Airlines News Page 118
ETIHAD WELCOMES ITS LATEST A350
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has welcomed its sixth A350 to its growing fleet. The state-of-the-art aircraft arrived this weekend following a successful delivery flight from Toulouse, France, further strengthening Etihad’s position as one of the airlines with the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the sky.
Air New Zealand unveils new uniform
Air New Zealand is proud to reveal its highly anticipated new uniform. This collection embodies the airline’s profound sense of pride in Aotearoa and strong cultural heritage. The bold print, colour, and exquisite design showcase the very best of Aotearoa to the world.
ETIHAD REPORTS MARCH 2025 TRAFFIC STATISTICS
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has released its traffic statistics for March 2025, continuing its positive performance as one of the fastest growing global carriers. The airline welcomed 1.6 million guests during the month, up 14% compared to the same period last year, as Etihad’s upward trajectory continued. The airline recorded a passenger load factor of 87% in the first quarter of the year, up from 86% in the same period in 2024, while expanding its capacity, and increasing its operating fleet size by 10%.
Lufthansa City Airlines takes delivery of its first all-new Airbus A320neo
Lufthansa City Airlines took delivery of its first brand-new Airbus A320neo at the Airbus factory in Hamburg-Finkenwerder. The aircraft, registration D-AIJP, was named “Ingelheim am Rhein”. This first brand-new Airbus symbolizes the key role that Lufthansa City Airlines plays within the Lufthansa Group in redefining continental traffic to and from Munich and, from 2026, Frankfurt hubs. The airline is thus making an important contribution to strengthening the competitiveness of the short-haul network, consolidating the market position of the Lufthansa Group and supporting the planned growth on long-haul routes.
American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
For travelers looking to explore more of Mexico this year, American Airlines is set to offer a record-breaking schedule with more flights, seats and destinations than any other U.S. airline. With service to Puerto Escondido (PXM) — the airline’s 30th destination in Mexico — starting Dec. 3, American’s network offers comprehensive service to the top destinations for adventure-lovers, sun-seekers and friends and family visitors alike.
General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) grants Riyadh Air operational license
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has officially granted an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to Riyadh Air, authorizing the airline to start commercial flight operations. The issuance of the AOC confirms the Riyadh Air’s full compliance with Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulations, international standards, and flight safety requirements under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.
Air Canada to Offer Customers Increased Overhead Storage Room
Air Canada today announced that it will be the launch customer for the Airbus Airspace cabin on the A220 family of aircraft, giving customers more overhead storage space. The first aircraft to receive the new bins are scheduled to be delivered early in 2026.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS UNVEILS NEW ROUTE TO PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is expanding its global network yet further with the launch of flights to Peshawar, Pakistan, starting 29 September 2025. The new route will connect Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH) with Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW) in Peshawar, offering seamless connections to Etihad’s growing list of dots on its route map.
SunExpress Launches New Route to Antalya From Liverpool
SunExpress, a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, launched a new route from Liverpool to Antalya for summer 2025 on Sunday 6th April.
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade, Set to Expand to Airbus A350 this Month
Qatar Airways, the largest global airline offering Starlink’s high-speed internet on-board, is now a few aircraft away from completing its Boeing 777 fleet-wide upgrade. The airline’s rapid rollout reinforces in-flight innovation leadership and marks one of the fastest and most ambitious Starlink installations in the aviation industry. In its latest global first, Qatar Airways will begin equipping its Airbus A350 fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi this month, becoming the first airline in the world to bring this cutting-edge connectivity to passengers onboard the Airbus A350 aircraft type.
Emirates Joins Aviation Circularity Consortium
Emirates has joined the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC), along with SL Metals, with the aim to unlock the circular economy for aviation. The airline’s participation marks the continued growth of the ACC and reinforces its commitment to accelerate supply chain decarbonisation through high-value circularity, following the Consortium’s milestone launch of its 2050 Industry Roadmap in November 2024. Emirates has embedded recycling and circular solutions within its operations as part of its sustainability strategy. From cabin interior upcycling and incorporating more sustainable materials in its products to inflight initiatives and waste reduction programmes, the airline continues to explore innovative ways to reduce its environmental footprint. By joining the ACC, Emirates will contribute to advancing circular aviation innovations, further strengthening the Consortium’s collaborative momentum.
Republic Airways and Mesa Air Group to Combine
Republic Airways Holdings Inc. and Mesa Air Group, Inc. today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge and create a leading publicly-traded regional airline company in an all-stock transaction. Upon closing, the combined company will be renamed Republic Airways Holdings Inc. and is expected to remain NASDAQ-listed under the new ticker symbol “RJET”. “Today’s announcement is an exciting next step in Mesa’s more than 40-year history, one that represents the best outcome for our shareholders, employees, and all of our stakeholders,” said Jonathan Ornstein, Mesa’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “By bringing the best of our organizations together, we will create a regional carrier that continues to connect communities across America while providing advancement opportunities to our employees.”