Author Archives: Bruce Drum

About Bruce Drum

I have started the ultimate digital photo library of the fascinating world of airliners and airlines. The goal is to have the complete history of all airlines and the various aircraft operated. I have been photographing airplanes since 1965. Join us in this adventure.

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 – FAA radar and radio outages, Air Traffic Control staffing shortages and existing runway construction – 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 – 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 – 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 tracking—all backed by Amazon’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 company’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 club’s triumphant Premier League winning season. Unveiled as part of the airline’s longstanding partnership with Arsenal, the bespoke livery reflects Emirates’ continued commitment to connecting fans with the world’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 Ødegaard and Viktor Gyökeres. The Arsenal Crest is proudly emblazoned above glistening gold ‘Champions’ 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 Arsenal’s home ground, Emirates Stadium in North London. The Fly Better logo is also featured prominently on the front of the Men’s, Women’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 Arsenal’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 airline’s newest livery, which pays homage to Emirates’ longstanding commitment to the game, the club and the supporters.  

Alaska Airlines brings spirit of friendship and adventure to the skies with new ‘Toy Story 5’ 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 Pixar’s highly anticipated “Toy Story 5” 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 film’s latest adventure.

Toy Story 5 full plane shot

The Embraer 175 (N659QX) showcases original fan favorites Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie, alongside new “Toy Story 5” 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 “Saddle Up, It’s Takeoff Time!” and “Ready for Takeoff, Partner.” Forky and Karen Beverly also make surprise appearances on the winglets, extending the spirit of “Toy Story” as it reaches for the sky from every angle of the aircraft.

Alaska unveiled Horizon’s new, larger-than-life livery for guests and employees earlier today at Portland International Airport. Named “To 45 and Beyond”, a nod to Buzz Lightyear’s famous interstellar mantra, the special Toy Story aircraft also commemorates Horizon’s upcoming 45th anniversary of providing safe, caring service across Alaska Airlines’ 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 couldn’t think of a more special way to celebrate Horizon’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 couldn’t be prouder of our people who, each and every day, put their best foot forward to deliver the industry’s best and most caring travel experience.”  

Andy Schneider

President and CEO Horizon Air

Toy Story 5 fuselage
Toy Story 5 fuselage

Horizon’s “To 45 and Beyond” joins Alaska’s nine other Disney-themed aircraft, including “Friendship and Beyond at the Disneyland® Resort,” its first “Toy Story” livery, “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer,” “Mickey’s Toontown Express” and the “Star Wars Transport to the Disneyland Resort,” recently updated with Mandalorian and Anzellan characters in celebration of Disney’s newest movie, “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” 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 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”

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

ANA Announces Three New “Pokémon Jets”

Aircraft design

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

Japanese only

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

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

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. 

Screenshot

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

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.

More airline news: