airBaltic aircraft participates in the Latvian Ceremonial Parade

airBaltic announced:

In honor of the 107^th anniversary of the Republic of Latvia, the Latvian airline airBaltic today participated in ceremonial parade with a special flyover along the 11th November Embankment by its Airbus A220-300 aircraft (registration number YL-CSL) painted in the red-white-red colors of the Latvian flag.

This was the sixth time (previously in 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024) that airBaltic has participated in the national holiday ceremonial parade. The aircraft was flown by experienced and highly qualified Latvian pilots on this honorable occasion. To capture this flyover from multiple perspectives, airBaltic Content Team were positioned on board the aircraft, at the 11th November Embankment, and in the tower of St. Peter’s Church.

In 2018, as part of Latvia’s centenary celebrations, airBaltic presented Latvia with a unique gift – an Airbus A220-300 aircraft in a special red-and-white Latvian flag color scheme. Additionally, in April 2023, the airline received its 40^th Airbus A220-300 aircraft, also painted in the colors of the Latvian flag. And, in February 2025, airBaltic welcomed its 50^th Airbus of the same type. It features an artistic livery inspired by the Latvian flag, complemented by unique design motifs representing all three Baltic States – Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania.Currently, airBaltic’s fleet includes two aircraft whose liveries are designed as the Latvian flag, and one featuring elements of Latvian national symbolism.

Allegiant helps to promote “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” with a new livery on N207NV

Allegiant’s pictured Airbus A320 N207NV debuted its SpongeBob-themed promotional livery in November 2025, coinciding with the marketing launch for The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.

This vibrant livery transforms the aircraft into a flying tribute to the beloved Nickelodeon character, featuring SpongeBob SquarePants dressed as a pirate on the tail, complete with anchor and nautical motifs. The rear fuselage showcases bright underwater-themed graphics, including the movie title and a bold “Only in Theatres” callout, reinforcing the theatrical release campaign.

N207NV is part of Allegiant’s active A320 fleet, and the livery was introduced in November 2025, timed to maximize visibility ahead of the film’s release. The aircraft is expected to operate across Allegiant’s domestic leisure network, bringing the SpongeBob brand to airports and communities nationwide.

This collaboration between Allegiant and Paramount Pictures continues the airline’s tradition of themed liveries tied to entertainment partnerships, following previous designs for Ron’s Gone Wrong and the Electric Daisy Carnival. The SpongeBob livery adds a playful, family-friendly touch to Allegiant’s fleet and serves as a high-impact promotional vehicle for the film.

Ethiopian Airlines leases two ATR 72-600 aircraft for Air Congo operations

ATR has announced the lease by Ethiopian Airlines of two brand-new ATR 72-600 aircraft, to be operated by 49%-owned Air Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national carrier. The aircraft are scheduled to enter service in February 2026.

The leasing deal follows the strategic partnership previously announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024, where ATR and Ethiopian Airlines agreed on a cooperation to develop ATR maintenance capabilities in Ethiopia. This initiative will position Ethiopian Airlines as a regional MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) hub for ATR aircraft, serving operators across the continent.

Air Europa to become a new Airbus A350-900 operator

Air Europa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for up to 40 A350-900 aircraft. The agreement forms the backbone of Air Europa’s long haul fleet replacement and was announced during the Dubai Airshow.

The introduction of the A350 will accelerate the renewal of Air Europa’s existing competitor long haul fleet and boost profitable growth to key markets in Latin America thanks to the aircraft’s unrivalled performance and economics. Passengers will also experience exceptional best in class comfort.

More airline news:

flydubai becomes a new Airbus customer

flydubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 150 A321neo aircraft making the airline a new Airbus customer. The agreement underscores the carrier’s confidence in Dubai’s growth plans.

At the end of October 2025, more than 7,200 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by nearly 100 customers across the globe.

Emirates set to operate the world’s largest Starlink-enabled international wide-body fleet, bringing ultra-fast connectivity on 232 Boeing 777 and A380

On November 17, 2025, Emirates announced a major inflight connectivity upgrade, committing to equip its entire in-service fleet of 232 Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet. This move will make Emirates the operator of the world’s largest Starlink-enabled international widebody fleet, offering passengers ultra-fast, free Wi-Fi across all cabin classes.

The rollout begins immediately with Boeing 777 aircraft, followed by A380 installations starting in February 2026, with full fleet completion expected by mid-2027. The first Starlink-equipped aircraft, Boeing 777-300ER A6-EPF, was showcased at the Dubai Airshow, and will operate the inaugural Starlink-enabled commercial flight on November 23, 2025.

Each 777 will be fitted with two Starlink antennae, while A380s will receive three, a first-of-its-kind configuration designed to maximize bandwidth and coverage. Passengers will enjoy free, one-click access to high-speed internet without needing to pay or log in with Skywards credentials. The service supports streaming, gaming, video calls, social media, and will include live TV starting in late December 2025—initially on personal devices and later on seatback screens.

This connectivity upgrade is part of Emirates’ broader cabin refurbishment program, which also includes new Premium Economy cabins, refreshed Business and First Class suites, and upgraded entertainment systems. Emirates President Sir Tim Clark described the Starlink partnership as a defining moment in the airline’s commitment to delivering a superior onboard experience, positioning Emirates at the forefront of inflight digital innovation.

Air Senegal commits to its first Boeing 737 MAX order

Boeing and Air Senegal announced today the West African carrier has committed to order nine 737 MAX airplanes. When final, the 737 MAX order will be the airline’s largest-ever fleet purchase – and first Boeing airplane order since 2004 – as it looks to expand service regionally and internationally.

Air Senegal’s largest commitment to purchase nine 737-8 jets. Credit: Boeing.

With the introduction of the 737-8 to its single-aisle fleet, Air Senegal will expand its network in Europe and launch new routes from Dakarto the Middle East and Americas. The 737 MAX will also enable Air Senegal to serve secondary European cities, allowing fliers to save time bypassing major hubs.

The 737-8 can carry up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration or fly up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). Air Senegal will benefit from the airplane’s operational efficiency as it reduces fuel use and emissions 20% and creates a 50% smaller noise footprint compared to the airplanes it replaces.

flydubai inks deal with GE Aerospace for GEnx-1B engines and services to power its first widebody fleet

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, and GE Aerospace today announced a new order for 60 GEnx-1B engines to power flydubai’s first widebody fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9. The agreement, signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025, also includes spare engines and a long-term services agreement to support the carrier’s launch of long-haul operations.

This agreement underpins flydubai’s growth strategy and the continued expansion of its network, enabling the airline to increase capacity on existing routes and meet demand from a growing passenger base. Established in 2008, flydubai has grown significantly and currently serves more than 135 destinations across 57 countries; the airline is now adding long-haul destinations to its growing network.

AirZeta launches cargo operations

On November 14, 2025, AIRZETA officially launched operations as South Korea’s newest cargo airline, marking its entry into the global air freight market with a strategic focus on Europe. The airline selected Vienna International Airport (VIE) as its primary European hub, formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and long-term handling agreements signed at Vienna’s control tower. The launch ceremony was attended by AIRZETA CEO Kwan Sik Kim, Vienna Airport COO Julian Jäger, and Ham Sang Wook, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Austria.

AIRZETA begins service with six weekly Boeing 747-400F freighter flights between Seoul Incheon (ICN) and Vienna, reinforcing the airport’s role as a central logistics gateway for high-value cargo. The airline will transport a range of goods including automotive parts, battery materials, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce shipments, supporting growing demand for premium cargo links between East Asia and Central Europe.

The airline’s formation stems from the restructuring of South Korea’s air cargo sector following the merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. As part of antitrust conditions imposed by regulators in Europe and Japan, Asiana Cargo was divested and acquired by Air Incheon, which rebranded the operation as AIRZETA. The new carrier inherits Asiana Cargo’s fleet, personnel, and route network, while integrating Air Incheon’s logistics infrastructure.

Air Côte d’Ivoire orders four Embraer E175 aircraft

Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national carrier of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, has signed a firm order for four Embraer E175 aircraft, with eight additional purchase rights, as part of its fleet modernization and regional expansion strategy. The aircraft will be configured with 76 seats in a two-class layout – 12 in Business Class and 64 in Economy – offering passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

The first E175 jet delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2027, and the deal will be added to Embraer’s Q4 2025 backlog.

Air Côte d’Ivoire will deploy the E175s on domestic and regional routes, supporting the airline’s goal to grow its network, enhance connectivity, and gradually replace its turboprop fleet. The E175 was selected for its greater range, speed, passenger comfort, and increased cargo capacity compared to turboprops – making it the ideal aircraft to support the airline’s evolving operations.

The aircraft will also play a key role in feeding Air Côte d’Ivoire’s hub in Abidjan, increasing frequencies and strengthening regional links. The airline recently launched long-haul service to Paris Charles de Gaulle, and the E175 will help optimize connectivity to and from the hub.