The UK Government moves ahead with its expansion plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport

The UK Government has confirmed that it will proceed with the 2019 expansion plans for London’s Heathrow Airport, selecting the option that calls for the construction of a third runway to the northwest of the existing airfield. This decision carries major implications, as it will require the demolition of the towns of Harmondsworth and Longford and a reconfiguration of the M25 motorway to accommodate the new 3,500‑metre runway. The choice signals a commitment to the original, more extensive plan despite its higher cost and disruptive impact.

The government’s selection comes after weighing an alternative proposal known as “Heathrow West,” put forward earlier in 2025 by the Arora Group in partnership with Bechtel and Scott Brownrigg. That scheme envisioned a shorter 2,800‑metre runway, which would have avoided bridging over the M25 and carried a significantly lower price tag—under £25 billion compared to the current £49 billion budget. Despite these advantages, the government opted for the longer runway, citing capacity and long‑term strategic needs.

The timing of the announcement is notable, arriving just one day before Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveils her budget. Back in January 2025, Reeves had endorsed the idea of a third runway, emphasizing its potential to generate up to 100,000 jobs and strengthen the UK economy by expanding one of the world’s busiest airports. The government’s latest move underscores its determination to deliver on that promise, even in the face of cost concerns and local opposition.

Plans for a third runway at Heathrow have been debated for more than six decades, almost since the airport’s transformation into a major commercial hub. Successive governments have voiced support, only to see proposals stall amid fierce resistance during consultation and planning stages. The issue has become one of the longest‑running infrastructure debates in modern British history.

For residents of Harmondsworth and Longford, the decision brings both clarity and upheaval. Many have lived under the shadow of possible demolition for decades, unable to sell their homes due to uncertainty. While some welcome the chance to finally have their properties compulsorily purchased and move on, others face the loss of long‑standing communities. The government’s choice of the 2019 plan thus represents not only a major infrastructure milestone but also a deeply personal turning point for those directly affected.

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Pittsburgh International Airport opens a new terminal

Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal opened on Nov. 18, drawing attention from the region, aviation industry and even national late-night television.

Pittsburgh International Airport has officially opened its new $1.7 billion terminal, a project designed to modernize the passenger experience and replace the aging landside terminal that had been in use for more than three decades. The new facility consolidates operations into a single building, eliminating the need for travelers to take a tram to reach their gates.

The terminal spans over 800,000 square feet and features a streamlined security checkpoint with 12 TSA lanes, compared to the previous seven. New technology allows passengers to keep laptops in bags and shoes on during screening, speeding up the process. The baggage system has also been redesigned, reducing conveyor length from eight miles to three miles, which cuts wait times in half.

Passenger amenities have been expanded with four outdoor terraces, new concessions including local favorites like Mineo’s Pizza, and improved accessibility features such as express elevators, sensory rooms, and nursing stations. Parking has been upgraded with more than 6,000 spaces, including a new garage with real-time availability indicators, and a dual-level bridge now connects arrivals, departures, and ground transport directly to the terminal.

The design emphasizes Pittsburgh’s identity, with over 80 percent of art installations created by local artists and cultural touches throughout the building. The new terminal reflects both the city’s innovation economy and its community spirit, offering travelers a more efficient, comfortable, and distinctly Pittsburgh experience.

The airport issued this story:

When the first passengers journeyed through the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) on Nov. 18, it marked the culmination of more than a decade of work to transform the airport for today and the future.

The evolution began when Christina Cassotis became CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) in 2015 and emphasized PIT’s role as a growing origin-and-destination airport dedicated to serving Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh-based travelers were not the focus when the airport opened on Oct. 1, 1992, as a US Airways hub. It lacked many of the features the new front door to the region features, such as universal design and wayfinding, and enhanced dining and shopping options.

When 80 percent of the airport traffic was hub passengers, those 15 million to 16 million travelers arrived at the airside terminal and stayed there before taking a connecting flight to their final destinations.

Secondary consideration was given to the approximately 4 million origination-and-destination passengers who used the security checkpoints and traveled the half-mile distance between the two terminals on the people mover trains while their bags traversed about 8 miles.

By closing the half-mile gap between terminals, the ACAA estimates that combined, airlines operating at PIT will save more than $20 million annually in operational and maintenance costs.

Today, Pittsburgh is the starting point (origin) and/or the ending point (destination) of 98 percent of passengers at the airport, according to 2024 figures. That means approximately 9.95 million passengers in 2024 were using an outdated system.

Eliminating the distance between the two terminals and focusing on Pittsburgh passengers will not only increase efficiency and convenience, it also will address the airport’s transformation to an O&D airport and help set its course for success for years to come.

Take a look at the improvements:

The former security screening checkpoint in the Landside Terminal. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

The new terminal’s security screening checkpoint. (Photos by Beth Hollerich)

Faster and more streamlined security experience: The new terminal has one consolidated checkpoint with 12 state-of-the-art TSA lanes, compared to seven at the main checkpoint today, and eliminates the need for an alternate checkpoint.

Baggage claim of the Landside Terminal. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

The baggage claim carousels on the new terminal’s Arrivals Level. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

Faster baggage delivery: Now, waiting for baggage is becoming a thing of the past as the 8 miles that bags used to travel has been cut down to 3 miles in an upgraded modern system that not only save time but money.

The exit of the former Customs and Immigration Area setup that led passengers through a series of tunnels to the trains. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

The new corridor of the international arrivals area that leads passengers directly to the new terminal’s Arrivals Level. (Photo by Evan Dougherty)

New international arrivals experience: The international arrivals process has undergone a major upgrade, including a complete overhaul of the Customs and Immigration area, streamlining passenger flow and improving operational efficiency. That includes a new dedicated international baggage handling system.

The middle level of the three-level Short-Term parking garage. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

Level 2 of the five-level Terminal Garage. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

Better, more efficient parking options: With 3,300 spaces, the new Terminal Garage features twice the amount of covered parking and the latest technology, including digital signs with real-time counts of available spaces and green lights to indicate where open spots can be found. New rental car counters line the covered connection between the new terminal and garage, creating better integration and simplicity for passengers. PIT also added the Terminal Lot, an approximate five-minute walk to the terminal’s front door. The Shuttle Lot includes thousands of parking spaces and new, heated shelters with a shuttle tracking system that displays real-time information.

Passengers meeting with loved ones in the Landside Terminal baggage claim area. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

Arriving passengers entering the Welcome Point of the new terminal, a space specifically designed for travelers to meet with their friends and family. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

Welcome Point: Passengers arriving to the transformed terminal will enter PIT’s Welcome Point – a spacious spot for all airport visitors to wait for arriving passengers with improved seating and food and beverage options.

Concessions in the Airside Core in March 2019. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

Joe & The Juice’s new location in the Core which opened in November 2025. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

Enhanced shopping and dining: Travelers will see 20 new or refreshed concessions as part of the renovated airside terminal experience, including local favorites like Mineo’s and national brands such as Shake Shack and more.

Signage in the Landside Terminal baggage claim in April 2021. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

Signage on the new terminal’s Departures Level in November 2025. (Photo by Tom O’Connor)

Universal access: The new terminal is guided by principles that make travel easier for all by creating services that benefit every passenger – from building design to a user-friendly digital experience.

Passengers waiting to board the trains to the Landside Terminal. (Photo by Joe Appel)

Passengers transiting the Skybridge that connects the new terminal to the Core and all gates. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

Skybridge: The Skybridge connects the new landside terminal with the existing airside terminal for a quicker, more seamless connection from the security checkpoint to the airside terminal than the train.

JSX to bring airline service to Santa Monica, the home of the DC-3

JSX is set to launch a new public charter service between Las Vegas (LAS) and Santa Monica (SMO) beginning December 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone for both the airline and Santa Monica Airport. This route will be operated using JSX’s newly acquired ATR 42-600 turboprops, which are well-suited for SMO’s short runway and noise-sensitive environment. The service will run once daily and offer a premium, streamlined travel experience with fares starting at $149 one-way, including two checked bags.

Santa Monica Airport has historically been limited to general aviation, but JSX is reintroducing scheduled-style service under a public charter model that complies with local and federal regulations. The ATR 42-600’s quiet operation and short-field performance make it ideal for this setting, allowing JSX to offer a convenient alternative to larger Los Angeles airports. Passengers can arrive just 20 minutes before departure and board via a private terminal, avoiding traditional TSA lines.

The ATR 42-600 features a 30-seat all-business-class cabin with a 1–2 seating layout, generous legroom, in-seat power, and complimentary snacks and drinks. Starlink Wi-Fi is expected to be added in early 2026, pending certification. This aircraft also aligns with Santa Monica’s sustainability goals, offering lower emissions and reduced noise compared to jets.

This new route is the first to showcase JSX’s expanding turboprop fleet, which includes four ATR 42-600s with options for up to 25 more. The launch also carries symbolic significance, as the historic DC-3—another 30-seat aircraft—was originally built at Santa Monica Airport. JSX’s return to SMO with modern aircraft brings that legacy full circle, offering a refined travel experience from a storied airfield.

JSX’s expanding route map:

Shaping Africa’s New Aviation Gateway: The Bishoftu International Airport

Ethiopian Airlines made this announcement:

Ethiopia is taking a bold step towards reshaping Africa’s aviation landscape with the development of the Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), a flagship greenfield project envisioned as a continental aviation hub set to serve Ethiopia and the broader African region.

Located about 40 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa, the new airport is designed to ease growing capacity constraints due to strong traffic at the existing Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and position Ethiopia as a key player in both regional and global aviation.

The project will adopt a phased approach, with infrastructure scaled in line with demand growth and operational requirements. Phase one, valued at approximately USD 12.5 billion, is expected to be completed by 2030 and will accommodate up to 60 million passengers annually. When fully developed, BIA will have the capacity to handle 110 million passengers annually, making it the largest airport in Africa and a powerful catalyst for trade, tourism and regional investment.

Ethiopian Airlines Group (EAG), the project sponsor, is steering the initiative with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) as the appointed Initial Mandated Lead Arranger (IMLA) and Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Dar) and KPMG as the project’s technical and financial advisors, respectively. Clyde & Co are the project legal advisors.

Momentum around the project continues to build. EAG has formally released the Project Information Memorandum, Financial Model and supporting documents to prospective lenders thus marking a major milestone in the progress toward financial close. Meanwhile, prequalification of EPC contractors is underway, with bid submissions expected by mid-December 2025, signaling readiness to move from planning to procurement and implementation.

The project will be featured at the upcoming Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, from 26-28 November 2025, where it is expected to attract interest from development financiers, commercial banks, ECAs and institutional investors to fund this project.

With its scale, ambition and strategic positioning, Bishoftu International Airport stands as a defining project for Ethiopia, and a beacon of Africa’s transformation in aviation and infrastructure.

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.