Southwest makes changes to its Rapid Rewards program

Southwest Airlines announced:

Southwest Airlines announced on October 15, 2026 the next evolution of its award-winning Rapid Rewards^® program, making the loyalty program more rewarding for Customers throughout the travel journey.

Beginning January 1, 2027, Members will see a new lineup of Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, new Milestone Rewards to earn along the way to status, more opportunities for Companion Pass^® trips, and a faster path to tier status for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. Additional enhancements will give Members new ways to earn and redeem points through international loyalty partners and to enjoy using points for seat selection and rental cars.

More Rewards Along the Way
Rapid Rewards will continue to offer the hallmark benefits that Members value, including no blackout dates, points that don’t expire, and flexible options to earn tier status through both Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) and qualifying flights. The airline is introducing new enhancements to build on that foundation, including:

New Platinum status, with Unlimited Companion Pass
Southwest^® is introducing a new three-tier structure to give Members more opportunities that unlock valuable benefits as their engagement grows.

Beginning in January 2027, A-List will become Silver and A-List Preferred will become Gold. In addition, Southwest is introducing a new tier to its program—Platinum. Platinum status will sit above Silver and Gold and will include unlimited Companion Pass trips¹.
New Milestone Rewards; Reach First Reward Before Reaching Silver Status
Starting in January 2027, Members will no longer have to wait until reaching a new tier to receive rewards. Southwest is adding Milestone Rewards along a Member’s tier journey².
- Before Members reach Silver, they’ll be able to select rewards like Rapid Rewards points or seat certificates.
- Between Gold and Platinum, Members can qualify to receive three Companion Pass trips.
A Faster Path to Tier Status
Beginning in January 2027, every Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, including Plus Cardmembers, will earn one TQP for every dollar spent on purchases with a Rapid Rewards^® Credit Card from Chase³. This change gives every Cardmember a simpler, faster path to tier status.

More Ways to Use Rapid Rewards Points

New International Redemptions
In Spring 2027, Members will be able to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points for travel through new international airline loyalty partnerships, initially with Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways. These partnerships will give Customers access to popular destinations from Reykjavik to Paris, Taipei to Tokyo, and Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg.
Use Points for Seats and Rental Cars
Later in 2027, Rapid Rewards Members will also be able to use points for seat selection on Southwest-operated flights, including Extra Legroom and Preferred seats⁴. Beginning in November 2026, Members can redeem Rapid Rewards points for rental cars across all participating car rental partners directly through cars.southwest.com.

A More Rewarding Travel Experience
In addition to new program rewards, Southwest is introducing new travel experiences:

Southwest Icon Lounge™ – A New Way to Experience Southwest Hospitality
The airline is bringing its Hospitality to a new part of the journey in late 2027 with the Southwest Icon Lounge™ network, in partnership with Chase. The lounges will combine premium amenities, thoughtful and local design, and the warmth of Southwest’s culture to create distinctive spaces where Customers can relax, get work done, or simply enjoy the lounge before they travel.

The Southwest Icon name celebrates Southwest’s 55-year legacy—from Herb Kelleher’s people-first philosophy to the Customers and Employees who continue to shape its story.

Access to the Southwest Icon Lounge network will be available through a new, premium, Southwest Rapid Rewards^® Credit Card, issued by Chase, launching in 2027.

Fleetwide Starlink Connectivity in 2027
Southwest is bringing the fastest WiFi in the sky, powered by Starlink, to its entire fleet. In fall 2027, Southwest expects to become the first major U.S. airline to complete a fleetwide rollout of Starlink, providing access to high-speed connectivity from takeoff to landing.

WiFi is available free to Rapid Rewards Members, thanks to T-Mobile^®5.

Additional details on tiers, Companion Pass, Rapid Rewards points redemption, international loyalty partnerships, and more can be found at southwest.com/rapid-rewards/2027/.

JetBlue’s BlueFirst™ New Domestic First Class Now on Sale

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JetBlue Airways has announced that BlueFirst™, its new domestic first class, is available now for booking on select flights across more than 30 routes, giving customers their first opportunity to reserve a seat in JetBlue’s newest premium experience with limited time promotional fares as low as $249 one-way.

BlueFirst will officially take flight on December 8, 2026 with its first-ever revenue flight connecting two of JetBlue’s largest focus cities, Boston and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood. Within days, BlueFirst will expand to select flights between Fort Lauderdale and New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), with additional routes to follow in the weeks and months ahead.

As BlueFirst is added to JetBlue’s non-Mint-equipped fleet, it will reach more markets across the airline’s network, including in Latin America and the Caribbean.

BlueFirst Takes Flight
To celebrate BlueFirst going on sale, JetBlue is offering limited one-way introductory fares starting at $249 on select routes. Customers can book BlueFirst today for travel beginning as early as December 8, based on availability.

Limited-availability introductory BlueFirst fares starting from $249 are available on select flights below¹:

Route	Introductory Fare
Boston (BOS) to/from Fort Lauderdale (FLL)	$299
New York (LGA) to/from Fort Lauderdale (FLL)	$249
New York (JFK) to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR)	$299

BlueFirst’s first-ever revenue flight will take off from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) on December 8, bound for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The route marks a fitting milestone for JetBlue: Fort Lauderdale was the airline’s first-ever destination and will now become the first official destination for BlueFirst. Connecting two of JetBlue’s largest focus cities, the route also reflects the role BlueFirst will play across the airline’s network, complementing Mint^®, JetBlue’s business class experience on longer flights. The initial BlueFirst routes were selected based on customer demand for premium travel, including popular leisure destinations, while supporting a phased rollout across JetBlue’s network.

A Fresh Take on First Class
First unveiled in September, BlueFirst brings together enhanced comfort, thoughtfully curated food and beverage, intuitive technology and JetBlue’s signature caring service in a dedicated two-by-two first-class cabin.

BlueFirst customers can look forward to:

More Space to Settle In: Specially designed seats featuring Tuft & Needle ^® T&N Flex™ foam, five inches of recline and up to seven inches of additional legroom compared with JetBlue’s Main seats.
Entertainment, Upgraded: A 13.3-inch seatback screen with Bluetooth connectivity and JetBlue’s latest Blueprint by JetBlue™ entertainment experience.
FirstFare Dining: On flights 899 miles or longer, customers can enjoy FirstFare, a thoughtfully composed meal featuring an entrée, side and dessert, with premium snacks offered throughout every BlueFirst flight.
Drinks Worth Raising a Glass To: Sommelier-selected wines from Parcelle, specialty coffee from Cometeer and Joe Coffee, and premium Smith Teamaker teas.
More at Your Fingertips: Seatback ordering allows customers to select meals, browse available onboard offerings and use “Mixologist Mode” to customize a cocktail from available ingredients.
Priority Perks: Group 1 boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, priority check-in and baggage benefits, plus expedited security access at more than 30 participating airports.

BlueFirst is expected to be offered on flights throughout JetBlue’s network where Mint is not offered, creating a dedicated premium option for more customers and more types of trips.

More Ways for Mosaic Members to Move Up
For eligible Mosaic members who want to secure their BlueFirst seat, JetBlue is evolving its Move to Mint^® certificates into Premium Upgrade Certificates, which can be redeemed for both Mint and BlueFirst where available, at variable redemption rates. Mosaic 3 and Mosaic 4 members will receive Premium Upgrade Certificates as part of their tier benefits, and Mosaic 4 members will earn two additional certificates for every 100 Tiles earned beyond the tier threshold.

At launch, Mosaic members booked on eligible fares² will be eligible for complimentary space-available upgrades to BlueFirst before departure, subject to seat availability. Details on how space-available upgrades will work will be shared ahead of launch in the coming weeks.

These enhancements reflect JetBlue’s commitment to making TrueBlue^®, the airline’s award-winning loyalty program, more rewarding by giving members more ways to experience the airline’s growing portfolio of premium products.

Book Better
Customers booking BlueFirst can choose from JetBlue’s newly simplified fare options, each offering benefits designed to meet different travel needs and preferences.

All BlueFirst fares include one carry-on bag, one personal item, Group 1 boarding, and priority check-in and security access at select airports. Customers can choose from three BlueFirst fare options based on the benefits and flexibility that work best for their trip:

BlueFirst: Includes two checked bags, free advance seat selection, and no change or cancellation fees.
BlueFirst Flex: Includes all BlueFirst benefits, plus refunds to the original form of payment if cancelled before the scheduled departure, as well as no fees for same-day switches or same-day standby.
BlueFirst Base: A lower-priced option that includes one checked bag, priority check-in and security and Group 1 boarding. Seat selection is complimentary within 24 hours of departure, while changes and cancellations are subject to a fee. TrueBlue Mosaic ^® 4 members and eligible JetBlue Premier Card cardmembers retain complimentary BlueHouse lounge access when booking BlueFirst Base.

Fares are subject to applicable fare rules and JetBlue’s Contract of Carriage. Additional details can be found at: jetblue.com/flying-with-us/our-fares.

Building JetBlue’s Premium Portfolio
BlueFirst is the latest investment in JetBlue’s expanding premium portfolio and JetForward strategy, joining products like EvenMore^®, the airline’s award-winning Mint experience and BlueHouse™ lounges at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport.

These investments give customers more ways to customize their journey and choose the JetBlue experience that works best for their trip, from extra space and added perks to BlueFirst and Mint.

Planned BlueFirst flights available for booking on JetBlue.com October 15, 2026³All routes listed include service in both directions

Route		Starting Month
Fort Lauderdale	Boston	December
Fort Lauderdale	Buffalo	December
Fort Lauderdale	Liberia, Costa Rica	December
Fort Lauderdale	New York (LGA)	December
Fort Lauderdale	Washington, D.C.	December

Boston	Austin	January
Boston	Houston	January
Fort Lauderdale	Aruba	January
Fort Lauderdale	Austin	January
Fort Lauderdale	Cartagena, Colombia	January
Fort Lauderdale	Charlotte	January
Fort Lauderdale	Nashville	January
Fort Lauderdale	San José, Costa Rica	January
Fort Lauderdale	San Juan, Puerto Rico	January
New York (JFK)	Cancún, Mexico	January
New York (JFK)	Liberia, Costa Rica	January
New York (JFK)	San Juan, Puerto Rico	January
New York (LGA)	Orlando	January
New York (LGA)	West Palm Beach	January

Boston	Fort Myers	February
Fort Lauderdale	Cancún, Mexico	February
Fort Lauderdale	Dallas-Fort Worth	February
Fort Lauderdale	New Orleans	February
Fort Lauderdale	Hartford	February
Fort Lauderdale	Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic	February
New York (JFK)	Aruba	February
New York (JFK)	Fort Myers	February
New York (JFK)	Providenciales, Turks and Caicos	February

Fort Lauderdale	Medellín, Colombia	March
Fort Lauderdale	Westchester County, New York	March
Westchester County, New York	Fort Myers	March
Westchester County, New York	West Palm Beach	March

Boston	Cancún, Mexico	April
Boston	Denver	April
Boston	Jacksonville	April
Boston	Orlando	April
Boston	San Juan, Puerto Rico	April
Boston	Tampa	April
Boston	West Palm Beach	April

Boston (BOS) to/from Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Book by October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET for travel December 8, 2026 – February 10, 2027. Blackout dates: December 17, 2026 – January 4, 2027 and January 14, 2027 – January 18, 2027. Fares are one-way, subject to availability, and seats are limited. Fares include government taxes and fees. Additional baggage fees and other optional service charges may apply. Fare rules, including change/cancellation policies, may also apply. See jetblue.com for details.
New York (LGA) to/from Fort Lauderdale (FLL): Book by October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET for travel December 12, 2026 – February 10, 2027. Blackout dates: December 17, 2026 – January 4, 2027 and January 14, 2027 – January 18, 2027. Fares are one-way, subject to availability, and seats are limited. Fares include government taxes and fees. Additional baggage fees and other optional service charges may apply. Fare rules, including change/cancellation policies, may also apply. See jetblue.com for details.
New York (JFK) to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR): Promotional fare valid only for travel from JFK to LIR. Book by October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET for travel January 5, 2027 – February 10, 2027. Blackout dates: January 14, 2027 – January 18, 2027. Fares are one-way, subject to availability, and seats are limited. Fares include government taxes and fees. Additional baggage fees and other optional service charges may apply. Fare rules, including change/cancellation policies, may also apply. See jetblue.com for details.
Customers booked on Main Base and Even More Base fares are not eligible for space available upgrades.
Starting months reflect the earliest currently scheduled flights with BlueFirst-equipped aircraft on each route. BlueFirst may be available only on select flights or dates, including on an intermittent basis. Flight schedules and aircraft assignments are subject to change, and BlueFirst-equipped aircraft may operate on other routes as operational needs require.

CVsky adds its first ATR 72-600 in Cabo Verde

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ATR has delivered a new ATR 72-600 to CVsky, operating under the Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde (LACV) brand. The aircraft adds capacity for the carrier that operates domestic flights across the archipelago.

It is the first of two ATR 72-600s that will join the airline’s fleet under a lease agreement. It will operate alongside the two ATRs already in service, contributing to CVsky’s mission of improving air connectivity between the islands of Cabo Verde. With three aerodromes and four airports, air transport is vital to people’s mobility and to economic development across the country.

Aviation as a driver of territorial cohesion

As an island nation, Cabo Verde relies heavily on air transport to keep people moving, support economic activity and strengthen territorial cohesion.

For thousands of residents, inter-island flights are essential for getting to work, education, healthcare and public services.

CVsky was founded in 2024 to meet this need. The airline is based in Praia, on the island of Santiago. It began operating in 2025 under an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) model, leasing both aircraft and operational services before launching its own operations in the IATA Summer 2026 season. Today it plays a central role in connecting the islands of the archipelago.

The value of these links is clear on routes such as Praia–Sal. A sea crossing can take up to about seven hours, while an ATR flight covers the same distance in about 40 minutes.

In Cabo Verde, air and sea transport complement each other. Ferries remain an affordable, cost-effective option for many journeys, but air transport is the essential alternative when time matters.

Fast, reliable air links make a real difference for students attending universities on other islands, for people who need specialist medical care and for professionals who travel often for work. They bring communities closer together and support equal opportunities across the archipelago.

As it grows its network, CVsky aims to make air travel accessible to more Cabo Verdeans while strengthening the country’s territorial integration.

The airline’s goals include better links to Praia, the country’s main administrative centre, from islands such as São Vicente and São Nicolau. It also plans to improve service to destinations that commercial aviation has historically served less.

Connectivity and tourism go hand in hand

Growing the domestic network is also meant to support tourism, one of the main drivers of Cabo Verde’s economy.

By offering more travel options and better connections between the islands, CVsky wants to help spread the benefits of tourism more evenly. This would give more communities access to new economic and development opportunities.

Tourism accounts for about 25% of Cabo Verde’s direct Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and its importance is even greater once its indirect impact on the national economy is included.

The planned Sal–Fogo route is part of this strategy. It will give residents new travel options and help spread tourist flows more evenly across the archipelago.

The ATR 72-600: the ideal choice for inter-island operations

The average flight in Cabo Verde’s domestic network lasts only 36 minutes. This calls for aircraft that are efficient, reliable and able to fly many rotations a day.

ATR aircraft have flown in Cabo Verde for more than three decades. The first ATR 42-320 arrived in November 1994, and ATRs have been part of the country’s aviation ever since.

This long presence reflects what ATR aircraft offer: low operating costs, efficient performance on short routes and a high standard of passenger comfort.

Their versatility allows them to maintain essential links between islands and to support tourism beyond the main international destinations. They can also keep flying in weather conditions that make sea transport less practical.

As an affordable, efficient and reliable form of air transport, ATR aircraft directly support the connectivity behind Cabo Verde’s territorial cohesion and economic development.

The ATR 72-600 is especially well suited to the country’s airports. Because it can take off and land on short runways, it operates efficiently at airports such as:

Maio (1,200 m)
São Nicolau (1,400 m)
Fogo (1,500 m)

This flexibility supports CVsky’s strategy to expand its network and improve air connectivity across the archipelago.

The arrival of these new aircraft is another step towards stronger air mobility and connectivity in Cabo Verde.

The new ATRs will allow more frequent flights. They will also make it possible to open new routes, offer more convenient schedules and improve connections between the islands.

As demand grows, the extra capacity will make air travel more accessible to residents. It will also support the country’s goals for tourism growth and economic development.

ATR remains a strategic partner for air connectivity in Cabo Verde, helping bring communities closer together, support economic opportunities and strengthen links across the archipelago.

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Air Tahiti takes delivery of its ATR 72-600 HighLine All-Business Class

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Air Tahiti has taken delivery of a new ATR 72-600, featuring an ATR HighLine All-Business Class cabin, becoming the second airline to introduce this premium configuration on an ATR aircraft.

Designed to support airlines looking to develop high-end regional travel experiences, the ATR HighLine All-Business Class configuration chosen by Air Tahiti features 26 individual seats arranged in a 1-by-1 layout. The cabin offers direct aisle access for every passenger, with private rows for couples for enhanced privacy, increased personal space, dedicated storage and USB A+C charging ports, complemented by an executive-style ceiling that contributes to a more spacious and light-filled cabin.

The aircraft will support the launch of ‘Air Tahiti Signature’, a new premium service created by the airline to connect Tahiti with some of French Polynesia’s most sought-after destinations, including Bora Bora and Raiatea-Tahaa. The first commercial flight is scheduled in December 2026.

Developed in close collaboration with Air Tahiti, the aircraft’s interior blends premium comfort with design elements inspired by Polynesian culture. Together with dedicated ground services and an upgraded onboard offering, the new aircraft will support Air Tahiti’s new end-to-end premium travel experience.

The new aircraft joins Air Tahiti’s fleet as part of its ongoing renewal programme, extending a partnership with ATR that spans nearly four decades. Operating across the islands of French Polynesia, this ATR 72-600 combines premium cabin standards with the operational flexibility, low fuel consumption and reduced emissions that make it particularly well suited to regional connectivity.

This delivery follows the entry into service of the world’s first ATR 72-600 in ATR HighLine All-Business Class configuration with Berjaya Air earlier this year. As airlines explore new ways to differentiate their offering, ATR HighLine continues to demonstrate the flexibility of the ATR platform across a wider range of operations.

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British Airways launches menu collaboration with Hoppers restaurants to celebrate new route to Colombo, Sri Lanka

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British Airways is marking the launch of flights to Sri Lanka with a limited-time collaboration with Hoppers, the pioneering London-based Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurants.

From 23 October, customers in Club World travelling on board British Airways’ new route to Colombo, will be able to enjoy a special menu created in partnership with Hoppers, to bring the bold flavours, rich spices and famous food culture of the island to the skies.

The menu features dishes inspired by Hoppers’ best loved classics including a starter of yoghurt vadai, a soaked lentil fritter served with yoghurt, tamarind and coriander chutney and crisps – a Hoppers’ rendition of the popular snacks sold by street hawkers on Galle Face Green. For main course, customers can enjoy a choice of Hoppers’ signature Kalupol-spiced chicken, served with tangy lemon rice and beetroot curry, or Pollichathu Cod, marinated in a tomato chilli paste, cooked wrapped in banana leaf and served with coconut rice and spicy pineapple curry. Watalappam bread pudding is the comforting end to the meal, served with spiced crumble and malt cream – the Sri Lankan spin on the classic British dessert.

A specially curated Hoppers cocktail will also be available in the British Airways Club Lounge at London Gatwick for customers to enjoy before departure. The ‘Ceylon Pearl’ is the perfect pre-flight aperitif, featuring Tanqueray Rangpur gin, lychee and pink citrus tonic.

Hoppers opened in Soho in 2015, helping introduce a new generation of London diners to the food and flavours of Sri Lanka, and was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand within its first year. Inspired by the home cooking, roadside stalls and toddy shops of Sri Lanka and South India, Hoppers now has restaurants in Marylebone, King’s Cross and Shoreditch.

Launching on 23 October 2026, British Airways will fly three times per week from London Gatwick to Colombo, the vibrant gateway to Sri Lanka. The route will operate for the winter season only, taking customers directly to the Indian Ocean island and home to picturesque beaches, scenic wildlife, vibrant culture and rich cuisine. Customers have a choice of three cabins – World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class). Return fares start from £524 (including taxes and carrier fees).

The Hoppers menu is available on British Airways flights from London Gatwick to Colombo in the Club World cabin, from 23 October until 30 December.

Flight details:

		Frequency	Departure	Arrival (local)
LGW-CMB	BA2045	Mon/Wed/FriFrom 23 Oct 26	16:40	08:35⁺¹
CMB-LGW	BA2044	Mon/Wed/FriFrom 24 Oct 26	10:35	17:00

British Airways x Hoppers Menu

Starter

Lentil Vadai

Yoghurt, tamarind sauce, coriander chutney and channa crisps

Main Course

Kalupol chicken

Lemon rice, beetroot curry

Pollichathu cod

Coconut rice, pineapple curry, beetroot curry

Dessert

Watalappam bread pudding

Full fleet, full speed, full connection: American Airlines will bring Starlink to every mainline jet

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American Airlines will expand its sweeping modernization of the inflight customer experience by bringing Starlink to all mainline aircraft, including Airbus narrowbodies and Boeing narrowbodies and widebodies. Installations will begin in early 2027. With plans to equip more than 1,000 mainline aircraft, American aims to operate one of the world’s largest Starlink-connected fleets equipped with Starlink’s Performance Aero Terminal, which can deliver speeds of up to 1 Gbps per terminal.

The mainline rollout builds on American’s recent connectivity investments, including the airline’s announcement last May to install Starlink on more than 500 Airbus aircraft. The expanded program will extend Starlink across American’s entire mainline fleet of more than 1,000 Airbus and Boeing narrowbody and widebody aircraft, bringing a consistent, high-performance connectivity experience to customers across its global network.

Starlink will bring fast, reliable Wi-Fi to customers throughout their journey, making it easier to stay connected from gate to gate. Whether responding to emails, catching up on messages, streaming favorite shows, browsing the web or keeping the family entertained, customers can enjoy a seamless online experience in the air.

More than 165 million customers fly on a mainline American aircraft each year across four fleet families. That number is expected to grow as the airline takes delivery of more than 300 new mainline aircraft in the coming years.

American’s mainline fleet
Airbus narrowbodies	500+
Boeing narrowbodies	400+
Boeing widebodies	130+
Total mainline fleet	1,030+

National Celebrates 35 Years of ‘Delivering The World’

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National Air Cargo Group (National Airlines 5th) is celebrating 35 years of delivering transportation and logistics solutions worldwide, marking a journey that began in 1991 as a domestic freight forwarding company and has grown into a global organization with operations spanning more than 150 countries.

Over the past three and a half decades, National has expanded its capabilities far beyond its roots, building an integrated portfolio that includes international freight forwarding, cargo and passenger airline services, government logistics support, and humanitarian relief transportation. Today, the Group operates through National Air Cargo and National Airlines, supported by more than 1,300 employees across 15+ operational hubs worldwide.

Throughout its history, National has supported commercial, government, and humanitarian customers with tailored transportation solutions. The company has transported everything from e-commerce shipments and high-value technology equipment to oversized industrial cargo, aircraft parts, and emergency relief supplies. National’s operations have played a role in supporting disaster response efforts, military missions, and critical supply chains around the world.

A key milestone in the company’s evolution came with the launch of cargo airline operations, followed by the expansion of passenger airline services. Today, National Airlines operates a modern fleet that includes Boeing 747 and Boeing 777 freighters, as well as Airbus A330 passenger aircraft, enabling flexible cargo and passenger solutions across global markets.

Most recently, National completed the delivery of four Boeing 777 freighters, further strengthening its ability to meet growing transportation demands while improving operational efficiency.

While the company has grown significantly over the past 35 years, its focus remains unchanged: delivering reliable, customized solutions for customers facing complex transportation challenges.

National’s 35th anniversary serves as an opportunity to recognize the customers, employees, and partners whose contributions have helped shape the organization’s success and position it for continued growth in the years to come.

About National Airlines

Established in 1991, National Air Cargo, Inc. provides premium global end-to-end logistics, freight forwarding, and charter airline services. National Airlines, the airline division of the company, is a U.S. FAA-certificated Part 121 air carrier operating a fleet of nine Boeing 747-400 freighters, four Boeing 777-200 freighters, and three passenger aircraft, including the Airbus A330-300 and A330-200.

The company provides on-demand commercial cargo and passenger charter services to more than 450 airports worldwide. From humanitarian relief missions to time-critical shipments, National Airlines delivers customized air cargo charter solutions for customers across the defense, e-commerce, automotive, energy, high-tech, fashion, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and space technology sectors.

With offices and operational hubs in Buffalo, Orlando, Houston, Chicago, Frankfurt, Madrid, Amsterdam, Dubai, Bengaluru, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taipei, National manages seamless global operations anytime, anywhere, always.

Is the new Airbus A350F freighter in Kalitta Air’s future?

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US-based cargo carrier Kalitta Air is reportedly the undisclosed mystery customer behind an order for eight Airbus A350F freighters. The order was placed earlier in 2026 but the buyer was not been identified in Airbus’s order updates.

However, Kalitta Air has not yet confirmed the purchase. An airline spokesperson stated that they are evaluating the Airbus A350F platform as part of their long-term fleet planning but maintain they are still in the evaluation phase with no aircraft order to announce at this time.

If finalized, the potential acquisition of the A350F would be a major shift for Kalitta Air, which currently operates an exclusively Boeing fleet consisting of 747 and 777 freighters. Industry observers suggest that diversifying its fleet with the A350F, which recently completed its first flight in August 2026, could allow the carrier to optimize performance, enhance its long-haul payload capacity, and mitigate supply chain bottlenecks.

Kalitta Air currently operates an active fleet of 37 heavy cargo aircraft, with two additional aircraft inactive and 11 planned across its modern freighter types. The backbone of the carrier’s operations remains the Boeing 747-400F, with 22 aircraft listed as active and two listed as inactive, bringing the total current fleet to 24 airframes with an average age of 28.0 years.

For its twin-engine widebody operations, the airline actively flies eight Boeing 777F (777-200F) freighters, with three more planned for a future fleet of 11 and an average age of 10.5 years. Kalitta also operates seven converted Boeing 777-300(ER/SF) freighters, which carry an average age of 20.4 years.

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United and DISH add Playoff Baseball to the Live Streaming Lineup on Airplanes with Starlink-Equipped Seatback Screens

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United Airlines announced:

Baseball fans can now catch nearly every playoff game live onboard select United flights with Starlink-enabled seatback screens. The airline just added TBS to its onboard streaming lineup from DISH, which also includes live shows from ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, FS1, ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network and TNF on Prime Video. It’s now available on more than 200 planes – about 900 flights per day – and since the feature launched onboard last month, passengers have watched more than 170,000 hours of live television.

Starlink is the fastest, most reliable Wi-Fi in the sky and United is installing it at a rapid rate – in September, more than 5.4 million people – about a third of United’s customers – had Starlink on their flight and they’re loving the experience: satisfaction scores are more than 40 points higher on Starlink-equipped planes than those with other Wi-Fi service.

Starlink is free for MileagePlus® members in every class of service, and the airline expects to complete installations in 2027.

United is also offering a flexible and straightforward status match offer for Delta and American Airlines loyalty program members so they can experience Starlink for themselves. To qualify, customers must meet the spend requirement on United flights that are both purchased and flown within the 90-day period. Qualifying customers enjoy United Premier® status benefits through January 31, 2028. More details can be found at United.com/switchtobetterwifi.

Live streaming service from DISH is just the latest example of how United is using Starlink to redefine the inflight entertainment experience. In August, United partnered with ESPN to host a first-of-its kind live Fantasy Football Draft from 30,000 feet where ESPN analyst Tyler Fulghum made his picks live from the sky during the two-hour broadcast. And earlier this summer, United customers could stream the biggest soccer tournament in the world onboard Starlink-powered domestic flights.

Starlink is just one way United is investing nose to tail in its customer experience. The airline continues to install seatback screens across its fleet – up to 1,000 aircraft are expected to have seatback screens before the end of 2027 – and is rolling out new airplanes with 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screens, the largest among U.S. carriers. Passengers can now access more than 2,500 hours of premium entertainment content onboard including Apple TV, HBO Max, A24 and Spotify.

Avolon orders 35 Airbus A330-900 and 75 A320neo Family aircraft

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Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, has placed a firm order for 110 Airbus aircraft, comprising 35 A330-900 and 75 A320neo Family aircraft. This incremental order takes Avolon’s total for the A330-900 to 114 aircraft and the A320 Family to some 650.