Category Archives: Airlines

IATA names first woman leader

26 Sunday Jul 2026

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GENEVA – The International Air Transport Association has named Saadia Zahidi the next director general, making her the first woman to lead the global airline industry’s trade organization in its more than 80-year history.

Zahidi, a managing director and member of the board at the World Economic Forum, will become IATA’s ninth leader Nov. 1, the organization announced last week.

She succeeds Willie Walsh, who will step down July 31 after leading IATA through the airline industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Walsh has been appointed chief executive of India’s largest airline, IndiGo.

Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s chief financial officer and senior vice president for corporate services, will serve as interim director general until Zahidi takes office, the group said.

Zahidi said she was honored to lead IATA at what she described as a critical moment for aviation.

“I am honored to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment,” Zahidi said. “In a rapidly changing world, IATA’s role in bringing the industry together to collaborate through trusted standards, essential services and advocacy has never been more important.”

A veteran of more than two decades at the World Economic Forum, Zahidi founded and leads the Center for the New Economy and Society. She also helped develop several flagship reports, including the Future of Jobs Report and the Global Gender Gap Report.

Her appointment marks a milestone for IATA as the association prepares to navigate technological change, sustainability challenges and shifting global economic conditions.

Zahidi studied economics at Smith College, the Graduate Institute and Harvard University. She holds Swiss and Pakistani nationalities.

IATA represents more than 370 airlines that account for about 85% of scheduled air traffic.

Images are courtesy of IATA.

Embraer backlog hits record US$34.5 billion in second quarter

24 Friday Jul 2026

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Embraer showcased the E195-E2 at the Farnborough International Airshow. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

SÃO PAULO, Brazil – Embraer on Friday reported a record backlog of US$34.5 billion in the second quarter of 2026, up 7% from the previous quarter and 16% from a year earlier, marking the seventh consecutive quarterly increase.

The Brazilian aircraft manufacturer said its Commercial Aviation backlog totaled $15.1 billion, a 15% increase from the second quarter of 2025. The increase was driven by Florida-based lessor Azorra‘s order for 15 E195-E2 aircraft, pushing the E2 program above 500 firm orders.

During the just-concluded Farnborough International Airshow, Embraer identified Fuji Dream Airlines as the customer behind a previously undisclosed order for two E175 aircraft that had already been included in the backlog.

Executive Aviation reported a backlog of $7.8 billion, up 5% from a year earlier. During the quarter, the Praetor 600E and Praetor 500E received certification from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The business unit reported a 1.1 book-to-bill ratio.

Defense and Security backlog rose 42% from a year earlier to $6.1 billion, reflecting an agreement with the United Arab Emirates for 10 C-390 Millennium aircraft and options for 10 more. The division reported a 2.6 book-to-bill ratio over the past 12 months.

The KC-390 Millennium was also on display at Farnborough. Photo: Abdul Latheef.

Services and Support backlog reached a record $5.5 billion, up 12% from a year earlier. During the quarter, Embraer announced a long-term support agreement with Jazz Aviation, making the Canadian carrier the first customer in Canada to join the company’s Collaborative Inventory Planning program.

The company also signed a support agreement covering the Brazilian Air Force’s KC-390 Millennium fleet. The business unit reported a 1.3 book-to-bill ratio over the past 12 months.

Airbus showcases specially configured jets

20 Monday Jul 2026

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FARNBOROUGH, England – Airbus is showcasing two specially configured long-range aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow: an Emirates A350-900 and a United Airlines A321XLR.

Photo: United Airlines

Both aircraft highlight new cabin features. The United jet includes a row of Economy Plus seats with additional elbow room and access to a shared table positioned across an open middle seat.

United said this month it expects to offer the new seating option across its entire order of 50 A321XLRs. The airline is also exploring similar seating concepts for other aircraft types in the future.

The Emirates A350 features spacious Economy Class seating, Premium Economy cabins and upgraded Business Class seats.

Photo: Abdul Latheef

Its Economy Class cabin includes adjustable headrests that Emirates describes as an industry first. The U-Dream headrest folds down to provide support for passengers’ heads and necks on both sides and can be adjusted in multiple positions for comfort.

Emirates currently operates 13 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The airline will receive another 60 by 2031.

Emirates completes retrofit of 100 widebody jets

14 Tuesday Jul 2026

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Graphic: Emirates

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Emirates has completed the refurbishment of its 100th widebody aircraft as part of a fleet retrofit program backed by a US$5 billion investment, the UAE national carrier said Tuesday.

Since the program began in November 2022, Emirates has refurbished 47 Airbus A380s and 53 Boeing 777s at its engineering facilities in Dubai. The airline expects to upgrade about 20 more aircraft by the end of 2026.

Over 44 months, more than 400 engineers and technicians spent a combined 4.4 million work hours refurbishing the aircraft.

The upgrades include refreshed cabin interiors and the installation of more than 3,800 Premium Economy seats, expanding the availability of the cabin class on additional routes across its network.

Business Class in the newly retrofitted A380 aircraft. Emirates Photo.

“Completing full cabin retrofits for 100 widebody aircraft in 44 months is a significant achievement,” Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said in a statement.

The retrofit work has been carried out at Emirates Engineering facilities in Dubai.

In May, the airline completed its first retrofit of a two-class to three-class Airbus A380, adding a Premium Economy cabin to the aircraft’s upper deck.

Beginning in October, Emirates plans to install new 4K OLED HDR10+ seatback screens and Safran Z400 seats as the retrofit program enters its next phase.

Industry: Return of supersonic flights now ‘inevitable’

02 Thursday Jul 2026

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Boom Supersonic’s demonstrator aircraft, the XB-1.

WASHINGTON – The industry is welcoming a Federal Aviation Administration proposal to lift the ban on supersonic civilian flights in the U.S., with one executive declaring that that “the return of supersonic is inevitable” 23 years after the Concorde flew for the last time.

The FAA move was announced this week by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

He said advances in supersonic technology will allow the next generation of aircraft to fly safely without producing a sonic boom.

“Restoring supersonic flight over land isn’t just about speed, it’s about unleashing American innovation and ushering in a Golden Age of Travel,” Duffy said.

The FAA noted in its proposal that current regulations prohibit civil aircraft from flying faster than the speed of sound over the U.S. unless they receive special authorization from the agency. The restriction is intended to protect the public from sonic booms.

Supersonic flight begins at Mach 1, or about 770 mph (1,240 km/h), significantly faster than the typical cruising speed of commercial airliners, which ranges from about 550 to 600 mph.

The FAA aims to finalize the rule by the middle of next year.

Blake Scholl, the founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, which is developing a supersonic aircraft called Overture, quickly welcomed the government proposal.

Blake Scholl

“It’s time to get excited. The return of supersonic is inevitable,” Scholl wrote on LinkedIn.

Boom’s demonstrator aircraft, the XB-1, made history in January 2025 by becoming the first independently developed civil aircraft to successfully break the sound barrier.

Scholl said the FAA had specifically cited the XB-1’s demonstration of the boomless supersonic flight.

The first Overture commercial flight is scheduled for 2029. Boom has won firm orders or options for the aircraft from United Airlines, American Airlines and Japan Airlines.

The previous supersonic aircraft, the Concorde, was operated by Air France and British Airways during 1976-2003. A British Airways Concorde made the final commercial flight from New York to London on Oct. 24, 2003.

Images are courtesy of Boom Supersonic and FAA.

SAS orders Airbus jets worth over $10 billion for fleet renewal

30 Tuesday Jun 2026

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The agreement was signed in Copenhagen by SAS and Airbus executives.

COPENHAGEN – Scandinavian carrier SAS on Tuesday made what it called “the largest investment in the company’s history,” ordering up to 40 Airbus widebody aircraft worth over $10 billion as part of a fleet renewal program.

It includes a firm order for 18 A330-900neo aircraft, Airbus said in a separate statement. SAS said additional Airbus A330-300 jets will be secured to support near-term growth ahead of the arrival of the new fleet.

“For 80 years, SAS has connected Scandinavia with the world and the world with Scandinavia. Today, we are investing in the next chapter of our story,” said Anko van der Werff, president and CEO of SAS.

“This is the largest investment in our company’s history, and a clear signal of our confidence in the future.”

The announcement follows last year’s record order for 55 Embraer E195-E2 regional aircraft.

“Together with the ongoing renewal of the Airbus A320neo fleet, these investments represent the most significant modernization of the SAS fleet in decades, delivering substantial improvements in fuel efficiency, noise performance, and customer experience,” the airline said.

The new aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. The A330neo is designed to fly up to 8,100 nautical miles (15,000 kilometers) nonstop.

As of May, Airbus had secured over 1,950 orders for the A330 family of aircraft, the European manufacturer said.

Images are courtesy of SAS and Airbus.

Asiana to exit Star Alliance ahead of Korean Air merger

26 Friday Jun 2026

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FRANKFURT/SEOUL – Asiana Airlines will leave Star Alliance on Dec. 16, the day before it merges with Korean Air, the group confirmed Friday.

The alliance, made up of 26 international carriers, said in a statement that it will work closely with Asiana “to ensure a seamless and coordinated experience for customers in the lead-up to the airline’s departure.”

It added that member airlines will continue to operate to and from Seoul’s  Incheon International Airport after Asiana’s exit.

The airline joined the group in 2013.

Korean Air, South Korea’s flag carrier, formally acquired the country’s second-largest airline in 2024, four years after the move was first announced.

South Korean media reports said Friday that the government “conditionally approved” the Asiana-Korean Air merger Thursday.

One of the world’s major airlines, Korean Air serves 116 cities in 40 countries.

It has a fleet of more than 160 aircraft. The airline is owned by the Hanjin Group.

Images are courtesy of Asiana Airlines, Star Alliance and Korean Air.

Alaska Airlines unveils new livery, inspired by the Northern Lights

05 Tuesday Aug 2025

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Alaska Airlines said its new livery was inspired by the Northern Lights.

SEATTLE – Alaska Airlines unveiled a new livery on Tuesday as the company sets sights on becoming a premium global carrier.

The U.S. airline, which already flies to over 140 destinations, also announced that it will launch two new nonstop routes to London and Reykjavik from its Seattle hub, starting next spring.

They will be the fourth and fifth of at least 12 intercontinental destinations Alaska plans to serve from Seattle by the end of this decade.

“With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world,” said Chief Executive Officer Ben Minicucci. “We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And we’re doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance that’s always defined us.”

The airline said the new livery on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners was inspired by the Northern Lights.

Alaska calls the design “the first phase of a new global experience for long-haul flying” on the aircraft.

The 787s with the new livery will debut in January, and the airline hopes to have its entire fleet of 17 Dreamliners to feature the new design by spring.

“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage,” said Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Harrison.

The daily Seattle-London Dreamliner flight will feature 34 enclosed suites with fully lie-flat seats in Business Class, the airline said. The service will operate throughout the year.

On the seasonal Reykjavik route, Alaska will operate a Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, Alaska added.

Images are courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

Boom plans ‘supersonic hub’ in North Carolina

29 Saturday Jan 2022

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The Overture Superfactory will be built in Greensboro, North Carolina. Photo: Boom Supersonic.

DENVER – Nearly 20 years after the Concorde made its last commercial flight, efforts to revive supersonic travel are gathering pace.

American startup Boom Supersonic said this week that it has chosen Greensboro, North Carolina, to build its Overture airliners.

The aircraft, with a capacity for up to 88 passengers, will fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuel at twice the speed of today’s fastest passenger jets, the company said.

“Selecting the site for Overture manufacturing is a significant step forward in bringing sustainable supersonic air travel to passengers and airlines,” said Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom.

“With some of the country’s best and brightest aviation talent, key suppliers and the state of North Carolina’s continued support, Boom is confident that Greensboro will emerge as the world’s supersonic manufacturing hub.”

The Overture Superfactory will be about 400,000 square feet and constructed on a 65-acre campus at the Piedmont Triad International Airport. Economists estimate that the factory will grow the state’s economy by at least $32.3 billion over 20 years, Boom said.

The company will break ground in Greensboro this year, with production slated to begin in 2024.

A conceptual rendering of the United Airlines Overture aircraft. Photo: Boom Supersonic

United Airlines will be the launch customer of the aircraft. In June, it agreed to buy 15 airliners, with an option for an additional 35 aircraft.

Boom will test a “demonstrator” airplane, the XB-1, this year. Both the Overture and the XB-1 will feature advanced, thermally stable carbon composite airframes, which are easier to fabricate and maximize fuel efficiency, the company said.

The first Overture commercial flight is scheduled for 2029.

The previous supersonic aircraft, the Concorde, was operated by Air France and British Airways during 1976-2003. A British Airways Concorde made the final commercial flight from New York to London on Oct. 24, 2003.

Airbus unveils concepts for zero-emission aircraft

21 Monday Sep 2020

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Airbus ZEROe

The blended-wing body design for up to 200 passengers.

Toulouse, France — Airbus has revealed three concepts for the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft, which could enter service by 2035.

Each represents a different approach to achieving zero-emission flight, Airbus said Monday.

The three concepts — all codenamed ZEROe for climate-neutral zero-emission commercial aircraft — are:

ZEROe

The turbofan design for up to 200 passengers.

A turbofan design (120-200 passengers) with a range of 2,000+ nautical miles, capable of operating transcontinentally and powered by a modified gas-turbine engine running on hydrogen, rather than jet fuel, through combustion. The liquid hydrogen will be stored and distributed via tanks located behind the rear pressure bulkhead.

A turboprop design  (up to 100 passengers) using a  turboprop engine instead of a turbofan, and also powered by hydrogen combustion in modified gas-turbine engines, which would be capable of traveling more than 1,000 nautical miles, making it a perfect option for short-haul trips.

A blended-wing body design (up to 200 passengers) concept in which the wings merge with the main body of the aircraft with a range similar to that of the turbofan concept. The exceptionally wide fuselage opens up multiple options for hydrogen storage and distribution, and for cabin layout.

ZEROe

The turbofan design for up to 100 passengers.

All of these concepts rely on hydrogen as a primary power source, an option which Airbus believes holds exceptional promise as a clean aviation fuel.

“This is a historic moment for the commercial aviation sector as a whole and we intend to play a leading role in the most important transition this industry has ever seen,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.

“I strongly believe that the use of  hydrogen, both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft, has the potential to significantly reduce aviation’s climate impact.”

  • All images are courtesy of Airbus

 

Air New Zealand unveils ‘a game changer’

25 Tuesday Feb 2020

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ANZANZ2AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Air New Zealand has unveiled sleeping pods for longhaul economy passengers, calling it “a game changer”.

The Economy Skynest, which would provide six full length lie-flat sleeping spaces, is the result of three years of research and development, the airline said Wednesday.

The company has filed patent and trademark applications for the Skynest.

Air New Zealand plans to make Skynest available on longhaul flights, but the airline said a decision will only be made after it assesses the success of the upcoming Auckland-New York service. That flight would take 17 hours and 40 minutes.

“We have a tremendous amount of development work underway looking at product innovations we can bring across all cabins of the aircraft,” said chief marketing and customer officer Mike Tod.

“A clear pain point for economy travelers on longhaul flights is the inability to stretch out. The development of the Economy Skynest is a direct response to that challenge.”

ANZ 3Customer and cabin crew feedback on the Skynest during its final phase of development has been outstanding, said Nikki Goodman, general manager of customer experience.

“We see a future flying experience where an economy-class customer on longhaul flights would be able to book the Economy Skynest in addition to their economy seat, get some quality rest and arrive at their destination ready to go. This is a game changer on so many levels,” said Goodman.

All images are courtesy of Air New Zealand.

Boeing 777X takes to the skies

26 Sunday Jan 2020

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777X

The Boeing 777X takes off from Everett, Wash., on Saturday.

SEATTLE, Wash. — “The 777X flew beautifully,” said Capt. Van Chaney after successfully flying Boeing’s newest aircraft Saturday.

“Thank you to all the teams who made today possible. I can’t wait to go fly your airplane again,” added the chief pilot for 777X test and evaluation

With that first flight, the world’s longest and largest twin-engine airliner entered the next phase of its test program.

The 777-9X is based on the popular 777.

777XThe aircraft took off in front of thousands at Paine Field in Everett, Wash., at 10:09 a.m. local time for a three-hour, 51-minute flight over Washington state before landing at Seattle’s Boeing Field, the company said.

Chaney called the flight very productive.

The first of four dedicated 777-9 flight test airplanes, WH001 will now undergo checks before resuming testing in the coming days, Boeing said.

“Our Boeing team has taken the most successful twin-aisle jet of all time and made it even more efficient, more capable and more comfortable for all,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“Today’s safe first flight of the 777X is a tribute to the years of hard work and dedication from our teammates, our suppliers and our community partners in Washington state and across the globe.”

Boeing has won 340 orders and commitments for the 777X from leading carriers, including Emirates, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines.

The first delivery is expected in 2021.

Images are courtesy of Boeing.

 

Etihad raises funds for eco residence

08 Sunday Dec 2019

Posted by in Airlines, Buisness, Etihad, Etihad Eco-Residence, News, Transport, UN Sustainable Development Goals

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Etihad

Etihad


Andy Cairns of First Abu Dhabi Bank, Khaled Khalfan Al Suwaidi of Abu Dhabi Global Market and Adam Boukadida of Etihad Aviation Group at the signing ceremony.

Etihad Airways has raised 100 million euros to support the expansion of its eco residence in Abu Dhabi, a sustainable residential complex for the airline’s cabin crew.

In doing so, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates has become the first airline to secure funding for a project based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the company said Sunday.

First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Global Market will finance the project.

“We are proud to be the first airline globally, and one of the first companies in the UAE, to obtain commercial funding based on our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations,” said Adam Boukadida, senior vice-president, treasury, tax and finance at Etihad Aviation Group.

He said the process to secure the loan hinged on a detailed international verification of the airline’s sustainability credentials.

“This assessment will enable us to fund long-term leases of the new eco residence complex, located in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City innovation precinct, and will serve as the foundation for Etihad to fund future sustainable initiatives.”

Financing for these type projects must be linked to one or more of the goals, and the Etihad project met two, the company said.

To support the financing, Etihad established a framework.

The airline then engaged Sustainalytics to review the framework, and confirm alignment with the Sustainability Bond Principles of the International Capital Markets Association.

The company issued a Second Party Opinion verifying Etihad’s sustainability credentials, a key condition to raising capital, Etihad said.

Images are courtesy of Etihad.

 

Air Canada flying high with new honors

02 Monday Dec 2019

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Air Canada

Calin Rovinescu

Air Canada president and CEO Calin Rovinescu

Just last week, Air Canada president and CEO Calin Rovinescu was named the CEO of the Year by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine.

This week, the airline is celebrating another achievement – it has been recognized as the 2019 Airline of the Year by industry publication Global Traveler.

“The success we have had transforming our airline into a leading global carrier is being recognized worldwide and we continue to invest in new aircraft, onboard services, airport amenities and a new loyalty program to build on our leading position,” Rovinescu said.

“Mostly, however, this award recognizes the hard work of our employees and their commitment to deliver customer service excellence every day, for which I thank them,” he added.

The airline said Global Traveler’s advisory board weighed the nominees’ financial data, safety records, product offerings, onboard menus and overall image as a brand before selecting Air Canada as Airline of the Year.

Maple Leaf Lounge

Maple Leaf Lounge offers dishes prepared by celebrity chefs.

Since 2010, Rovinescu has presided over a rapid expansion of the airline, investing $12 billion on new aircraft and routes.

Rovinescu’s fleet renewal program has seen the deployment of new Boeing 777s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The airline’s popular Maple Leaf Lounge, featuring dishes prepared by celebrity chefs, is also part of his program to elevate the travel experience.

Rovinescu has been at the helm of Air Canada since early 2009.

Images are courtesy of Air Canada.

Dubai Airshow order book tops $54 billion

21 Thursday Nov 2019

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Airbus A350XWBAir ArabiaDUBAI – Deals worth $54.5 billion were reached at the latest edition of the Dubai Airshow, which closed on Thursday, the event’s organizers said.

Airbus was the biggest winner — it secured two blockbuster deals worth $30 billion. Dubai’s Emirates Airline ordered 50 A350-XWB jets, valued at $16 billion. 

Airbus also signed an agreement to sell 120 A320neo aircraft to the budget carrier Air Arabia, based in the neighboring emirate of Sharjah. That deal was worth $14 billion.

Emirates, meanwhile, finalized a purchase agreement for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $8.8 billion.

De Havilland CanadaDe Havilland Canada, which returned to the show after many years, won a number of orders for its Dash 8-400 aircraft from companies in the UAE, Russia and Nigeria.

Searidge Technologies, a Canadian company providing remote tower and digital airport solutions, was a first-time exhibitor.

Searidge TechnologiesAirservices Australia selected Searidge’s  digital tower solution for an initial prototype at Sydney Airport.

The program’s define stage is currently underway and scheduled to be completed by March 2020, Searidge said.

The 2019 show recorded a 10% rise in exhibitor attendance, and the organizers are now predicting an even bigger event in 2021.

“We always want to outperform our last show, and 2019 has gone above and beyond expectation, with so much great business being done alongside an engaging and innovative program of conferences, exhibits and flying displays,” said Michele van Akelijen, managing director of show organizers Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East.

“We have already seen exhibitors rebooking for the next edition.”