Airlines News Page 26
Etihad at Make it in the Emirates 2026
Etihad Airways will showcase its role as one of the UAE’s largest global exporters of services and a key driver of national economic growth at Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2026, the country’s largest industrial trade platform, taking place from 4 to 7 May at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Etihad generates more than AED 29 billion in annual revenue through the export of aviation and logistics services to global markets, directly contributing to the UAE economy. Through its wider role in tourism, trade and connectivity, the airline drives over AED 130 billion in economic activity across the UAE.
VIRGIN ATLANTIC SERVES UP FRESH SPRING/SUMMER 2026 MENU
Virgin Atlantic is welcoming the new season with fresh food and drink options onboard and in the Heathrow Clubhouse. The new menus are as bold and vibrant as the destinations the airline flies to, with flavour-packed dishes, regional twists and a reimagined drinks selection across every cabin from 6th May.
Air Canada Expands Ontario Connectivity with New Coach Connections to Niagara Falls
From this summer, Air Canada is offering a new year-round coach connection service from Toronto Pearson International Airport to the Niagara Falls region, starting on 15 June 2026. The seamless service enables convenient onward travel for passengers from Ireland, with travel agents able to book through connections for customers between Dublin and Niagara (YCM). The fare is aligned with a standard Dublin-to-Toronto itinerary and includes the integrated coach transfer, enabling passengers to travel easily to Niagara.
EgyptAir Takes Delivery of First Boeing 737 MAX Jet
Boeing and EgyptAir announced today the Egyptian national airline took delivery of its first 737 MAX. The 737-8 is the first of 18 airplanes leased from SMBC Aviation Capital to be delivered and represents the first 737 MAX in Egypt. “The delivery of our first Boeing 737 MAX marks a significant milestone in our fleet modernization strategy. By integrating the 737-8 into our operations, EgyptAir Holding is committed to providing our passengers with a superior travel experience while achieving greater operational efficiency,” said Captain Ahmed Adel, chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Holding Company. “This aircraft’s advanced technology and reduced environmental footprint align perfectly with our vision for sustainable growth and our dedication to maintaining a young, state-of-the-art fleet that connects Egypt to the world.”
Southwest Airlines Committed to Las Vegas and Orlando, Linking Dozens of Cities with New Flights
Southwest Airlines is reinforcing a decades-long commitment to both Las Vegas (LAS) and Orlando (MCO) by adding waves of new flights beginning this spring and continuing through Spring 2027. The enhanced flight schedules build on the carrier’s longstanding position as the largest air carrier in both communities and bring new ways to travel nonstop between dozens of cities and two of the most dynamic leisure and convention markets in the United States.
Summer takes off: Three brand new Aer Lingus routes take to the skies
Aer Lingus will expand its summer schedule by introducing three new short-haul routes. A new service from Cork to Nice will commence on Saturday, while two new routes from Dublin to Norway’s capital Oslo and Asturias, a hidden gem in the north of Spain, will also take off for the first time. Seasonal routes from Dublin to Pisa in Italy’s Tuscany region, Catania in Sicily, Nantes in France, and the Greek islands of Santorini and Corfu, will also return this weekend, offering Aer Lingus customers a wide range of options for summer getaways.
Lufthansa launches new Premium Onboard Experience in all classes on all long-haul flights
One airline, two years of development, three clear principles, and four cabin classes – FOX takes off – FOX stands for Future Onboard Experience and will be Lufthansa’s new long-haul service starting May 6. The new service concept represents one of the largest investments in the premium onboard customer experience in the airline’s history. With a clear focus on the guest, all onboard service elements and processes have been redesigned: across all travel classes and on all long-haul flights—with and without Allegris—and on all aircraft types. The new First Class service was launched at the end of March, with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class following on May 6.
Ethiopian Airlines Receives Best Airline in Africa 2026 APEX Passenger Choice Award
Ethiopian Airlines has received Best Airline in Africa 2026 APEX Passenger Choice Awards, a recognition that reflects the confidence and loyalty of passengers who continue to choose the airline across its global network. The award highlights Ethiopian Airlines’ steady focus on delivering a smooth, comfortable, and dependable travel experience, from the moment passengers book their flights to the time they reach their destinations. Consistently strong service, onboard comfort, and operational reliability have all played a role in meeting the changing expectations of today’s travelers.
Emirates is reconnecting the world through Dubai with 96% of its global network restored
Emirates is marking a near-full return to operations, with 96% of its global network now restored, following a period of disruption. In the past weeks, the airline has progressively resumed services across the Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East/GCC, the Far East and Australasia. Today, the airline operates to 137 destinations across 72 countries, with over 1,300 weekly frequencies, representing 75% of pre-disruption capacity. The airline is offering more flights, more seats and more options each day while reaffirming Dubai’s position as a vital hub through which global travel moves.
American Airlines takes action to support Spirit Airlines customers and team members
The American Airlines team is doing everything we can to support Spirit Airlines customers and team members affected by Spirit’s immediate wind-down of operations. We are in touch with the Administration, including the Department of Transportation, on steps we are taking to help mitigate the impact on the communities Spirit serves and the traveling public. To help customers whose travel may be disrupted, we immediately put rescue fares into place on Spirit routes where American also offers nonstop service. American serves 70 of the 72 airports Spirit presently serves, and 67 of the specific routes Spirit currently operates. We are also reviewing opportunities to add additional capacity — including utilizing larger aircraft and adding flights on critical routes — to support as many affected passengers as possible.
Singapore Airlines Selects Starlink To Deliver Next-Generation High-Speed In-Flight Wi-Fi
Singapore Airlines (SIA) customers will enjoy an enhanced in-flight Wi-Fi experience from the first quarter of 2027, with the progressive introduction of Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite‑based broadband service on board SIA’s Airbus A350-900 long‑haul (LH), A350-900 ultra‑long‑range (ULR), and A380 aircraft.
SriLankan Airlines Leads with Two Category Wins in South Asia at PAX Awards
SriLankan Airlines led with two wins in the Airline Award category for South Asia, securing both Best Overall Passenger Experience and Most Improved Airline at the PAX International Readership Awards 2026 held recently in Hamburg, Germany. The awards celebrate the industry’s best and brightest, with winners determined by votes from PAX’s global readership. The Best Overall Passenger Experience – South Asia award recognises an airline that delivers an exceptional onboard experience to passengers across multiple service areas, including meal service, inflight entertainment and seating. At SriLankan Airlines, this entails meticulous planning at every stage of the passenger journey, supported by collaboration among multiple teams and continuous monitoring and refinement.