Home for the holidays: A Neighbor Island pilot’s Thanksgiving reflections

In honor of Thanksgiving, Hawaiian Airlines posted this story:

The company of friends and family is what makes the festive season warm and bright. For Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 717 Captain Wailani W., helping people reunite across the Neighbor Islands during the holidays is more than just part of the job — it’s a way to honor the spirit of community and togetherness that defines life in Hawai‘i.

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Wailani has proudly piloted Hawaiian’s Neighbor Island routes since 2022 — a decision that has kept him close to the people and places he loves most.

“Sometimes when I’m flying, I think about being a kid and taking the DC-9 to visit family on the other islands. Now, as a 717 pilot, I take a lot of pride in helping kamaʻāina (residents) and local families make similar travel memories — especially during the holidays.”

During the Thanksgiving travel period, we’ll operate over 140 Neighbor Island flights daily, as early as 5:30 a.m. and as late as 9:30 p.m., to ensure our guests reach their Hawaiʻi holiday destination with ease.

While our local network helps bridge the Neighbor Islands and Hawaiʻi’s remote communities year-round, that connectivity carries even deeper meaning during the holidays.

“On the 717, we take a lot of pride in serving guests from all over by providing them with a safe and comfortable Neighbor Island travel experience so they can be with loved ones for life’s most important shared moments,” Wailani explained.

“There’s definitely a stronger sense of togetherness onboard this time of year, and it reminds me how special and unique our Island home is,” Wailani added. For him, every Neighbor Island trip is more than just another flight — it’s an opportunity to welcome every guest with aloha and keep Hawaiʻi connected.

“We’re all ʻohana at Hawaiian Airlines, and weʻll welcome every passenger this Thanksgiving as a part of that ʻohana.”

Wailani’s Hawaiʻi holiday travel tips

Plan for spotty weather and stay flexible

This time of year is ānuenue (rainbow) season, with frequent passing showers and crisp mornings. Higher elevations can also bring cooler temperatures. Pack appropriately and embrace Hawaiʻiʻs unique winter charm.

Give yourself extra time

Holiday travel means busier airports. Give yourself some extra time by checking in and paying for any bags on our mobile app and website before arriving at the airport.

Kamaʻāina, don’t forget about your Huakaʻi by Hawaiian perks

Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members enjoy a free checked bag – inclusive of surfboards, golf bags and other sports equipment – on Neighbor Island flights, as well as exclusive travel deals.

Show aloha always

Be kind and courteous to our employees – from gate agents to flight attendants – and, most importantly, to one another.

Tail section of the legendary Lockheed Super Star successfully assembled

Lufthansa also announced:

The next important milestone has been reached at Lufthansa Group Hangar One, the new conference and visitor center currently under construction at Frankfurt Airport: the tail unit has now been mounted on the Lockheed 1649A Super Star. The three-part rudder is characteristic of this particular aircraft series. It has a wingspan of over 15 meters and weighs around 1.4 tons. The assembly was carried out using two forklifts operating in parallel.

This means that all the large components of the Super Star have now been successfully assembled. The historic aircraft, once a symbol of innovation and elegance, was painted this summer at Münster/Osnabrück Airport in its classic 1950s livery. The fuselage, wings, engines, and tail were then transported to Frankfurt by heavy haulage. The various aircraft parts were assembled in the new building at Frankfurt Airport over the past few weeks. Now, with a total length of around 35 meters and an impressive wingspan of more than 45 meters, the Super Star shines again in all its former glory.

Together with the legendary Junkers Ju 52, the Lockheed Super Star will be the main attraction of the “Lufthansa Group Hangar One.” Thanks to a glass facade, visitors can also admire the two icons of aviation history from the outside. The opening of the conference and visitor center coincides with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Deutsche Luft Hansa and underscores the importance of aviation history for the Lufthansa Group.

About the Super Star:
In 1957, the Lockheed Super Star joined the Lufthansa fleet and was the first aircraft to feature Senator Class, the most exclusive form of travel. The focus of its deployment was the connection to New York, flying nonstop across the North Atlantic. The aircraft was therefore also a technical masterpiece. These flights, which lasted up to 17 hours, took off from Hamburg, where the maintenance base was also located.

About “Lufthansa Group Hangar One”:
In the immediate vicinity of the Lufthansa Aviation Center (LAC), the Lufthansa Group began construction of a new conference and visitor center at Frankfurt Airport in 2024, which will be a place for new forms of collaboration for employees and, at the same time, for customers, business partners, and aviation enthusiasts.

Lufthansa’s pioneering spirit and expertise will be tangible and experiential – especially in terms of shaping the future of aviation, but also with regard to the history of the company. Two restored Lufthansa aircraft will be on permanent display as the main historical attraction: the Junkers Ju 52 and the legendary Lockheed Super Star.

In an open gallery, visitors will be able to explore numerous exhibits from Lufthansa’s corporate history, some of which will be on public display for the first time. Like the group’s training and conference hotel “Lufthansa Seeheim,” the Frankfurt conference and visitor center will also be open for external events and will offer visitors catering services in a coffee lounge.

Lufthansa will paint six aircraft in its special 100th year livery

Lufthansa made this announcement:

In 2026, Lufthansa will celebrate a significant anniversary: 100 years since the founding of the first Lufthansa in 1926. To mark this special occasion, the crane airline is taking off with a unique “anniversary fleet” that combines tradition and innovation in an impressive design.

The most important sub-fleets of Lufthansa will receive their own special livery in the iconic 100-year look: the blue fuselage will be adorned with a white crane whose wings merge into the wings.

In addition to the crane, a “100” is integrated on the left side of the fuselage and the lettering “1926 / 2026” on the right side. A “100” will also be visible on the underside of the aircraft.

The anniversary fleet will be led by the brand-new Boeing 787-9 “Berlin” with the registration D-ABPU, which is expected in Frankfurt in December. An Airbus A380, an Airbus A350-1000, an Airbus A350-900, an Airbus A320, and a Boeing 747-8 will also be painted.

The aircraft will gradually be given the new design – the anniversary fleet is expected to be complete in fall 2026.

Vietjet Air Thailand takes delivery of its first Boeing 737-8 MAX 8

Vietjet Air Thailand has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737‑8 MAX 8, registered HS‑VZA, marking the start of a new fleet era for the airline. This aircraft is the first of 50 MAX jets allocated to the Thai subsidiary from the Vietjet Group’s larger 200‑aircraft order placed with Boeing in 2018. The delivery took place in late November 2025, with the aircraft ferried from Seattle via Anchorage and Sapporo before arriving in Bangkok.

The 737‑8 is equipped with LEAP‑1B engines, advanced aerodynamics, and Boeing’s Sky Interior, offering improved fuel efficiency, lower noise, and enhanced passenger comfort. Vietjet Thailand has emphasized that the aircraft is compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), supporting its “Fly Green” initiative and enabling a reduction in carbon emissions.

HS‑VZA will enter service in early December 2025, initially flying domestic routes such as Bangkok–Chiang Maibefore expanding to international services, including Cam Ranh in Vietnam. In early 2026, the aircraft is expected to operate longer regional routes to Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, and major Chinese cities, leveraging the 737‑8’s extended range and efficiency.

This delivery is part of Vietjet Group’s $32 billion fleet modernization plan, which aims to harmonize operations and strengthen its Asia–Pacific network. Vietjet Thailand currently operates a fleet of A320 and A321 aircraft, but plans to transition toward an all‑MAX fleet. Meanwhile, Vietjet Vietnam continues to operate Airbus narrowbodies, though it also received its first 737‑8 earlier in 2025.

Skybus moves ahead with its new London route despite the closure of Blueislands

Skybus commenced its Newquay–London Gatwick air service as planned on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

The airline added:

Since being awarded the interim PSO contract, our teams have been working around the clock to ensure all operational requirements are fully in place for the launch of this important route.

Skybus was originally planning to use an ATR 72 operated for them by Blueislands.

From November 23, 2025, flights will be operated for Skybus by Ascend Airways, a UK airline, using a Boeing 737 aircraft. Operations will take place under the Air Transport Licence of Aurigny.

Air Services, and services will be delivered in accordance with Aurigny’s Conditions of Carriage, which can be found on our Terms and Conditions page below.

From early December, we will transition to a Q400 78-seat turboprop aircraft.

Skybus is known for operating its Twin Otter fleet on routes to the Isles of Scilly from Newquay, Land’s End, and Exeter.

Air New Zealand recognized for taking Kiwi excellence sky-high

From seats to sustainability, New Zealand’s national airline has collected a swag of international awards that celebrate people, innovation and entertainment, and proudly fly the flag for Aotearoa.

Named Oceania’s Leading Airline and Oceania’s Leading Airline Brand at the World Travel Awards 2025, as well as World’s Safest Airline 2025, Air New Zealand also took home Forbes Travel Guide’s Innovation of the Year for its revolutionary Skycouch seats, judged by an invitation-only panel of travel experts and luxury industry professionals recognising excellence in innovation and customer experience worldwide.

Air New Zealand was also recognised as the Best Overall Airline in the South Pacific for 2026 by APEX, while readers of USA TODAY’s 10BEST Awards voted the airline among the world’s favourites, placing 2nd for Best Airline, 2nd for Best Cabin Crew, 2nd for Best Airline Food, and 3rd for both Business Class and Inflight Entertainment.

The airline also ranked as the Third Best Airline in the World in AirlineRatings.com’s 2025 global rankings, further cementing its reputation as a world-class carrier delivering safety, quality and innovation across every touchpoint.

Across the ditch, the Kiwi carrier is being recognised too – named Australia’s most trusted airline in the Finder Awards as well as taking out the top value frequent flyer programme.

Air New Zealand has also been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, winning the Asia Pacific CAPA Environmental Sustainability Award of the Year for 2025 and acknowledged by IATA for leadership in Sustainable Procurement.

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O’Brien says the recognition reflects the talent, creativity and commitment of the airline’s people.

“It’s fantastic to see Air New Zealand recognised alongside some of the biggest and best carriers in the world. It’s a reflection of New Zealand and where we come from, as well as our people on the ground and in the air who work tirelessly to deliver an experience that feels genuinely Kiwi.

“These awards belong to our team, and to our customers, who continue to support and believe in what we do. Our teams have ensured our manaaki and care continue to shine through, and it’s that unwavering commitment that’s clearly turning heads on the global stage,” says Jeremy O’Brien.

The recognition caps off a huge year of progress and innovation for the airline. Highlights include retrofitting its 787-9 Dreamliners with all-new cabins and inflight entertainment systems, launching its first electric aircraft programme with BETA Technologies, unveiling a new uniform celebrating Aotearoa’s culture and creativity, and supporting 19 regional events across New Zealand through its Regional Events Sponsorship programme.

Beyond the skies, Air New Zealand was again named New Zealand’s Most Attractive Employer, a title it has now held for three consecutive years.

Alaska Airlines is the official airline of the Seattle Torrent

This month, Seattle’s Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) expansion team gained an official name – and an official airline. As longtime tenants of Climate Pledge Arena, we’re thrilled to welcome the Seattle Torrent into our home and our hub as they hit the ice for their inaugural season.

The partnership celebrates the two brands’ hometown spirit and the synergy between the global nature of the game and Seattle’s role as Alaska’s global gateway. The partnership will also offer rewarding moments for fans through Alaska’s top-ranked Atmos Rewards loyalty program.

As of this year, Alaska proudly sponsors three professional women’s sports teams in Seattle. We have partnered with the Seattle Storm for over 10 years and teamed up with the Seattle Reign this past season. As a founding partner of Climate Pledge Arena, we are also so proud to sponsor every team that calls the arena home, through our partnerships with the Torrent, Storm and Kraken. And with the addition of the Torrent, Climate Pledge Arena is the only arena in the United States that is a permanent home to two professional women’s sports teams.

The last five years have made it clear: Seattle is a hockey city, and as the hometown airline, we’re thrilled to team up with the Torrent as they usher in a new era of hockey in Seattle. This partnership will provide us with new opportunities to engage with our local community, while sharing the excitement of the PWHL with our city and our guests.”

Eric Edge

Vice President of Brand and MarketingAlaska Airlines

As the number one airline in Seattle with the most daily flights, Alaska offers over 100 nonstop destinations, including flights to Tokyo and Seoul, with upcoming service to London, Reykjavik and Rome.

Alaska Airlines has been a longtime supporter of women’s sports, and we’re thrilled they were eager to join the Seattle Torrent’s roster. With Alaska Airlines’ strong presence in Seattle and Climate Pledge Arena, this partnership was a natural fit and we’re grateful for their warm welcoming of the Torrent to the Pacific Northwest.”

Chelsea Purcell

Vice President, PartnershipsPWHL

The Torrent take the ice for their home opener at Climate Pledge Arena on Friday, Nov. 28 at 1 p.m. PT, followed by four consecutive home games for fans to get their fill of Torrent action live (December 3, 17, 21, and 23). Season Ticket Memberships, Partial Season Ticket Packages, 3-Game Mini Packs and Single Game Tickets are available now at thepwhl.com/tickets.

Stay tuned for special fan opportunities from Alaska and Atmos Rewards during games throughout the season.

Seattle Torrent goalkeeper defending against a shot

Air Uniqon to launch operations on January 12, 2026

Air Uniqon, a new German virtual airline, is set to launch operations on January 12, 2026 from its base at Friedrichshafen Airport. The carrier will initially connect the Lake Constance region with Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg, restoring domestic links that were lost when Lufthansa withdrew its Frankfurt–Friedrichshafen service in 2024.

The airline will operate as a virtual carrier, meaning it will handle ticket sales, marketing, and distribution, while flight operations will be performed by Avanti Air (Germany).

Avanti will provide De Havilland Canada DHC-8‑400 (Dash 8‑400) turboprops, offering efficient regional service with seating for around 78 passengers. Frequencies will include four weekly flights to Berlin and Düsseldorf, and three to Hamburg, scheduled to accommodate both day trips and multi‑day travel.

Air Uniqon was founded by Frank Rosenberg of Berlin and is financed through a trust fund supported by several companies in the Lake Constance region. Local business leaders, including Martin Buck, President of the Chamber of Commerce (IHK), have emphasized the importance of restoring air connectivity for the area’s export‑oriented economy. The cooperative model mirrors initiatives like Skyhub PAD in Paderborn, where regional businesses and airports collaborate to sustain essential air links.

More airline news:

Swiss Airbus A350 takes off for Boston on first full ‘SWISS Senses’ flight

Jens Fehlinger, SWISS CEO, and Heike Birlenbach, SWISS CCO, at the ribbon cutting ceremony during the gate event for SWISS flight LX52 from Zurich to Boston

SWISS’s first Airbus A350 HB-IFA departed from Zurich for Boston at 18:37 this (Thursday) evening (November 20, 2025) on its first revenue long-haul flight. The event marks a further milestone for the airline: travelers on the Zurich-Boston route can now enjoy in full the completely new cabin and enhanced inflight service of the new ‘SWISS Senses’ long-haul air travel concept in all seating classes. SWISS’s first Airbus A350 will continue to be deployed on short-haul services, too, over the next few weeks, to train crews on the new twinjet as efficiently as possible. Montreal will be the new SWISS A350’s second long-haul destination.

SWISS’s first new Airbus A350 HB-IFA departed from Zurich for Boston at 18:37 this (Thursday) evening on its first revenue long-haul flight. The event is a further premiere for Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), and ushers in a new air travel era with the first full implementation of the new ‘SWISS Senses’ concept for the company’s long-haul flights.

SWISS Senses offers a winning blend of design, comfort and Swiss hospitality in all classes of travel, from a welcome drink with Sbrinz cheese to refined meal choices, the Alpine Essence signature cocktail, new Business Class bedlinen, top-quality care items and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment. And with the new Zurich-Boston Airbus A350 operation, travelers can experience for the first time both the new SWISS Senses cabin and the accompanying enhanced long-haul inflight service.

“Our new Airbus A350 marks the next step in our development, in technological, commercial and guest experience terms,” says SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger. “It’s quieter, more efficient and more comfortable than any other aircraft we have operated to date. Investments of this kind don’t just sharpen our own competitive edge: they consolidate Switzerland’s place, too, in the air travel world. A strong and viable SWISS is vital: for our customers, for our employees and for the whole Swiss economy. Every long-haul aircraft we operate creates some 300 jobs, from the crews and the planners all the way to the suppliers of the ingredients for our inflight culinary offerings – which underlines just how closely our business and operations are woven into the broader Swiss economy.”

Premium and Swissness

“Today’s flight turns our vision into tangible reality,” adds SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach. “Our new cabin interior and enhanced inflight service create an air travel experience that combines comfort, quality and core Swiss values. We have paid close attention to every individual detail – from the materials used to our menu options and our new comfort items – to ensure that SWISS Senses offers our customers genuine added value that appeals to all the senses. With this new inflight product package, we’re declaring what we want SWISS to be in the years ahead: reliable, consistently aligned to our guests and their needs, and with both ‘premium’ and ‘Swissness’ centerstage. So our Boston premiere today shows what SWISS long-haul travel will look and feel like tomorrow.”

More comfort in all travel classes

The new First Class cabin offers three suites providing maximum privacy and comfort. Each suite has its own door and wardrobe, along with a spacious table. The new Business Class cabin features 45 seats, all with direct aisle access and all reclinable into a lie-flat bed up to 2.2 meters long. Business Class travelers can choose from five different seat categories that include compact suites offering additional inflight privacy, all available in either single- or double-seat versions.

The new Premium Economy Class offers 38 seats – more than on any SWISS aircraft to date. With a seat width of 48 centimeters and a seat pitch of around one meter, SWISS Premium Economy ensures a relaxed air travel experience. The new Economy Class cabin with its 156 seats also offers its travelers greater at-seat space, together with a larger 13.3-inch HD screen, a Bluetooth connection for using their own headphones and USB-A and USB-C ports.

Long-haul fleetwide installation planned

Nine further Airbus A350s will join the SWISS aircraft fleet between now and 2031, all of which will also be delivered with the new SWISS Senses cabin installed. SWISS will also be gradually retrofitting the new SWISS Senses cabin into its Airbus A330 fleet from the first half of 2026 onwards, and into its Boeing 777 fleet thereafter. All SWISS long-haul aircraft should be equipped with the new SWISS Senses interior by 2030.

Air Cambodia becomes launch customer for new Business Class on ATR 72-600 featuring ‘X-Space Table’

Air Cambodia, the national flag carrier of Cambodia, is set to redefine regional air travel as the launch customer of ATR’s new innovative premium seat featuring the ‘X-Space Table’, a smart, plug-and-play solution that converts a standard dual economy seat into a single premium seat within minutes. Under development, its certification is expected in Q1 2027.

Following the delivery of its brand-new ATR 72-600 in May 2025, Air Cambodia plans to retrofit the ‘X-Space Table’ in 2027 across its fleet of three ATRs. The business class section will feature four business seats arranged in two rows in a one-by-one layout, offering direct window and aisle access for each traveller, as well as enhanced comfort, privacy and individual stowage compartments.

The ‘X-Space Table’ is part of ATR HighLine, the manufacturer’s collection of high-end cabin interiors introduced in 2023. It is engineered to support dynamic fleet operations, enabling swift installation and removal, allowing airlines to seamlessly switch between full economy and dual-class cabin configurations. This flexibility empowers operators to respond efficiently to fluctuating passenger demand, seasonal variations or charter-specific requirements with minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.

Air Cambodia operates ATR aircraft on key regional routes including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Ho Chi Minh City and other cities. Recognised with a three-star rating by Skytrax for its customer experience, the airline continues to enhance its service offering by being the first ATR operator to implement this specific type of dual-class configuration on its fleet.