World’s longest-range aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000ULR takes to the skies

The A350-1000ULR (MSN 707), the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France. ย The aircraft, fitted with special flight test instrumentation, flew for three hours 43 minutes reaching an altitude of slightly above 41,000 feet. The aircraft was flown by a dedicated Airbus Fliย ght Test crew.

The A350-1000ULR is being developed for Qantas Airways to enable non-stop flights between Sydney and London for the first time ever – a distance of ย almost 10,000 nautical miles, with flight times of up to 22 hours. This is made possible primarily by the integration into the aircraft structure of an additional rear centre tank (RCT), enhancing further the aircraft performance and increasing the range of the aircraft by 1,000 nautical miles.

During the first flight the crew carried out general aircraft performance checks and tested the new fuel system architecture. This marks the start of a two month flight test campaign to certify the modifications. In addition, a new galley air cooling system will also be certified, which features lighter and more efficient refrigeration units for very long flights. The ventilation and temperature control of the cabin will also be thoroughly tested.

Following the flight test campaign, MSN 707 will be retrofitted to Qantasโ€™ commercial specifications.

The second A350-1000ULR to be produced for Qantas and the first scheduled to be delivered to the airline in April 2027, is now at an advanced stage of final assembly and ready to roll out of the paint shop in the coming days. This will be followed by completion of the premium four class cabin layout and engine installation.ย 

The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the best-selling A350 Family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR and the A350-1000. Together, the aircraft have set new standards in long haul air travel, with a step-change reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and new levels of passenger comfort.ย 

The passenger line-up will soon be joined by the all-new A350F freighter, also currently under development at Airbus, with first flight planned later this year.

At the end of April 2026, the A350 Family had won 1,579 orders from 68 customers, with over 700 aircraft flying with 41 operators, primarily on long haul services across the globe.

QANTAS has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under Project Sunrise, designed to overcome one of the last frontiers in non-stop travel from Australia. In addition the carrier also has 12 standard A350-1000s on order for future operation across its long haul network.

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Newark Liberty International Leads All Major Northeast Airports with Most On-Time Flights in 2026

Newark Liberty International (EWR) has led all major northeast airports so far this year with the most on-time flights in 2026. That’s a notable achievement given the airport’s ranking about a year ago.

Newark Liberty International Airport

United Airlines, EWR’s largest carrier, achieved its best-ever on-time rate in April and May at Newark, while flying nearly 5.8 million passengers.

The airline is off to a strong start this summer, flying a record three million passengers across its network over the Memorial Day holiday with nearly 70% of customers arriving on time.

The airline expects more than 53 million travelers this summer and continues to win brand-loyal customers by investing in onboard products and services as well as industry-leading technologies like Starlink and the United Mobile App.

Last Spring, EWR experienced a confluence of challenges โ€“ FAA radar and radio outages, Air Traffic Control staffing shortages and existing runway construction โ€“ that produced significant delays, diversions and cancellations. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stepped in by improving staffing, upgrading technology at the airport and, importantly, limiting flights to ensure that the schedules out of Newark match the actual capacity of the airport.

United CEO Scott Kirby was at Newark today to celebrate the turnaround story and thank local employees.

“Newark has operated better than it ever has and that’s a direct result of the actions taken by Secretary Duffy and the FAA as well as the professionalism, dedication and care of our nearly 15,000 local employees,” said Kirby. “Newark is the ‘crown jewel’ of our international network serving as a global gateway to dozens of international destinations โ€“ I’m proud of the work we’re doing here, and all across the country, to deliver a great experience and get our customers where they want to go safely and on time.”

Gateway for Global Travelers

Thousands of United employees help power the airline’s Newark operation that connects customers to nearly 320 cities across North, South, and Central America and the Caribbean, including 120 destinations with just one stop. Newark serves as a key gateway to United’s global network, offering nonstop service to 42 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and India โ€“ more Transatlantic destinations than any other carrier from the New York City area.

The hub connects United customers to 15 destinations no other U.S. airline serves including recently launched service to Split, Croatia; Bari, Italy; Glasgow, Scotland and Santiago De Compostela, Spain.

In addition to new routes launched this summer, United will become the only U.S. airline offering nonstop flights between Newark/New York and Seoul, South Korea beginning September 4. This October, the airline will also be the only airline in the New York area to offer service to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands as passengers seek a Caribbean getaway.

More airline news:

Has Prime Air become Amazon Air Cargo?

A new Boeing 767-300F (N496MM) is now being operated for Amazon by AmeriJet International.

Instead of the usual Prime Air titles the aircraft now sports “Amazon Air Cargo” titles.

Amazon Air Cargo describes itself:

100+ aircraft. 250+ flights daily. 7 days per week. And now, self-service access to instant quotes, express booking, and real-time trackingโ€”all backed by Amazonโ€™s reliable air network. We have the tools, the team, and the tech to get your air cargo where it needs to go swiftly and securely, from takeoff to touchdown. Guaranteed.

Our fleet of 737, 767, and A330 aircraft services networks within North America, Latin America, EMEA, and Asia. We can also provide international charter services.

Amazon.com (http://amazon.com/) Services LLC (d/b/a Amazon Air Cargo) is an Indirect Air Carrier. All flights are operated by our direct air carrier partners, including ATI, ABX, 21 Air, Sun Country, Hawaiian Airlines, Cargojet, ASL, and Quickjet.

Summary of what we think is happening:

Amazon has introduced an “Amazon Air Cargo” livery on an Amerijet-operated Boeing 767-300F, signaling a strategic shift to sell excess capacity to third-party clients, rather than just moving company packages.

While the operational identity remains “Amazon Air,” this new branding on N496MM highlights the companyโ€™s expansion into a commercial logistics business alongside its existing Prime Air services.

Any further information is welcome.

LATAM Boeing 787 CC-BBD is damaged at Easter Island

On May 29, 2026, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner registered CC-BBD of LATAM Airlines of Chile was damaged on the tarmac of Easter Island Airport, Mataveri (IPC/SCIP) after the flight LA841 had arrived.

The second door (L2) was torn off by the airstairs truck.

Report and photos by Alvaro Romero reporting from Chile.

It is uncertain at this time when repairs can be performed at the remote airport in the South Pacific Ocean.

Emirates reveals a celebratory A380 livery dedicated to Arsenal FC on A6-EOE

Emirates has revealed a celebratory A380 livery dedicated to Arsenal FC, following the clubโ€™s triumphant Premier League winning season. Unveiled as part of the airlineโ€™s longstanding partnership with Arsenal, the bespoke livery reflects Emiratesโ€™ continued commitment to connecting fans with the worldโ€™s biggest sporting moments.

Applied in-house by Emirates Engineering, the decal stretches from the iconic tail fin flag to the middle of the fuselage and features four first-team players: Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin ร˜degaard and Viktor Gyรถkeres. The Arsenal Crest is proudly emblazoned above glistening gold โ€˜Championsโ€™ lettering, celebrating the efforts of the entire squad.

2026 marks a major milestone for Emirates and Arsenal, as they celebrate 20 years of partnership. Emirates serves as Official Airline partner, and holds naming rights to Arsenalโ€™s home ground, Emirates Stadium in North London. The Fly Better logo is also featured prominently on the front of the Menโ€™s, Womenโ€™s and Academy team shirts, marking the longest-running front-of-shirt sponsorship in Premier League history.

This new livery is yet another accolade to add to Arsenalโ€™s trophy cabinet, after a remarkable season, which saw the club crowned champions of the Premier League last week. Today, the Arsenal and Emirates A380 will take to the skies for its victory lap, heading to London Heathrow as EK001. Planespotters and football fans alike can catch a glimpse of the airlineโ€™s newest livery, which pays homage to Emiratesโ€™ longstanding commitment to the game, the club and the supporters.  

Alaska Airlines brings spirit of friendship and adventure to the skies with new โ€˜Toy Story 5โ€™ livery on Horizon Air’s N659QX

Alaska Airlines announced:

For over 30 years, audiences around the world have followed the beloved toy crew of Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie, who taught generations that friendship, magic and imagination never go out of style. Now, as Disney and Pixarโ€™s highly anticipated โ€œToy Story 5โ€ prepares to soar into theaters June 19, Horizon Air, the regional carrier of Alaska Airlines, is bringing the next chapter of the iconic franchise to the skies with a new livery inspired by the filmโ€™s latest adventure.

Toy Story 5 full plane shot

The Embraer 175 (N659QX) showcases original fan favorites Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie, alongside new โ€œToy Story 5โ€ tech toy characters, including Lilypad, Snappy, Atlas and Smarty Pants. Adding to the fun, the livery features floating clouds throughout the fuselage and playful, Toy Story-inspired callouts like โ€œSaddle Up, Itโ€™s Takeoff Time!โ€ and โ€œReady for Takeoff, Partner.โ€ Forky and Karen Beverly also make surprise appearances on the winglets, extending the spirit of โ€œToy Storyโ€ as it reaches for the sky from every angle of the aircraft.

Alaska unveiled Horizonโ€™s new, larger-than-life livery for guests and employees earlier today at Portland International Airport. Named โ€œTo 45 and Beyondโ€, a nod to Buzz Lightyearโ€™s famous interstellar mantra, the special Toy Story aircraft also commemorates Horizonโ€™s upcoming 45th anniversary of providing safe, caring service across Alaska Airlinesโ€™ regional network and reminds guests of all ages that adventure, imagination and a little play are always ready for takeoff.

Toy Story 5 fuselage
Toy Story 5 fuselage
Toy Story 5 fuselage

I couldnโ€™t think of a more special way to celebrate Horizonโ€™s history with our guests than to bring out the kid in all of us. Forty-five years of service is a meaningful milestone, and I couldnโ€™t be prouder of our people who, each and every day, put their best foot forward to deliver the industryโ€™s best and most caring travel experience.โ€  

Andy Schneider

President and CEO Horizon Air

Toy Story 5 fuselage
Toy Story 5 fuselage

Horizonโ€™s โ€œTo 45 and Beyondโ€ joins Alaskaโ€™s nine other Disney-themed aircraft, including โ€œFriendship and Beyond at the Disneylandยฎ Resort,โ€ its first โ€œToy Storyโ€ livery, โ€œTianaโ€™s Bayou Adventure Flyer,โ€ โ€œMickeyโ€™s Toontown Expressโ€ and the โ€œStar Wars Transport to the Disneyland Resort,โ€ recently updated with Mandalorian and Anzellan characters in celebration of Disneyโ€™s newest movie, โ€œStar Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,โ€ now playing in theaters.

More airline news:

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

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 Qantasโ€™ 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 โ€“ or $121 million a day.

The eye-catching livery on Qantasโ€™ Coral Sea A321XLR spans both sides of the 44 metre-long aircraft, with the design a collaborative effort that celebrates Qantasโ€™ 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 airlineโ€™s first A321XLR international service will commence in October, connecting Brisbane and Manila.

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

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

It is the 30th anniversary of the release of Pokรฉmon Red and Pokรฉmon 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 Pokรฉmon.”

Since the launch of the world’s first Pokรฉmon 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 Pokรฉmon 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

ANA Announces Three New โ€œPokรฉmon Jetsโ€

Aircraft design

Pokรฉmon Jet Red

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

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

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

Pokรฉmon WINDS Pokรฉmon WAVES Browt Grass category: Bean Chick Pokรฉmon This Pokรฉmon 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 Pokรฉmon The area below its throat glows faintly from the heat-generating organ within its lungs. This Pokรฉmon is guileless and friendly. Gecqua Water Category: Water Gecko Pokรฉmon This Pokรฉmon launches springy balls of water from its tail. Gecqua is very intelligent and maneuvers shrewdly while putting on airs. ยฉPokรฉmon. ยฉNintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. TM, ยฎ, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.
Pokรฉmon WINDS Pokรฉmon WAVES Official Website External Link

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JetBlue Celebrates Dominican Pride with โ€˜Quisqueya la Bluebellaโ€™ Aircraft Livery on A320 N599JB

JetBlue Airways, the largest airline serving the Dominican Republic, on May 28, 2026 officially unveiledย Quisqueya la Bluebellaย at Santo Domingoโ€™s Las Amรฉricas 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 countryโ€™s rich culture and JetBlueโ€™s deep connection to the Dominican community. Created by Dominican artist Willy Gรณmez, the design wasย chosen by the public earlier this year.

The nameย Quisqueya la Bluebellaย is a playful nod to the beloved patriotic phrase โ€œQuisqueya la Bella,โ€ reimagined with JetBlueโ€™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 Gรณmezโ€™s artistic eye, the aircraftโ€™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 JetBlueโ€™s network, and among its many Dominican crewmembers, it stands as a powerful symbol of belonging and shared identity. The phrase โ€œTamoโ€™ aquรญโ€ (โ€œWeโ€™re hereโ€), featured on the aircraft belly, reinforces JetBlueโ€™s ongoing presence and commitmentโ€”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, gรผira, and accordion, representing the rhythm of merengue and bachata
  • Theย Cigรผa Palmera, the national bird, symbolizing Dominican identity
  • Vibrant Dominican flowers that reflect the nationโ€™s natural beauty
  • The Alcรกzar de Colรณn, honoring the countryโ€™s rich history
  • Palm trees and ocean waves, representing the Dominican Republicโ€™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, Gรณmez, Los Plebeyos, and Lena Tolkens, each offering their interpretation of the Dominican culture, with Gรณmezโ€™s design selected by the community.

At the heart of the campaign was JetBlueโ€™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 Gรณmez, the initiative engaged and inspired the next generation of Dominican creatives through the creation of a community mural, which was showcased at todayโ€™s unveiling event. As part of this initiative, JetBlue also made a donation to support the organizationโ€™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

Cathay Group has placed a firm order with Airbus for two additional Airbus A350F freighters. This will bring the airlineโ€™s total order to eight of the new-generation cargo aircraft. The A350F will be operated by the airlineโ€™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 COโ‚‚ emission standards. The A350F is able to operate with up to 50% ย Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at entry-to-service, with the aim for up to 100% capability by 2030, as with all Airbus aircraft.ย 

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