Air Transport

For eight decades, African aviation has been shaped by economic cycles, political upheaval and intense competition.

Swiss aviation technology company Metafuels has opened its methanol-to-jet demonstration plant at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland.

Researchers call for renewed efforts to understand how climate change impacts aviation icing hazards and predict severity under future climate scenarios.

Lufthansa's ambitious restructuring program based on fleet renewal, AOC reduction and higher productivity targets faces setbacks.

Alaska Airlines expands its European network with new nonstop routes from Seattle to Athens and Paris, intensifying competition with Delta.

Oman Air CEO Con Korfiatis is replaced by Nasser Al Sharji, while SalamAir announces a new CEO, marking leadership changes in Omani aviation.

GlobalX leaders say the addition of younger Airbus A320s should reduce maintenance disruptions.

Eurowings expands premium seating on A320neo fleet, offering enhanced comfort and service on medium-haul routes including Berlin-Dubai flights.

LATAM Airlines is using drones to more quickly transport small maintenance materials between its warehouse and workshops.

Norse Atlantic is in discussions with several airlines over ACMI placements for up to five Boeing 787-9s returning from IndiGo.

Air China has completed its first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) uplift under the “Changping Model,” a full-chain closed-loop system designed to produce, supply and account for SAF within Beijing's Changping district.

Spirit Airlines faces union objections over a $10 million Google data sale, citing risks to deidentified employee records and calls for stronger protections.

EU policy changes create uncertainty for eSAF investors, reducing airline incentives and delaying progress on sustainable aviation fuel projects.

VietJet is the latest to try to establish a domestic jet carrier in the lucrative Australian market; industry sources say the airline is serious in its efforts to gain regulatory approval.

Brazil's CENIPA says the Voepass ATR 72-500 crash in 2024 was due to systemic safety failures, reckless behavior and maintenance lapses, with 62 lives lost in severe icing conditions.

Financial results for the June quarter reveal that challenges continue to weigh on the three main U.S. low-cost carriers, Allegiant, Frontier and JetBlue.

SpiceJet settles one of eight legal disputes with lessors as India’s NCLT postpones rulings on the remaining cases.

Air New Zealand appoints Campbell Wilson and Rob McDonald to its board, pending election, as Larry De Shon steps down.

UK-based EasyJet will end operations at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in England after Jan. 5, 2027, withdrawing from five routes despite expanding capacity at the airport during summer 2026.

BFU confirms Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 suffered a tail strike during takeoff at Munich, causing damage and requiring fuel dumping before landing.

Qatar Airways Cargo is set to increase its service through Hong Kong International Airport and beyond, following the signing of a MOU with Airport Authority Hong Kong.

Aviation Week's Routes 360 Headlines on Wednesday 19 August 2026 covers the latest notable developments and key insights from Routes 360 members.

Winning bidder Apollo has pledged support for EasyJet’s existing strategy.

WestJet retrofits densified 737s, restores legroom and upgrades former Swoop and Sunwing fleets with premium seating, Wi-Fi and refreshed interiors.

Continuing to expand premium options as it works to close a margin gap, American Airlines will return seatback screens to the narrowbody fleet in addition to other retrofits and upgrades.