Boeing and Somon Air today announced Tajikistan’s national air carrier has committed to place its largest-ever order, selecting up to 14 fuel-efficient 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX airplanes. Somon Air currently operates six Next-Generation 737 airplanes from Tajikistan to 25 destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. With today’s agreement, the airline will place its first-ever widebody order for up to four 787-9 jets to enable international network expansion and up to 10 737-8 single-aisle jets, to modernize its all-737 fleet

The Emirates Group today announced a new record half-year financial performance, posting a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) for the first six months of 2025-26, making this the fourth consecutive year of record profitability for the half-year reporting period. After accounting for income tax charges, the Group’s profit after tax is AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion), up 13% from last year. Illustrating its strong operating performance, the Group maintained a robust EBITDA of AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.7 billion), 3% higher than the AED 20.4 billion (US$ 5.6 billion) reported for the same period last year.

Finland’s national carrier, Finnair, brings UK travellers the opportunity to experience Finland’s popular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) season, due to the darker winter nights. 2025 is predicted to bring the most impressive Northern Lights in around a decade with increased solar flares creating a more intense and recurrent experience. This year, the sun’s solar maximum - an 11 year cycle - will be at its peak, making this winter the perfect time to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Virgin Atlantic unveils its new Autumn/Winter onboard menu from 5th November 2025, featuring a fresh take on contemporary comfort food across all cabins. Inspired by customer favourites and crafted with premium ingredients, the new dishes strike the perfect balance between indulgent options and lighter alternatives, creating a vibrant dining experience that’s unmistakably Virgin Atlantic. The updated menu includes a contemporary breakfast offering, innovative seasonal dishes, an enhanced wine selection including dessert wines, and a mid-flight margherita pizza available on selected routes.

Etihad Airways has marked another milestone in its record year of growth, launching four inaugural routes to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong within three consecutive days. The new services further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub and gateway to the UAE, supporting inbound tourism and trade while delivering nearly 45% of the UAE’s total aviation growth this year. As Etihad continues to expand its network, the airline is adding thousands of new seats to and from Abu Dhabi, making it easier for travellers from Africa and Asia to experience the city’s cultural landmarks, pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and year-round calendar of events. The routes also give UAE residents and visitors more choice for travel across key leisure and business destinations.

Emirates has invested AED 85 million to install more than 200 biometrics-enabled cameras across Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) – allowing more customers to pass through Check-In, Immigration, Boarding Gates, Lounges and board the aircraft, simply by facial recognition, with a quick and easy registration on Emirates app. Eliminating the need to take out a passport and boarding pass at various points in the airport, the new biometrics initiative is a collaboration between Emirates and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigner Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD), that reduces processing time significantly for all registered customers. The powerful cameras can recognise the biometric profile of a customer from one metre away, allowing customers to walk swiftly through areas where they used to have to pause and show documents.