Air Canada puts its first Airbus A321XLR into revenue service

Air Canada on June 9, 2026 marked the entry into scheduled service of its first Airbus A321XLR.

The 182 passengers onboard AC413 from Montréal to Toronto experienced the start of a whole new chapter in how – and where – Air Canada customers can fly.

Air Canada’s new Glowing Hearted cabin standard is making its debut on the A321XLR, offering calm, comfort and connectivity to customers. It features personal device power at every seat, fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan Members sponsored by Bell, next-generation in-flight entertainment screens that are larger and offer Bluetooth connectivity, and thoughtfully curated cabin finishes inspired by the Canadian landscape and aligned to the airline’s brand and commitment to enduring quality.

To the 14 lie-flat seats in Air Canada Signature Class, the A321XLR has 168 Economy class seats, with every seat featuring seatback in-flight entertainment with 4K OLED IFE screens (13-inch in Economy, 19-inch in Signature Class) with Bluetooth audio.

The aircraft will operate several domestic flights prior to its first trans-Atlantic flight between Montréal and Toulouse on June 15.

Air Canada plans to integrate the A321XLR into its schedule progressively to support growth across its network. The aircraft’s performance and range characteristics are well suited to adjust for seasonal demand patterns and evolving market opportunities.

The arrival of the A321XLR is an important milestone and the latest step in Air Canada’s multi-year fleet modernization program, which is focused on customer experience, operational resilience and fuel efficiency improvements versus older-generation aircraft. It reflects the airline’s commitment to prudent growth, continuous product investment, and disciplined execution of Air Canada’s business plan. In addition to 30 A321XLRs (15 will be leased, 15 are being acquired directly from Airbus S.A.S) that are expected to enter the fleet over the coming years, Air Canada has announced orders for 14 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners as well as eight A350-1000s. It also continues to take deliveries of the Canadian-built Airbus A220, with 21 aircraft remaining on its firm order of 65. Five Boeing 737 MAX aircraft have already been delivered in 2026.

A double 100 for American Airlines

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Boeing announced:

Photo: American Airlines’ 100th 737 MAX (above), delivered in 2026, has a similar bow on display as the airline’s 100th MD-80, delivered in 1987. (Top photo © Boeing, bottom photo © American Airlines)

American Airlines marked its 100^th anniversary last month and, within the same week, took delivery of its 100^th 737 MAX – which was wrapped with a large blue bow for the occasion.

The delivery marks the latest milestone in a long-standing relationship between American and Boeing, dating to the early years of commercial aviation.

A century together in flight: In the 1930s and 40s, American’s earliest commercial fleet included Douglas airplanes, part of today’s Boeing heritage.

In 1959, American Airlines launched the first transcontinental jet passenger route with the Boeing 707 on a record-breaking four-hour flight from Los Angeles to New York, a move that helped expand coast-to-coast service and broaden access to commercial air travel.

American Airlines’ Douglas DC-3, now part of Boeing’s heritage, helped usher in reliable air travel in the 1930s, flying routes like New York to Chicago.

American Airlines passengers board a Boeing 707 in 1959, as the airline introduces jet-powered transcontinental service.

American Airlines’ 737 fleet became a mainstay of everyday flying, supporting short- and medium-haul routes across the United States for decades.

The 777-200ER was introduced into American Airlines’ fleet in 1999.

As air travel evolved, so did the airplanes in American’s fleet:

The 727, introduced in the 1960s, enabled American to serve more airports – including those with shorter runways – helping to expand domestic routes and connect more cities.
American introduced the 777 in the late 90s and the 787 Dreamliner in 2015, which both offered higher capacity and improved efficiency as demand for longer-haul routes increased.
American Airlines began operating the 737-800 in 1999, which has become a staple of the airline’s domestic and short-haul international route network.

Today, the airline’s fleet includes 737, 777 and 787 airplanes, which help serve the airline’s approximately 350 destinations in more than 60 countries.

Milestone delivery: The airline’s 100^th 737 MAX is the latest milestone in its shared history with Boeing.

“Over the past decade, American has invested heavily to modernize and simplify our fleet, making it the largest and youngest among U.S. network carriers,” said Jay Hancock, American’s Managing Director of Fleet. “Our longstanding partnership with Boeing and now the delivery of our 100^th MAX aircraft has allowed us to expand our network for our customers.”

The next century: As American looks to its next 100 years, the airline continues to grow and modernize its fleet. Nearly 140 Boeing airplanes – a mix of 737 MAX and 787 models – remain on order for the airline.

Cambodia Airways Joins the ATR Family

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ATR announced:

On June 5, 2026, Cambodia Airways took delivery of the first of two ATR 72-600s, following an official ceremony attended by senior representatives from Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Cambodia Airways and Avation PLC. This marks the entry of the aircraft type into the airline’s fleet.

Ordered through Singapore-based lessor Avation, the first turboprop is scheduled to enter service later this month, while the second aircraft is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Cambodia Airways operates from Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, and is the country’s largest airline by passenger traffic. The airline primarily serves tourist flows within Cambodia and across the wider Southeast Asian region.

To stimulate the demand for short-haul travel to neighbouring countries, Cambodia Airways is expanding and enhancing its fleet, selecting the ATR 72-600 to operate reliable, low-emission and affordable regional services. The new aircraft will strengthen the airline’s network across Southeast Asia, their bigger jets being mainly used to serve China and other longer routes across the region.

Burning 45% less fuel and emitting 45% less CO₂ per trip than similar-size regional jets, ATR turboprops offer superior flexibility and operational efficiency, while ranking among the safest and most comfortable in their class with a quiet, smooth ride and a spacious, modern cabin. This will enable Cambodia Airways to deliver significant environmental advantages while increasing flight frequencies on domestic and international routes, helping the airline provide quick, reliable and seamless regional air services to connect tourists to their destinations.

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First UK-built Islander passes 75% completion at Bembridge, on schedule for delivery

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Britten-Norman has confirmed that the first new Islander to be produced through its fully reshored UK production line has reached 75% completion at the company’s Bembridge facility on the Isle of Wight, with final assembly scheduled in the coming weeks. The aircraft, contracted to the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), will be the first to be delivered from the new Bembridge line. A second airframe is now nearing 25% complete on the line, and components for follow-on aircraft are already in manufacture.

The new production line at Bembridge marks the return of full civil Islander manufacturing to the United Kingdom. Previously, major assemblies were manufactured overseas before final assembly in the UK. Since announcing its reshoring programme, Britten-Norman has invested in state-of-the-art CNC equipment and grown its workforce by more than 40%.

Since reaching 50% completion earlier this year, the build has advanced across every major area. Fuselage sub-assemblies and fin were joined at the end of Q1, fuel tank tests were completed, and the 15-metre wing assembly has been completed and attached to the fuselage. The airframe has been re-positioned on the production line, with installation of the undercarriage, engines, flight control surfaces and remaining systems well underway.

Beyond the aircraft now in production, Britten-Norman has Letters of Intent in place with operators across the regional passenger and special-mission sectors. Alongside the new-build programme, the company is investing in aftermarket parts availability and service to support a worldwide fleet of in-service Islanders.

With the first aircraft in advanced build, the second airframe on the line, and components for follow-on aircraft in manufacture, Britten-Norman is establishing a continuous UK production cadence and is on track to deliver the first new UK-built Islander to the customer as planned.

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American Airlines takes lounge dining to new heights

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American Airlines has announced:

American Airlines is redefining the premium lounge experience with significant upgrades to dining across its Flagship^® and Admirals Club^® lounges. Refreshed culinary offerings deliver greater choice, more complete meal offerings and a noticeably elevated presentation — reflecting American’s substantial investment in creating a premium, restaurant-inspired experience for customers before they fly. The updates broaden menu variety, introduce new ways to build a well-rounded meal and add premium touches that further elevate the experience for both leisure and business travelers.

In Flagship^® lounges, the enhancements further elevate the premium experience with:

Expanded culinary choices: A wider range of a la carte dishes and small plates gives travelers greater flexibility in how they dine, complemented by ongoing enhancements to our premium wine selection.
Interactive dining experiences: New action stations, including a cheese-monger cart, bring craftsmanship and personalization to the forefront of the travel journey.

Customers will also be able to order from a QR code-enabled a la carte menu featuring select premium dishes that rotate with seasonal menu updates. Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback to the a la carte scan to order options in the Philadelphia (PHL) Flagship^® lounge, American has expanded this offering systemwide to all Flagship^® lounges, allowing customers to order from their seat.

In Admirals Club^® lounges, customers will enjoy:

More variety more often: An expanded, frequently refreshed menu brings travelers a steady rotation of new dishes crafted with frequent flyers in mind, along with an elevated premium wine selection featuring Veuve rosé and Caymus cabernet sauvignon available for purchase.
More to savor: Two additional hot items make it easier to build a more satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Elevated presentation: An upgraded charcuterie selection enhances both quality and visual appeal, adding a refined touch to the buffet experience.

Flagship^® lounge menus will include:

Watermelon cucumber feta salad — Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
Ham and egg chive waffle — Chicago (ORD)
Thai basil and chili crispy shrimp — Los Angeles (LAX)
Citrus-rum shrimp — Miami (MIA)
Pineapple carpaccio — DFW
Sour cherry cheesecake — PHL

Admirals Club^® lounge menus will include:

Lemon herb chicken and mac and cheese bar — Denver (DEN), ORD, St. Louis (STL), Toronto (YYZ)
Chipotle lime chicken — DFW; Austin, Texas (AUS); Houston (IAH); Nashville, Tennessee (BNA)
Coconut turmeric chickpea and vegetable curry – MIA
Build-your-own breakfast tostada – Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT); Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU); Washington, D.C. (DCA)
Rustic zucchini and flame-roasted corn — LAX; Phoenix (PHX); Santa Ana, California (SNA); San Francisco (SFO)

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United takes delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR

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United Airlines has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, registered as N64321. The delivery marks a major fleet modernization milestone as the aircraft completed its maiden flight in Hamburg on April 29, 2026. This jet is the very first of 50 total A321XLR aircraft that United currently has on order to upgrade its single-aisle fleet.

The entry of the A321XLR allows United to replace its aging Boeing 757-200 aircraft with a much more efficient alternative. To appeal to corporate and premium travelers on long-haul routes, United has configured the aircraft with 32 premium seats. This layout offers double the premium cabin capacity of the older Boeing 757s it is replacing, significantly upgrading the passenger experience.

Designed specifically for thinner, long-haul markets, the A321XLR boasts an impressive flight range of up to 4,700 nautical miles. This extensive range enables United to operate long transatlantic or South American routes that were previously uneconomical to fly with larger widebody planes. The aircraft gives the airline the flexibility to open new secondary markets with lower operational costs.

Alaska Airlines debuts new Lounge in Portland, raising the bar for premium West Coast travel

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Alaska Airlines is set to welcome guests to its newest Lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) when it officially opens on June 4, underscoring its continued investment in premium travel and one of the carrier’s key West Coast hubs.

After more than two years of construction, the approximately 14,000-square-foot Lounge will welcome guests with a warm, thoughtfully designed Pacific Northwest aesthetic, featuring an inviting fireplace and a striking wooden Mt. Hood mural by artist Ben Butler. At twice the size of the current Portland Lounge, it offers more than 200 seats, including Alaska’s Signature Loungers, along with high, open ceilings that bring in natural light and views of Portland’s new terminal. Guests can relax, enjoy fresh, regionally inspired food, sip barista-crafted beverages or cocktails from West Coast partners, or take advantage of ample power plugs and privacy booths for calls and meetings.

Portland guests have chosen Alaska for years and played an important role in our growth in the Pacific Northwest. This new Lounge is our way of thanking them and a reflection of our growing portfolio of premium guest experiences. We look forward to opening our doors this week and welcoming guests with the signature hospitality and thoughtful touches Alaska is known for.”

Shane Jones

Vice President of Fleet, Products and Guest ExperienceAlaska Airlines

Alaska is the largest carrier serving Portland, operating more flights than any other airline, including more than 100 daily departures. Portland is a critical hub in Alaska and Hawaiian’s network with expanding service to over 60 destinations across North America and beyond. This summer, Alaska will launch year-round service to Everett/Paine Field (PAE) and Pasco–Tri-Cities (PSC), along with seasonal service to Jackson Hole (JAC). Last month, new service began to Baltimore (BWI), Bellingham (BLI), Idaho Falls (IDA), Philadelphia (PHL) and St. Louis (STL). By this fall, Alaska will offer 50% more seats in Portland than just two years ago, reflecting strong demand for travel and the airline’s continued investment in the market.

Alaska and Hawaiian lobby at PDX airport

Our strong partnership with Alaska has helped to elevate the new PDX as a world-class destination that showcases the Pacific Northwest and makes everyone feel at home. We’re thrilled their new PDX Lounge is here for the long haul, offering travelers a stunning spot to relax, recharge, and experience a taste of our region.”

Chris Czarnecki

PDX Business and Properties DirectorPort of Portland

The nearly $18 million investment in the Portland Lounge is part of Alaska’s growing Lounge footprint and broader commitment to enhancing the guest experience as it expands globally. Building on this investment, Alaska just announced its plans to open a landmark, more than 41,000-square-foot lounge in 2027. The Lounge, which will be located in Seattle – home to the airline’s main hub – will be the largest in its network and among the largest airline lounges in the country. The airline is also designing its first Lounge in San Diego (SAN) along with a new, expanded Lounge in Honolulu (HNL), both slated for early 2028.

Alaska Airlines Lounge members can access eight premium lounges across Alaska and Hawaiian’s network, including its largest lounge in Seattle and additional locations at its hubs in Anchorage (ANC), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). Alaska Lounge+ membership unlocks access to all Alaska Lounges, plus nearly 90 partner lounges worldwide, including select oneworld and partner lounges.

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ATR delivers the first ATR 42-600 to PNG Air as the airline accelerates its fleet renewal

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ATR announced:

At the end of May, ATR formally delivered the first ATR 42-600 aircraft of a previously undisclosed order of three to PNG Air. Following a purchase agreement initiated late 2024, this first delivery marks the beginning of the airline’s ambitious renewal plan, that places ATR aircraft at the heart of its future network.

PNG Air plays a vital role in Papua New Guinea, by operating scheduled passenger services across one of the world’s most geographically complex countries. With mountaineous terrain, dense rainforest and very limited road infrastructure, aviation is often the only means of connecting communities to essential services, markets, education and healthcare. Reliable regional aircraft are therefore a cornerstone of the country’s social and economic development.

Since 2023, PNG Air has launched a major transformation, focusing on operational performance, punctuality, dependable frequencies and a better travel experience for its passengers. Modernising the fleet is a key part of this strategy. Over the next year, PNG Air plans to transition progressively to an all-ATR fleet, expanding from five to 16 aircraft while retiring its older DHC Q100s.

This accelerated growth combines new ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 deliveries with the acquisition of several pre-owned aircraft from established lessors. By choosing ATR, PNG Air is investing in the most efficient and capable regional aircraft for the country’s unique environment: turboprop aircraft that can serve short routes, challenging gravel runways, and remote communities with outstanding fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Across Papua New Guinea, this delivery marks a step forward: towards more reliable and more responsible mobility, helping the country stay connected and its communities thrive.

Delta honors WWII heroes with fifth Normandy Legacy Flight

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Delta Air Lines announced:

The historic journey with 28 World War II veterans — most of whom are over 100 years old — officially began on Monday, June 1, in Delta’s hometown of Atlanta, marked by a heartfelt welcome and gala dinner at the Delta Flight Museum.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., Delta employees lined the red carpet, eagerly anticipating the arrival of our honored veterans. As they made their way in, they were greeted with enthusiastic cheers and a sea of waving American and French flags — a powerful tribute to the enduring bond between the two nations and the heroes who helped secure their freedom.

Photos from the Sendoff Dinner for the 2027 Return to Normandy trip at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday June 1, 2026. (Casey Sykes for Rank Studios)

The evening transitioned into a moving gala that brought together WWII veterans, students, Delta employees and leaders and partners including The Best Defense Foundation, Michelin and French Ambassador Laurent Bili. In one of the night’s most memorable moments, Cpl. Jack Myers joined NextGen student Caleb Walker in a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America”— a powerful reflection of the enduring bond formed through a past program and a symbol of connection and legacy.

But this meaningful evening was just the beginning. These veterans departed for Normandy, retracing the steps of history and returning to the very shores where their courage helped change the course of history.

June 1

HEROES JOURNEY TO ATL

STAFF WRITER

It’s nearly time for takeoff. Over this weekend and on Monday, nearly 30 World War II veterans from around the U.S. traveled to Atlanta ahead of the 5th edition of the Normandy Legacy Flight.

At airports across the country, Delta employees and customers rallied to give these heroes the sendoff they deserve. From heartfelt announcements over the loudspeaker to personal moments of gratitude, people came together to send these veterans off with the celebration they deserve.

As these men travel to Atlanta and soon to Normandy, they carry with them stories that shaped history, now ready to be heard once more.

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World’s longest-range aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000ULR takes to the skies

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The A350-1000ULR (MSN 707), the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France. The aircraft, fitted with special flight test instrumentation, flew for three hours 43 minutes reaching an altitude of slightly above 41,000 feet. The aircraft was flown by a dedicated Airbus Fli ght Test crew.

The A350-1000ULR is being developed for Qantas Airways to enable non-stop flights between Sydney and London for the first time ever – a distance of almost 10,000 nautical miles, with flight times of up to 22 hours. This is made possible primarily by the integration into the aircraft structure of an additional rear centre tank (RCT), enhancing further the aircraft performance and increasing the range of the aircraft by 1,000 nautical miles.

During the first flight the crew carried out general aircraft performance checks and tested the new fuel system architecture. This marks the start of a two month flight test campaign to certify the modifications. In addition, a new galley air cooling system will also be certified, which features lighter and more efficient refrigeration units for very long flights. The ventilation and temperature control of the cabin will also be thoroughly tested.

Following the flight test campaign, MSN 707 will be retrofitted to Qantas’ commercial specifications.

The second A350-1000ULR to be produced for Qantas and the first scheduled to be delivered to the airline in April 2027, is now at an advanced stage of final assembly and ready to roll out of the paint shop in the coming days. This will be followed by completion of the premium four class cabin layout and engine installation.

The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the best-selling A350 Family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR and the A350-1000. Together, the aircraft have set new standards in long haul air travel, with a step-change reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and new levels of passenger comfort.

The passenger line-up will soon be joined by the all-new A350F freighter, also currently under development at Airbus, with first flight planned later this year.

At the end of April 2026, the A350 Family had won 1,579 orders from 68 customers, with over 700 aircraft flying with 41 operators, primarily on long haul services across the globe.

QANTAS has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under Project Sunrise, designed to overcome one of the last frontiers in non-stop travel from Australia. In addition the carrier also has 12 standard A350-1000s on order for future operation across its long haul network.