 26 to 28 May at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre, ITB China is one of the largest travel trade exhibitions in Asia. Emirates' participation reinforces its strategic focus on China, deepening market engagement and building new partnerships across the local travel industry.
Riyadh Air and Atlético de Madrid Partnership Expands to Include Women’s First Team
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier and Atlético de Madrid announce the expansion of their strategic partnership, with the airline becoming the front-of-jersey sponsor for the club’s Women’s First Team. This multi-year agreement mirrors the sponsorship of the men’s team that was signed in 2023 and will start with the 2026-2027 season.
Emirates plays it forward at the Yannick Noah Day at Roland Garros
Emirates participated in Yannick Noah Day at Roland-Garros, welcoming a group of tennis-loving young athletes from Attrap’la Balle for a behind-the-scenes experience of the iconic stadium. The young participants toured the venue, explored the annex courts, and visited Emirates’ world-class hospitality suite—Salon 310 on Court Philippe-Chatrier, while also enjoying front row access to player practice sessions on the main courts and on-court entertainment.
Emirates Expands Global Travel Rehearsal Programme to Madagascar
Emirates, the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, has launched its “Travel Rehearsal” programme in Madagascar, hosting its first session in the country’s Ivato International Airport (TNR). The Travel Rehearsal programme allows people with accessible travel requirements to experience a guided simulation of the complete air travel journey, familiarising them with airport procedures and onboard environments ahead of time – helping reduce anxiety and build confidence before an actual flight. This is the first-of-its-kind initiative conducted at Antananarivo’s airport, organised by Emirates and supported by airport stakeholders in addition to other partners.