Air Transport

Aviation Week's Routes 360 Headlines on Wednesday 22 April 2026 covers the latest notable developments and key insights from Routes 360 members.

Fueled by growing a freighter fleet, Middle East carriers have clear plans to develop their cargo business, even if disruption in the regions means this is temporarily on pause.

Airlines are making adjustments in response to shifting demand linked to the Middle East conflict, but there is no evidence that a wave of retirements is imminent.

Pratt & Whitney has unveiled its latest round of aftermarket support-strengthening investments.

MAGELLAN AVIATION GROUP acquired three 737-800s (leased to EASTAR JET) in partnership with WORLDSTAR AVIATION.

AVOLON closed new $455m unsecured revolving credit facility with syndicate of five banks in Middle East, led by Emirates NBD Capital.

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES converted options for six 787-9s into firm orders.

FLYDUBAI plans July 1 to begin daily Dubai-Bangkok (737-8).

SINGAPORE CHANGI handled 17.6m pax in 1Q26, up 2.3% vs 1Q25.

ALASKA AIR GROUP posted $193m net loss for 1Q26 (vs $166m loss in 1Q25) on 5% higher revenues/1.7% higher capacity.

AIRCASTLE posted $194m net income for year ended Feb 28 (vs $124m a year ago) on 19% higher revenues, ending fiscal year with 282 owned/managed aircraft.

Rob Downes to Chief OEM Officer of Aviation Capital Group.

AMERICAN AIRLINES says it is not engaged with or interested in any discussions regarding a merger with UNITED.

EXECUTIVE JET SUPPORT acquired ATR 72-500 (706) from FlyCAA for part out in deal arranged by Skyworld Aviation.

Delta TechOps and LATAM Airlines Brasil have announced a new long-term collaboration for MRO services.

Alaska Air Group plans to trim second-quarter capacity to offset a $600 million increase in incremental fuel costs.

Uncertainty remains over whether Congress will provide the $20 billion additional funding needed to install new software technology across the system.

Narrowbody lessor Aircastle has noted that European and Asian airlines are bracing for jet fuel scarcity, but the Iran conflict so far has not impacted its business.

U.S. President Donald Trump has asked U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to “take a look” at what might be done to help LCC Spirit Airlines.

Airbus has introduced a more flexible version of its HBCplus connectivity hardware system.

Asia-Pacific airlines are employing every available strategy to counter the unpredictable swings in fuel prices that continue to complicate their planning.

Passenger and cargo traffic at Entebbe International Airport declined in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority.

Ryanair Group is now considering Morocco as one of its possible locations for its planned in-house engine maintenance shops.

Aircraft leasing company TrueNoord is accelerating its expansion across Africa.

El Al Israel Airlines is expanding its long-haul network with plans to launch nonstop service between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires.