Virgin Australia Group on October 27, 2025 introduced the first brand new aircraft to Western Australiaโs charter market this century with the entry into service of its first Embraer E190-E2 aircraft โCoral Bayโ.
Coral Bay completed its inaugural commercial flight (VA9217) operated by Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) departing Perth at 7:15am and arriving in Boolgeeda at 9:05am (AWST).
Photo: Virgin Australia
The E190-E2 brings enhanced passenger comfort to the airlineโs charter clients, greater operational efficiency, reliability and sustainability credentials, and is purpose-built for the unique demands of Western Australiaโs mining regions, including shorter runways and higher temperatures.
Onboard features include wider seats than the airlineโs outgoing F100s, ample overhead bin space, Wi-Fi connectivity and in-flight entertainment (via a guestโs own personal device) [1], in-seat power and a dual Business and Economy class configuration in a first for Western Australiaโs charter market.
Coral Bay is the first of eight E190-E2 aircraft set to join VARAโs fleet, with the remaining seven scheduled for delivery through 2025, 2026, and 2027.
The aircraft will primarily operate on VARAโs charter routes across Western Australia but is configured to support regular passenger operations on days with higher leisure demand and lower charter activity.
The E190-E2 fleet will enable VARA to fully retire its F100 aircraft fleet from early 2026.
Ascend Airways Malaysia, a Malaysia-based airline and part of the worldโs largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, Avia Solutions Group, has officially received its AOC and ASP licenses. It will begin operations this November.
The airline was first granted its Conditional Air Service Permit (CASP) in 2024. Throughout this year, it worked closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to obtain its Air Operator Certificate (AOC). With this part of the process having been successfully completed, Ascend Airways Malaysia is able to start operations with its very first aircraft Boeing 737-800SF.
The Kuala Lumpur-based ACMI and charter airline will be offering both passenger and cargo operations in Malaysia and across the broader Southeast Asia region. Subject to additional regulatory approvals, passenger flights are scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2026, alongside the further expansion of Ascend Airways Malaysiaโs fleet.
BlueLight Humanitarian Airlines is a groundbreaking non-profit aviation initiative based in Geneva, Switzerland, dedicated exclusively to humanitarian missions. Unlike traditional carriers, BlueLight operates without a profit motive, focusing instead on delivering emergency aid, evacuating casualties, and transporting humanitarian personnel to crisis zones and underserved regions. Its mission is rooted in neutrality, transparency, and the principles of the Geneva Conventions, aiming to reach areas where commercial airlines cannot or will not operate due to conflict, instability, or economic constraints.
The airlineโs leadership includes aviation and humanitarian experts such as Pierre Bernheim, former chairman of Geneva Airport, and Waleed Rawat, CEO of WAIR Global. Together, theyโve designed a fleet tailored for maximum versatility and impact. BlueLightโs core assets include three Airbus A340-300 combi aircraft, configured to carry both passengers and cargo, with onboard medical equipment accredited for air ambulance and casualty evacuation missions. These aircraft are equipped with patented cargo lifts, allowing them to operate in remote or underdeveloped airports.
Complementing the A340s are three Airbus A321P2F freighters, optimized for short-haul cargo missions with high fuel efficiency. BlueLight also deploys a custom-designed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), developed by OBERION Group, capable of carrying up to 500 kg of cargo over 800 km. This UAV can be transported inside the A340 and deployed in areas with limited infrastructure, making it ideal for last-mile delivery in conflict zones or disaster-stricken regions.
BlueLightโs operational rollout is structured in three phases. Phase 1 focuses on Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with an initial base and aircraft already in place. Phase 2 will expand operations to North and South America by 2030, followed by Phase 3 in the Asia-Pacific region by 2035. The airline also emphasizes transparency through a partnership with Verdeo, offering real-time dashboards that track carbon offsets, mission impact, and financial accountability.
Endorsed by Geneva Airport, Airbus, and Amros Global, BlueLight represents a new model for humanitarian aviationโone that blends technical innovation with ethical purpose. Its mission is not just to fly, but to save lives and restore dignity where itโs needed most.
SAS continues to build on its โWe Are Scandinaviaโ communication concept with a new campaign featuring Swedish actor Joel Kinnaman. The campaign aims to strengthen SASโ premium positioning and highlight what truly makes the airline unique โ its Scandinavian identity.ย
The campaign explores what it means to be Scandinavian: innovative, forward-thinking, and with naturally high expectations of quality and experience. With this as a foundation, SAS tells the story of an airline that reflects those same values, because there is only one airline that meets the standards of Scandinavians themselves.
Adding a global touch to the campaign, the Swedish actor Joel Kinnaman narrates the story of the film-based creatives. With an international career spanning major roles in both Hollywood and Swedish productions, Kinnaman embodies the regions spirit and authenticity at the heart of SASโ identity.ย
Internationally, the campaign highlights SAS as Scandinaviaโs only airline, emphasizing that SAS is run by the same remarkable people who define the regionโs progressive spirit.
Developed by SASโ together with ร kestam Holst, the campaign will primarily run in Scandinavia but will also appear internationally at certain times and across selected channels starting October 27. The 360ยฐ campaign includes TV, online video, digital display, outdoor, and social media advertising.
Today, October 26, 2025, marked a milestone for Saudi Arabiaโs new national carrier:ย Riyadh Air completed its inaugural passenger service to London Heathrow on October 26, 2025.
The flight, designatedย RX401, departedย Riyadh King Khalid International Airportย at 3:26 a.m. local time and landed atย London Heathrowย six hours and 48 minutes later. The aircraft used was aย Boeing 787โ9 Dreamliner (HZ-RXX), nicknamedย Jamila (โbeautifulโ in Arabic). This jet has been serving as Riyadh Airโs technical spare and training aircraft since early 2025, leased from Oman Air while the airline awaits delivery of its own new fleet.
Photo: Riyadh Air
For this inaugural service, the passenger list was limited to Riyadh Air employees, staff from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) โ the Saudi sovereign wealth fund backing the airline โ and invited partners and guests. The airline has stated that this โinsidersโonlyโ approach will continue for the next few flights as it fineโtunes operations before opening to the general public.
The London route is the first step in Riyadh Airโs ambitious plan to connect Riyadh to more than 100 destinations by 2030, in line with Saudi Arabiaโs Vision 2030 strategy. Daily service to Heathrow will be followed by the launch of flights to Dubai (DXB) in the coming weeks.
This inaugural flight also comes after Riyadh Air secured itsย Air Operator Certificate (AOC)ย in April 2025, and it represents the airlineโs official entry into the global market. The carrier has major fleet orders in place โ includingย 72 Boeing 787s, 60 Airbus A321neos, and up to 50 Airbus A350sย โ with the first brandโnew aircraft expected to arrive before the end of 2025.
Swissโ first-ever Airbus A350-900 took to the skies this morning (October 25, 2025) on its maiden passenger flight:
Swiss’ first Airbus A350-900 made its first flight this (Saturday, October 25, 2025) morning with revenue passengers aboard. The aircraft departed from Zurich on flight LX2152 to Palma de Mallorca at 07:11ย local time. On board were 233ย passengers, who were all able to experience the completely new โSWISS Sensesโ long-haul cabin. The new Airbus A350 will be deployed on selected European routes over the next few weeks of its service entry, to enable SWISSโs pilots for the new aircraft type to complete their conversion training as efficiently as possible.
In flying its first passengers aboard Airbus A350 HB-IFA Lausanne, SWISS has now embarked on a new air travel era. The most advanced aircraft in the SWISS fleet took off from Zurich today for Palma de Mallorca on its first revenue service, marking the formal start of A350 flight operations. As a result, SWISS travelers can now enjoy their first experience of the completely new โSWISS Sensesโ long-haul cabin โ exceptionally on short-haul European flights during the aircraftโs introductory phase.
From training deployments to intercontinental operations
Airbus A350 HB-IFA Lausanne will be rostered for services to and from various European destinations including Prague, Hanover, Dรผsseldorf, Mรกlaga and Palma de Mallorca over the next few weeks. These deployments on the SWISS short-haul network serve a practical purpose, enabling its cockpit crews to perform a large number of takeoffs and landings with the new aircraft type and thus swiftly familiarize themselves with its operation. Such routine and experience would take much longer to acquire on intercontinental routes, in view of their longer flying times.
All the pilots concerned will have already practiced takeoffs and landings without passengers as part of their A350 base flight training, and operating the aircraft under real flight conditions is the next step in the process. So these shorter European flights are a key element in the service entry of the new A350 before it takes up the long-haul duties for which it is intended. At the same time, they offer SWISS customers a unique opportunity to experience the completely new โSWISS Sensesโ long-haul cabin on their European air travels.
During this transitional period of short-haul service deployments, Economy and Business Class travel can be booked as usual on the flights concerned, while the seats in the A350โs Premium Economy Class cabin will be offered as Economy Class seats with greater legroom. The First Class cabin will not be bookable on these A350 short-haul flights, because the accompanying service (which accounts for a large part of the new SWISS First experience) will only be provided on the subsequent long-haul operations. These โ the next program milestone โ are currently scheduled to begin on 20 November, when HB-IFA will perform its first flight on the Zurich-Boston route. The travelers on this flight will also be the first to experience the all-new SWISS Senses cabin in combination with SWISSโs totally renewed long-haul inflight service.
The worldโs most advanced long-haul aircraft
The Airbus A350 is the most advanced long-haul aircraft in the world today. With its economical engines and its enhanced aerodynamics, the A350 consumes around 25% less fuel than predecessor models and generates correspondingly lower carbon dioxide emissions. Itโs also twice as quiet as its predecessors.
The A350 is also constructed of a material that is more robust and resilient than traditional aluminum. This permits a lower cabin pressure and a higher air humidity to be maintained during the flight, both of which tangibly enhance passengersโ travel comfort.
Nine further Airbus A350s will join the SWISS aircraft fleet between now and 2031.
Parata Air is a newly relaunched South Korean airline brand that emerged from the collapse of Fly Gangwon in 2023. The carrier was acquired by Winix, a South Korean manufacturing company, and rebranded as Parata Air in 2024. It secured a new Air Operator Certificate on September 8, 2025, and began domestic commercial flights that month. Its initial network has focused on trunk routes such as JejuโSeoul Gimpo and JejuโYangyang, with plans to expand into nearby international markets like Japan and Vietnam in 2026.
The airline operates a small but diverse fleet, including Airbus A320โ200s for shortโhaul services and Airbus A330โ200s for longer routes. The widebodies are currently being used on domestic services while the airline prepares for international expansion. This positions Parata as a hybrid lowโcost carrier, aiming to compete in both regional and longโhaul markets.
In October 2025, Parata Air applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation for authority to begin flights to the United States. The application outlines plans to launch two routes from Seoul Incheon to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, both starting on March 29, 2026, using Airbus A330โ200 aircraft. If approved, Parata would become the third South Korean longโhaul lowโcost carrier to serve the U.S., following Air Premia and Trinity Airways (formerly TโWay Air).
The DOT has opened the application for public comment, with deadlines in early November 2025. If granted, these services would place Parata directly into competition with established Korean carriers on the busy SeoulโLos Angeles route, while also challenging Korean Airโs dominance on the SeoulโLas Vegas market.
Just in time for the holidays, Delta is putting more power in your handsโmaking it easier than ever to plan, manage and adapt your journey, no matter what the season brings.
With the October 7.5 release, the app that gets you the most seamless travel experience with Delta is getting you even more, including:
More flexibility
Select โMy Dates are Flexibleโ in the Booking Window to compare prices by date. Scroll to compare fares with the Flex Calendar.
With the new Flex Calendar, shopping for flights is easier than ever. Compare fares across dates and quickly spot the best deals for your trip. And, if youโre using a Companion Certificate, the Flex Calendar helps you find eligible dates to maximize your benefits, all in one streamlined view.
Use โAdvanced Searchโ to add Certificates, eCredits, or Delta Gift Cards to your search.
More visibility
With this release, travelers will see even more day-of travel details in Live Activities, including boarding zone, seat assignment and baggage carousel infoโright on their lock screen, right when they need it.
Plus, the new Delta Sky Clubยฎ Tracker lets Delta SkyMilesยฎ Card Members monitor their spending, track their Delta Sky Club visits and track progress toward unlimited Delta Sky Club access for the following year.
More self-service options
Need to update your Known Traveler Number (KTN)? Now you can do it directly in the appโno need to visit delta.com.
Coming soon: Delta Concierge
And โ later this month, a small group of app users will be invited to try Delta Concierge, a new kind of digital travel assistant designed exclusively for SkyMilesยฎ Members. Starting as a beta experience, Delta Concierge will bring more personalized support right to your app, making it easier than ever to navigate your journey with confidence. Itโs part of Deltaโs continued investment in unlocking a more personalized, connected journey for SkyMiles Members.
Delta Concierge is designed to complement the care and expertise of Deltaโs people, freeing up agents to focus on more complex, one-on-one interactions while giving customers fast, accurate answers โ powered by generative AIโon the go.
In Case You Missed It: Fly Delta 7.0 features are here for your journey
With the 7.0 summer release, Delta introduced easy redemption of Global and Regional Upgrade Certificates, improved notifications, seamless travel documentation support for international trips and more through the app. Plus โ with self-service standby rebooking through the app, you can stay in control during travel disruptions, giving you greater flexibility and peace of mind. Read more here.
The Delta app continues to be the ultimate travel companionโconnecting every step of the journey with intuitive, real-time features that reduce stress and keep you moving. Stay ahead of every step, from booking to baggage claim, with proactive updates and clear information. Comparison shop for flights, track your Delta Sky Club activity at a glance, and moreโall with ease.
Photo caption: Hime (pictured left), Crunchyrollโs original anime character, has officially taken to the skies! Sheโs joining Delta to share her love of anime with a whole new group of Delta friends. Spot her and her sister, Sudachi, on your next flight as you travel the worlds of anime.
Delta SkyMiles Members and customers can now immerse themselves in the vibrant world of anime through the airlineโs new partnership with Crunchyroll โ the global brand offering the largest dedicated anime streaming library. This first-of-its-kind curated Crunchyroll experience will be available exclusively on Delta.
Whether a longtime fan or anime-curious, this partnership is designed to meet customers where they are โ onboard and online โ with content that both speaks to what that they love and invites discovery.
โEvery Delta flight is an opportunity to discover something new,โ said Sarah Downs, Managing Director of In-Flight Entertainment Engagement & Optimization at Delta. โThe world of anime is rich with storytelling and emotion, and Crunchyroll brings that to life in a way thatโs perfect for travel. This partnership is a meaningful part of our ongoing commitment to delivering industry-leading entertainment thatโs as dynamic and diverse as the customers we serve.โ
Hit series and an exclusive offer for SkyMiles Members
Starting this month, anime content specially curated by Crunchyroll is beginning to roll out on Deltaโs more than 165,000 seatback screens โ the most of any U.S.-based carrier โ and within its Delta Sync Wi-Fi experience for SkyMiles Members, now available on more than 940 aircraft.
On their seatback screens, SkyMiles Members and customers will enjoy episodes from the action-packed adventure Black Clover, the slice of life My Roommate is a Cat, the romantic comedy Horimiya, the beloved Fruits Basket and the dark fantasy epic Solo Leveling, which won Anime of the Year at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
After enjoying the seatback selections, SkyMiles Members can log in to Delta Sync Wi-Fi on their personal devices for an exclusive offer: 24-hour free access (no form of payment required) to stream Crunchyrollโs full catalog of 50,000 episodes, 25,000 hours of content and more than 2,000 unique titles for use during the flight or after landing (some terms and exclusions apply). Not a SkyMiles Member yet? Itโs free to join!
A partnership rooted in global culture
Anime is no longer niche โ itโs a global entertainment force and a pop culture powerhouse. According to a recent survey commissioned by Crunchyroll, nearly half of Gen Z fans consider anime a meaningful part of their identity, and over half of Millennial and Gen X fans have stayed connected to anime for more than a decade. With more than 17 million paid subscribers, Crunchyroll is the leading destination for anime fans worldwide.
Deltaโs partnership with Crunchyroll brings together a passionate fan base and a growing cultural movement โ giving customers something new to explore, whether theyโre seasoned fans or just curious to see what all the buzz is about.
โThere is nothing better on a long flight than immersing yourself in the rich storytelling and world-building of anime. Fans can go deep on one series or sample one episode of many series – from action to adventure, romance and more. And when they get hooked they can continue their experience on the Crunchyroll app,โ said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. โWe are excited to share what we love with Delta customers and go to new heights together.โโฏ
Crunchyroll joins YouTube and Uber in bringing more personalized, culturally relevant experiences onboard Delta in 2025. With exclusive offers and partnerships with beloved brands like Paramount+, Delta is accelerating its ambition to build the world’s most loved loyalty program. From exclusive Delta SkyMilesยฎ American Express Card benefits and everyday rewards to personalized experiences that celebrate every Member (and beyond!), join SkyMiles for free and learn more at delta.com/SkyMiles.
American Airlines is โsuite-eningโ its premium cross-country experience with the debut of the Airbus A321XLR in its fleet. Customers can purchase tickets now on aa.com and via Americanโs mobile app for the inaugural flight โ flight AA3 on Dec. 18, 2025 from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX).
American received delivery of its first A321XLR with a three-cabin layout on Oct. 22, arriving directly from Airbusโ Hamburg, Germany, aircraft assembly line.
Each A321XLR will feature 20 Flagship Suiteยฎ seats, 12 Premium Economy seats and 123 Main Cabin seats. The aircraft will initially operate on U.S. transcontinental routes, offering customers Americanโs newly debuted Flagship Suiteยฎ lie-flat seats that elevate travel with privacy doors, more personal storage space, a wireless charging pad, cocktail tray and a personal reading light.
As American takes delivery of more A321XLR aircraft, the type will expand to other routes, including international service in the first half of 2026, with additional details coming soon.
As part of the Flagship Suiteยฎย service, customers receive Priority check-in, security, boarding and baggage handling as well as access to the Greenwich Loungeโขย experience at JFK that offers elevated dining and unique cocktails in a luxurious, relaxing atmosphere.
Inflight Flagship Suiteยฎ service also offers a multicourse meal curated to pair with award-winning wines, premium amenity kits containing an array of luxury skincare items and a comfy duvet blanket accompanied with a refreshing dual-sided pillow with cool touch fabric on one side and traditional fabric on the other.
Customers who choose the airlineโs new Premium Economy seats on the XLR will enjoy an enhanced winged headrest for increased privacy, calf and footrests for relaxing comfort, wireless charging and enhanced dining with hot meal entrees. On board, customers will find a personal amenity kit with premium skincare products and can comfortably rest with an Ostrichpillowยฎ lumbar pillow and crepe weave blanket.
All photos by American Airlines.
American Airlines aircraft photo gallery (Airbus):
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