Britten-Norman has launched the Global Aircraft Recovery (GAR) service, delivered in collaboration with specialist partners including Avitrius Air International

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Britten-Norman, manufacturer of the iconic Islander aircraft, has launched the Global Aircraft Recovery (GAR) service, delivered in collaboration with specialist partners including Avitrius Air International. The service has already proven its capability in the field: its first mission saw a stranded Islander successfully recovered from Saudi Arabia, navigating complex airspace restrictions and the operational challenges of a region experiencing active conflict, before being returned over 2,500 miles to Britten-Norman’s MRO facility in the UK.

Hundreds of Islander aircraft operate daily across more than 70 countries worldwide, many in locations where environmental conditions, logistics, infrastructure and, at times, geopolitical instability make recovery exceptionally complex. The service is designed to provide operators with a coordinated, reliable response when aircraft are grounded due to operational damage, environmental factors or deteriorating conditions on the ground.

The service’s first recovery mission centred on a Britten-Norman BN2A-21 Islander that had been stranded in Saudi Arabia. Working alongside Avitrius Air International, the team secured the necessary permits, navigated airspace restrictions subject to rapid change due to ongoing regional tensions, and coordinated the logistics required to complete the 2,500-mile ferry flight back to the UK, a mission that demonstrates the service’s ability to operate where it is needed most.

Through GAR, Britten-Norman works with a network of specialist partners to deploy experienced engineering teams for on-site assessment, logistics coordination, and the implementation of repair or ferry solutions. These activities are underpinned by Britten-Norman’s OEM knowledge and parts supply, helping to ensure aircraft can be safely returned to service. Where more extensive work is required, aircraft can be returned to Britten-Norman’s MRO facility in the UK for full refurbishment.

The service also supports operators considering fleet renewal. Recovered aircraft may be eligible for trade-in against new Islander orders, providing owners with a clear commercial pathway alongside the operational recovery.

Drawing on an international network of engineers, pilots and maintenance organisations, the service supports Britten-Norman aircraft globally while operating in compliance with the requirements of relevant aviation authorities.

Emirates launches world’s most comprehensive travel insurance

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Emirates has become the first airline in the world to offer Comprehensive Travel Cover, an industry-first travel insurance product that handles it all, including medical cover for conflict-related incidents, backed by airline-managed hotel accommodation and extended-stay support across a range of disruption scenarios.

When itineraries include connecting on other airlines or Emirates services are unavailable, Emirates will also rebook disrupted customers to their destination at no additional cost, including where flights have been cancelled due to conflict-related disruption.

Customers can now plan and travel with even greater peace of mind from the moment they book their journey, with expanded medical cover in the insurance product, supported by Travel Guard, and additional disruption support by Emirates on top of the existing travel insurance offering.

Emirates’ new Comprehensive Travel Cover includes trip cancellation cover, compensation for baggage delay or loss, unlimited medical expense and emergency evacuation cover worldwide, among other generous benefits. Newly added conflict cover provides reimbursement for medical expenses of up to US$ 25,000 and a free trip extension of up to 30 days. The cover is not restricted by government travel advice.

Rooted in Emirates’ ‘fly better’ brand promise and its duty of care to customers is airline-managed hotel accommodation during disruptions, including airspace closures**. This is in addition to existing customer-first benefits such as a free date change for tickets booked from 2 April, and the option to ‘hold my fare’ for 24 hours free of charge, giving travellers flexibility, reassurance, and support at every step.

Emirates Comprehensive Travel Cover is available at an accessible premium and delivers exceptional value.

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WestJet taps local craft brewery, Tool Shed as exclusive onboard beer provider

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WestJet is deepening its routes in Calgary by adding Tool Shed Brewing Company’s true craft beer on board all WestJet flights offering buy on board food and beverage service. Beginning July 15, guests will be able to choose between three of Tool Shed’s most iconic sips: People Skills blonde ale, Golden Hour hazy pale ale and Local Legend light craft lager.

From farm to tap to tarmac

Calgary’s Tool Shed beers are true craft beers; made with malted grains from Canadian Prairies and free of adjuncts like corn and rice syrups. They also support Canadian farmers four times more than macro breweries, helping guests feel good about every sip.

Beer available for sale on applicable WestJet flights beginning July 15:

People Skills – An easy-drinking, mass appeal beer. Brewed at Tool Shed since day one.
Golden Hour – Tool Shed’s most drinkable premium style beer. It is hazy, refreshing and hoppy with zero bitterness.
Local Legend – A new low-alcohol craft lager crafted to deliver a taste so good, guests won’t know it has just 3.5 per cent alcohol content.

For travellers that want to explore Tool Shed’s full suite of craft beer, WestJet guests are eligible to receive a 15 per cent discount on all food, beverages and merchandise at the Tool Shed taproom when they show their WestJet boarding pass 24 hours before departure or after arrival. For taproom details and to learn more about Tool Shed Brewing, visit toolshedbrewing.com

Challenge Group strengthens Asia connectivity with Mumbai and Shanghai expansion

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Challenge Group continues its rapid global expansion with two new direct freighter services.

One connecting Liège (LGG) with Mumbai (BOM) and the other Liège (LGG) with Shanghai (PVG), further strengthening its position as a leading provider of end-to-end logistics solutions for complex air cargo.Launching on 02 July 2026 and operated by the Boeing 777-300ERSF,the new services represent a strategic investment in two of the world’s most important economic and logistics hubs.

The BOM service will further strengthen Challenge Group’s presence in India by upgrading its existing operations from three weekly Boeing 767 frequencies to twoweekly Boeing 777-300ERSF flights, offering customers enhanced capacity and connectivity.At the same time, the new Shanghai service expands the Group’s growing China network, complementing its existing ten weekly rotationsbetween Liège and Zhengzhou (CGO) and creating additional opportunities for cargo flows between Asia, Europe, the US,and South America.

The upgraded Mumbai service will operate twice weekly. Whilethe Shanghai service will have three weekly operations.Both routes will be served by Challenge Group’s Boeing 777-300ERSF fleet, providing customers with increased flexibility,enhanced connectivity, and access to one of the industry’s most capable freighterplatforms.

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British Airways ARC opens its doors at Olympia, marking London’s newest live entertainment venue in over a decade

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British Airways on June 16, 2026 celebrates the opening of British Airways ARC at Olympia, welcoming customers to London’s newest entertainment and music venue.

The 3,800-capacity venue is set to become a major new cultural hub for the capital and forms part of the £1.3 billion transformation of Olympia. The state-of-the-art venue will bring together live music and entertainment delivering a world-class experience for both fans and artists.

British Airways ARC doors are now open

The venue opens tonight (16 June) with a performance from Self Esteem, followed by an exciting line-up of global artists including McFly, Van Morrison and Khalid, as British Airways ARC begins its opening season of shows.

As the Founding Partner of Olympia, British Airways is connecting customers with world-class entertainment. Members of The British Airways Club have already taken advantage of exclusive, ringfenced ticket allocations, with access to a range of additional benefits across the destination, including the opportunity to collect Avios at select restaurants and bars*.

To celebrate the opening, British Airways has unveiled its latest campaign, Cloudscapes, appearing across outdoor sites around British Airways ARC and inside the venue. The campaign features alumni talent from The BRIT School, continuing the airline’s long-standing commitment to championing British creativity and showcasing unique perspectives inspired by views from the skies.

Hamish Mcvey, Director of Marketing at British Airways, said: “British Airways ARC represents an exciting new chapter in our partnership with Olympia and AEG, and a step forward in how we connect our customers with unforgettable experiences, both in the air and on the ground.

‘We’re proud to be a Founding Partner of a destination that celebrates British creativity and world-class entertainment, and we can’t wait for our customers and Club members to step inside, take their seats and experience it for themselves.”

Bringing Olympia to the skies

Marking the launch, the airline has partnered with one of Olympia’s most exciting new restaurants, Wolves of Tokyo, to create an exclusive onboard menu for customers in Club World (long-haul business class), delivered in collaboration with its catering partner, Do&Co.

Located within Olympia’s Canopy, Wolves of Tokyo offers a bold take on contemporary Japanese cuisine, inspired by Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife and rooted in high-quality produce and authentic techniques.

British Airways and Wolves of Tokyo have created a selection of signature dishes, offered alongside the airline’s onboard menu offering, showcasing some of the restaurant’s standout creations, each carefully developed to enhance flavour profiles in the air.

From 1 July, the dishes will be available across every long-haul flight departing from Heathrow to Tokyo (Haneda)**, including:

Crab maki with avocado, cucumber, lime mayonnaise and orange tobiko
Black cod with plum miso, pickled vegetables and sticky rice
Kaiso seaweed salad with white goma dressing
Matcha cheesecake with fresh berries

JetBlue Announces Kent Hospitality Group and Four Clovers Hospitality Group as New Mint® Culinary Partners

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JetBlue Airways on June 16, 2026 announced the next evolution of its award-winning Mint^® experience with the introduction of Kent Hospitality Group and its strategic partner, Four Clovers Hospitality Group, as JetBlue’s new onboard culinary partners. The collaboration brings a fresh, sophisticated and distinctly New York approach to inflight dining, elevating JetBlue’s premium business class experience with the creative forces behind some of the city’s most coveted restaurant reservations.

Photo courtesy of JetBlue.

Bringing the ‘New’ New York to Mint
Beginning July 31, JetBlue will start introducing new menus across its domestic and transatlantic Mint experience, featuring dishes inspired by Kent Hospitality Group’s acclaimed restaurants, Birdee and Crown Shy. Offerings from Four Clovers Hospitality Group’s iconic Red Hook Tavern and Hometown Bar-B-Que are to follow in early 2027.

Together, the partnerships reflect the energy, creativity and cultural relevance of New York City’s outstanding dining scene today—bringing restaurant-quality hospitality and bold, contemporary flavors to customers traveling in Mint.

“Mint has always been about redefining what customers can expect from premium travel, so we are very thoughtful about the partners we work with,” said Stephanie Evans Greene, senior vice president of marketing and brand, JetBlue. “We look for brands that create experiences people genuinely want to be a part of, where the hospitality, the energy and the attention to detail are just that special. Partnering with Kent and Four Clovers allows us to bring that same excitement and exploratory spirit onboard Mint in a way only JetBlue can.”

“New York has always been a city shaped by movement, culture, and great hospitality. As a hospitality group born and built here, we’re excited to partner with JetBlue, New York’s hometown airline, to bring a taste of the city’s dining scene to travelers around the world. It’s a natural partnership between two brands that are proud to call New York home,” said Kelly Kent, Partner, Kent Hospitality Group.

A Taste of What’s to Come
The new Mint menus are inspired by the signature styles and hospitality philosophies that have made these restaurants standout, must-try destinations in New York City. Customers can expect thoughtfully crafted dishes that feel fresh, vibrant and full of memorable flavors, reflecting both the creativity of the restaurant teams and JetBlue’s approach to hospitality and comfort.

At launch, Mint customers will experience menu selections by Crown Shy and Birdee, including elevated breakfast selections inspired by Birdee’s beloved Bacon, Egg and Cheese, alongside lunch and dinner dishes drawing from Crown Shy favorites like its Signature Citrus-Marinated Chicken and Pork Katsu. The menus channel the restaurants’ bold flavors and distinctly modern New York perspective while being thoughtfully designed for the onboard experience.

Additional concepts from Four Clovers Hospitality Group, including the popular Red Hook Tavern and Hometown Bar-B-Que, will join the Mint dining lineup in future menu rotations.

Thoughtfully Designed, Distinctly Mint
Since its debut in 2014, JetBlue’s Mint experience has consistently redefined what premium travel can look like—first by disrupting traditional business class with a more accessible, high-quality experience featuring all lie-flat seats, then again with the launch of transatlantic service featuring all-suite seating, introducing a new standard for flying between the U.S. and Europe.

Brought to life by hospitality-trained crewmembers delivering thoughtful, personalized service at every touchpoint, Mint continues to set itself apart. After earning the JD Power Award again in 2026 for ranking #1 in Customer Satisfaction among First/Business Class Passengers¹, Mint is evolving once more, building on JetBlue’s legacy of innovation with enhancements designed to offer customers even more comfort, convenience and care in the air.

More About the Restaurant Partners
Birdee, located on the Williamsburg waterfront in Brooklyn’s landmark The Refinery at Domino, is a bakery and all-day café from Executive Pastry Chef & Partner at Birdee Renata Ameni and Kent Hospitality Group.

Led by Ameni, whose pastry work helped earn acclaim at Crown Shy and Saga, Birdee blends Michelin-level technique with nostalgic, approachable flavors inspired by her Brazilian heritage.
The menu features a rotating selection of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, lunch offerings, specialty coffee and seasonal sweets, creating a destination that feels equally suited for a quick morning coffee or a leisurely afternoon gathering.
Designed as a warm, community-focused neighborhood café, Birdee brings together exceptional craftsmanship and everyday hospitality in one of Brooklyn’s most vibrant waterfront neighborhoods.

Crown Shy, nestled at the base of the iconic Art Deco tower at 70 Pine Street in Manhattan’s Financial District and led by Executive Chef Jassimran Singh, is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for combining fine dining technique with the energy of New York City.

Since opening in 2019, Crown Shy has earned and maintained a Michelin star for its contemporary American menu, which draws inspiration from global flavors while remaining approachable and ingredient-driven.
The restaurant’s soaring ceilings, expansive windows, lively bar and upbeat atmosphere have made it one of New York’s most celebrated dining destinations, attracting both local regulars and visitors from around the world.
Founded by the late Chef Jamal James Kent, Crown Shy helped redefine modern New York dining by pairing world-class cooking with warm, welcoming hospitality.

Hometown Bar-B-Que, founded by acclaimed pitmaster and restaurateur Billy Durney, is a Brooklyn-based brand with national recognition for blending traditional American barbecue techniques with global flavors and influences.

With locations in Brooklyn and Miami, the menu features Texas-style brisket, house-made sausages, spare ribs and inventive specials that reflect a wide range of culinary traditions while remaining rooted in the craft of live-fire cooking.
Serving up favorites since 2013, Hometown Bar-B-Que has become a destination for barbecue enthusiasts from around the world and is known best for its authentic hospitality and dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

Red Hook Tavern, opened in 2019, serves as Durney’s tribute to the neighborhood where his family put down roots after immigrating to Brooklyn, inspired by the food, hospitality and community that shaped his upbringing.

The restaurant is home to the acclaimed Red Hook Tavern Burger, which has become one of New York City’s most sought-after burgers.
Recognized by the Michelin Guide, Red Hook Tavern serves a seasonal menu focused on responsibly sourced meats, seafood and produce, complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine, cocktail and beverage program.
Combining the spirit of a classic American tavern with a commitment to quality and hospitality, Red Hook Tavern has become a favorite among both neighborhood regulars and visitors.

Air Canada Opens First Premium Lounge Experience at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport

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Air Canada has opened its newest Air Canada Café at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), introducing the first dedicated premium lounge experience to the airport’s terminal. The new 97-seat Air Canada Café, operated in partnership with Plaza Premium, offers eligible customers a modern, locally inspired space to relax, work or recharge before their flight, featuring menus that celebrate Québec City’s heritage, culture, and renowned art de vivre.

The YQB location marks the seventh Air Canada Café, deepening the airline’s investment in the premium customer experience in Québec, and expanding the successful café concept as part of its multi-year global lounge modernization program.

Reflecting Air Canada’s Glowing Hearted design philosophy, the new Air Canada Café blends inspiration from Québec’s natural landscape and the charm and character of the Québec City region to create an atmosphere of calm and comfort. The space is anchored by two significant works from celebrated Québecois and Canadian artists. These include Flow, a vibrant abstraction in acrylic, oil and ink on canvas by the award-winning abstract artist Antonietta Grassi, and 1982, a colourful, geometric acrylic on linen by visual artist and novelist Douglas Coupland.

Local Food and Beverage Offerings

The Air Canada Café’s menu proudly features locally sourced products and items developed with Québec-based and Indigenous partners, celebrating the city and region’s rich character. Designed as a place to relax before a flight, the Air Canada Café features a full self-service station with hot and cold menu items to be enjoyed on site. The menu also caters to a range of dietary preferences and is supported by comprehensive allergen labelling.

Here are some of the menu highlights featured:

Signature breakfast pancakes with maple butter, fleur de sel, and Sigewigus pumpkin seed spread sourced from the Mi’gmaq Nation of Gespeg Indigenous community
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients at build-your-own power bowl bar
Curated selection of local cheeses and artisanal jams
Menu items designed for dietary preferences and restrictions, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Full-service bar offering premium specialty coffee from Lavazza, handcrafted cocktails, featuring la distilleries du Fjord, and beers from local brewery La Souche

Amenities and Space

97 seats across 3,616 square-foot (336-square-metre) premium space
Productivity-style seating for working and taking calls
Power at every seat, including USB-C ports with wattage to charge a laptop

Glowing Hearted Design

Inspired by the vast range of Canada’s landscapes and regions, this new Café reflects Air Canada’ new design standard for creating warm, distinctly Canadian spaces that authentically reflect the local culture, character and sense of place. This is the latest expression of our “Glowing Hearted” end-to-end customer experience. At the new Air Canada Café at YQB this includes:

Design inspired by Québec City’s art de vivre, the region’s natural beauty, and unique French character
Works from celebrated Québec and Canadian artists, including Antonietta Grassi and Douglas Coupland
A design approach that reflects a deliberate investment in timeless quality, balancing refined aesthetics with premium, durable materials that will stand up to daily use

Eligibility for Air Canada Café Access

Access to the Air Canada Café at YQB is available to eligible domestic customers, including Aeroplan Elite members (50K and above), Star Alliance Gold members, Aeroplan premium co-brand cardholders, and Business Class customers departing on Air Canada and Star Alliance flights from YQB.

Elevating the Airport Experience

The new Air Canada Café at YQB is the airline’s latest investment in premium airport experiences that are tailored to the communities and markets it serves. Air Canada continues to modernize and expand its lounge network, focusing on customer care, convenience, and comfort. Last year, the airline added over 500 lounge seats worldwide, delivering more space and amenities for its customers. This latest expansion builds on a series of recent lounge upgrades, including a new Air Canada Café and refreshed domestic Maple Leaf Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau, introducing elevated design, modern seating, and improved power access to select airport locations across the airline’s global network.

United Celebrates America with Custom 250th Anniversary Livery and Military Pilot Hiring Program Milestone

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Since 2024, nearly 600 military pilots have transitioned to United through the program, with 500 more expected by the end of 2027.

To celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary, United’s new specialty livery takes to the skies this summer on a U.S.-built Boeing 787-10 (N91007) and Boeing 737-800 (N78285).

Painted in Amarillo, Texas, the bold red, white and blue design features 50 stars representing states across the country, while diagonal red and white stripes reflect the energy and momentum of a nation always moving forward. Both aircraft will include a commemorative plaque dedicated to United’s active-duty service members and veterans who have selflessly served our country.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and United CEO Scott Kirby were joined by United employees, including those from United’s Veterans’ Business Resource Group, and local dignitaries at Washington Dulles International Airport to celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary and the airline’s pilot hiring milestone.

United’s Support of Military and Veterans

United supports service members, veterans and military families through hiring programs, employee engagement and military-focused organizations in communities across the United States.

United Military Pilot Program: This initiative offers active-duty and active reserve military pilots a path to a United flight deck with a conditional job offer as a First Officer. Candidates must be more than 12 months away from the date of availability to start full-time with United, and a minimum of 12 months from the separation date. Applicants are not required to hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate at the time of application to receive a conditional job offer, providing flexibility for service members, including starting at United when the time is right for them and their families. Currently, United has over 18,000 pilots, including more than 4,500 who are veterans.
United for Veterans: United’s business resource group for employees who are military veterans, service members and their supporters includes more than 5,300 members and supports the company’s efforts to recruit, develop and retain veteran talent across the airline.
United Support for Military Organizations: United supports organizations serving veterans, service members and their families through flight support for veterans to visit memorial sites in the nation’s capital and around the world, career mentorship, volunteerism and other in-kind contributions. This includes support for organizations such as the USO, the Greatest Generations Foundation, as well as the Fisher House Foundation where United has provided more than 16,000 flights to military and veteran families in need, and United teams across the country have volunteered at local Fisher Houses helping cook meals, garden and decorate homes for the families who stay there.
United’s Miles on a Mission: MileagePlus® members can donate unused miles to the USO to support traveling service members and their families, as well as directly to Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles program to help bring family members to the bedside of injured service members.

LATAM Airlines Brazil takes delivery of the first Embraer E195-E2

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LATAM Airlines Brazil has revealed the first images of its new Embraer E195‑E2, freshly painted at Embraer’s São José dos Campos facility, marking a major milestone in the airline’s plan to expand Brazil’s domestic connectivity. The aircraft will begin joining the fleet in the fourth quarter of 2026, forming part of LATAM’s firm order for 24 E195‑E2s valued at about US$2.1 billion, with 50 additional purchase options. LATAM says the new type will strengthen its ability to serve medium‑density markets, increase frequencies, open new routes, and better integrate regional Brazil with the group’s global network.

The airline has already hired more than 50 pilots and copilots dedicated to the E2 program and begun training existing crews for type qualification. The livery required unique adaptations to maximize brand visibility on the E2’s fuselage and engines, while maintaining LATAM’s predominantly white scheme for thermal and operational efficiency. LATAM highlights that the E195‑E2 introduction supports its responsible growth strategy in Brazil, where it has expanded from 44 to more than 60 domestic airports since 2019 and continues to lead both domestic and international market share according to ANAC.

Alaska Airlines teams up with Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026™ Local Organizing Committee to launch a new aircraft livery celebrating summer soccer in Seattle

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Seattle is getting ready to welcome the world, and Alaska Airlines is marking the moment with a new aircraft livery launched as an Official Seattle World Cup 2026™ Host City Supporter, in partnership with Qatar Airways.

June 10, 2026; Greensboro, N.C., Alaska Airlines debuts Seattle World Cup host city livery in partnership with SeattleFWC26 for World Cup 2026. credit: Joe Nicholson/Alaska Airlines

As Seattle’s hometown global airline, Alaska is proud to unveil the custom aircraft decal honoring SeattleFWC26, a tribute to the many people working to bring an unforgettable tournament experience to the Pacific Northwest.

Displayed on a Boeing 737-9 MAX with tail number N985AK, the design features the Seattle Host City logo alongside a dynamic soccer ball in motion, symbolizing the speed, excitement and momentum of the game. Inspired by elements from the official Seattle Host City poster, the livery also incorporates the iconic whale tail graphic, creating a distinctive connection to the Pacific Northwest and Seattle’s maritime heritage. On the underside of the aircraft, the bold declaration “WE ARE SEATTLE” serves as a powerful statement of Alaska’s pride in its hometown and reflects the airline’s commitment to welcoming fans from across its network and beyond.

The airline’s partnership with SeattleFWC26 also supports key community initiatives throughout the spring and summer, including: support for last month’s inaugural Blind Soccer international tournament, community art installations highlighting the airline’s nonprofit partnerships in the Seattle-area such as Northwest Association for Blind Athletes and the Museum of Flight and a flag raising ceremony where Alaska will join other Host City Supporters to help raise the Seattle Host City Flag atop the Space Needle.