Airlines News Page 104
$1.3 Billion in Airline Funds Blocked by Governments
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that $1.3 billion in airline funds are blocked from repatriation by governments as of end April 2025. This is a significant amount, although it is an improvement of 25% compared with the $1.7 billion reported for October 2024. IATA urged governments to remove all barriers preventing airlines from the timely repatriation of their revenues from ticket sales and other activities in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations.
Emirates Partners with Al Ain FC
Emirates and Al Ain Football Club have today announced a partnership which will see the airline as an Official Partner of the Club. The partnership comes as Al Ain FC marks a historic milestone, earning a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™. The Club will compete at the prestigious FIFA tournament kicking off on 14 June in the US. Emirates will also become the Official Airline Partner of the Club during the 25/26 season.
Springboks to Face Barbarians FC in 3rd Edition of the Qatar Airways Cup
Qatar Airways is proud to announce the 3rd edition of the Qatar Airways Cup, an event that has quickly become an exciting staple in the global rugby calendar. The match will see reigning Rugby World Cup Champions South Africa face the famous British-based Barbarians FC at DHL Stadium, Cape Town, on Saturday, 28 June 2025. It will be the first-ever men’s teams clash between the two sides on South African soil.
Croatia Airlines outlines A220-100 deployment
Croatia Airlines is due to take delivery of its first 127-seat Airbus A220-100 aircraft in October. As the carrier continues its transition to an all A220 fleet, the jet will become the smallest aircraft in its fleet, which will be dominated by the slightly larger A220-300s. Starting October 26, the airline plans to deploy the aircraft exclusively between Zagreb and Brussels. It will replace the 76-seat Dash 8 turboprop which was primarily utilised on the service the previous winter season. At this point, between late October 2025 and late March 2026, the aircraft will not be used on any other route, however, this is subject to change at this early stage.
EgyptAir extends 777 leases and refurbishes fleet to sustain growth
EgyptAir has signed a deal with lessor AerCap to extend the leases on its fleet of five Boeing 777-300ERs.
IATA reports 13.6% rise in African airlines’ international passenger demand in April 2025
African airlines saw a 13.6% rise in international passenger demand in April 2025 compared to April 2024, showing steady recovery and growth in Africa’s aviation market amid a global rebound. This data was obtained from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s April 2025 report, which also showed African carriers increased international passenger capacity by 8.9% year-on-year. Despite this growth, Africa recorded the lowest load factor among regions at 76.3%, meaning fewer than eight in ten seats on international flights were filled.
Aviation Leaders Assemble in New Delhi for IATA’s 81st AGM
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that leaders of the global aviation industry are gathering for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) which will take place in New Delhi, India from 1-3 June 2025. India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is expected to deliver a keynote address to delegates. IndiGo is the host airline of the event, which was last held in India in 1983. Some 1,700 participants are registered to attend, including industry leaders, government officials and media.
JetBlue and United Announce Blue Sky: Unique Consumer Collaboration That Links Loyalty Programs
JetBlue and United today announced Blue Sky: a new and unique collaboration that gives customers of both airlines even more options to find flights that fit their plans as well as new opportunities to earn and use MileagePlus® miles and TrueBlue points across both airlines.
Private Jet Rental: Ultimate Freedom in Air Travel
In today’s fast-paced world, private jet rental offers travelers an unparalleled level of freedom, comfort, and efficiency. Renting a private jet allows you to tailor your travel experience precisely to your needs without the long-term commitment of ownership. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or special events, private jet rental opens the door to a new realm of luxury aviation.
Air New Zealand strengthens regional links with domestic jet service for Hamilton
From 18 September, select services between the two cities will be operated by a 171-seat Airbus A320, marking a major milestone as Air New Zealand brings domestic jet services back to Hamilton for the first time in 25 years. These flights will operate alongside the airline’s ATR 72 turboprop services, maintaining choice for customers throughout the day while adding approximately 25,000 seats a year on the route.
TUI boosts capacity at Cardiff Airport for Summer 26 with new routes and flights
TUI has announced a further major expansion at Cardiff Airport with new routes added to its flying programme, as well as boosted frequency to some of the most popular holiday destinations for Welsh travellers. The additional capacity gives holidaymakers even more choice and flexibility for a summer getaway from their local airport. New routes From summer 2026, a fourth aircraft will be based at Cardiff Airport, increasing the choice of holiday destinations for customers.
Jet2holidays pioneers new functionality, customers can track their departure transfers in real-time
Jet2holidays has become the first UK tour operator to enable customers to track their coach transfer to the departure airport in real time, giving customers added assurance which has already seen a significant reduction in call volumes. The brand-new ‘Live Transfer Status’ functionality is rolling out to Jet2holidays customers taking a coach transfer back to their departure airport when returning home from their holidays across all destinations in the Balearics, Canaries, Mainland Spain, Morocco, Turkey and Bulgaria.