Airlines News Page 96
EVA Air Celebrates 10 Years of Flying the Houston-Taipei Route
EVA Air’s Houston to Taipei route reached an important milestone this year with its 10th anniversary in June. To celebrate this special occasion, EVA Air and Visit Houston hosted a press conference at the Houston Zoo. EVA Air President Clay Sun attended the celebration alongside guests including: Houston City Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, Houston First President & CEO Michael Heckman, Houston First Tourism Senior Vice President Jorge Franz, Houston Airport System Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak, Houston Zoo President Lisa Peterson, Houston Zoo Animal Programs Vice President Kevin Hodge, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston Director General Yvonne Hsiao, Taipei Zoo CEO of the Conservation and Research Center & Spokesperson Eric Tsao. Together, they welcomed a new chapter of close cooperation for many years to come.
-410x250.JPG)
Tartan Your Seatbelts: Air Canada takes off with new Edinburgh to Montréal route
Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline and flag carrier, took to the skies with its newest transatlantic service today, inaugurating flights between Edinburgh and Montréal. Named North America’s Best Airline, Air Canada touched down in the Scottish capital earlier this morning, before being welcomed on arrival by a bagpiper and official gate ceremony led by Rocky Lo, Air Canada’s Managing Director of International Sales.
ETIHAD GEARS UP TO WELCOME OVER SEVEN MILLION TRAVELLERS THIS SUMMER
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is preparing to welcome more than seven million guests at Zayed International Airport over the busy summer travel period. Shaeb Alnuaimi, Etihad’s Director of Airport Operations, said: “We are looking forward to hosting millions of guests at Zayed International Airport as they head off on their summer holidays, including those flying on our seasonal routes to Malaga, Antalya, Santorini, Nice, and Mykonos.”
Air Premia Adds Eighth Aircraft, Accelerating Global Route Expansion
Air Premia, South Korea’s leading hybrid airline, has taken delivery of its eighth aircraft—a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, signaling a major step forward in its fleet and route expansion strategy. The new aircraft, identical in model to the existing fleet, is equipped with advanced Rolls-Royce engines. It features a total of 344 seats, including 35 in premium economy and 309 in standard economy class.
Turkish Airlines and airBaltic Expand Codeshare Partnership
Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Türkiye, and Latvian airline airBaltic have expanded their existing codeshare agreement, adding several new destinations to their shared network. Since 2023, the two airlines have jointly operated flights between Istanbul and Riga under a codeshare arrangement. This latest agreement builds on that foundation, allowing both carriers to tap into new markets, broaden their route networks, and enhance connectivity for their passengers.
1.7 million Air New Zealand seats up for grabs across the ditch this summer
Between October 2025 and March 2026, the airline will operate 1.7 million seats between New Zealand and Australia cementing its position as the largest trans-Tasman carrier. The airline is adding 130,000 seats as a result of increased flight frequencies and the deployment of more widebody aircraft on key routes. There will also be an uplift in premium seating to meet strong demand from both business and leisure travellers.
SkyTeam turns 25: Building the future of connected travel
SkyTeam marked its 25th anniversary on 22 June 2025, highlighting a quarter century of international collaboration and a shared mission to improve global travel. Founded by four airlines in 2000, the alliance now consists of 18 members and connects more than 945 destinations across 145 countries. As it enters its next chapter, SkyTeam is focused on digital transformation, customer experience innovation and accelerating sustainability efforts across its network.
Norwegian to purchase 11 CFM LEAP-1B spare engines
Norwegian has entered into an agreement to purchase 11 LEAP-1B spare engines from CFM International. These fuel-efficient engines will support Norwegian’s growing fleet of modern Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The transaction represents an important step in the long-term fleet strategy of Norwegian, helping to secure the operational resilience of the airline in a cost-efficient manner. Deliveries are scheduled in 2027 and 2028 and are tailored to Norwegian’s expected operational requirements. This adds to the two LEAP-1B spare engines that Norwegian currently owns.
Korean Air launches second “Green SKYPASS” project
Korean Air has launched its second “Green SKYPASS” initiative, aimed at creating a new urban green space in Mullae Park, located in Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo District. The project will be carried out in partnership with the local government and is scheduled for completion by October this year. The Green SKYPASS initiative allows SKYPASS members to support the development of green urban spaces. For this second project, members can participate by redeeming their miles to book award flights or by purchasing Korean Air-branded merchandise from the “KE Design Store” in the airline’s Mileage Mall.
JetBlue Brings Customers Added Peace of Mind with New Bag Tracking
JetBlue has announced two major enhancements to its baggage experience: a new mobile app feature that provides customers with real-time updates on the status of their checked bags, and a new option that allows customers to securely share the location of an Apple AirTag or Find My network accessory placed inside their checked luggage.
easyJet launches two new winter routes and package holidays from London Gatwick
easyJet, London Gatwick’s largest airline, has today put two new winter routes on sale with new connections to Vienna and Toulouse now offered from the airport providing more choice for those looking for winter city breaks. The new routes are part of 22 now on sale today across the UK at easyJet.com and via the app, allowing customers to book early for the best fares. Flights are now on sale at easyJet.com and via the app, allowing customers to book early for the best fares.
Boeing and Angolan Ministry of Transport Sign Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation
Boeing and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Angola recently signed a Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation to explore initiatives aimed at advancing the Angolan aviation sector, in partnership with TAAG Angola Airlines. The Republic of Angola has prioritized the development of the aviation industry to enhance tourism and stimulate economic growth.