Emirates’ third daily service on the Dubai-Cape Town route landed at Cape Town International Airport at 18:05 yesterday, marking the first arrival of flight EK778. This also marks the debut of the airline’s next-generation Airbus A350 in South Africa.
The A350 is the newest aircraft type to join Emiratesโ all widebody fleet, introducing the latest in-flight experience. The bright and airy cabins have been thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort in every cabin, whilst cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options elevate every flight. The deployment also increases access to the airlineโs award-winning Premium Economy cabin, which first launched in South Africa in September 2025 and has proved consistently popular with travellers.
Outside of Cape Town, Emirates alsoย reinstated its fourth daily flight to Johannesburgย on 1 July 2026, boosting weekly connectivity to Dubai to 56 weekly services from its three South African gateways. The deployment is further supported by the seasonal deployment of theย second A380 service into Johannesburg. EK761 and EK762 will now be operated by a fully retrofitted A380, equipped with the in-demand Premium Economy cabin and the latest cabin interiors, enhancing Emirates world-class offering and boosting capacity in and out of South Africaโs largest and busiest international airport.ย
Japanโs startup airline TOKI AIR completed its first commercial flight to Sado Airport with an ATR 42-600, operating into the shortest commercial runway in the world served by an ATR 42-600.
Measuring at 890 metres, Sado Airport is not just another destination on the map. It is a highly constrained operating environment on an island off the coast of Niigata Prefecture. One where air connectivity can make a tangible difference for residents, businesses and visitors, yet where operational limitations mean that only a handful of aircraft can safely operate.
Photo credit: TOKI AIR
That is what makes this first commercial flight so significant. Serving Sado requires the right combination of airline expertise, careful preparation and aircraft performance. The ATR 42-600 is among the largest commercial aircraft types able to serve the airport, reflecting ATRโs proven ability to connect demanding regional destinations, including those with runways below 1,000 metres. In a region also known for strong winds, its 45kt crosswind capability provides additional operational flexibility, helping make commercial connectivity possible where infrastructure constraints would otherwise limit access.
Sadoโs runway environment also highlights the importance of aircraft certification and airport infrastructure working together. The runwayโs grooved surface, designed to improve water drainage and runway conditions, supports safe operations in challenging environments. ATR has specifically certified the wet grooved runway performance on the ATR 42-600, helping to unlock this type of operation and enabling regional operators to serve airports with demanding characteristics.
Connecting Sado Island
Taking its inaugural flight at the end of May, this milestone marks a new chapter in the airlineโs mission to improve regional connectivity across Niigata and beyond, as from the outset, connecting Sado has been a key priority.
Photo credit: TOKI AIR
TOKI AIR takes its name from the toki, the Japanese crested ibis, a bird closely associated with Sado Island, where major conservation efforts have helped restore its population. That link gives this first commercial service an added resonance: an airline named after one of the islandโs most emblematic symbols now helping reconnect it by air.
For Sado Island, the launch of commercial service means easier access to the mainland, stronger links for local communities, and new opportunities for mobility, tourism and economic activity.
In a protected island environment, the role of regional aviation is not only to connect, but to do so responsibly. With the lowest fuel burn, COโ emissions, and noise footprint in its class, the ATR is uniquely well-suited to meet Sadoโs essential connectivity needs.
With this first commercial flight to Sado Airport, TOKI AIR and the ATR 42-600 have demonstrated what regional aviation can achieve when the right aircraft meets the right mission.
This is where regional aviation delivers its full value: not only by flying communities efficiently, but by enabling the connections that matter most.
JetBlue Airways on July 1, 2026 announced that its “Vets in Blue” Airbus A320-232 N775JB now features a commemorative “250” design honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
The aircraft was showcased on Tuesday at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), where U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty and an all-veteran JetBlue flight crew to recognize the airline’s tribute to veterans and active-duty service members whose service has helped safeguard the freedoms celebrated throughout the nation’s 250-year history.
JetBlue specially designed the commemorative โ250โ design to add to its โVets in Blueโ aircraft, the airlineโs special livery honoring U.S. military veterans. The aircraft now serves as a flying tribute to Americaโs historic anniversary while continuing to recognize the service, sacrifice and dedication of the United Statesโ service members. As part of the tribute, JetBlue is also unveiling a limited run of 1,776 trading cards featuring the special livery.
Images: JetBlue
Bringing the Celebration Onboard Continuing the celebration of this milestone in the nationโs history, JetBlue also announced a series of special initiatives to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, including a limited-time inflight video showcased onboard all JetBlue flights and a veteran-focused service initiative.
The special inflight video honors the United States and its 250-year history, as well as the nationโs veterans and the airlineโs own crewmembers. Narrated by JetBlueโs chief operating officer and U.S. Navy veteran, Warren Christie, the video will be available onboard all JetBlue flights throughout July. Customers will also be greeted with a welcome screen featuring the airlineโs โ250โ design. Combined, these will give customers the opportunity to reflect on the countryโs anniversary and recognize the people who continue to move the nation forward while traveling across JetBlueโs network.
Crewmembers in Action This month, JetBlue crewmembers will participate in a volunteer initiative supporting veterans, extending the airlineโs commemoration of Americaโs 250th anniversary into the community.
As part of JetBlueโs longstanding support for U.S. military veterans, the airlineโs crewmembers will assemble care packages for veterans, including sock bundles and personalized notes of appreciation, to be distributed to local VA hospitals across JetBlueโs network. This volunteer project provides a meaningful way for JetBlue crewmembers to honor veterans while recognizing the service and sacrifice that have helped shape the nationโs history.
JetBlueโs โVets in Blueโ crewmember resource group will also activate local volunteer opportunities throughout the airlineโs network.
Veterans Take Flight JetBlue is proud to celebrate all of its crewmembers with military service, whose leadership, honor and dedication continue to strengthen the companyโs culture throughout its operation.
JetBlue supports veterans and military families through a variety of initiatives, including:
Vets in Blue, JetBlueโs crewmember resource group, which fosters community, support and engagement among veteran crewmembers and allies.
The Gateway Rotor Transition Program, which provides U.S. military-trained helicopter pilots a pathway to become JetBlue first officers through fixed-wing instruction and flight-time building opportunities.
An annual military hiring event at JetBlue University, hosted in partnership with Vets in Blue and external military organizations, that welcomes active-duty service members, veterans and their families to explore career opportunities across the airline.
Participation in additional veteran-focused aviation career events throughout the year to help connect military talent with careers in aviation.
Hawaiian Airlines on June 30, 2026 unveiled a special aircraft livery celebrating its membership in theย oneworldยฎ alliance with a design that honors สปลlelo Hawaiสปi, the Hawaiian language, with the phraseย “Aloha a puni ka honua,”ย orย “Aloha all around the world.”
Hawaiian’s widebody Airbus A330-200 (N375HA) carrying theย oneworld mark will continue to feature the airline’s iconic Pualani on the tail and a maile lei wrapped around the fuselage as it welcomes guests across the airline’s domestic and international transpacific network. The phraseย “Aloha all around the world”reflects both the expanded global reach of the alliance and Hawaiian’s mission to share warm hospitality with a broader audience.
Hawaiian unveiled its oneworld alliance aircraft livery during a celebration event in Honolulu at its Charles I. Elliott Maintenance and Cargo Facility, where it also donated $10,000 each to the ‘Iolani Palace and the Polynesian Voyaging Society โ two of the airline’s longstanding partners that perpetuate Hawai’i’s culture and traditions.
Hawaiian’s oneworld membership, the 96-year carrier’s first entry into a major alliance, makes it easier than ever for travelers worldwide to visit Hawai’i โ a premier global leisure destination โ and experience the airline’s award-winning hospitality the moment they step onboard.
Hawaiian Airlines guests who are members of Atmosโข Rewards, the loyalty program of the combined Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines โ including Huaka’i by Hawaiian, which provides exclusive benefits for Hawai’i residents โ can earn and redeem points and enjoy elite status when traveling on any of the 15 other oneworld airlines that serve nearly 1,000 global destinations across more than 170 countries throughout the Asia Pacific region, the U.S. continent, Europe and beyond. Members of oneworld alliance airlines’ loyalty programs can earn and redeem points and have their elite status recognized on all Hawaiian Airlines flights.
With Hawaiian’s oneworld membership, Atmos Rewards members will enjoy a consistent and elevated travel experience across alliance airlines. Key benefits include:
Booking flights onย oneworld airlines directly at hawaiianairlines.com, alaskaair.com or the Alaska Hawaiian app
Atmos Rewards elite members receive equivalentย oneworld status (Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald) and access to nearly 700 premium lounges, includingย oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Seoul’s Incheon Airport
Extra checked bag allowance and priority baggage handling for Sapphire and Emerald members when flyingย oneworld airlines
Priority checkย in, preferred and preย reserved seating, priority boarding and more
Fast Track security access at select airports for eligible elites
Delta is expanding its premium experience at LAX with Phase 1 of a second Delta One Lounge in Terminal 2.
By 2028, Delta will offer four lounge spaces at LAX, totaling 60,000 square feet.ย
The new Lounge features elevated dining, premium amenities and a seamless Delta One travel experience.ย
Deltaโs continued investments strengthen its position as LAXโs leading global carrier and West Coast gateway.
Delta is deepening its commitment to Los Angeles with the opening of Phase 1 of its second Delta One Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) โ an intimate 4,000-square-foot space with seating for 75 guests, located on the Mezzanine level of Terminal 2. Phase 2 of this second Lounge renovation is scheduled to be completed in 2028.
Tangential to the second Delta One Lounge, Delta will add an 11,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club to Terminal 2, opening in 2027. These investments bring Deltaโs global network to 60 lounges worldwide โ holding the most expansive lounge portfolio of any U.S.-based airline.
opens.
Crafted for calm and comfort
No two Delta One Lounges are alike โ each is thoughtfully designed to deliver a unique experience, providing our Delta One guests with choice and curated offerings in each city and space they visit. The Delta One Lounge at Terminal 2 is a quiet and distinct space โ differing from the larger Terminal 3 Delta One Lounge. Its focus is on all things culinary: delivering consistency in the a la carte Delta One dining experience customers are accustomed to in Terminal 3.
The Lounge boasts expansive windows that frame views of the airfield and fill the intimate space with natural light. Artwork fills the room from seven Los Angeles-based creators, bringing a sense of authenticity and connection with the cityโs culture.
Amenities in the Lounge support both relaxation and refreshment, including three showers, four cabana-style bathrooms and a premium bar. Throughout the Lounge, guests can stay powered and productive with portable monitors and wireless chargers. Phase Two will renovate the entire space, crafting a new Delta One experience in line with Deltaโs other Lounges.
The new Lounge is an extension of the premium Delta One ground experience at LAX, delivering a seamless, curb-to-cloud journey. Customers can take advantage of curbside drop at the arrivals level of Terminal 3, enter the private Delta One check-in and security and have the option to take Delta transportation (via a golf cart) directly to the Terminal 2 Delta One Lounge.
Where fine dining meets local flair
A thoughtfully curated culinary program โ for both T2 and T3 Lounges โ has been designed to deliver a high-touch dining experience complete with local flair.
โOur menu incorporates farm-fresh ingredients year-round, drawing inspiration and delectable produce from Californiaโs rich agricultural landscape. When combined these rich ingredients create dishes that are both vibrant and grounded in the beauty of California,โ shared Culinary Director Michael Rouleau.
Guests enjoy table service dining from every seat โ like-for-like with offerings in T3 โ complemented by a regularly rotating menu of elevated dishes. Standouts include lamb bolognese with house-made lumache pasta, hamachi crudo featuring fish flown in daily from Japan and a crowd favorite โ a classic French onion soup.
For breakfast, the Lounge offers a range of options from acai bowls to huevos rancheros, alongside locally inspired and fresh daily pastries and small-batch, copper-pot jams delivered each morning from the beloved East Hollywood restaurant Sqirl. Many of the ingredients across menus are sourced from local California farms, underscoring a strong commitment to regional purveyors.
Guests can also enjoy a full premium bar that reflects Deltaโs global reach through an inventive cocktail program. Signature drinks like the โIsland Sapphire,โ a funky blue beverage inspired by Deltaโs LAX to Honolulu International Airport (HNL) route, add a sense of storytelling. Beyond the bar, guests can indulge with fresh juices like the Vitality Shot โ a blend of coconut, turmeric and black pepper โ smoothies, such as the cacao pea protein smoothie, coffee from Santa Cruz-based roastery, Verve, tea and more.
LAX and Delta: A Global Gateway
The opening of this initial phase is more than an enhancement โ it is a strategic investment in Deltaโs future at LAX. Come 2028, LAX will have four dedicated Delta lounge spaces, including two Delta One Lounges (T2 and T3) and two Delta Sky Clubs (T2 and T3).
As LAXโs leading global carrier and premier West Coast gateway, Delta operates 151 peak-day departures to 50 destinations, powered by a growing international network built for leisure and business travelers. New nonstop service to Hong Kong and Chicago OโHare as well as upcoming service to Vancouver (starting Nov. 21) and Newark (starting April 2027), strengthen Deltaโs global connectivity from LAX to important markets around the world. Deltaโs ongoing investments in premium spaces, including the Delta One Lounge and incoming Delta Sky Club, further elevate the journey in the lead up to the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Emirates has unveiled a next-generation signature lounge concept that is being introduced and rolled out across its key cities globally this year, marking another milestone in the airlineโs continued investment into elevating customer experience on-ground. The new design aesthetic has been revealed in the Emirates Lounge in Munich, as well as Frankfurt, with signature Emirates Lounges in Manchester, Mauritius and Istanbul expected to follow in the coming months. Serving as a blueprint for Emirates lounges worldwide, the latest signature concept reflects Emiratesโ unwavering dedication to exceptional hospitality, luxury and innovation.
Emirates will invest more than AED 50 million into each next-generation lounge, underscoring its commitment to delivering world-class facilities across its global network. With Emirates Lounges in Munich and Frankfurt already being explored and enjoyed by customers, the Emirates Lounge in Manchester is planned for July, followed by Mauritius in August, and Istanbul in October.
The new signature lounge design translates the celebrated aesthetic of the Emiratesโ latest cabin interiors into a sophisticated ground experience. Customers can expect contemporary architecture and furniture, integrated technology, locally inspired dining, expert recommendations from an in-house barista and mixologist and wellness-focused amenities tailored to premium travellers. Artfully arranged to cater to customers who work, dine, relax and connect while travelling, the latest lounge concept sets a new benchmark for premium airport lounges.
Focused Work & Productivity in Emirates Lounges
For customers who wish to work or stay connected while travelling, the new Emirates Lounges offer more private areas, as well as communal spaces designed to function as both social hubs and working areas. Details such as Italian eco-leather seating, wireless charging and universal power access at every seat enhance productivity, while a dedicated artefact wall honours both local artists and Emirati culture. Emiratesโ signature Rolex clocks adorn walls and provide global time zones.
Elevated Dining in Emirates Lounges
With ample seating and an inviting atmosphere, dining areas in the new Emirates Lounge design have been reimagined around culinary theatre and live cooking. Menus will offer a wide variety of international cuisine, with highlights including regional specialities and a dedicated โMade Inโ area spotlighting the best of local cuisine. Live cooking stations will offer ร la minute dishes, while hot and cold buffet selections will be refreshed throughout the day and night. A dedicated bread oven fills the air with the tempting aromas of handcrafted pizzas, flatbreads and manakeesh, inspired by the city of Dubai.
Premium beverages continue to be offered with Emiratesโ curated selection of wines, beers, champagne and spirits. A new barista bar concept will feature a dedicated mixologist offering locally inspired cocktails, mocktails and speciality coffees and artisan teas.
Restorative relaxation in Emirates Lounges
Guests are welcomed into a calm environment enhanced by Emiratesโ signature scent of bergamot, citrus, jasmine and soft wood, while displays of local plants and fresh floral arrangements enhance the ambiance. Customers who wish to freshen up will enjoy upgraded shower suites with spa-inspired finishes and sustainable VOYA amenities.
Dedicated male and female prayer rooms offer a serene environment for spiritual reflection with ablution facilities and Qibla direction integrated into the design, ensuring guests can perform their prayers in comfort and privacy.
For relaxation and sleep while on layovers, the Quiet Zone provides an oasis of calm. Featuring plush seating, soft lighting, and sleep amenities such as blankets, eye masks, and earplugs, this area is designed to help guests recharge. Additional facilities include spaces for private meetings and breastfeeding, ensuring every customerโs needs are accommodated. All Emirates Lounges operate as silent environments, ensuring a peaceful experience for travellers.
About Emirates Lounges
Emirates Lounges are accessible on a complimentary basis to First Class and Business Class customers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members, including those travelling in Premium Economy and Economy Class. Paid access is also available.
Emirates has a vast network of 42 dedicated airport lounges, including 8 in Dubai and 34 located within major airports around the globe, all designed with the same attention to detail and exceptional service. Emirates operates lounges in key cities across the network – Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Birmingham, Brisbane, Cairo, Colombo, Delhi, Dรผsseldorf, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Melbourne, Milan, Munich, New York (JFK), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), Perth, Rome, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Vienna and Zurich.
At Dubai International Airport (DXB), 8 Emirates Lounges are located in the flagship Terminal 3, with 3 lounges for First Class customers and 5 for Business Class customers.
As Southwest celebrates our 55th Birthday on June 18, we are proud to honor two Flight Attendants whose journeys span nearly our entire history.
Deborah Stembridge joined Southwest Airlines on June 18, 1971, our very first day of operation. Sandra Force followed later that year on September 20, 1971. Together, they have experienced Southwest’s evolution firsthand, wearing every Flight Attendant uniform along the way.
Deborah Stembridge (left) and Sandra Force (right) joined Southwest in 1971
When asked what has kept them passionate about their roles for 55 years, their answer is simple: the People.
The joy of creating meaningful moments and genuine connections with Customers continues to inspire them every day.
Deborah Stembridge and Sandra Force, 2026
To celebrate this remarkable milestone, Deborah and Sandra are being honored with a specially designed 55 Year Service Anniversary pin created to mark their achievement.
Designed with Meaning
Each Southwest Service Anniversary pin is thoughtfully designed to reflect both our history and our Heart.
The wing-inspired shape honors aviation tradition, while the Southwest Heart sits proudly at the center. Milestones are represented through specific colors and gemstones that symbolize years of service and dedication.
Since 2022, Southwest Airlines Service Anniversary pins have been designed by O.C. Tanner, based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
O.C. Tanner is the same designer who creates the official commemorative rings for every United States Olympic and Paralympic Team member. When Southwest Employees wear their Service Anniversary pin, they are wearing a symbol crafted with the same level of care and prestige as the rings awarded to Team USA.
Recognition at Southwest goes beyond the pin itself.
On their anniversary, Employees receive a personalized yearbook and the opportunity to select a gift from a curated catalog. Those celebrating milestone anniversaries such as 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years and beyond are invited to an annual Service Anniversary party in Dallas, Texas, to celebrate this accomplishment together with their fellow Southwest Cohearts.
At Southwest Airlines, celebrating Service Anniversaries is more than a tradition. It is a reflection of our Culture. Our Employees are the Heart that keeps us moving forward. We are honored to celebrate those who have dedicated their careers to Southwest, continuing to deliver legendary Hospitality and make a lasting impact on our Customers and our Culture.
As part of its efforts to help mitigate the impact of the emergency in Venezuela and maintain travel to and from the country,ย Aviancaย announced that it will operate flights between Colombia and Venezuela through Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia.
The operation will include both regularly scheduled service and additional charter flights, operated with Airbus A320 aircraft with capacity for 180 passengers.
These operations will also transport emergency response teams in coordination with the airlineโs humanitarian partners, including the Colombian Red Cross and the Colombian Civil Air Patrol, to support rescue and emergency response efforts.
Passengers with confirmed tickets on the Bogotรก-Caracas-Bogotรก route will receive an email at the address associated with their booking with instructions for scheduling their departure or arrival through Valenciaโs airport.
EVA Air celebrated the launch of its new nonstop service between Washington D.C. and Taipei, marking a significant expansion as the airlineโs 10th North American gateway. As the first airline to offer nonstop service between these two cities, the new route represents a key milestone in strengthening connectivity between Taiwan and the U.S. East Coast. A special inaugural ceremony was held at Washington Dulles International Airport to commemorate the milestone and welcome the inaugural flight.
The event was jointly presided over by EVA Air President Clay Sun alongside distinguished guests including: The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) Agency Director Gregory W. (Greg) Campbell; Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) President and CEO Jack Potter; MWAA Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Chryssa Westerlund; MWAA Vice President of Airline Business Development Paul Bobson, and Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States Alexander Tah-ray Yui. Additionally, Han Kuo-Yu, President of the Legislative Yuan of Taiwan, led a cross-party congressional delegation on this historic flight back to Taipei and attended the ceremony, participating in the ribbon-cutting.
The Washington, D.C.โTaipei route operates four weekly flights utilizing Boeing 787-9 aircraft configured with Royal Laurel Class, Economy Class, and EVA Airโs Premium Economy Class. This newly introduced fourth iteration of the PE class is designed to elevate the in-flight experience and offers one of the industryโs most generous seat pitches, delivering enhanced comfort and functionality for long-haul travelers. The flight schedule is as follows:
Alaska Airlines is setting a new standard in inflight connectivity with ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi everywhere it flies. The carrier is bringing media and guests along on the journey by tracking its rollout of delivering Starlinkโs high-speed, low-latency internet โ already available on Hawaiian Airlinesโ Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft.
Guests flying with Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon can stay relaxed and connected while surfing the internet, live gaming, real-time messaging and high-quality streaming across multiple devices, from takeoff to landing. Those traveling for business can also work as effectively in the air as they would on the ground.
Thanks to T-Mobile, Atmosโข Rewards members unlock free, uninterrupted access to Starlink Wi-Fi. Members who are also T-Mobile customers will soon enjoy a seamless, ad-free sign-on experience.
Progress on Starlink connectivity
Percentage of aircraft equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi: 38%
This chart was last updated on June 25, 2026, and will be updated every four weeks.
