Air Transport

While established OEMs have no medium-term plan to make aviation greener, the Clean Aviation research and technology project is putting hopes in startups.

A pilot project done by Universal Fuel Technologies shows that the company can produce 100% SAF from multiple renewable feedstocks at reduced cost.

Ambitious plans for growing passenger and cargo traffic to Japan depend on Tokyo Narita adding a new runway and consolidating three terminals, the CEO says.

Indian carrier IndiGo says its future fleet of Airbus A321XLR narrowbody aircraft offers unique route development opportunities and a compelling business case.

VietJet is planning an expansion into Europe and expects to launch its first routes to the region before the end of the year, with the U.S. also on the horizon.

Routes Asia, which brings together decision makers from airlines, airports and destinations to define the region’s air route networks, is heading to Xi’an, China from 24-26 March in 2026.

Airbus has given some early insights into the basics of its future narrowbody. An open-rotor engine clearly remains its favorite option.

The global average jet fuel price rose 2.3% last week to $88.68/bbl, compared to $86.69/bbl the previous week.

OAG reports capacity between Canada and US has been reduced through October 2025; bookings are down 70% compared to same period last year.

KOREAN AIR finalized order for 20 GE9X-powered 777-9s and 20 GEnx-powered 787-10s, plus options for 10 787s, for delivery through 2033; deal includes service agreement with GE for maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GE9Xs.

BREEZE AIRWAYS leased ex-Egyptair A220-300 (55062) from Azorra. It now has 39 A220s and 13 E190s.

HELVETIC AIRWAYS began operating the E195-E2 into London City Airport, the largest aircraft to serve airport.

LAX handled 4.9m pax in February, down 7.1% vs Feb 2024.

QANTAS announced that its first A321XLR has received its engines at Hamburg; test flight is scheduled soon.

David Fitzgerald to Senior Analyst-Portfolio Management and Pricing of Aergo Capital, Ireland.

MACQUARIE AIRFINANCE, Ireland priced private offering of US$650m in senior notes to repay certain debt.

AMERICAN plans in 4Q25 to begin OKC-Cancun and Indianapolis-/Nashville-/Pittsburgh-/Raleigh-Punta Cana (737).

AIRASIA AVIATION GROUP plans by 2Q25 to introduce >30 new routes and achieve full recovery in 2025 with fleet of 234 narrowbodies/323,336 weekly seats across five short-haul airlines; 16 aircraft remain to be reactivated and another 14 new aircraft (four from Airbus and 10 from lessors)are scheduled for delivery by end 2025.

Frank Wulf teamed with US-based SkyWorks Holdings to support its airline and lessor lending origination business.

IBERIA plans October 26 to begin Madrid-Orlando (A330); and -Recife/-Forteleza, Brazil (A321XLR) in 1Q26.

ALASKA AIRLINES plans September 12 to begin Seattle-Seoul Incheon (A330-200).

ACC AVIATION, London was retained by Nigeria's Galactic Aviation to remarket ex-NG Eagle ERJ 145MP (360).

UNITED AIRLINES opened $16m, 91,000 sq ft Tech Ops Training Center (TTC) at Houston IAH with sheet metal and composite training shops, desktop simulators for scenario-based engine maintenance and inspection training.

TAAG completed restoration work on 777-200 (34565) for return to service; it had been inoperable since 2020.

EMIRATES plans to introduce 777s with upgraded cabins to eight more destinations (Lisbon, Dublin, Hong Kong, Maldives, Kolkata, Colombo, Johannesburg and Cape Town) under plan to serve 44 cities with its fleet of refurbished 777s and A380sby September 2025. It is rolling out a refurbished aircraft into service every three weeks.