QANTAS adds an Airbus A321XLR in a “Great Barrier Reef” special livery

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Qantas’ newest Airbus A321XLR has rolled out of Airbus’ paint shop in Hamburg, Germany, showcasing a livery inspired by one of the seven natural wonders of the world; the Great Barrier Reef. Named Coral Sea, the aircraft is the seventh of 48 next generation A321XLRs Qantas has on order and will be flown home to Australia by Qantas pilots next month.

The A321XLR is the newest addition to Qantas’ fleet and can fly more than 3,000 kilometres further than the Boeing 737 aircraft it replaces. Qantas became the first airline in Asia Pacific to operate the aircraft type when its first aircraft, Great Ocean Road, entered service in September 2025.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most iconic tourism destinations, welcoming more than 2.3 million visitors last year and benefitting businesses and communities across Queensland. The Qantas Group plays an important role in connecting visitors to the reef and wider Queensland, operating more than 1,600 domestic and international return services in and out of the state every week. Last year, total visitor expenditure in Queensland topped more than $44 billion – or $121 million a day.

The eye-catching livery on Qantas’ Coral Sea A321XLR spans both sides of the 44 metre-long aircraft, with the design a collaborative effort that celebrates Qantas’ long-term partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. It features sea turtles, clownfish and coral from the reef, rendered in bold, bright colours across the fuselage.

Qantas has partnered with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation since 2009 and has committed $10 million over 10 years, through the Reef Restoration Fund, to help support scientists, Traditional Owners and local tourism operators seeking to restore corals across the Great Barrier Reef and other Australian coral reefs.

The Group continues to expand its connections in and out of the sunshine state. In 2025, Qantas and Jetstar added 10 new routes to Queensland, including Qantas international services from Brisbane to Vanuatu, Manila and Palau, along with domestic routes from Cairns to Sunshine Coast and Darwin to the Gold Coast.

Qantas is also adding more of its next generation aircraft to Queensland routes, with its A321XLR recently commencing flying between Brisbane and Perth and A220 flights between Brisbane and Cairns launching earlier this month. The airline’s first A321XLR international service will commence in October, connecting Brisbane and Manila.

ANA adds “Pokémon Jet Red” and “Pokémon Jet Green”

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Special event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the birth of Pokémon and the 40th anniversary of ANA International flights

It is the 30th anniversary of the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in 1996, and the 40th anniversary of the launch of ANA International flights. To celebrate this momentous double anniversary, ANA is launching a new project centered around the key concept of “experience the excitement and fun of the journey with Pokémon.”

Since the launch of the world’s first Pokémon Jet in 1998, ANA has a long record of surprising and delighting air travelers. 2026 is a year of milestones, so the decision was made to launch three specially painted aircraft with the Pokémon Jet name, one after the other!

ANA is providing the next generation of children and fans around the world with a new brand experience to express our gratitude for their support over the years.

Introduction Video

Pokémon Jet Red

Based on the key concept of “experience the excitement and fun of the journey with Pokémon,” we show Pikachu and first partner Pokémon going on an exciting adventure. Pokémon Jet Red features Fire-type Pokémon.

A journey that will be familiar to anyone who has played the Pokémon game series. Come join us to find your Pokémon partners.

New Pokémon from Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves will also appear!

Pokémon WINDS Pokémon WAVES Browt Grass category: Bean Chick Pokémon This Pokémon runs about energetically while photosynthesizing using the leaves on its brow. It's lively, but it can also be a bit clumsy. Pombon Fire Category: Puppy Pokémon The area below its throat glows faintly from the heat-generating organ within its lungs. This Pokémon is guileless and friendly. Gecqua Water Category: Water Gecko Pokémon This Pokémon launches springy balls of water from its tail. Gecqua is very intelligent and maneuvers shrewdly while putting on airs. ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.

Pokémon WINDS Pokémon WAVES Official Website External Link

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JetBlue Celebrates Dominican Pride with ‘Quisqueya la Bluebella’ Aircraft Livery on A320 N599JB

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JetBlue Airways, the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, on May 28, 2026 officially unveiled Quisqueya la Bluebella at Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), a vibrant new aircraft livery celebrating Dominican pride and a major milestone for the airline. The newly designed Airbus A320 honors the country’s rich culture and JetBlue’s deep connection to the Dominican community. Created by Dominican artist Willy Gómez, the design was chosen by the public earlier this year.

The name Quisqueya la Bluebella is a playful nod to the beloved patriotic phrase “Quisqueya la Bella,” reimagined with JetBlue’s signature flair. The design was introduced during a celebratory event in Santo Domingo, where customers, community members, local leaders, and JetBlue crewmembers gathered to celebrate Dominican culture and see the aircraft up close.

A tribute to Dominican culture, identity, and connection
Through Gómez’s artistic eye, the aircraft’s creative design is meant to capture the spirit of the Dominican Republic through color and movement. Flowing lines and dynamic shapes echo the rhythm of merengue and bachata, while vibrant tropical tones reflect its warmth, resilience and energy, bringing to life the essence of everyday Dominican life.

From the Dominican Republic to communities across JetBlue’s network, and among its many Dominican crewmembers, it stands as a powerful symbol of belonging and shared identity. The phrase “Tamo’ aquí” (“We’re here”), featured on the aircraft belly, reinforces JetBlue’s ongoing presence and commitment—both at home and abroad. Today, JetBlue is the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, with service to Santo Domingo, Santiago, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata.

Quisqueya la Bluebella features design elements including:

The dominoes game, a beloved part of everyday Dominican life
Traditional musical instruments such as the tambora, güira, and accordion, representing the rhythm of merengue and bachata
The Cigüa Palmera, the national bird, symbolizing Dominican identity
Vibrant Dominican flowers that reflect the nation’s natural beauty
The Alcázar de Colón, honoring the country’s rich history
Palm trees and ocean waves, representing the Dominican Republic’s landscapes and coastal culture
Contemporary street-art influences that highlight modern Dominican creativity

Elevating Dominican creativity through art
In January, JetBlue launched its RD Orgullo que Eleva (DR Pride That Lifts) campaign, inviting customers, fans and members of the public to help select a design that would celebrate the Dominican Republic through a special aircraft livery. The campaign featured three concepts created by Dominican artists, Gómez, Los Plebeyos, and Lena Tolkens, each offering their interpretation of the Dominican culture, with Gómez’s design selected by the community.

At the heart of the campaign was JetBlue’s commitment to amplify authentic voices and celebrate local talent. Extending this effort beyond the design, JetBlue partnered with Centro Educativo Hogar Andres Boca Chica ahead of the unveiling. Led by Gómez, the initiative engaged and inspired the next generation of Dominican creatives through the creation of a community mural, which was showcased at today’s unveiling event. As part of this initiative, JetBlue also made a donation to support the organization’s ongoing work in the community.

Deepening ties with the Dominican Republic and its diaspora
As a part of the communities it serves, this summer JetBlue will celebrate the Dominican Republic and its diaspora as an official sponsor of the Dominican Day Parade in New York City on August 9. A float inspired by the newly unveiled Quisqueya la Bluebella design will make a special appearance, bringing the celebration to one of the largest Dominican communities outside of the Dominican Republic.

This summer, JetBlue will operate an average of 45 daily flights to and from the Dominican Republic, strengthening connections between the country, the United States and the Caribbean. The airline offers the most routes between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. than any other carrier, reinforcing its position as the lead airline in the country.

Most recently, JetBlue announced additional daily flights from Fort Lauderdale to high-demand destinations, including Santo Domingo and Santiago, starting July 9, further expanding access and meeting growing travel demand. Beyond its network, JetBlue continues to invest in and support communities across the Dominican Republic through meaningful local partnerships, JetBlue Foundation grants, and meaningful local initiatives that help expand opportunities for schools and community programs across the country.

Cathay Group orders two more Airbus A350F freighters

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Cathay Group has placed a firm order with Airbus for two additional Airbus A350F freighters. This will bring the airline’s total order to eight of the new-generation cargo aircraft. The A350F will be operated by the airline’s cargo division, Cathay Cargo, bringing new levels of efficiency across its extensive network.

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 20% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability. It is the only new freighter fully meeting ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emission standards. The A350F is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at entry-to-service, with the aim for up to 100% capability by 2030, as with all Airbus aircraft.

Qatar Airways Unveils FIFA Special Livery and Bespoke Onboard Experience on Boeing 777-300 A7-BEH

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Qatar Airways has officially unveiled its FIFA special livery aircraft on a Boeing 777-300 (A7-BEH) ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, celebrating the airline’s longstanding partnership with FIFA and its continued role in connecting fans, teams, and global football communities worldwide.

Building on the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the new livery reflects the next chapter in Qatar Airways’ journey with FIFA as the Official Airline Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The special livery aircraft will operate across key destinations in Europe, the United States and Asia, engaging fans around the world as excitement continues to build ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Inspired by the energy, passion, and global unity of football’s biggest tournament, the distinctive new livery captures the vibrant spirit of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ through its bold and dynamic design that will travel throughout the airline’s global network.

In addition to the exterior design, the aircraft interior features bespoke cabin dressing inspired by FIFA World Cup 2026™. Designed exclusively for this special livery, it brings the ambiance and excitement of the tournament into the inflight experience. Following the tournament, the aircraft will continue to fly with both the special livery and cabin dressing to commemorate the event.

As the Official Airline Partner of FIFA, Qatar Airways continues to play a leading role in global sport, connecting fans, teams, and destinations through its growing international network and award-winning travel experience.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, bringing together the world’s best national teams in the largest edition of the tournament to date.

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Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10 aircraft

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Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, taking its total order for the type to 10 aircraft. Air China Cargo previously ordered six A350F freighters in November 2025.

Air China Cargo began introducing Airbus freighters at the end of 2023, and currently operates a fleet of eight Airbus A330-200P2F aircraft. In the near future, the A350F freighter will join Air China Cargo’s fleet and will complement the A330-200P2F freighters, maximising their advantages on long-haul and medium-to-long-haul routes.

Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 20% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability. It is the only freighter fully meeting ICAO’s 2027 CO₂ emission standards. The A350F is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at entry-to-service, with the aim for up to 100% capability by 2030, as with all Airbus aircraft.

At the end of April 2026, the A350F had registered 101 orders from 14 customers.

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Saudia becomes first Middle East and Africa operator of the Airbus A321XLR

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Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has taken delivery of its first A321XLR, marking a significant milestone as the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to operate Airbus’ newest extra-long-range single-aisle aircraft.

The aircraft, powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines, is the first of 15 A321XLRs on order by the airline. This delivery is a cornerstone of Saudia’s comprehensive fleet modernisation program, directly supporting the expansion of its international network in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. By increasing connectivity and capacity, the A321XLR will support the Kingdom’s ambition to attract over 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.

This delivery reinforces a partnership between Airbus and Saudia that spans more than 40 years, beginning with the carrier’s first A300 delivery in 1984. Today, Airbus aircraft remain central to Saudia’s operations as it scales its fleet development and network growth.

Saudia currently serves more than 100 destinations across four continents, with the A321XLR supporting further expansion into new international markets. With a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, the A321XLR enables Saudia to expand its international destinations with a single-aisle aircraft. These routes would have traditionally been served by larger widebody aircraft, while maintaining a premium guest experience.

The aircraft features a highly premium, low-density configuration with 24 full flat Business Class seats providing direct aisle access, alongside 120 comfortable Economy Class seats. The aircraft features the Airbus Airspace Cabin, bringing a widebody experience to a single-aisle jet. Key features include extra-large overhead bins, advanced lighting systems and one of the quietest cabins in its class.

American Airlines invests in future aviation professionals through partnership with OBAP

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American Airlines welcomed more than 100 early career professionals from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Ascension Program to its Robert L. Crandall Campus for a behind-the-scenes look at airline operations and career opportunities across the industry.

The professional development event, held for the first time outside of the annual OBAP conference, exposed students to aviation career pathways and offered a look at how American is helping shape the future of the industry.

Throughout the day, students connected with leaders across flight operations, engineering and more, engaged in panel discussions and toured the Integrated Operations Center, where they learned how real-time decisions support safe and efficient operations centered on the airline’s customers.

The event also is part of the long-standing partnership between American and OBAP — a collaboration focused on expanding access, representation and opportunity in aviation. Together, the organizations continue to build pathways for future aviation leaders.

From conversations on leadership and innovation to advice on navigating early careers, the day emphasized the value of curiosity, mentorship and connection. Students were encouraged to engage in meaningful dialogue through questions, build relationships and envision their future in aviation. The day concluded with networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect directly with American leaders and peers and reinforcing the role relationships play in building a successful career.

Through partnerships like OBAP, American continues to invest in the next generation of aviation professionals. As OBAP approaches its 50th annual conference this August in Chicago, the milestone underscores the organization’s lasting impact across the aerospace industry.

New book in the Great Airlines Series is now available on Amazon:

American Airlines launches four new routes

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American Airlines on May 21, 2026 launched four new routes to unlock even more access between the U.S. and Europe with new nonstop service to Budapest, Hungary (BUD) and Prague (PRG) from Philadelphia (PHL), and to Athens, Greece (ATH), and Zurich (ZRH) from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).

The inaugural flights took off with fanfare today, coinciding with the first day of American’s highly anticipated record-breaking summer travel season and strengthening American’s European network with up to 70 daily flights from the U.S.

With new service to BUD and PRG, American introduces two brand-new destinations to its global network. Daily seasonal service from PHL to BUD and PRG operates with American’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft. New service from DFW to ATH and ZRH operates with a mix of its Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.

Fortifying Philadelphia as American’s trans-Atlantic gateway

Summer 2026 marks the first peak travel period with American’s new-and-improved PHL schedule, built for smoother, more reliable journeys and stronger customer connections. The new schedule spreads flights more evenly throughout the day, expanding from six to seven “banks,” or coordinated waves of arrivals and departures — improving flow across the airport from parking, check-in, security and in the terminals.

The investment is already showing strong early results, with improvements in on-time performance and customer connections while bolstering the airline’s best-ever systemwide baggage handling.

This summer, American’s PHL hub offers customers nonstop service to more than 120 destinations worldwide, including 19 destinations across the Atlantic. The airline also recently launched direct service from PHL to Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI).

Reinforcing the power of American’s flagship hub

ATH and ZRH join more than 230 other nonstop destinations accessible from DFW, American’s largest and most connected hub — a hub that plays a crucial role in delivering for customers across American’s global operation this summer.

DFW also recently transformed its schedule, introducing a new 13-bank schedule that more evenly distributes the airline’s more than 930 peak daily departures throughout the day at DFW. In just the first two months since implementing the strategy, the new schedule is already showcasing its benefits to customers at DFW and across the airline by minimizing delays, improving customer connections, reducing gate changes and delivering even better baggage handling performance — which are all contributing to the noticeable increase in customer satisfaction.

“New service to Athens and Zurich is a great example of how American continues to invest in its largest hub with even more opportunities to connect to destinations around the world,” said American’s Senior Vice President of DFW Operations Jim Moses. “We’re also investing in the travel journey with our new 13-bank schedule that sets up our team for success and delivers for our customers — not just at DFW but across our entire airline due to the outsized impact DFW has on our global operation.”

Customers, team members and partners celebrated the inaugural flights from DFW to ATH and ZRH with cultural performances, authentic food and fun.

More nonstop options for a record-breaking summer

Today also marks the start of American’s centennial summer, with the airline set to care for more customers than ever across its largest summer schedule to date — 75 million customers across 750,000 flights.

In addition to the new international routes launched today, American has also recently added more access to Europe from other hubs, including new nonstop service from Miami (MIA) to Milan (MXP), as well as New York (JFK) to Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI).

Caring for our customers

American’s renewed focus on customers has come with several enhancements to the travel experience — from the airport to in flight — this summer.

Get the redesigned app for your journey: American’s reimagined mobile app continues to evolve to support customer travel needs with easy, self-service tools to manage travel with the ability to rebook, track bags and receive digital vouchers. Plus, the expanded digital wallet integration further helps all customers stay informed with live updates without needing to open the app.
Enroll in TSA PreCheck^® Touchless ID: Make the security process more seamless with TSA PreCheck^® Touchless ID, providing participating customers a much faster, touchless identity verification process. The customer opt-in program is now available at 60 airports, including all of American’s hubs.
Relax in premium lounge spaces: Customers connecting to Europe at PHL can enjoy two of the newest lounge offerings in American’s network at the Flagship^® and Admirals Club^® lounges in A-West, providing a calm and comfortable space to enhance the airport experience. Lounges are also available at all five terminals when connecting to Europe through DFW, including a Flagship^®lounge in Terminal D.
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T: On nearly every domestic American flight, all AAdvantage^® members can enjoy free Wi-Fi, sponsored by AT&T.

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Berjaya Air Takes Delivery of World’s First Aircraft in ATR HighLine Configuration

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The world’s first ATR 72-600 featuring the ATR HighLine “All-Business Class” configuration touched down in Kuala Lumpur, marking a major milestone for regional aviation. ATR’s new cabin concept received certification from both EASA and the Malaysian authorities earlier this month, confirming its readiness for commercial operations worldwide.

The delivery represents a dual first for Berjaya Air; the airline’s inaugural ATR 72-600 and the launch platform for ATR’s new premium cabin collection. It also heralds a new era in regional travel, combining semi-private flying comfort with the proven efficiency of turboprop operations.

The aircraft features a fully bespoke, all–business class cabin, accommodating 26 seats in a spacious and unique 1-by-1 layout, ensuring every guest benefits from direct aisle access and direct view to multiple windows. The handcrafted ETEREA seats by Geven – the widest ever installed on the ATR platform – offer generous living space and a refined personal side console with integrated stowage.

One of the cabin’s most distinctive elements is the executive‑style ceiling, where overhead bins have been replaced by sleek valence panels. This design opens up the cabin, floods the interior with natural light, and creates a volume comparable to that of the world’s largest private aircraft – all on board the most fuel-efficient regional aircraft.

Berjaya Air will begin operating the aircraft in the coming days, launching its first flight on a new route between Subang and Koh Samui. It will then roll out its “affordable luxury” experience on its newly expanded regional network, with direct connections throughout Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, and a focus on serving Berjaya Group’s portfolio of hotels and resorts. Travellers will benefit from a seamless experience that offer a high touch of hospitality to island destinations such as Redang and Langkawi. The new aircraft in ATR HighLine All-Business Class configuration will also be available for charter operations across the Asia-Pacific region.

Berjaya Air is Malaysia’s first premium boutique airline redefining regional travel through comfort, care, and simplicity. Operating from Subang Airport, we offer a refined flying experience that blends the exclusivity of private travel with elegant luxury.