Airline News Page 57
Etihad Airways to make history as first Middle East airline to fly to Luxembourg
Etihad Airways has announced the launch of flights to Luxembourg, marking a historic milestone as the first airline from the Middle East to serve the country. When services commence on 29 October 2026, Etihad will also become the only airline offering nonstop flights between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi, creating a new direct air link between two important European and Middle Eastern centres.
Spirit Airlines Ranked Among Top Three North American Airlines for On-Time Performance by Cirium
Spirit Airlines delivered leading reliability in 2025, earning a top ranking for on-time performance from aviation analytics firm Cirium. The leading value carrier ranked third among the 10 largest North American carriers, climbing from sixth place in 2024. According to Cirium data, Spirit operated 78.83 percent of its flights on time last year. Spirit's strong operation is only one element of the unmatched value the airline delivers, giving American travelers a choice that combines reliability, affordability and an enhanced Guest experience.
Turkish Airlines Lays the Foundations for a New Investment Initiative Worth TRY 100 billion
Turkish Airlines has launched a comprehensive investment initiative that will strengthen Türkiye’s aviation infrastructure and further advance its competitive edge. As part of this strategic move, shaped in line with the national flag carrier's 2033 vision, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for eight new facilities with a total investment value exceeding TRY 100 billion at several locations, primarily Istanbul Airport, homebase of the flag carrier.
Qatar Airways Launches World’s First Starlink-Equipped Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 Starlink Rollout
Qatar Airways, the operator of the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet, has become the first carrier globally to enable Boeing 787-8 with Starlink. The airline has also equipped its entire Airbus A350 fleet within record-breaking eight months in December 2025. To date, Qatar Airways is operating three Dreamliners with the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, bringing the total of its Starlink-connected widebody aircraft to nearly 120.
Etihad Airways Celebrates 20 Years of Connecting Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg
Etihad Airways is marking a major milestone in Africa this December as the airline celebrates 20 years of flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Johannesburg. The city is one of its longest-standing gateways in Africa and a strategically important market within the airline’s rapidly growing global network.
Qatar Airways Lands Inaugural Flight in Hail, Saudi Arabia
Qatar Airways today marks the launch of three non-stop weekly flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar and Hail International Airport (HAS), its 13th destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The new route underscores the airline’s strategic focus on expanding its presence across the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of the Saudi market in its global network.
Emirates extends Premium Economy reach with expanded city rollout
Emirates will continue rolling out its retrofitted Boeing 777 and new A350 aircraft to key destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia, bringing Premium Economy and its latest onboard products to more cities across its network. The airline will deploy its A350 on new daily services to Copenhagen, Phuket and Cape Town, adding an extra frequency and offering customers greater connectivity alongside an elevated onboard experience. Additional frequencies to Copenhagen, Phuket and Cape Town will complement existing schedules and provide much-needed capacity to meet the anticipated surge in summer travel demand.
Amadeus joins ICAO No Country Left Behind initiative
The partnership seeks to enhance the capacity of States to adopt advanced digital technologies that improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of international air transport systems
Lufthansa Group selects Amadeus for retailing transformation
Amadeus Nevio, a next-generation modular solution, will provide nine airlines – including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, and Swiss – with flexible core technology, supporting them to transform at their own pace
VIRGIN ATLANTIC ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM LINE-UP
Virgin Atlantic today announces its new leadership team, unveiled by Chief Executive Officer Corneel Koster, who took up his role on 1st January 2026.
Boeing Continues Platinum Level Sponsorship of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
Boeing announced the continuation of its Platinum Level sponsorship with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), particularly for its annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention. This renewed partnership underscores Boeing's commitment to supporting aviation enthusiasts and the next generation of aviation professionals.
Hawaiian Airlines, a part of Alaska Airlines, announces Kahu'ewai Hawai'i Investment Plan
Hawaiian Airlines, a part of Alaska Airlines, today unveiled an investment plan of more than $600 million over five years to comprehensively enhance the experience for guests traveling to, from and within the islands by modernizing airport spaces, upgrading technology and retrofitting aircraft interiors, while expanding community and sustainability work across Hawai'i.