Air Tahiti takes delivery of its ATR 72-600 HighLine All-Business Class

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Air Tahiti has taken delivery of a new ATR 72-600, featuring an ATR HighLine All-Business Class cabin, becoming the second airline to introduce this premium configuration on an ATR aircraft.

Designed to support airlines looking to develop high-end regional travel experiences, the ATR HighLine All-Business Class configuration chosen by Air Tahiti features 26 individual seats arranged in a 1-by-1 layout. The cabin offers direct aisle access for every passenger, with private rows for couples for enhanced privacy, increased personal space, dedicated storage and USB A+C charging ports, complemented by an executive-style ceiling that contributes to a more spacious and light-filled cabin.

The aircraft will support the launch of ‘Air Tahiti Signature’, a new premium service created by the airline to connect Tahiti with some of French Polynesia’s most sought-after destinations, including Bora Bora and Raiatea-Tahaa. The first commercial flight is scheduled in December 2026.

Developed in close collaboration with Air Tahiti, the aircraft’s interior blends premium comfort with design elements inspired by Polynesian culture. Together with dedicated ground services and an upgraded onboard offering, the new aircraft will support Air Tahiti’s new end-to-end premium travel experience.

The new aircraft joins Air Tahiti’s fleet as part of its ongoing renewal programme, extending a partnership with ATR that spans nearly four decades. Operating across the islands of French Polynesia, this ATR 72-600 combines premium cabin standards with the operational flexibility, low fuel consumption and reduced emissions that make it particularly well suited to regional connectivity.

This delivery follows the entry into service of the world’s first ATR 72-600 in ATR HighLine All-Business Class configuration with Berjaya Air earlier this year. As airlines explore new ways to differentiate their offering, ATR HighLine continues to demonstrate the flexibility of the ATR platform across a wider range of operations.

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British Airways launches menu collaboration with Hoppers restaurants to celebrate new route to Colombo, Sri Lanka

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British Airways is marking the launch of flights to Sri Lanka with a limited-time collaboration with Hoppers, the pioneering London-based Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurants.

From 23 October, customers in Club World travelling on board British Airways’ new route to Colombo, will be able to enjoy a special menu created in partnership with Hoppers, to bring the bold flavours, rich spices and famous food culture of the island to the skies.

The menu features dishes inspired by Hoppers’ best loved classics including a starter of yoghurt vadai, a soaked lentil fritter served with yoghurt, tamarind and coriander chutney and crisps – a Hoppers’ rendition of the popular snacks sold by street hawkers on Galle Face Green. For main course, customers can enjoy a choice of Hoppers’ signature Kalupol-spiced chicken, served with tangy lemon rice and beetroot curry, or Pollichathu Cod, marinated in a tomato chilli paste, cooked wrapped in banana leaf and served with coconut rice and spicy pineapple curry. Watalappam bread pudding is the comforting end to the meal, served with spiced crumble and malt cream – the Sri Lankan spin on the classic British dessert.

A specially curated Hoppers cocktail will also be available in the British Airways Club Lounge at London Gatwick for customers to enjoy before departure. The ‘Ceylon Pearl’ is the perfect pre-flight aperitif, featuring Tanqueray Rangpur gin, lychee and pink citrus tonic.

Hoppers opened in Soho in 2015, helping introduce a new generation of London diners to the food and flavours of Sri Lanka, and was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand within its first year. Inspired by the home cooking, roadside stalls and toddy shops of Sri Lanka and South India, Hoppers now has restaurants in Marylebone, King’s Cross and Shoreditch.

Launching on 23 October 2026, British Airways will fly three times per week from London Gatwick to Colombo, the vibrant gateway to Sri Lanka. The route will operate for the winter season only, taking customers directly to the Indian Ocean island and home to picturesque beaches, scenic wildlife, vibrant culture and rich cuisine. Customers have a choice of three cabins – World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class). Return fares start from £524 (including taxes and carrier fees).

The Hoppers menu is available on British Airways flights from London Gatwick to Colombo in the Club World cabin, from 23 October until 30 December.

Flight details:

		Frequency	Departure	Arrival (local)
LGW-CMB	BA2045	Mon/Wed/FriFrom 23 Oct 26	16:40	08:35⁺¹
CMB-LGW	BA2044	Mon/Wed/FriFrom 24 Oct 26	10:35	17:00

British Airways x Hoppers Menu

Starter

Lentil Vadai

Yoghurt, tamarind sauce, coriander chutney and channa crisps

Main Course

Kalupol chicken

Lemon rice, beetroot curry

Pollichathu cod

Coconut rice, pineapple curry, beetroot curry

Dessert

Watalappam bread pudding

Full fleet, full speed, full connection: American Airlines will bring Starlink to every mainline jet

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American Airlines will expand its sweeping modernization of the inflight customer experience by bringing Starlink to all mainline aircraft, including Airbus narrowbodies and Boeing narrowbodies and widebodies. Installations will begin in early 2027. With plans to equip more than 1,000 mainline aircraft, American aims to operate one of the world’s largest Starlink-connected fleets equipped with Starlink’s Performance Aero Terminal, which can deliver speeds of up to 1 Gbps per terminal.

The mainline rollout builds on American’s recent connectivity investments, including the airline’s announcement last May to install Starlink on more than 500 Airbus aircraft. The expanded program will extend Starlink across American’s entire mainline fleet of more than 1,000 Airbus and Boeing narrowbody and widebody aircraft, bringing a consistent, high-performance connectivity experience to customers across its global network.

Starlink will bring fast, reliable Wi-Fi to customers throughout their journey, making it easier to stay connected from gate to gate. Whether responding to emails, catching up on messages, streaming favorite shows, browsing the web or keeping the family entertained, customers can enjoy a seamless online experience in the air.

More than 165 million customers fly on a mainline American aircraft each year across four fleet families. That number is expected to grow as the airline takes delivery of more than 300 new mainline aircraft in the coming years.

American’s mainline fleet
Airbus narrowbodies	500+
Boeing narrowbodies	400+
Boeing widebodies	130+
Total mainline fleet	1,030+

National Celebrates 35 Years of ‘Delivering The World’

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National Air Cargo Group (National Airlines 5th) is celebrating 35 years of delivering transportation and logistics solutions worldwide, marking a journey that began in 1991 as a domestic freight forwarding company and has grown into a global organization with operations spanning more than 150 countries.

Over the past three and a half decades, National has expanded its capabilities far beyond its roots, building an integrated portfolio that includes international freight forwarding, cargo and passenger airline services, government logistics support, and humanitarian relief transportation. Today, the Group operates through National Air Cargo and National Airlines, supported by more than 1,300 employees across 15+ operational hubs worldwide.

Throughout its history, National has supported commercial, government, and humanitarian customers with tailored transportation solutions. The company has transported everything from e-commerce shipments and high-value technology equipment to oversized industrial cargo, aircraft parts, and emergency relief supplies. National’s operations have played a role in supporting disaster response efforts, military missions, and critical supply chains around the world.

A key milestone in the company’s evolution came with the launch of cargo airline operations, followed by the expansion of passenger airline services. Today, National Airlines operates a modern fleet that includes Boeing 747 and Boeing 777 freighters, as well as Airbus A330 passenger aircraft, enabling flexible cargo and passenger solutions across global markets.

Most recently, National completed the delivery of four Boeing 777 freighters, further strengthening its ability to meet growing transportation demands while improving operational efficiency.

While the company has grown significantly over the past 35 years, its focus remains unchanged: delivering reliable, customized solutions for customers facing complex transportation challenges.

National’s 35th anniversary serves as an opportunity to recognize the customers, employees, and partners whose contributions have helped shape the organization’s success and position it for continued growth in the years to come.

About National Airlines

Established in 1991, National Air Cargo, Inc. provides premium global end-to-end logistics, freight forwarding, and charter airline services. National Airlines, the airline division of the company, is a U.S. FAA-certificated Part 121 air carrier operating a fleet of nine Boeing 747-400 freighters, four Boeing 777-200 freighters, and three passenger aircraft, including the Airbus A330-300 and A330-200.

The company provides on-demand commercial cargo and passenger charter services to more than 450 airports worldwide. From humanitarian relief missions to time-critical shipments, National Airlines delivers customized air cargo charter solutions for customers across the defense, e-commerce, automotive, energy, high-tech, fashion, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and space technology sectors.

With offices and operational hubs in Buffalo, Orlando, Houston, Chicago, Frankfurt, Madrid, Amsterdam, Dubai, Bengaluru, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taipei, National manages seamless global operations anytime, anywhere, always.

Is the new Airbus A350F freighter in Kalitta Air’s future?

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US-based cargo carrier Kalitta Air is reportedly the undisclosed mystery customer behind an order for eight Airbus A350F freighters. The order was placed earlier in 2026 but the buyer was not been identified in Airbus’s order updates.

However, Kalitta Air has not yet confirmed the purchase. An airline spokesperson stated that they are evaluating the Airbus A350F platform as part of their long-term fleet planning but maintain they are still in the evaluation phase with no aircraft order to announce at this time.

If finalized, the potential acquisition of the A350F would be a major shift for Kalitta Air, which currently operates an exclusively Boeing fleet consisting of 747 and 777 freighters. Industry observers suggest that diversifying its fleet with the A350F, which recently completed its first flight in August 2026, could allow the carrier to optimize performance, enhance its long-haul payload capacity, and mitigate supply chain bottlenecks.

Kalitta Air currently operates an active fleet of 37 heavy cargo aircraft, with two additional aircraft inactive and 11 planned across its modern freighter types. The backbone of the carrier’s operations remains the Boeing 747-400F, with 22 aircraft listed as active and two listed as inactive, bringing the total current fleet to 24 airframes with an average age of 28.0 years.

For its twin-engine widebody operations, the airline actively flies eight Boeing 777F (777-200F) freighters, with three more planned for a future fleet of 11 and an average age of 10.5 years. Kalitta also operates seven converted Boeing 777-300(ER/SF) freighters, which carry an average age of 20.4 years.

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United and DISH add Playoff Baseball to the Live Streaming Lineup on Airplanes with Starlink-Equipped Seatback Screens

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United Airlines announced:

Baseball fans can now catch nearly every playoff game live onboard select United flights with Starlink-enabled seatback screens. The airline just added TBS to its onboard streaming lineup from DISH, which also includes live shows from ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, FS1, ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network and TNF on Prime Video. It’s now available on more than 200 planes – about 900 flights per day – and since the feature launched onboard last month, passengers have watched more than 170,000 hours of live television.

Starlink is the fastest, most reliable Wi-Fi in the sky and United is installing it at a rapid rate – in September, more than 5.4 million people – about a third of United’s customers – had Starlink on their flight and they’re loving the experience: satisfaction scores are more than 40 points higher on Starlink-equipped planes than those with other Wi-Fi service.

Starlink is free for MileagePlus® members in every class of service, and the airline expects to complete installations in 2027.

United is also offering a flexible and straightforward status match offer for Delta and American Airlines loyalty program members so they can experience Starlink for themselves. To qualify, customers must meet the spend requirement on United flights that are both purchased and flown within the 90-day period. Qualifying customers enjoy United Premier® status benefits through January 31, 2028. More details can be found at United.com/switchtobetterwifi.

Live streaming service from DISH is just the latest example of how United is using Starlink to redefine the inflight entertainment experience. In August, United partnered with ESPN to host a first-of-its kind live Fantasy Football Draft from 30,000 feet where ESPN analyst Tyler Fulghum made his picks live from the sky during the two-hour broadcast. And earlier this summer, United customers could stream the biggest soccer tournament in the world onboard Starlink-powered domestic flights.

Starlink is just one way United is investing nose to tail in its customer experience. The airline continues to install seatback screens across its fleet – up to 1,000 aircraft are expected to have seatback screens before the end of 2027 – and is rolling out new airplanes with 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screens, the largest among U.S. carriers. Passengers can now access more than 2,500 hours of premium entertainment content onboard including Apple TV, HBO Max, A24 and Spotify.

Avolon orders 35 Airbus A330-900 and 75 A320neo Family aircraft

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Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, has placed a firm order for 110 Airbus aircraft, comprising 35 A330-900 and 75 A320neo Family aircraft. This incremental order takes Avolon’s total for the A330-900 to 114 aircraft and the A320 Family to some 650.

Remembering Pan Am: Holland America Line Reveals Pan Am-Inspired Experiences for Legendary Voyage

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Holland America Line is bringing the golden age of travel to life aboard its Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage, with a curated collection of onboard experiences and shore excursions designed to immerse guests in the history, glamour and spirit of Pan Am’s iconic Clipper era. From Pan Am-inspired dining and expert guest speakers to the return of the legendary Clipper Club and exclusive tours, the cruise will weave the airline’s history into the journey from ship to shore.

The 28-day cruise aboard Zuiderdam sails roundtrip from Miami, Florida, departing Oct. 30, 2027, retracing portions of Pan Am’s historic routes through the Caribbean and Central America. Along the way, guests will have opportunities to experience destinations through the lens of Pan Am’s legacy while discovering the culture, history and attractions that make each place special today.

“Pan Am helped redefine what it meant to travel, turning the journey into an experience filled with discovery, connection and a sense of occasion,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of itinerary planning and deployment for Holland America Line. “With this cruise, we’re bringing that era to life while merging elements of Pan Am’s storied history with Holland America Line’s signature experiences, giving guests a chance to see how the legacies of two travel brands come together in ways that feel authentic to both, from the ship to the destinations along the way.”

Exploring Pan Am’s history
On board, guests can delve deeper into the iconic airline’s history through a series of special programs and presentations from Pan Am and aviation historians and experts. These experts will explore the people, aircraft and destinations that shaped the airline’s story:

Actor and storyteller Willie Aames will discuss Pan Am’s pioneering spirit, from the people and innovations that helped build the world’s first global airline to the extraordinary Pacific Clipper journey during World War II. Known globally for his starring roles in “Eight is Enough” and “Charles in Charge,” Aames transitioned from his filmmaking roots into telling some of the great tales of our times.
Linda Freire, chair and co-founder of the Pan Am Museum Foundation, will share an insider’s perspective on Pan Am’s people, culture and global legacy, drawing on her career as a flight attendant, recruiter, manager and aviation leader. From helping build Pan Am’s workforce around the world to preserving its history today, Freire will offer firsthand stories about the airline’s impact on employees, passengers and the evolution of international travel.
Alaska-born Steve Gray, an international guest speaker and storyteller, will delve into Pan Am’s golden age of travel, from the airline’s luxurious Flying Clippers and pioneering routes through South America to the fascinating stories behind its enduring visual legacy. With a lifelong connection to flight and a family aviation heritage, Gray combines travel history, culture and firsthand adventure to capture the romance and history of Pan American World Airways.
David Hinson, vice chairman of the Pan Am Museum Foundation, will explore the airline’s service culture and enduring influence on global aviation. Drawing on his experience in flight attendant training, leadership development and customer service, Hinson will share stories from his years with Pan Am and discuss how the airline’s commitment to excellence helped shape modern air travel.
David Kliman, global hospitality and travel industry leader, will share firsthand stories from decades of flying Pan Am, drawing from his extensive collection of airline memorabilia and experiences as a longtime pilot and frequent Pan Am passenger. With more than four million airline miles logged, Kliman will offer a personal perspective on Pan Am’s premium passenger experience and the evolution of global air travel.

The voyage also will recreate elements of the Clipper Club, Pan Am’s exclusive network of private airport lounges that became synonymous with the airline’s premium travel experience. The Clipper Club offered Pan Am passengers a dedicated space to relax, dine and socialize before and between flights. On board Zuiderdam, guests will encounter moments inspired by the original Clipper Club and get a taste of the welcoming atmosphere and hospitality that extended beyond the aircraft.

Pan Am-inspired culinary experiences
Pan Am’s influence comes through in a selection of special menus inspired by dishes served during the airline’s celebrated era of travel, giving guests a taste of the cuisine once associated with flying Pan Am.

Example dishes include Cocktail de Crevettes (jumbo shrimp, boiled egg, asparagus, Louis dressing); Cream of Tomato Soup; Broiled Filet Mignon Maître d’Hôtel with croquette potatoes and jardinière vegetables; Eggplant Cannelloni Parmigiano with asparagus risotto; Sole en Croûte (Filets of Dover sole with crabmeat filling, baked in puff pastry); and Soufflé Grand Marnier with crème anglaise.

A special cocktail menu is inspired by Pan Am’s legacy, with each drink offering a reimagined take on the flavors and traditions associated with the airline. Examples include:

The Pan Am Cocktail, paying tribute to Pan Am’s pioneering history with light white rum, Campari, orgeat, lemon juice and egg white, topped with aromatic bitters.
The Clipper Cocktail, which was served aboard flying boats and is made with Mount Gay Eclipse rum, Dolin Blanc and grenadine garnished with a lemon twist.

“We’ll be marking 100 years of Pan Am at the start of this cruise, and I can’t think of a better way for our biggest fans and new fans to celebrate,” said Craig Carter, CEO, Pan Am Global Holdings. “Not only is the cruise itinerary reminiscent of our early days of the Flying Clippers, but the onboard experience we are creating with Holland America will bring to life a special time in the history of travel.”

Shore excursions trace Pan Am’s history
Several tours have been curated exclusively for the Pan Am cruise, connecting guests to the airline’s history in the region while offering a deeper look at the destinations themselves. Designed around places and experiences that intersect with Pan Am’s historic routes, the excursions explore local history, landmarks and cultural experiences.

Select Pan Am tours created for this cruise include:

Cartagena, Colombia: “Pan Am’s Golden Age: Cartagena’s Jet Set” tour includes exploring in a fleet of classic roadsters, tasting local fare and learning about the city’s reputation as a destination for world-class emeralds during the Pan Am era.
Colón, Panama: Explore the Agua Clara Locks and Panama Canal Railway, connecting two landmarks to the transportation network that helped make travel through the region possible and Pan Am the top choice for discerning travelers.
St. John’s, Antigua: Follow in the footsteps of Pan Am navigators on a “High Point” tour to Shirley Heights, where sweeping views of the harbor offer a perspective similar to the one navigators used to guide their aircraft into port.
Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago: On the “Pan Am’s Caribbean: Wings of Trinidad” tour, explore Pan Am’s pioneering role in Caribbean aviation at Chaguaramas, the former Pan Am flying boat base where the Clippers once landed. Visit the Chaguaramas Military History & Aerospace Museum, connecting Pan Am’s Caribbean routes with the region’s broader aviation history.

With Pan Am woven throughout the journey and Holland America Line’s signature service and destination-focused approach at the heart of the voyage, each day offers another connection to the people and places that made this era of travel memorable.

LATAM Airlines Brazil takes delivery of its first new Embraer E195-E2

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LATAM Airlines Brazil and Embraer are celebrating the start of the delivery process for the first E195-E2 in the airline’s history. The new aircraft is expected to enter service in the coming days and will bolster LATAM’s connectivity expansion, contributing to the ongoing growth of the airline’s footprint in the country, which has expanded from 44 airports served six years ago to 63 today.

The aircraft is the first of 12 E195-E2s scheduled to be delivered to LATAM by the end of 2026. Its arrival marks the next step in the plan announced in September 2025, when LATAM Airlines Group disclosed the acquisition of up to 74 aircraft of this model.

LATAM’s first E195-E2s will begin operations between November 2026 and March 2027. In the first phase, the first 14 E2s will be deployed across 42 routes, including eight new routes and four brand-new destinations in the airline’s network: Cabo Frio (RJ), Ji-Paraná (RO), Macaé (RJ), and Rondonópolis (MT).

Once these routes are launched, LATAM Airlines Brasil will operate the largest domestic network in its history in the country. For 2027, the airline is already assessing the viability of up to 18 new destinations using the new aircraft model, continuing its strategy to expand connectivity from its main hubs across the country.

The introduction of the E195-E2 increases the airline’s fleet flexibility, allowing it to serve markets with different levels of demand and enable new connections. In 2027, the delivery of an additional 12 aircraft of this model is planned for LATAM Airlines Brazil.

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Air Canada introduces Embarq, a New Self-Serve Business Travel Platform for Canadian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

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Air Canada has announced the launch of Air Canada Embarq, a new self-serve travel management platform designed specifically to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises and non-profit organizations take control of their business travel needs.

Part of Air Canada for Business, Air Canada Embarq brings travel management, tracking and rewards together in one centralized platform, giving Canadian businesses a simpler way to manage travel, optimize budgets and support employees on the road. Travellers book directly through aircanada.com, with eligible travel automatically recognized and attributed to their company.

“Canadian entrepreneurs and growing businesses need simple, flexible tools that help them connect with customers, partners and opportunities across Canada and globally,” said Alexandre Lefèvre, Vice President of Network Planning and Global Sales at Air Canada. “Air Canada Embarq reflects our ongoing investment in innovative solutions that are tailored to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises connect, grow and succeed.”

Air Canada Embarq enables registered Canadian businesses and non-profit organizations to enroll quickly and book business travel directly on aircanada.com. Travellers can use their Aeroplan account and select Business travel when booking, helping ensure eligible benefits are applied and trips are tracked through the Air Canada Embarq portal.

The platform gives companies and non-profits access to a centralized hub with built-in reporting, providing travel managers with visibility into company travel activity without the complexity of a fully managed travel program. Company travel arrangers can also book on behalf of employees, helping teams save time and reduce administrative work.

Through Air Canada Embarq, businesses can benefit from cost savings and direct access to a dedicated Air Canada for Business support team. There is no minimum travel spend requirements and no cost to join, making the platform accessible to Canadian companies and non-profits of different sizes and stages of growth.

Companies and travellers enrolled in Air Canada Embarq benefit from Air Canada’s global network, reliable schedules, connections through key Canadian and international hubs, and the ability to earn rewards through the award-winning Aeroplan program and status programs that reward customers for time spent in air.

Eligible individual travellers can also earn 50 % more Aeroplan points (which consists of 1x the base Aeroplan points and 0.5x bonus Aeroplan points – Conditions apply.) on eligible flown business trips, rewarding employees when they travel for work.

Air Canada partnered with ZS, a global management consulting and technology firm, and Traverse, powered by ARC, to deliver the technology platform supporting Air Canada Embarq.