SMYRNA, Tenn., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Contour Airlines is excited to announce new air service at Cavern City Airport (CNM), providing travelers with convenient nonstop flights to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Service is scheduled to begin on March 1, 2026, expanding travel options for the Carlsbad region and strengthening connectivity to major domestic and international destinations.
Contour Airlines will operate the new routes using its 30-seat regional jet, offering passengers a comfortable and reliable travel experience. Each flight features extra legroom, complimentary snacks and beverages, and one free checked bag with every fare.
Through Contour’s interline agreements, travelers flying from Carlsbad will have access to seamless connections at both Albuquerque and Denver. These partnerships allow passengers to book a single itinerary and connect easily to hundreds of destinations worldwide.
“We’re thrilled to bring Contour’s service to Carlsbad and Cavern City Airport,” said Ben Munson, President of Contour Airlines. “This new service reflects our commitment to connecting underserved communities with reliable, comfortable air travel. With nonstop flights to Albuquerque and Denver, and access to major airline partners, Carlsbad travelers will have more convenient connections than ever before.”
The new flights will support both business and leisure travel while improving regional access to key hub airports.
“The City of Carlsbad is very excited to welcome jet service to our community” said Carlsbad Mayor Rick Lopez. “This is something that has been long overdue, and our community deserves access to a larger airline that meets the needs of our growing population and local industries. We appreciate Contour Airlines for investing in Carlsbad and recognizing the potential of our region.”
JetBlue Airways, the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, on February 4, 2026 proudly announces that a vibrant design by artist Willy Gómez has been selected for its first-ever special aircraft livery honoring the Dominican Republic. Chosen by public vote, the design celebrates the country’s rich cultural identity while underscoring JetBlue’s long-standing commitment to the Dominican community.
The livery is part of RD Orgullo que Eleva (DR Pride That Lifts), a campaign developed in collaboration with Dominican artists to elevate local talent and showcase the cultural pride, creativity, and spirit of the Dominican Republic.
Launched in January, the RD Orgullo que Eleva campaign invited customers and fans to vote for their favorite design among three original concepts created by Dominican artists including Gómez, Los Plebeyos, and Lena Tolkens. Each design offered a distinct interpretation of Dominican culture, drawing inspiration from folklore, music, everyday life, nature, family, and national symbolism through each artist’s unique creative lens. JetBlue is grateful to the three artists for their creativity and passion, which brought powerful and authentic perspectives to this celebration.
Following an enthusiastic public response, the selected design will take flight later this spring on a JetBlue Airbus A320. More than a visual transformation, the livery serves as a flying tribute to the Dominican Republic and the millions of customers who share a deep connection to the country. It also reflects JetBlue’s continued investment and commitment to bringing together family and friends, supporting tourism and the local economy, and promoting the Dominican Republic as a dynamic, must-visit destination.
With more than 20 years of experience as an art director, illustrator, and muralist, Gómez draws on Neo-traditional and Art Nouveau influences to celebrate Dominican culture. His design captures the country’s rhythm and warmth through expressive linework, tropical motifs, and bold color contrasts inspired by music, dance, and coastal life. The aircraft will serve as a powerful symbol of Dominican pride and presence carrying that spirit across JetBlue’s network.
AirBorneo and ATR today announced a strategic partnership to modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services (RAS) fleet, with AirBorneo confirming a firm order for eight ATR aircraft. The agreement comprises five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, with purchase rights for four additional aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.
This marks a significant milestone in AirBorneo’s transformation into Sarawak’s state-owned airline and its assumption of responsibility for the RAS network, a vital public service that connects remote and underserved communities across Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan.
Finalised in late 2025, the order supports AirBorneo’s long-term fleet renewal strategy following the acquisition of MASwings by the Sarawak government in 2025 and its subsequent rebranding as AirBorneo. The airline currently operates eight ATR 72-500 aircraft inherited from MASwings. The new-generation ATR –600 series will form the backbone of a more efficient and more resilient RAS operation for East Malaysia.
The introduction of the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 aircraft will enable AirBorneo to enhance passenger experience, operational reliability and service capability. The aircraft feature advanced avionics, modern navigation technologies and improved cabin comfort. They are also equipped to support medical stretcher operations and are optimised for reliable operations across diverse regional and rural route environments in Borneo.
Southeast Asian carrier places its first order with Boeing, boosting regional growth with the fuel-efficient 737-8 – The 737 MAX will be the first Boeing airplanes operated by a Cambodian airline
SINGAPORE, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air Cambodia today announced the airline’s largest single-aisle order for up to 20 737 MAX airplanes in an agreement unveiled at the Singapore Airshow. This marks the Southeast Asian carrier’s first purchase of fuel-efficient Boeing airplanes.
The airline finalized its firm order for 10 737-8 jets and opportunity for 10 more in December 2025. The order was previously unidentified on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.
New Boeing customer, Air Cambodia, orders up to 20 737 MAX jets that will fly in the airline’s new livery.
With the 737 MAX, Air Cambodia will renew and grow its fleet as air travel serves an increasing role in connecting people and places throughout the region. The airline will leverage the 737-8’s capabilities, efficiency and passenger comfort features for its expanding network of high-demand routes across Asia.
“The 737-8 gives Air Cambodia the ideal combination of range, capacity and fuel efficiency to support our next phase of growth,” said Dr. David Zhan, CEO of Air Cambodia. “This investment – Air Cambodia’s largest narrowbody purchase – will let us launch direct services to important markets across North and Southeast Asia, and offer competitively priced travel for passengers, while creating local jobs and training opportunities that strengthen our communities.”
The 737-8, which can fly up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), is well-suited to support the airline’s growing regional network. Air Cambodia will benefit from the airplane’s flexible capacity and lower operating costs due to a 20% reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to the airplanes it replaces.
“We are proud to welcome Air Cambodia as our newest 737 MAX customer and look forward to partnering with them to introduce the versatile and reliable 737-8 to the Kingdom of Cambodia,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “We are committed to supporting the growth of aviation in Cambodia and throughout the region as Air Cambodia strengthens ties across Asia with these fuel-efficient airplanes.”
Air Cambodia currently operates a fleet of six single-aisle and regional jets on domestic and international routes to Vietnam, India, Thailand, China, Japan and Hong Kong.
Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts Southeast Asian carriers will need nearly 5,000 new airplanes over the next twenty years, with single-aisle jets comprising more than 80% of deliveries.
Milestone underscores airline’s pivotal role in ONT’s emergence as Southern California’s international gateway
ONTARIO, Calif. , Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ontario International Airport (ONT) congratulated China Airlines, a Taiwan-based carrier, on achieving an extraordinary milestone: the airline’s 1 millionth passenger to travel through ONT since launching service between Ontario and Taipei, Taiwan, in 2018.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left, China Airlines flight attendant; James Kessler, ONT Senior Vice President of Operations and Maintenance; Jack (Chih-Chao) Chih, China Airlines’ Vice President of Americas; Mr. Cheng; and Eren Cello, ONT Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing.
The 1 millionth passenger, Mr. Cheng, was welcomed during a brief ceremony on Monday evening, February 2, marking another significant chapter in the long-standing partnership between ONT and China Airlines and highlighting the continued growth of international travel at the Inland Empire’s airport.
Since becoming the airport’s first carrier to offer nonstop, transoceanic passenger service, China Airlines has played a foundational role in positioning Ontario International as a global gateway for Southern California, providing travelers with convenient access to Taiwan and onward connections throughout Asia. In 2025, nearly China Airlines served nearly 195,000 passengers through ONT.
“China Airlines’ success at Ontario International Airport is a testament to the strength of this market and to the vision both organizations shared when service was launched in 2018,” said Alan D. Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners. “Welcoming the 1 millionth China Airlines passenger is not only a celebration of this airline’s achievement, but also a powerful affirmation of ONT’s growing role as an international gateway. It reflects our shared commitment to delivering world-class service, expanding global connectivity, and providing Southern California travelers with a more convenient and accessible option for international travel.”
“Ontario International Airport is an ideal gateway for passengers traveling between Asia and major cities throughout the country. Through our cooperation with Southwest Airlines, travelers can easily connect to and from the Inland Empire to many more destinations across Asia and the United States. Looking ahead, China Airlines remains committed to enhancing our services, expanding our network, and delivering a safe, comfortable, and high-quality travel experience. We will continue working closely with our partners to bring more value and more choices to our passengers.” said China Airlines’ Vice President of Americas Jack (Chih-Chao) Chih.
Over the past several years, ONT has experienced record growth in international travel, driven by expanded service to Asia and Latin America and reinforced by major investments in facilities, passenger amenities, and federal inspection infrastructure. International passenger volumes increased sharply in 2025, further solidifying Ontario’s position as one of the fastest-growing international airports in California.
Wapner said that the milestone also reflects the airport’s broader transformation since its return to local control. “A region as large and dynamic as Greater Los Angeles deserves more than one global gateway. China Airlines helped make that vision real at Ontario, and this achievement demonstrates how far we’ve come together.”
As ONT continues to expand its international footprint, partnerships such as the one with China Airlines remain central to its mission of delivering convenient, efficient, and globally connected air service for Southern California.
Historic year included six new destinations, three additional carriers as YVR strengthens role as Canada’s Pacific gateway to Asia and beyond
MUSQUEAM TERRITORY/RICHMOND, BC, Feb. 3, 2026 /CNW/ – Vancouver International Airport (YVR) welcomed more than 26.9 million travellers in 2025, marking a new all-time record with cargo shipments also reaching their highest volumes in the 94-year history of the airport.
This 2.7 per cent year-over-year increase in passengers is a testament to YVR’s tireless work with airlines, tourism organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen its position as a global hub and a critical gateway between North America, Asia, and beyond. The previous record of 26.3 million passengers was set in 2019.
By sector, domestic travel was up 3.8 per cent. Notably, for international travel, Asia Pacific passenger volumes increased 15.6 per cent year over year, while transborder traffic between YVR and U.S. destinations declined by 7.1 per cent amidst shifting global travel patterns.
On cargo shipments, 365,000 tonnes of goods moved through the airport, which represents a 7.4 per cent increase over 2024, reinforcing YVR’s key role in the local and national supply chain, particularly for high value, time sensitive, and perishable exports.
“Strong operations and customer service combined with globally recognized innovation generated record results in 2025,” said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO of Vancouver International Airport. “I recognize and thank our outstanding YVR and Sea Island employees, our partners at Musqueam, as well as our airline customers and passengers for contributing to this achievement.”
YVR’s 2025 passenger and cargo results reflect the airport’s position as Canada’s second busiest airport and its role as a critical economic engine, contributing more than $15 billion to Canada’s GDP each year. For example, a year-round wide-body international flight, such as T’Way Airlines’ service to Seoul, South Korea, which launched last July, is estimated to generate $39.8 million in economic output, $20.8 million in GDP, and 237 full time jobs in the province.
“Looking forward, YVR is ready to go to welcome additional flights and carriers to get more of Canada to global markets while at the same time creating jobs and opportunity here at home,” added Vrooman. “As governments look to sign new bilateral and trade agreements, we are on the ground in those emerging markets, engaged with our partners, building new relationships today to be ready for that additional growth tomorrow.”
YVR is now host to 57 airlines serving 129 non-stop destinations across the province and around the world.
Quick facts about YVR in 2025:
Best Airport in North America: YVR was once again voted Best Airport in North America, the 14th time in the past 16 years, and ranked 13th in the world’s top 20 airports by the Skytrax World Airport Awards.
Celebrating new airlines and destinations: YVR welcomed a variety of new and returning destinations and carriers including Air Canada to Manila and Beijing, China Southern to Guangzhou, China Eastern service to Shanghai, T’Way Airlines to Seoul, and WestJet to Liberia, Costa Rica, connecting even more of the province to the world.
Providing a digital-first experience with Air Canada for travellers to Canadian destinations: YVR became the first airport in Canada to install e-gates for Air Canada’s Domestic Digital ID program, which is also being expanded to U.S. departures. This allows travellers to use biometric identity verification tools rather than show boarding passes and physical identification.
Making security screening more seamless: YVR worked with Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to become the first airport to install Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray equipment at the airport’s Domestic screening facilities. The new technology allows passengers to leave large electronics, such as laptops, and liquids in their bags for a faster security screening experience.
Delivering reliable and resilient operations: YVR continued to invest in its operations and assets, shoring up climate, digital, and physical infrastructure throughout the year, such as completing a $133 million upgrade to its North Runway.
A backgrounder document with more data is available upon request.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas and serves as a platform for our community to come together and thrive. We are motivated by supporting regional economic development and making a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians. We do this with a focus on serving our passengers, partners, workers, and community through digital modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability.
On January 29, 2026, a Satena Beechcraft 1900D crashed in the mountains of northern Colombia, killing all 15 people on board. Satena, the country’s state‑run regional airline, confirmed that the aircraft had suffered a fatal accident, and rescue teams later located the wreckage in a remote, rugged area near Ocaña, close to the Venezuelan border. The aircraft had been operating a scheduled domestic service with an expected arrival time of 12:05 local time, but radio contact was lost 11 minutes before landing, triggering an immediate search‑and‑rescue response.
The passenger list included two prominent political figures: Diógenes Quintero Amaya, a sitting lawmaker, and Carlos Salcedo, a candidate in the upcoming congressional elections. Their deaths drew national attention as authorities confirmed that there were no survivors. Colombian aviation officials have opened a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, focusing on the aircraft’s final communications, weather conditions in the region, and the challenges posed by the mountainous terrain.
The aircraft involved in the fatal Satena crash on January 29, 2026, was a Beechcraft 1900D registered as HK‑4709. It was operated by SEARCA under a wet‑lease agreement with Satena and was destroyed in mountainous terrain near Ocaña, Colombia, with no survivors among the 15 occupants
Message translated to English:
Cúcuta, January 29, 2026. On Thursday afternoon, Major General Óscar Zuluaga Castaño, President of SATENA, and Captain Jorge Campillo, President of SEARCA, met with the families and/or representatives of six of the thirteen passengers and crew members who died in the accident on the Cúcuta–Ocaña route. The purpose of the meeting was to personally express their condolences and provide clarity regarding responsibilities and institutional support during this difficult time.
During the meeting, the presidents of SATENA and SEARCA reiterated the profound sorrow this tragedy represents for both companies and for the country. They also explained the operational conditions under which the route was being flown:
The aircraft involved in the accident was operated by SEARCA on behalf of SATENA, under a contract between the two parties. As the final operator, SEARCA is solely responsible for providing the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance.
All costs and expenses arising from the accident will be handled in accordance with the legal limits established for this type of liability.
SATENA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the families of the victims. For claims made under applicable law, SATENA will serve as the channel to present these requests to SEARCA or the appropriate entity.
All claims related to the air accident will be processed through the institutional email: asistenciasfamiliares@satena.com.
“We know that pain cannot be mitigated. That’s why we are here: to accompany you, to answer your questions, and to ensure you are not alone. SATENA has a moral responsibility to stand by you, and we will fulfill it with the respect and humanity this moment demands,” said Major General Óscar Zuluaga Castaño at the close of the meeting.
SATENA will continue working closely with aviation and judicial authorities, as well as with SEARCA, to ensure that families receive the treatment they deserve and that investigations proceed with the transparency and rigor the country expects.
Boeing and Air India announced today the airline has ordered 30 more fuel-efficient 737 MAX jets, expanding its Boeing order book to nearly 200 airplanes across the company’s single-aisle and widebody airplane families.
The airline finalized an incremental purchase of 20 737-8 jets this month and an order for 10 737-10 airplanes was previously unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website. Both purchases exercised existing options as Air India expands its route network to meet rising travel demand.
Shri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, India, with the leaders from Boeing and Air India
Air India will operate the new 737-8s, leveraging their dispatch reliability, fuel efficiency and range flexibility on high-frequency, domestic and short-haul regional routes. The airline also plans to deploy the larger 737-10 to maintain operational commonality and carry more passengers at the lowest cost per seat among single-aisle aircraft.
As Air India expands its fleet and network, Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts the Indian and South Asian region will need nearly 3,300 new airplanes over the next two decades with 90% of those single-aisle jets like the 737 MAX.
Airline will fly nonstop from ORD to 222 destinations, including 47 international and 175 U.S. cities – five new nonstops coming to midwestern destinations, reinforcing ORD’s position as the premier Midwest hub
United led major carriers in on-time ORD arrivals in 2025; travelers on the next largest competitor at ORD were nearly twice as likely to have their flight cancelled as United customers
Customer experience at ORD includes access to five United Club locations, in addition to a redesigned United Polaris Lounge, as well as a growing number of aircraft with seatback screens, larger overhead bins, Bluetooth connectivity and free Starlink Wi-Fi for MileagePlus members
To support the airline’s growth and continued focus on operational excellence, United plans to hire approximately 2,500 more people at ORD before the end of the year
CHICAGO, Jan. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — United today announced it will reach 750 flights per day this summer from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), 200 more than its next largest competitor and the largest schedule ever flown by any airline operating here.
United Expects Biggest Summer Yet at Chicago O’Hare, Growing to Record 750 Flights Per Day
Throughout 2026, Chicago’s hometown airline will offer nonstop service to 222 destinations – more than any other airline at ORD, and 38 more than its next largest competitor – including 47 international cities across Europe, Asia and South America as well as 175 U.S. destinations. Starting as early as April, and on sale January 29, the airline is strengthening connectivity across the Midwest with five new routes from ORD to cities including:
Champaign/Urbana, Ill. (CMI) operated 4 times daily beginning April 30, 2026
Kalamazoo, Mich. (AZO) operated 4 times daily beginning April 30, 2026
Lansing, Mich. (LAN) operated 4 times daily beginning May 7, 2026
La Crosse, Wis. (LSE) operated 4 times daily beginning May 7, 2026
Bloomington/Normal, Ill. (BMI) operated 4 times daily beginning May 7, 2026
In late 2025, the airline also announced it would add flights to cities such as Santa Barbara, Calif. (SBA); Monterey, Calif. (MRY); Eugene, Ore. (EUG); Bristol/Tri-Cities, Tenn. (TRI), Erie, Penn. (ERI); Rochester, Minn. (RST); Wausau, Wis. (CWA); Marquette, Mich. (MQT), and more as part of its summer 2026 schedule.
In addition to enhancing connections between ORD and small and midsized communities, more than 80 cities will receive additional flights to give customers even more options from Chicago including popular travel destinations like Boston (BOS), Nashville (BNA), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Dallas (DFW). United’s Chicago hub is expected to become the third largest hub operated by any airline in the U.S., and the airline’s summer schedule reinforces ORD’s role as the premier hub of the Midwest and a top global gateway following record passenger levels in 2025.
“We have spent the past decade building and executing a strategy that is focused on winning brand loyal customers by giving them more value when they fly United – and nowhere is that more apparent than in Chicago,” said United’s Vice President of ORD, Omar Idris. “This growth at O’Hare highlights our commitment to invest in our network, customers and hiring in the city we call home.”
United will also operate from ORD to Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL) daily from June 8 to June 27, providing service for large international soccer games. With this add, United will have non-stop service from Chicago to all 16 cities hosting large international soccer games in 2026.
“Illinois sits at the crossroads of global travel and commerce, with O’Hare Airport opening doors and opportunities for people across the country and around the world,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “The record-breaking expanded flight offerings from United Airlines planned for this coming summer at O’Hare demonstrates the company’s sustained commitment to growth in Illinois – boosting our economy, supporting jobs, and strengthening Chicago’s tourism and hospitality industries.”
Operational Excellence at ORD
United continues to focus on running a great operation at ORD – the airline led major carriers in on-time arrival in 2025 and last year, travelers on the next largest competitor at ORD were nearly twice as likely to have their flight cancelled as United customers. United averaged 541 daily departures from ORD in 2025, 31% more than the next largest competitor and flew more seats from Chicago than at any point in the last two decades.
To support the airline’s continued focus on operational excellence, United plans to hire another approximately 2,500 people at ORD before the end of the year.
ORD customers can expect a best-in-class experience with access to five United ClubSM locations, in addition to a redesigned United Polaris® lounge, as well as a growing number of aircraft with seatback screens, larger overhead bins, Bluetooth connectivity and free Starlink Wi-Fi for MileagePlus® members. The airline plans to fly more than 370 daily mainline departures during its summer schedule – a 20% increase from summer 2025.
Upleveling the Customer Experience
United invests heavily in creating a seamless, modern travel experience for customers, including a suite of technology enhancements that make every step of the journey easier, such as:
Connection Saver: In 2025, Connection Saver saved approximately one million potential missed connections, a 42% increase over 2024, including helping 240,000 passengers make their flight in Chicago. New app features offer customized turn-by-turn directions to connecting gates with estimated walk times, real-time flight status updates, tips for longer layovers, and notifications if United is holding a plane during a tight connection.
Starlink: Starlink brings seamless, gate-to-gate connectivity. In less than a year, United has equipped more than 300 aircraft with Starlink, the world’s fastest, most reliable Wi-Fi in the sky and is rolling out the service to its mainline feet. In January, 33% of departures at ORD were on a Starlink-equipped plane.
Bag drop shortcut: United travelers can skip the check-in line and drop off bags in under a minute at the designated bag drop shortcut location at the curb by checking bags in the app before arriving at the airport. And now, United is the only airline to offer bag drop shortcut with TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID, allowing ORD travelers who opt-in to drop off their bags in seconds by leveraging facial scanning technology. In 2025 at ORD, 1.25 million passengers dropped bags at Bag Drop Shortcut.
Facial Scanning Security: United offers customers at ORD the ability to use TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID to seamlessly drop off bags or make it through security in seconds. Since launching TSA PreCheck Touchless ID at ORD in 2024, more than 2.8 million customers have opted in to use the technology.
United mobile app: Delivers a wealth of local, valuable traveler information including Chicago-specific flight and bag tracking updates, intuitive ORD navigation with turn-by-turn directions from mode of transportation to the airport through to the gate, real-time United Club capacity levels and guidance on the closest club to departure gate, rideshare options, live weather data and much more.
Shri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, India, with the leaders from Boeing and Air India
