Airlines News Page 52
Icelandair: Record number of passengers in 2025
In December, Icelandair transported 344 thousand passengers, up 10% year over year. During the month, 27% traveled to Iceland, 20% from Iceland, 48% via Iceland, and 6% within Iceland. In 2025, the Company carried a record 5.1 million passengers, an 8% increase compared to 2024.
Air Canada Intends to Extend and Expand Commercial Agreement with PAL Airlines
Air Canada and PAL Airlines announced today their intent to expand the commercial agreement under which PAL operates regional flights for Air Canada Express, helping protect and grow service in Eastern Canada. The existing agreement is to be extended by an additional four years to 2032, and the number of PAL Airlines aircraft covered by the agreement is expected to grow by five, to eleven.
Norwegian Group had 1.75 million passengers in December
In December 2025, Norwegian had 1.45 million passengers, while Widerøe had 304,000 passengers, totalling 1.75 million for the Group. Both airlines delivered solid operational performance, with improved regularity and punctuality. Norwegian and Widerøe had a total of 27.3 million passengers in 2025.
Boeing and Alaska Airlines Announce Largest Airplane Order in Airline’s History
Boeing and Alaska Airlines today announced the carrier’s largest-ever airplane order as part of its long-term plan to expand its domestic and international route networks. The order includes:
American Airlines partners with award-winning Pecan Lodge to serve Texas barbecue on select flights
Beginning next month, customers aboard select American Airlines flights will be able to enjoy an authentic taste of Texas en route to New York as the airline partners with nationally recognized Pecan Lodge restaurant to serve Texas barbecue on board.
Initiatives for an Inclusive Society Promoted by the JAL Group
Japan Airlines (JAL) received the highest honor, the “D&I AWARD Grand Prize” in the corporate category for companies with more than 3,001 employees, at Japan’s leading award recognizing and certifying companies promoting Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), the “D&I AWARD 2025*.” This marks the first time an airline has received this grand prize. In addition, JAL has been certified as a “Best Workplace” with the highest rating for five consecutive years since 2021. These recognitions reflect the ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse talents can thrive.
Ethiopian Airlines to Launch a New Service to Lyon, France
Ethiopian Airlines, the leading airline in Africa and one of the fastest-growing airline brands in the world, is proud to announce its plan to launch a new thrice-weekly passenger service to Lyon, France, via Geneva, Switzerland, starting from 02 July 2026. With the addition of Lyon, Ethiopian Airlines will expand its network in France to three destinations, alongside Paris and Marseille, further strengthening its presence in the country and across Europe, while enhancing connectivity to and from the region through providing seamless connections to its customers.
American Airlines and OBAP celebrate 50 years of progress and 100 years of flight
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) and American Airlines proudly announce their partnership for OBAP’s 50th anniversary celebration. As the event’s official Title Sponsor, American Airlines joins OBAP in honoring five decades of advancing awareness, access and opportunities for careers in aviation for those who otherwise may not have known it was possible. This partnership is especially significant as American Airlines celebrates its centennial year in 2026, marking 100 years of connecting people and places around the world.
Turkish Airlines carried 7.3 million passengers in December 2025
Turkish Airlines announced passenger and cargo traffic results for December with 9.2% higher passenger capacity in terms of available seat kilometres compared to that of 2024. In December, the number of passengers was recorded as 7.3 million and total load factor as 82.6%.
Etihad Airways to make history as first Middle East airline to fly to Luxembourg
Etihad Airways has announced the launch of flights to Luxembourg, marking a historic milestone as the first airline from the Middle East to serve the country. When services commence on 29 October 2026, Etihad will also become the only airline offering nonstop flights between Luxembourg and Abu Dhabi, creating a new direct air link between two important European and Middle Eastern centres.
Spirit Airlines Ranked Among Top Three North American Airlines for On-Time Performance by Cirium
Spirit Airlines delivered leading reliability in 2025, earning a top ranking for on-time performance from aviation analytics firm Cirium. The leading value carrier ranked third among the 10 largest North American carriers, climbing from sixth place in 2024. According to Cirium data, Spirit operated 78.83 percent of its flights on time last year. Spirit’s strong operation is only one element of the unmatched value the airline delivers, giving American travelers a choice that combines reliability, affordability and an enhanced Guest experience.
Qatar Airways Launches World’s First Starlink-Equipped Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 Starlink Rollout
Qatar Airways, the operator of the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet, has become the first carrier globally to enable Boeing 787-8 with Starlink. The airline has also equipped its entire Airbus A350 fleet within record-breaking eight months in December 2025. To date, Qatar Airways is operating three Dreamliners with the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, bringing the total of its Starlink-connected widebody aircraft to nearly 120.