Airlines News Page 32
WI-FLY UPDATE! VIRGIN ATLANTIC ACCELERATES STARLINK ROLLOUT FOR TAKE-OFF
Virgin Atlantic has announced an accelerated rollout of Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, as the airline gears up to introduce free, high-speed WiFi across its entire fleet, helping customers bring their world onboard from take-off to landing. Virgin Atlantic will begin introducing Starlink connectivity onboard its Airbus A350 fleet from May, with all A350s to be connected by early summer. The first customer flight is slated for early May on the VS153 from London Heathrow to New York, JFK. The programme will then extend across the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo fleets as installation progresses, with connectivity expected to reach full fleet coverage anticipated in 2027.
United Airlines Marks 35 Years of Flying from Heathrow
United Airlines is marking a special milestone this month: 35 years of flying from Heathrow. Since the first flight took off in April 1991 from Washington D.C. to London, United has carried more than 58 million passengers and over 2.2 million tonnes of cargo on over 328,000 flights between London and the U.S.
Alaska Airlines returns to the desert as the official airline of Coachella and Stagecoach
Alaska Airlines is back in the desert as the official airline of Coachella and Stagecoach, returning center stage for one of the most anticipated cultural moments of the year. After a showstopping debut last year, featuring a can’t miss activation that pulled in thousands of festivalgoers, Alaska Airlines is raising the bar again with a bold, immersive experience designed exclusively for Coachella and Stagecoach.
WIZZ AIR JETS IN AS OFFICIAL AIRLINE PARTNER FOR ULTIMATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Wizz Air, Central and Eastern Europe’s leading airline, has been announced as the Official Airline Partner for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, bringing its reach and momentum to one of the most exciting new events in global sport. Taking place from 11–13 September in Budapest, the groundbreaking championship will see Wizz Air play a central role in powering transportation logistics – helping the world’s best athletes arrive ready to compete at the highest level.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES POPS THE CORK ON SANTA ROSA SERVICE
Southwest Airlines Co. began service in Santa Rosa, California’s Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport today. To celebrate the airline’s wine country expansion, Southwest® will introduce a new Sip and Ship™ program 1, which will allow Southwest Customers to check one case of wine at no cost from select West Coast locations starting later this month.
Lufthansa celebrates 100 years since its first flights in Berlin
It is a special date for Lufthansa and a special day for all the employees who have shaped the airline with the crane logo: Exactly 100 years ago today - on April 6, 1926 - Lufthansa (at that time: “Luft Hansa”) took to the skies on its first flights. On that day, two aircraft took off from Berlin-Tempelhof Airport bound for Zurich and Cologne. Exactly a century later, this special date was fittingly celebrated as a chronological highlight of the anniversary year on Easter Monday - including two special flights that retraced the historic routes of the inaugural flights.
Malaysia Aviation Group Delivers Fourth Consecutive Year of Operating Profit
Malaysia Aviation Group (“MAG” or “the Group”) maintained its positive momentum in the financial year ended 31 December 2025, recording a Net Profit After Interest and Tax (NIAT) of RM137 million, more than double the RM54 million achieved in 2024. This marks the Group’s fourth consecutive year of operating profit, reflecting disciplined execution and continued focus on cost management, and operational efficiency.
flydubai starts flights to Chattogram
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has announced the resumption of direct flights between Chattogram and Dubai. From 01 April 2026, the carrier will operate a daily service from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB), to Chattogram International Airport (CGP), offering passengers a convenient travel experience.
flynas Announces the Launch of Daily Direct Flights Between Riyadh and Qaisumah Starting April 20
flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, announced the launch of direct flights between Riyadh and Qaisumah, further expanding flynas’ domestic network, in line with the company’s expansion plan and the national objectives in the aviation sector.
Qatar Airways Further Rebuilds Flight Schedules
Qatar Airways has published its latest revised schedule, reflecting the gradual increase in flights to, and from, Doha to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026, across the airline’s global network. All flights to, and from, Doha continue to operate through dedicated flight corridors established in close co-ordination with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.
Emirates reinforces community commitment in Mauritius with upcycled bag donation to youth
Emirates has donated 100 limited-edition school backpacks from its ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ collection to students supported by APEIM (Association des Parents d’Enfants Inadaptés de l’Île Maurice), reinforcing the airline’s commitment to supporting education and community development in Mauritius. APEIM is one of Mauritius’ leading organisations supporting children and young people with intellectual disabilities. Through specialised education, therapy and vocational programmes, the organisation helps develop essential life skills and build confidence while promoting greater inclusion in society.
United & Make-A-Wish to Host ‘Make More Wishes’ Events Across Nation
United Airlines and Make-A-Wish today announced the launch of “Make More Wishes,” seven immersive events across the U.S. giving children fighting critical illnesses and their families behind-the-scenes access to all aspects of aviation. The immersive experiences at each of United’s hubs may include opportunities to spend time in flight simulators, experience inflight training for United’s Flight Attendants, visit the ramp and Station Operation Centers, meet with pilots and more.