Seventh Boeing 777-9 completes first flight

The seventh 777-9 takes off on its first flight. (Marian Lockhart photo)

The 777-9 that Boeing will use to conduct extended operations (ETOPS) and function and reliability testing flew for the first time Friday, completing an approximately three-hour profile over Washington State, Idaho and Oregon.

Capt. Dan Mangel and Capt. Jake Miller completed a standard first-flight profile that tested the airplane’s systems and structures, which were monitored onboard by systems operators Scott Brihn and Zachary Lewis; flight analysts Seth Town, John Theeringer and Michael Deutsch; instrumentation specialist Lauren Meyer; and propulsion analyst Kinsey Bilyeu. The airplane landed at Paine Field in Everett, Wash., at 5:35 p.m. PT.

“The purpose of today’s first flight is to test the entire airplane as a system, and then all the individual systems to make sure they’re functioning properly,” said Capt. Dan Mangel, Engineering pilot. “The airplane performed beautifully on its first flight; it was great to fly.”

Why it matters: Regulatory approval for ETOPS will allow operators to fly the airplane extended distances from an airport suitable for landing, opening more direct routes that save time and fuel. Following extensive analysis, lab tests and engine tests, as well as validation of the maintenance program, ETOPS testing will include proving flights to demonstrate the 777-9 can safely and reliably conduct trans-oceanic routes and support extended diversions.

Function and reliability testing will simulate routine operations in a variety of conditions to demonstrate the airplane can operate safely and reliably in service.

Preparing for flight: Teams rolled the airplane out of the Everett factory, applied a white livery, fueled the airplane, completed engine runs and conducted a taxi test in the weeks and days before flight.

“It’s quite a milestone, but it’s not the end of the line,” said JeRae McCoy, 777X Change Incorporation & Refurbishment conformities manager, who supported the build of the airplane. “We’ve got more work to do to certify this airplane and begin deliveries. We’re going to keep working together to get there.”

Continuing a legacy: The 777-9 will continue the 777 family’s history of long-haul, twin-engine efficiency: The original 777 entered service with ETOPS approval. Its first revenue flight 31 years ago, between London and Washington, D.C., was an ETOPS flight.

Testing, certification, delivery: The 777-9 program has logged more than 4,800 flight test hours across the 777-9 test fleet. In addition to the dedicated test airplanes, production-configured airplanes – like this seventh 777-9 to fly – are supporting certification work ahead of first delivery in 2027, the company said.

“Airplane development is not easy, but it is such a worthy endeavor because we are creating incredibly capable airplanes that will safely transport people around the world for generations,” said Terry Beezhold, 777-9 vice president and program manager. “A big thank you to our team for their continued hard work and to all of our 777X customers.”

About the family: The 777X family – the 777-9, the 777-8 Freighter and the 777-8 passenger airplane – are the newest members of Boeing’s market-leading widebody family. Boeing teammates designed them to maximize efficiency and environmental performance, drawing on technologies proven on the 777 and 787 Dreamliner and new innovations, according to the company.

Customers have ordered more than 650 777X airplanes.

SAS once again named Europe’s most punctual airline

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SAS has been named Europe’s most punctual airline in Cirium’s On-Time Performance report for July 2026, achieving an on-time arrival rate of 84.32 percent.

The result comes during the peak summer season, one of the busiest and most operationally demanding periods of the year for aviation, highlighting SAS’ continued focus on delivering a reliable travel experience.

“July puts every part of an airline’s operation to the test, with high passenger volumes, congested airports and very little margin for disruption. Being named Europe’s most punctual airline during this period is something we’re incredibly proud of. It reflects the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork of the thousands of colleagues across SAS who work every day to keep our operation moving and our customers on their way – even when the operational environment is challenging. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary this year, this recognition reflects the values that have guided SAS for eight decades – connecting people through reliable, dependable travel,” says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of SAS.

The July result continues a strong operational performance for SAS. Earlier this year, the airline ranked as the world’s most punctual airline in both March and April.

Over the past two years, SAS has achieved seven number-one rankings in Europe and four number-one rankings globally, demonstrating the consistency of its operational performance.

Cirium’s On-Time Performance rankings are among the aviation industry’s most widely recognized benchmarks for operational reliability, measuring the percentage of flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time.

SAS aircraft photo gallery:

Air Canada, Air Canada Foundation and Air Canada Cargo Support Wildfire Relief Efforts Across Northern Ontario

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Air Canada announced:

As wildfires continue to affect communities across Northern Ontario, Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation, and Air Canada Cargo are working alongside long-time humanitarian partner GlobalMedic to help deliver critical support to frontline firefighters, evacuees, and communities impacted by the ongoing emergency.

Through the transportation of essential equipment and support for emergency response efforts on the ground, Air Canada is helping ensure that aid reaches people and communities who need it most.

Most recently, Air Canada Cargo transported 140 fire-resistant coveralls to Thunder Bay to help equip firefighters responding to active wildfires across the region.

In addition to transporting protective equipment, Air Canada is supporting GlobalMedic’s broader wildfire response efforts by helping transport its teams to communities across Northern Ontario. This support enables GlobalMedic personnel to deliver critical assistance on the ground, including the distribution of specialized Fire Skid Units to rural and volunteer fire departments. These innovative units convert pickup trucks into rapid-response firefighting vehicles, expanding the capacity of local departments to respond quickly and effectively to wildfire threats.

Since the program began in August 2023, GlobalMedic has distributed more than 700 Fire Skid Units across Canada and continues to provide additional support to departments actively battling fires in affected regions. Beyond firefighting efforts, the organization is also providing support to evacuees through wellness checks, mobile clinic services, emergency snacks, and hygiene supplies. As communities begin the recovery process, GlobalMedic will continue supporting local food banks and other recovery initiatives in the months ahead.

A Collective Effort to Support Impacted Communities

Recognizing the urgent needs facing Northern Ontario communities, Destination Northern Ontario (DNO), the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), and the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association (NOTO) have joined Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation in helping raise awareness and support for wildfire relief and recovery efforts.

Supporting Relief Through Employee Giving

Driven by the generosity and longstanding commitment of Air Canada employees to support communities in times of need, the Air Canada Foundation has launched an employee fundraising campaign in support of GlobalMedic’s wildfire response efforts. Funds raised will help provide Fire Skid Units, protective equipment for frontline firefighters, support for evacuees, and recovery initiatives for communities affected by the wildfires.

As communities across Northern Ontario face the challenges of wildfire response and recovery, Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation, Air Canada Cargo, employees, and industry partners remain committed to standing alongside Canadians in times of need, helping to deliver support, strengthen resilience and assist communities as they recover and rebuild.

With wildfire activity continuing in several regions across the country, Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation and Air Canada Cargo remain ready to support our humanitarian partners as they respond to evolving community needs.

Drew Brees to be featured in Breeze Airways ads

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Breeze Airways has named Super Bowl XLIV Champion and Super Bowl MVP, Drew Brees, as its first brand ambassador.

The news comes as Brees prepares to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio – one of the airline’s major base cities – on August 8. The 13-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year and 2006 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award recipient spent most of his career with the New Orleans Saints – another major market in the airline’s network.

As the airline’s brand ambassador, Brees will be featured in ads and on Breeze’s social media platforms and will take part in its annual Breeze Kindness Week in November. The social media campaign, which launched across all of Breeze’s platforms including Instagram and TikTok, today features short, witty videos of Brees highlighting aspects of the Breeze experience and declaring them as ‘Brees Certified.’ The paid ads will feature key Breeze cities in partnership with Visit Rhode Island, the Akron-Canton Airport, and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Breeze currently operates more than 300 year-round and seasonal routes to 91 cities in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Coupled with its brand-new fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft and premium products like free family seating, fast onboard WiFi, preferred seat options, and no change or cancel fees, Breeze is making it nice to fly affordably.

Routes from New Orleans:

The FAA certifies the 737-7 MAX 7

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Boeing announced:

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Boeing the amended type certificate (ATC) for the 737-7, clearing the way for commercial service.

Boeing worked under the oversight of the FAA through a multi‑year certification effort that included extensive flight and ground testing, human factors reviews and system safety assessments.

Why it matters: This important certification validates the rigor of the airplane’s design and clears the way for Boeing to provide the 737 MAX family to a new segment of the market.

The 737-7, the longest-range member of the 737 MAX family, offers a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles (7,040 km) and is particularly designed for airline customers flying out of airports at high altitudes and hot climates.

The 737 MAX family order book stands at more than 7,200 airplanes, of which 2,360 have been delivered through the end of June 2026.

What’s next: Teammates have started refurbishment work on the previously built 737-7 airplanes.

More about the MAX family:

The 737-7 seats 135-160 passengers in a two-class configuration and offers a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles (for the course of an eight-hour flight). The airplane reduces fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions by about 20% and lowers the noise footprint by about 50% compared with the airplanes it typically replaces.

Other members of the 737 MAX family, beyond the 737-7, offer unique capabilities to customers around the world including:

The 737-8 seats 160-180 passengers and offers a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles. It can profitably fly in almost any short and medium-haul market.
The 737-9 has three more seating rows compared to the 737-8 and seats 175-195 passengers with a range of up to 3,300 nautical miles.
The largest airplane in the family, the 737-10 offers greater fuel efficiency and the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane. It seats 185-210 passengers with a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles. Boeing is working toward certification of the 737-10 later this year.

737-7 Boeing Livery airplane flying over snowy mountain background

The Boeing 737-7 (MAX 7) order book is anchored by a few key airline customers worldwide:

Southwest Airlines: 302 aircraft on order. Southwest is the launch customer and largest buyer for the MAX 7, planning to use the type to replace its aging Boeing 737-700 fleet.
Allegiant Air: 30 aircraft on order (part of a broader multi-variant MAX agreement with Boeing that includes options for additional airframes).
SKY Airline: 10 aircraft on order.
Luxair: 4 aircraft on order (including firm orders and commitments as part of its fleet modernization strategy).

All photos by Boeing.

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American Airlines and Citi elevate premium travel with enhanced Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Legend Mastercard

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American Airlines, Citi and Mastercard today announced updates to the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Legend Mastercard^®, introducing new and enhanced premium travel and lifestyle benefits designed for frequent American Airlines travelers. Cardmembers can now unlock up to $2,300 in value, including Admirals Club^® membership and faster path to AAdvantage^® status. The refresh reflects a shared commitment to deliver a premium travel experience with benefits that extend beyond the airport.

New and enhanced benefits offer higher earning and faster path to status

The refreshed Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive Mastercard^® offers travel and lifestyle benefits designed to deliver more value, increase earning potential and accelerate progress toward AAdvantage^®status.

Richer travel and lifestyle statement credits

Up to $500 back on eligible American Airlines Vacations℠ purchases: Every calendar year, earn up to $500 in statement credits on eligible American Airlines Vacations℠ travel packages or experiences.
Up to $100 back on inflight and eligible Admirals Club^® purchases: Every calendar year, earn up to $100 in statement credits on inflight and eligible Admirals Club^® purchases when using this card, amplifying the Admirals Club^® membership benefit.
Up to $180 in Lyft credits: After taking three eligible rides in a calendar month, now earn a $15 Lyft credit, for a total of up to $180 in Lyft credits annually, increased from the previous maximum of $120 annually.

Enhanced earning and faster path to status

12X AAdvantage^® miles on eligible AAdvantage Hotels^® and eligible AAdvantage Cars^®bookings (increased from 10X AAdvantage^® miles).
New Loyalty Point milestones toward AAdvantage^® status: Earn 10,000 bonus Loyalty Points after reaching each of the following milestones — 50,000, 90,000, 165,000 and 240,000 Loyalty Points — in the same status qualification year. With the addition of new 165,000 and 240,000 Loyalty Point milestones, cardmembers can now earn up to 40,000 bonus Loyalty Points, increased from up to 20,000.

Elevated travel benefits for the journey

Omni Hotels & Resorts Champion status: Primary cardmembers are eligible to enroll in Omni Hotels & Resorts’ Select Guest loyalty program and receive automatic Champion status, the program’s second-highest status tier. Champion status includes exclusive benefits such as early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades (subject to availability).
Omni Free Night reward: Once per calendar year, primary cardmembers can earn a Free Night after completing a qualifying stay of two or more consecutive nights booked directly through Omni Hotels & Resorts on omnihotels.com. Enrollment in the Champion status benefit is required.
Complimentary Avis President’s Club status: Primary Cardmembers are eligible to enroll through Aug. 31, 2028, and enjoy a more seamless rental experience with elevated travel benefits including car upgrades, expedited service that lets customers skip the rental counter at major airports and complimentary additional drivers.

Existing benefits and travel protection for peace of mind

In addition to the new offerings, the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive Mastercard^® continues to offer a comprehensive set of benefits to support cardmembers on their journey.

4X AAdvantage^® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases: Plus, after cardmembers spend $150,000 in purchases each calendar year, they will earn an increased total of 5X AAdvantage^® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases for the remainder of the year.
1X AAdvantage^® miles on all other purchases.
Up to $120 back on prepaid rentals: Make every trip more rewarding with up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year on eligible prepaid Avis and Budget rentals booked directly through avis.com or budget.com.
Up to $120 Global Entry^® or TSA PreCheck^® application fee credit: Receive a statement credit, up to $120 every four years, as reimbursement for the application fee for Global Entry^® or TSA PreCheck^®.
First checked bag free: The first checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation, a savings of up to $900 per round trip.
Enhanced airport experience: Enjoy priority check-in and airport screening (where available) and priority boarding when flying American Airlines for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation.
No foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally.¹
Protections for peace of mind: Receive travel protections, including Trip Delay Protection, Trip Cancellation & Interruption Protection, Worldwide Car Rental Insurance and Lost Baggage Protection.²
Access to World Legend and The Mastercard Collection benefits: Enjoy coveted access to priority reservations at top international restaurants; premium ticketing for global music, theater and sporting events; and more with Mastercard’s World Legend tier and The Mastercard Collection benefits.
Access to Mastercard priceless^® experiences: Get access to Mastercard priceless^® experiences, offering immersive cultural, culinary and entertainment opportunities.

Premium lounge access with Admirals Club membership

The Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive Mastercard^® continues to be the only card that includes Admirals Club^® membership, valued at up to $1,400 annually. Cardholders receive unlimited lounge visits for the primary cardmember and up to two guests or immediate family members, with access to more than 100 Admirals Club^® lounges and partner lounges worldwide.

American invented the airline lounge and offers more premium lounges than any other U.S. carrier. The airline continues to invest in expanding and enhancing its lounge network to create comfortable, thoughtfully designed spaces. Customers can now experience:

A new Admirals Club^® lounge at Philadelphia (PHL), alongside an exciting pipeline of new and reimagined lounges at Chicago (ORD); Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT); Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW); Miami (MIA); Washington, D.C. (DCA); Austin, Texas (AUS); and Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) — with even more to come.
Reimagined culinary offerings designed to delight, featuring expanded selection, more satisfying meal options and a thoughtfully elevated presentation.
Enhanced complimentary offerings, including Lavazza coffee.
Access to Provisions by Admirals Club℠ lounge, a convenient new grab-and-go concept now available at CLT, with New York (JFK) coming soon.

To provide these lounge enhancements, American is updating Admirals Club^® annual rates and introducing a new single membership tier. Visit news.aa.com/traveljourney/ to learn more.

The enhanced Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive Mastercard^® will be available for an annual fee of $695¹for new cardmembers, starting on Aug. 23, 2026. The annual fee for authorized users is $175 for up to three authorized users and $175 for each authorized user thereafter. The updated Admirals Club^®membership rates will also begin on Aug. 23, 2026.

Aerodiana Cessna 208B Grand Caravan crashes in Peru

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On August 1, 2026, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan operated by Peruvian sightseeing company Aerodiana crashed during an overflight of the Nazca Lines in southern Peru. The turboprop aircraft carried registration OB-2001P and had departed Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera Airport in Pisco at approximately 12:10 PM local time for a scheduled scenic route over the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Around 1:00 PM local time, while operating near the town of Socos roughly four miles from the city of Nazca, the flight crew declared an in-flight emergency. Shortly after transmitting the alert, radio contact was lost and the aircraft crashed into farmland in Pueblo Viejo near the Vista Alegre district, bursting into intense flames upon impact. Emergency response teams arriving at the crash site confirmed that all 13 occupants aboard—consisting of 11 foreign tourists and two Peruvian crew members—were killed.

Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications and local authorities identified the victims as pilot Américo Salazar Cuellar, co-pilot Irenka Guanilo del Carpio, seven tourists from Italy, two from Germany, and two from Spain. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Peru’s Aviation Accident Investigation Commission launched a formal investigation to determine the exact technical or environmental factors that caused the crash.

All photos by the airline.

The airline isssued this statement:

American Airlines hosts 100 Vietnam War-era veterans for special Honor Flight

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American Airlines, in collaboration with EAA Venture and Missions of Honor, hosted more than 100 Vietnam War-era veterans on a special Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight as part of the 73rd annual EAA AirVenture air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Held annually during the world’s largest aviation celebration and air show, the honor flight serves as a tribute to Vietnam-era veterans and their service to our nation. This year’s flight took place on July 24 as part of AirVenture’s salute to veterans.

The flight, donated by American and operated by an all-volunteer crew, was conducted aboard the airline’s Flagship Valor — an Airbus A321 aircraft that serves as a tribute to those who have served in our nation’s military and in particular, those who have received the prestigious Medal of Honor.

The Flagship Valor aircraft, an Airbus A321 featuring a special livery honoring Medal of Honor recipients, the nation’s highest award for military valor.

The crowd welcomes the veterans, who received a proper heroes’ arrival in Oshkosh.

Among the veterans on board was Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, a Medal of Honor recipient who spent more than two decades in service and received the nation’s highest military honor for his leadership during a four-day siege in the Vietnam War.

The veterans flew from Oshkosh to Washington, D.C., where they received a proper heroes’ arrival at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). During their visit, they toured several of the nation’s military and historical landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery, where they witnessed the Changing of the Guard, the Air Force Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Upon returning to Oshkosh, the veterans were welcomed home by thousands of air show attendees in a moving celebration honoring their service.

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JetBlue Debuts New Mint® Menus from Crown Shy and Birdee

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JetBlue Airways on July 29, 2026 unveiled the first menus from its newest Mint^® culinary partners – Crown Shy and Birdee – available online now and across select domestic and transatlantic Mint routes starting July 31, 2026.

Developed in collaboration with Kent Hospitality Group, the new menus from New York City eateries Crown Shy and Birdee build on JetBlue’s distinctive approach to hospitality, bringing a fresh, unmistakably New York perspective to Mint that captures the creativity, energy and culinary excellence of the city’s dining scene.

Crown Shy’s Executive Chef Jassimran Singh with JetBlue crewmember. Photo courtesy of JetBlue.

Restaurant-Worthy, Ready for Takeoff

Inspired by Crown Shy, the Michelin-starred Manhattan restaurant celebrated for its modern American cuisine, and Birdee, the beloved Brooklyn bakery and all-day café known for its elevated comfort food and pastries, the new Mint menus bring bold flavor and creativity that represent the airline’s hometown dining scene.

Whether customers are starting their day with breakfast or settling in for lunch or dinner, they’ll enjoy thoughtfully crafted dishes that showcase bold flavors, elevated culinary technique and the airline’s authentic hospitality that defines its Mint experience.

JetBlue also continues to make personalization a priority, with options that make it easier for customers to tailor their meals, including vegetarian (V), nut-free (NF), dairy-free (DF) and gluten-free (GF) selections.

Featured menu highlights include:

Breakfast by Birdee

Strawberries & cream croissant
Mochi waffle with butter and maple syrup
Bacon Egg and Cheese (BEC) on Parker House roll with harissa aioli
Shakshuka with cherry pepper relish and feta

Lunch & Dinner by Crown Shy

Warm Parker House Roll with olive labne spread
Crown Shy chicken with citrus marinated thigh and hot sauce vinaigrette
Pork Katsu with hot cherry glaze and scallions
Razor Clam chowder with roasted carrots and thyme
Sweet potato lasagnette with pecorino cream and chervil

Desserts & Additional Offerings

Chocolate tart with sabayon and port wine syrup
Strawberry olive oil shortcake with meringue and crème fraiche
Warm chocolate chip cookie by Birdee

ANA orders eight additional Embraer E190-E2 aircraft

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ANA Holdings has announced a decision made by its board of directors on July 29, 2026, to place a firm order for eight additional Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. This order expands upon the company’s previous agreement from February 25, 2025, which included 20 aircraft consisting of 15 firm orders and five options. The newly ordered 100-seat class aircraft will be utilized to expand the wet-lease/ACMI agreement for All Nippon Airways flights.

The introduction of the Embraer E190-E2 fleet is designed to support a flexible supply-and-demand balance across domestic Japanese routes over the medium to long term. Equipped with modern engines and technology, the aircraft features lower fuel consumption, reduced noise emissions, and lower overall operating costs compared to previous-generation regional jets. ANA Holdings President and CEO Koji Shibata noted that the order accelerates efforts to build a sustainable domestic regional aviation network while enhancing regional connectivity and passenger comfort across Japan.

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