WestJet and Virgin Atlantic expand loyalty benefits, unlocking more rewards and connectivity for travellers 


Members can earn and redeem WestJet Rewards on codeshare flights with Virgin Atlantic via London-Heathrow to the United Arab Emirates, The Maldives and South Africa.

CALGARY, AB, Feb. 17, 2026 /CNW/ – WestJet and Virgin Atlantic have joined forces to deliver more value to their loyalty members. Beginning today, WestJet Rewards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members can earn points with their preferred loyalty program on each other’s entire network including VS-WS codeshare flights. The update to the partnership is particularly meaningful for WestJet guests travelling on Virgin Atlantic’s Toronto (YYZ) – London (LHR) route, which serves as a popular bridge for thousands of Canadians that connect through Toronto Pearson to reach Virgin Atlantic’s primary hub at London Heathrow.

“Strengthening ties with a world-class airline like Virgin Atlantic has long delivered stronger connectivity for our guests. Today’s announcement builds on that foundation, unlocking greater value and expanded opportunities for WestJet Rewards members to engage with our loyalty program,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “By broadening the ways members can earn and redeem WestJet points, we are making it easier for guests to get even more value out of every journey with WestJet and Virgin Atlantic.”

“Our partnership with WestJet continues to strengthen, providing our Flying Club members more choice and connectivity in how they fly between Canada, the UK and beyond,” said Juha Jaervinen, Virgin Atlantic Chief Customer Officer. “As we approach the one-year anniversary of our return to Toronto, we’re pleased to deliver more ways for our customers to earn and burn through Flying Club alongside our partners at WestJet and introduce increased capacity with daily flights on our largest aircraft, 397 –seater, Airbus A350-1000 for the summer season.”

In addition to expanded earning opportunities, WestJet Rewards members will continue to be able to redeem WestJet points as a form of payment on WestJet codeshare flights operated by Virgin Atlantic, which are now available to be booked via WestJet.com. This includes redemption on WestJet marketed flights via London-Heathrow to:

  • Dubai, United Arab Emirates (DXB)
  • Malé, Maldives (MLE)
  • Cape Town, South Africa (CPT)
  • Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB)

Last year, WestJet revamped its rewards program, adding more value and flexibility, while maintaining the program’s simplicity. Integrating WestJet Rewards with Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club marks the first airline loyalty partnership since the update and the first new reciprocal flyer partnership for WestJet in almost 10 years.

Sabre’s fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings materials available on its Investor Relations website

SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sabre Corporation (“Sabre”) (NASDAQ: SABR) today announced financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. Sabre has posted its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings release and earnings presentation to its Investor Relations webpage at investors.sabre.com/financial-information/quarterly results. The earnings release is also available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

As previously announced, Sabre will host a live webcast of its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings conference call today at 9:00 a.m. ET. Management will discuss the financial results, as well as comment on the forward outlook. The webcast is expected to last approximately one hour and will be accessible by visiting the Investor Relations section of Sabre’s website at investors.sabre.com.

A replay of the event will be available on the website for at least 90 days following the event.

About Sabre 
Sabre Corporation is a leading technology company that takes on the biggest opportunities and solves the most complex challenges in travel. Sabre harnesses speed, scale and insights to build tomorrow’s technology today – empowering airlines, hoteliers, agencies and other partners to retail, distribute and fulfill travel worldwide. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, with employees across the world, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries globally. For more information visit www.sabre.com

Croatia Airlines introduces new cabin crew uniforms

Croatia Airlines has revealed a completely redesigned set of cabin crew uniforms, created by Croatian designer Martina Vrdoljak Ranilović, as part of a sweeping visual‑identity overhaul introduced under the campaign titled “In Your Direction.” The new look represents the most significant brand refresh in the airline’s recent history and is intended to signal a new era for the national carrier as it transitions to a next‑generation fleet.

The uniform collection—modern, elegant, and rooted in Croatian design traditions—forms one of the central elements of the airline’s updated brand. Vrdoljak Ranilović’s designs emphasize clean lines, contemporary tailoring, and a color palette that aligns with the airline’s refreshed corporate identity. Croatia Airlines notes that the new uniforms are meant to project a more confident, international image while still reflecting national heritage through subtle cultural motifs and design cues.

The “In Your Direction” campaign coincides directly with Croatia Airlines’ complete fleet renewal, centered on the arrival of 15 new Airbus A220 aircraft. The airline is replacing its aging A319s, A320s, and Dash 8‑Q400s with a single‑type A220 fleet, a transition that will reshape its operations, reduce fuel burn, and modernize the passenger experience. The new uniforms, logo, and aircraft livery were developed together to ensure a unified brand presentation as the airline enters this new phase.

As part of the overhaul, Croatia Airlines introduced a more contemporary logo and a redesigned aircraft livery, both intended to highlight Croatian national identity more clearly on the global stage. The updated visual identity uses sharper geometric elements, a cleaner typeface, and a more refined color scheme, all designed to elevate the airline’s presence in international markets and align its image with the modernity of the incoming A220 fleet.

More airline news:

United Airlines Selects GE Aerospace GEnx Engines to Power New 787 Dreamliners


CINCINNATI, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) announced today that United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) has selected 300 GEnx engines to power their new Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The agreement also includes additional spare engines and brings United Airlines’ 787 fleet to more than 200 GEnx powered aircraft.

Mohamed Ali, President & CEO, GE Aerospace Commercial Engines & Services, said, “GE Aerospace has an enduring relationship with United that spans decades. This deal will make United the largest GEnx operator in the world, and we’re honored they continue to choose us to power their success.”

Engineered with advanced materials and cutting-edge technologies, the GEnx engine family delivers greater durability and time on wing for customers. Combined with a 99.98 dispatch rate GEnx is also highly reliable.

GE Aerospace’s relationship with United Airlines began in 1968. The carrier currently operates an extensive fleet of GE Aerospace and CFM* powered aircraft that includes CF6, GE90, GEnx, CFM56-7B, LEAP and CF34 engines.

With more than 70 million flight hours, today the GEnx engine powers two-thirds of all 787 aircraft in operation and exclusively powers the 747-8 aircraft. This latest order brings GE Aerospace’s firm GEnx future deliveries to nearly 1,800 engines plus spares.

*CFM is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines 

American Airlines is off to the races in Kentucky with special flights

American Airlines made this announcement:

The countdown to race day is on, and getting trackside in Louisville, Kentucky (SDF), is top of mind for many travelers. To meet those needs, American is moving into the homestretch with nonstop flights connecting SDF to a record 20 destinations this year.

More flights to connect travelers to the action

American has added special flights to 13 destinations between April 30 and May 3, complementing existing service to seven destinations. These additional nonstop flights give travelers faster and more convenient flight options to show off their seersucker suits, spring dresses and fashionable new hats.

American’s hubs, such as Charlotte (CLT), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Philadelphia (PHL) and Washington, D.C. (DCA), will see a combination of extra flights and larger aircraft operating to SDF on peak travel dates. With an industry-leading domestic network, this means more ways for travelers across the country to pick the perfect itinerary heading to or from SDF.

Compared to a traditional day at SDF, American will more than double the number of flights it operates on peak dates surrounding the marquee race. This means 41 arriving flights on April 30 and 46 departing flights on May 3.

Setting the pace with elevated travel experiences

From Los Angeles (LAX) and Santa Ana (SNA) in California, American will operate special flights to SDF with Airbus A321T aircraft. Featuring 10 Flagship First® and 20 Flagship Business® seats, American is the only airline to offer lie-flat seating options between Southern California and SDF.

All other flights to SDF will operate on dual-class aircraft, giving travelers the opportunity to enhance their travel experience with the choice of a premium cabin. Earlier this year, American equipped its entire active narrowbody fleet — and more than 80% of its dual-class regional fleet — with free Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T, with more enhancements and innovations coming soon. Sit back, research top picks and get ready for a weekend of color, cocktails and celebration.

American’s flights to Louisville, Kentucky (SDF)

CityFlight detailsAircraft type
Austin, Texas (AUS)*One AUS to SDF flight on April 30
One SDF to AUS flight on May 3
Airbus A319
Boston (BOS)Two BOS to SDF flights on April 30
Two SDF to BOS flights on May 3
Embraer 175
Charlotte (CLT)Six CLT to SDF flights on April 30 and May 1
Six SDF to CLT flights on May 3
Mix of dual-class narrowbody aircraft
Chicago (ORD)Five ORD to SDF flights on April 30
Five SDF to ORD flights on May 3
Airbus A319 and Embraer 175
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)Six DFW to SDF flights on April 30
Eight SDF to DFW flights May 3
Mix of dual-class narrowbody aircraft
Houston (IAH)*One IAH to SDF flight on April 30
One SDF to IAH flight on May 3
Airbus A319
Jacksonville, Florida (JAX)*One JAX to SDF flight on April 30
One SDF to JAX flight on May 3
Embraer 175
Las Vegas (LAS)*One LAS to SDF flight on April 30
One SDF to LAS flight on May 3
Boeing 737
Los Angeles (LAX)*One LAX to SDF flight on April 29, 30 and May 1
Three SDF to LAX flights on May 3
Airbus A321T
Miami (MIA)Two MIA to SDF flights on April 30
Two SDF to MIA flights on May 3
Airbus A319 and Boeing 737
New Orleans (MSY)*One MSY to SDF flight on April 30
One SDF to MSY flight on May 3
Airbus A319
New York (JFK)*One JFK to SDF flight on April 30
One SDF to JFK flight on May 3
Embraer 175
New York (LGA)*Three LGA to SDF flights on April 30 and May 1 and one LGA to SDF flight on April 29
Three SDF to LGA flights on May 3
Boeing 737 and Embraer 175
Philadelphia (PHL)Two PHL to SDF flights on April 30
Three SDF to PHL flights on May 3
Airbus A319 and Embraer 175
Phoenix (PHX)*One PHX to SDF flight on April 30 and May 1
One SDF to PHX flight on May 3
Boeing 737
Pittsburgh (PIT)*One PIT to SDF flight on April 30
One SDF to PIT flight on May 3
Embraer 175
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU)*One RDU to SDF flight on April 30
One SDF to RDU flight on May 3
Boeing 737
Santa Ana, California (SNA)*One SNA to SDF flight on April 30
One SDF to SNA flight on May 3
Airbus A321T
Washington, D.C. (DCA)Three DCA to SDF flights on April 30
Three SDF to DCA flights on May 3
Airbus A319 and Embraer 175
West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI)*One PBI to SDF flight on April 30
One SDF to PBI flight on May 3
Airbus A319

*Denotes destinations not regularly served by American from SDF

Turkish Airlines Unveils Its 500th Aircraft Featuring a Special Livery of 100,000 Employees

Turkish Airlines made this announcement:

Airbus A350-941 TC-LHH (Turkish Airlines)

Joining the fleet at the end of 2025, the 500th aircraft named ‘TK Family’ was unveiled during a special launch event today by the Turkish flag carrier.

The unveiling of the 500th aircraft, featuring a special livery designed with photographs of Turkish Airlines’ 100,000 employees and retirees, was held with wide and meaningful participation, reflecting the spirit of unity and solidarity. The event at Istanbul Airport was attended by executives from Turkish Airlines and its subsidiaries, former senior executives, employees and retirees, as well as prominent figures from the aviation industry.

The launch also featured children of martyrs who gave their lives for the Turkish nation, representing all 81 provinces of Türkiye, and the cast of Turkish Airlines’ memorable Iğdır* (When You Dream) commercial. This special gathering once again demonstrated that Turkish Airlines’ growth story consists of not only numbers but also shared effort, loyalty, and solidarity.

As part of this unveiling, the “TK Family” aircraft performed a special ceremonial flight, tracing the number 500 in the sky to mark the beginning of the airline’s ‘Second 500’ era. Operated under flight number TK500, the flight carried the children of martyrs and their families, along with Turkish Airlines executives, former senior executives, and employees.

Aircraft representing key milestones in Turkish Airlines’ fleet expansion were also showcased at the event venue, alongside a full-scale replica of the airline’s first aircraft, drawing significant interest. The fleet milestone aircraft were introduced in the following years:

  • 100th Aircraft– August 2006
  • 200th Aircraft– November 2012
  • 300th Aircraft– February 2016
  • 400th Aircraft– March 2023
  • 500th Aircraft– December 2025

While continuing to enhance operational efficiency and passenger comfort through investments in modern aircraft, Turkish Airlines remains committed to strengthening its fleet in line with its sustainable growth strategy. The 500th Aircraft symbolizes not only the airline’s current strength, but also its vision of reaching a fleet of 1,000 aircraft by 2036.

Drawing strength from its heritage as it confidently moves toward the future, Turkish Airlines continues to write new success stories in global aviation, guided by its principle of “growing together, rising together.”

Tintin From Teesside: Cartoon Star Rolls Out Of Teesside Thanks To Airbourne Colours

Airborne Colours issued this statement:

An international cartoon megastar has jetted off from Teesside Airport for the first time with the help of a world-leading aircraft painting company.

The Airbourne Colours team has painted an Airbus A320-200 (OO-SNJ) for Brussels Airlines – with the aircraft unveiled this week featuring Belgian favourite Tintin.

OO-SNJ

Taking 14 days to complete, it’s the sixth “special livery” job Airbourne Colours has completed for Brussels Airlines – and its first from Teesside.

Employees supported through the Airbourne Colours Aircraft Painting Trainee Programme – backed by the Tees Valley Combined Authority – worked on the aircraft.

The new design was developed from a close collaboration between Brussels Airlines and Tintinimaginatio, and sees the aircraft feature Tintin and the Moon on one side, with Snowy and Captain Haddock on the other.

The aircraft’s inaugural commercial flight was scheduled for Friday (February 13) to Milan, which is hosting the ongoing Winter Olympics.

Airbourne Colours Chief Executive Steven Darbyshire said: “We have built a strong and trusted relationship with Brussels Airlines over the years, and we are extremely proud to have delivered another bold and eye-catching special livery for the airline.

Airbourne Colours paints aircraft from a huge range of airlines and operators across the globe.

After establishing its first site at Teesside in 2024, the company expanded its operations at the airport late last year, opening a second 27,000sq ft facility and creating more jobs.

Air Canada discloses order for eight Airbus A350-1000s

Air Canada has disclosed a firm order for eight Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking a pivotal upgrade to the airline’s long-haul fleet strategy with an additional commitment to Airbus widebody aircraft. The order was listed as undisclosed in November 2025. 

The A350-1000’s economics and lower operating costs will deliver a significant competitive advantage to Air Canada. With an industry-leading range of up to 9,000nm, the latest generation widebody aircraft will be central to the airline’s global expansion, enabling seamless, non-stop connectivity from Canada to high-growth markets across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. 

Designed for ultra-long-haul comfort, the aircraft features the Airspace cabin, representing the next evolution of Air Canada’s award-winning passenger experience. Travelers will benefit from the lowest altitude and noise levels of any aircraft cabin to support passenger wellbeing on the longest flights.

The A350 includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its latest generation Rolls-Royce engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent reduced fuel burn and emissions advantage, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030. At the end of January 2026, the A350 Family had won over 1,500 orders from 67 customers worldwide.

More airline news:

EgyptAir takes delivery of its first of 16 Airbus A350-900 aircraft

EgyptAir has taken delivery of its first of 16 Airbus A350‑900 on order, becoming the launch operator for the type in North Africa. The A350 will support the airline’s long‑haul fleet modernisation and network expansion with  new non‑stop routes to key destinations including the US West Coast and North Asia, from its Cairo hub. EGYPTAIR currently operates an Airbus fleet of eight A320neos, seven A321neos and 11 A330 Family aircraft, including five A330-200P2F.

The aircraft features a two-class configuration, comprising 30 Business Class suites with direct aisle access and 310 Economy Class seats. The unique, latest-generation Airspace cabin is designed to improve the long-haul experience for both passengers and crew through enhanced ergonomics and greater comfort.

More airline news:

Contour Airlines Announces New Nonstop Service From Carlsbad, NM to Albuquerque, NM and Denver, CO

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.

Flight Schedule:

RouteDeparture TimeArrival TimeFrequency
CNM –  ABQ8:30 AM9:45 AMDaily
ABQ –  CNM11:45 AM1:00 PMDaily
CNM –  DEN2:10 PM3:55 PMMondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays,
Fridays, & Sundays
DEN –  CNM4:50 PM6:40 PMMondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays,
Fridays, & Sundays

“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.”