Airlines News Page 44
American Airlines named first-ever Official Airline of Women in Aviation International’s annual conf
As American Airlines celebrates 100 years of connecting people and places around the world, the airline is proud to announce its partnership with global nonprofit Women in Aviation International (WAI). As a strategic partner for 2026, American will serve as the first-ever Official Airline for the 37th Women in Aviation International Conference to be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, March 19-21.
IATA Wings of Change Americas Conference to Be Hosted in Santiago de Chile
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that this year’s Wings of Change Americas (WOCA) Conference will be taking place on 8-9 April in Santiago de Chile, with LATAM as the host airline. The 16th edition of the aviation industry’s premier event in Latin America and the Caribbean is being held under the theme “Beyond Borders – Aviation as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation” and will focus on how strategic collaboration between the aviation sector and government authorities can:
British Airways announces the latest release of Avios-Only flights to two of Europe’s summer holiday
British Airways has announced that the latest Avios-Only flights, on which 100% of the seats are exclusively available as Reward Seats, will be flying from London City Airport to Madrid and Toulon Saint-Tropez, as the airline reaches its 50th Avios-Only service.
Riyadh Air Launches Overseas Scholarship Program for Saudi Nationals
Riyadh Air has launched its First Officer Scholarship Program with Guaranteed Employment, creating a new pathway for Saudi nationals to train, qualify, and return home prepared to operate the airline’s Boeing and Airbus fleet as First Officer Pilots.
Barbados Welcomes Aer Lingus’ New Direct Dublin–Barbados Service
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) UK & Ireland has warmly welcomed today’s announcement that Aer Lingus will launch a new direct service from Dublin (DUB) to Barbados (BGI), with seats going on sale from Thursday, February 12th. The new route represents a significant milestone for Barbados in the Irish market, providing direct connectivity between the two islands. Operated by Aer Lingus’ new fuel-efficient Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the service will strengthen ties between the two destinations while offering Irish travellers a seamless and sustainable way to get to Barbados.
Turkish Airlines Unveils Its 500th Aircraft Featuring a Special Livery of 100,000 Employees
Turkish Airlines, operating one of Europe’s youngest fleets, has reached another significant milestone in its journey that began in 1933 with a modest fleet of five aircraft. Joining the fleet at the end of 2025, the 500th aircraft named ‘TK Family’ was unveiled during a special launch event today by the Turkish flag carrier.
Etihad Reports January 2026 Traffic Statistics
Etihad Airways has released its traffic statistics for January 2026, continuing the strong momentum that defined a record-breaking 2025 and reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world. The airline welcomed 2.2 million passengers in January, a 29 per cent increase compared with January 2025, when 1.7 million guests flew with Etihad. Passenger load factor reached 89.9 per cent for the month, up from 89.1 per cent a year earlier, reflecting sustained demand across the network and continued efficiency in capacity management.
Emirates expands reach in China through interline partnership with Loong Air
Emirates and Loong Air have signed an interline agreement, increasing Emirates’ footprint in China and offering the airline’s customers access to additional cities beyond its own gateways. Starting immediately, Emirates customers will have access to 22 points across China operated by Loong Air via Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The cities span several regions across East, Northeast, South, Central, and Southwest China.
Air Canada to Acquire Airbus A350-1000 Widebody Aircraft to Support International Network Growth
Air Canada today announced the next phase of its fleet modernization program with the addition of the Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft. The airline will welcome eight aircraft to its fleet, and has rights to purchase eight other A350-1000s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030.
Emirates World travel retail footprint marks key expansion milestone with 10 stores
Emirates is doubling down on its strategy to redefine travel retail, hitting a key expansion milestone with the opening of its 10th flagship ‘Emirates World’ store in Abidjan, bringing the current store count to 10 Emirates World Stores and 9 travel retail outlets globally. The airline has invested AED 174 million (USD$47.4 million) to expand its travel retail footprint and is building on this momentum with plans to introduce 29 more travel retail concepts in 2026, taking the total store count to 48 by the end of this year.
Emirates extends latest cabin experience to more cities worldwide
Emirates has announced a series of aircraft deployments and product upgrades across its network, extending the reach of Premium Economy and delivering a more consistent experience for customers. As part of its ongoing retrofit programme, the airline is set to complete the upgrade of its first high-density, two-class A380 by mid-April. The aircraft will be reconfigured into a three-class layout featuring 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy seats, and 437 Economy Class seats.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines introduce spring menus featuring regional favorites
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are welcoming spring with the launch of new seasonal menus, bringing fresh flavors, thoughtful sourcing and chef-inspired dishes to guests.