Swedavia and Luftfartsverket are the first in Europe to introduce a new air traffic approach concept. The new concept is commonly referred to as Established on RNP (EoR) and makes it possible for aircraft arriving at Stockholm Arlanda Airport to fly with curved approaches to a greater extent than before. The concept is an important step towards increasing the capacity, efficiency and sustainability of air traffic.
The new approach concept allows the airport to increase the landing rate per hour and reduces emissions, both for the aircraft flying the shorter, curved approach and for those flying the standard instrument landing approach. This is because fewer aircraft have to use the runway dedicated for arrivals, reducing the queue for that runway. To be able to fly curved approaches, airlines must have a special permit from their National Supervisory Authority.
The technique for curved approaches requires special equipment in the aircraft, specially trained pilots and special permission from their National Supervisory Authority. In addition to reducing the environmental impact, the introduction of the new approach concept also provides an incentive for airlines to invest in technique for curved approaches which, in the long run, makes it possible to avoid flying over noise-sensitive areas.
IndiGo, Indiaโs largest airline, has finalized a commitment for 30 Airbus A350 aircraft, converting a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June into a firm order. This brings the airline’s total A350 orders to 60 aircraft. The expanded order marks a strategic shift for IndiGo as it prepares to enter the long-haul international market, leveraging the A350โs long range and efficiency to support its global ambitions.
IndiGo has made a decisive move into the longโhaul market with its order for the Airbus A350. The airline has committed to 60 A350โ900s, powered by RollsโRoyce Trent XWBโ84 engines, with deliveries beginning in 2027 and continuing into the early 2030s. This marks a major shift for IndiGo, which has until now focused almost exclusively on shortโ and mediumโhaul operations with its large fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft. The A350 order also includes purchase rights for an additional 40 aircraft, giving the airline flexibility to expand further if the strategy proves successful.
The A350โ900โs range of around 15,000 kilometers will allow IndiGo to launch nonโstop flights from India to North America, Europe, and Australia. Likely destinations under consideration include New York, San Francisco, Toronto, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Sydney, and Melbourne. These routes would place IndiGo in direct competition with Air India, which currently dominates IndiaโU.S. nonโstops and is in the midst of its own widebody renewal program.
IndiGo has not yet revealed its final cabin layout, but industry reports suggest a twoโclass configurationย with a lieโflat business class product and a highโdensity economy cabin. This would be a departure from IndiGoโs traditional allโeconomy model, but necessary to compete on longโhaul routes where premium demand is strong. The airline is expected to leverage its lowโcost DNA to keep fares competitive while still offering a product that appeals to business and leisure travelers alike.
The competitive landscape is shaping up as a battle between IndiGoโs cost efficiency and scale versus Air Indiaโs premium positioning and alliance partnerships. Air India is betting on a fullโservice model with upgraded cabins, lounges, and Star Alliance connectivity, while IndiGo will rely on its massive domestic network to feed longโhaul flights and its reputation for operational efficiency. By 2030, IndiGo aims to be a true global player, challenging not only Air India but also Gulf carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways by offering direct, lowerโcost alternatives from India to key intercontinental markets.
American Airlines is raising the bar on inflight and lounge hospitality with the introduction of Lavazza coffee, a globally celebrated Italian brand known for its premium blends. For the first time, American customers will enjoy a consistent coffee experience both on the ground and in the air. This partnership reflects American’s commitment to curated excellence throughout the travel experience.
Lavazza, a family-owned Italian brand since 1895, is dedicated to crafting exceptional coffee experiences that reflect a legacy of expertise, passion and innovation. For the last 130 years, Lavazza has been at the forefront of coffee craftsmanship, blending time-honored Italian traditions with modern techniques to create premium coffees that are rich, balanced and universally admired. Today, its premium blends are served in top restaurants and hotels around the world, making it a natural fit for American’s elevated hospitality offering. By partnering with Lavazza, American is bringing a globally respected name in coffee to its customers โ one that aligns with the airlineโs focus on refined offerings and exceptional service throughout the journey.
Beginning in early 2026, American Airlines travelers will be able to enjoy Lavazzaโs premium coffee blends across all cabins in flight and at Americanโs Flagshipยฎย and Admirals Clubยฎย lounges across the system. This exclusive rollout marks a significant step in Americanโs continued evolution of the premium travel experience.ย
Southwest Airlinesยฎ is celebrating a major milestone in our journey to give Customers more choice with the delivery of the first aircraft with an updated cabin. This new aircraft provides a tangible way for our Customers to experience our elevated product, including:
Updated cabin design;
New aircraft seats made by RECARO;
The Extra Legroom1 experience, including enhanced snack options2 (coming soon); and,
Larger overhead bins, in-seat power at every seat, and seatback design updates.
The Boeing MAX 8 aircraft (tail number N8972S) is expected to enter service on Thurs., Oct. 16. Each new aircraft Southwestยฎ receives from Boeing will include these features, delivering on Southwestโs fleet modernization plans and bringing an elevated onboard experience with premium options to our Customers.
Our New Cabin Design
Southwest is introducing an updated cabin look with new RECARO R2 seats, a refreshed lighting package, updated carpet, and other unique design details. The look centers around a palette of blue tones that connect to our Brand while pairing seamlessly with our new seats.
The design is based on extensive research covering Customer and Employee perceptions of color, comfort, and aspirations for the overall onboard experience, and itโs meant to create a cabin environment that feels modern, welcoming, and uniquely Southwest.
RECARO Seats
In 2024, we selected RECAROโthe global supplier of premium aircraft seatsโto provide comfortable seating, based on Customer research and product testing. These new seats will be installed on all new Southwest aircraft deliveries, and we will be retrofitting a few of our current -800s with RECARO seats later this year.
RECARO seats are intuitively designed for ultimate comfort, while maximizing seat width and overall support. Every multi-adjustable headrest cushion features a Southwest Heart, while the seat features a sunray pattern.
The Extra Legroom (ELR) Experience, Including Enhanced Snack Options!
The cabin features Extra Legroom (ELR) sections that provide our Customers a roomier experience with more room to stretch out at the front of the cabin and near the Exit rows.
RECARO ELR seats will iconically stand out from the rest of the cabin, featuring a sky blue sunray design that is visible from the front and back.
Boarding Group 1 or 2, providing earlier access to overhead bin space3;
Complimentary premium beverages; and,
Enhanced snack options.
We are pleased to announce that Customers seated in ELR seats will have the option to choose from Wonderfulยฎ Pistachios No Shells, both the Roasted & Saltedand Honey Roasted flavors, in addition to our current snacks. These new onboard offerings provide more options exclusively for Customers in our most premium seats, while harkening back to our history with a nod to the lightly salted and honey roasted peanuts we previously served onboard.
Larger Overhead Bins, In-Seat Power at Every Seat, and Seatback Design Updates
Southwest has been hard at work to update our fleet with in-seat power and larger overhead bins for carryon storage.
This aircraft and all new deliveries feature the larger overhead bins and a USB-A and USB-C port on each seatback, providing Customers with in-seat power to charge their phones, tablets, laptops, and more.
In addition, the new RECARO seatbacks also include a personal electronic device holder, designed to allow Customers a comfortable way to enjoy inflight entertainment; and a tray table with two inset beverage holdersโone for right-hand flyers and one for left.
More Onboard Enhancements to Come
In addition to the new features available on new aircraft deliveries beginning this week, Southwest continues to elevate the onboard experience for our Customers through 2026 and beyond. These include:
Modernizing our -700s;
Free WiFi4 for all Rapid Rewards Membersยฎ thanks to T-Mobileยฎ; and,
Refreshed uniforms.
Modernizing Our -700s
As we work to enhance the Customer experience across our fleet and provide more consistent offerings, we will modernize more than half of our Boeing 737-700s by adding in-seat power, work that is expected to begin in the second half of 2026 and aimed to be completed by mid-2027. Aircraft expected to remain in our fleet longest are being prioritized for this upgrade.
Free WiFi is Coming for Rapid Rewards Members
As we announced last month, weโll offer free inflight WiFi, thanks to T-Mobile, to all Rapid Rewards Members, beginning Oct. 24, 2025! As we continue to enhance our onboard experience, inflight WiFi is a key element in that journey and allows us to provide meaningful value to our loyal Customers.
Refreshed Uniforms
As a complement to the elevated cabin design, a uniform refresh for Southwest Employees who work in and around airports, including Inflight Operations, Ground Operations, Provisioning, Cargo, Ground Support Equipment Teams, and Technical Operations, is expected to rollout in 2027.
1Up to five additional inches of extra legroom compared to Standard and Preferred seats. Seat pitch will vary by aircraft type.
2Excluding Hawaii interisland flights, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are served on select flights 251 miles or more. If youโre flying between Hawaii and the continental U.S., youโll have more snacks to choose from. Service may also be limited at the discretion of Southwest Airlinesยฎ.
3Boarding group is based on the seat type and location in the cabin. The seats included in the fare bundle are based on availability. Our Rapid Rewardsยฎ A-List Preferred Members will board in Groups 1 or 2, and our A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will board no later than Group 5.
4Where available. Available on WiFi-enabled designated aircraft.
Southwest Airlines has unveiled its newest stateโthemed special livery,ย โLouisiana One,โย which will be carried on aย Boeing 737โ8 MAX 8, registration N8977G (MSN 42675, line number 8789). The aircraft has been painted in the striking colors of the Louisiana state flag, featuring the pelican emblem across the fuselage, while the tail retains Southwestโs modern Heart branding. Although the jet has been rolled out in full colors at Boeing Field, it has not yet been delivered to the airline and remains in the preโdelivery stage.
Copyright Photo: Hongming Zheng
This new Louisiana One replaces the earlier version of the livery that had been worn by 737โ7H4 N946WN. That aircraft carried the Louisiana tribute from its rollout in March 2018 until July 2025, when it was repainted back into Southwestโs standard Heart scheme. By transferring the special design to a new MAX 8, Southwest ensures that the Louisiana tribute continues on a more modern and efficient aircraft type.
With the addition of Louisiana One, Southwest continues its tradition of honoring key states in its network through commemorative aircraft. The livery highlights the airlineโs longโstanding presence in New Orleans (MSY) and its deep ties to Louisiana, while joining the broader family of โState Oneโ aircraft such as Texas One, California One, Nevada One, Colorado One, Missouri One, Arizona One, New Mexico One, Illinois One, Tennessee One, and Florida One.
With just six months to go until American Airlines officially celebrates its centennial, the airline is unveiling a special livery that will begin flying in November on a Boeing 777-300 registered as N735AT. This special Flagshipยฎ livery blends one of the airlineโs original liveries with a modern flair as American will upgrade the aircraft to feature a new, more luxurious interior.
โAmerican has thoughtfully chosen a design that evokes our rich history while looking ahead to our next 100 years,โ said Ron DeFeo, Americanโs Chief Communications Officer. โThroughout Americanโs history, โFlagshipยฎโ has always been recognized as our premium travel experience. Our renewed focus on the customer experience is making premium travel better than ever across all aspects of our customersโ travel journeys. Painting the original Flagshipยฎ design on our Flagshipยฎ aircraft is a powerful way to honor that legacy while embracing the future.โ
American Airlines (Flagship Detroit Foundation) Douglas DC-3-178 NC17334 (msn 1920) “Flagship Detroit” MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 100050.
Behind the design
At the base of the livery is the airlineโs Silver Eagleยฎ paint color, which is currently found on more than 1,600 aircraft in Americanโs mainline and regional fleet. Across both sides of the aircraft, the iconic orange lightning bolt motif makes its bold reappearance after first debuting nearly 90 years ago on the Douglas DC-3. The DC-3 captivated passengers with Americanโs first foray into premium air travel experiences that the airline is now taking to new heights with its Boeing 777-300 aircraft flying to far-flung international destinations including Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom and beyond.
When American took delivery of new DC-3 aircraft, they were named based on cities the airline served at the time. In keeping with tradition, American will name this aircraft โFlagship DFWโ as an homage to the airlineโs home and largest hub.
Toward the rear of the aircraft, customers will notice a roundel featuring one of the most recognizable motifs from Americanโs history: the eagle connecting the world. American flies to more than 350 global destinations today and operates more flights carrying more customers than any other airline in the world โ a reminder of how far the airline has come since its first flight in 1926.
The Flagship Knoxville housed in the American Airlines CR Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.
Since American first took delivery of passenger aircraft in the 1930s, the airline has been known for offering an elevated โFlagshipโ experience first on board coast-to-coast transcontinental routes and today also includes the airlineโs long-haul international network.
While customers recognize Americanโs premium Flagshipยฎ lounges and Flagshipยฎ Business class that have welcomed travelers for years, they will continue to enjoy the Flagshipยฎ experience next year, when the airline begins refreshing the interior of its Boeing 777-300 fleet to include Flagship Suiteยฎseats.
American continues to focus on elevating the onboard customer experience to deliver a modern travel journey. After making their debut earlier this summer, the Flagship Suiteยฎ seats, Premium Economy and upgraded Main Cabin products continue to earn rave reviews from customers and are part of the airlineโs commitment to innovation. Highlights include:
The Flagship Suiteยฎย seats are Americanโs first-ever onboard business class product featuring privacy doors, wireless charging pads and a one-of-a-kind chaise lounge seating option with an adjustable headrest pillow.
American is the first U.S. carrier to introduce wireless charging in Premium Economy, which includes the introduction of new headrest wings and new calf and footrests for enhanced comfort.
Main Cabin customers will experience the airlineโs elevated international inflight experience, including 4K QLED screens โ the first in the U.S. to be introduced in this cabin โ and USB-C and AC power.
These upgraded amenities will also be featured on board refreshed 777-300s next year, featuring 70 Flagship Suiteยฎ seats and 44 Premium Economy seats.
American’s Flagship Suiteยฎ debuted on newly designed Boeing 787-9 aircraft this summer and will be on refreshed Boeing 777-300.
Be a part of Americanโs centennial
For more than 100 years, American has taken to the skies with timeless, iconic designs, and now, key moments from its rich history are available for purchase. The American Airlines Brand Store features a curated selection of historic advertising, vintage imagery and exclusive centennial-branded merchandise. Perfect for the holiday season, these keepsakes and gifts honor the legacy of aviation and design that has defined American for generations. Merchandise collections will continue to expand throughout the centennial year, offering even more ways to commemorate this milestone.
Air Lease has announced long-term lease agreements with Magnifica Air for six new Airbus aircraft, including four new A220-300s and two new A321-200neos. The aircraft are scheduled to deliver to the new startup airline in 2027.
About the new airline:
Magnifica Air defines a new era in luxury aviation. Creating a new category in aviation, Magnifica Air offers a hybrid solution between first-class and private jet travel, delivered with the consistency and scale of commercial.
The airline will launch in 2027 with a fleet of Airbus A220-300 and A321neo aircraft, completed in partnership with Comlux and delivered through Air Lease. Each aircraft will carry just 45-54 passengers, with 2โ4 private suites on each.
Only airline with nonstops from Newark/New York to Split, Croatia; Glasgow, Scotland and Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Only U.S. airline with nonstops between Newark/New York and Bari, Italy; Seoul, South Korea, as well as new, daily flights from Washington-Dulles to Reykjavik, Iceland
Airline adds third additional service between Tel Aviv, Israel and Newark/New York โ enhancing convenience for customers and reinforcing United’s position as the largest U.S. carrier to Israel
United remains the largest carrier across the Atlantic with service to 46 cities planned for next year including all six new Atlantic destinations from record Summer 2025 international expansion
Tickets for all these new flights are on sale today
CHICAGO, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines today announced its Summer 2026 schedule with service to four new cities across Croatia, Italy, Scotland and Spain โ leading the way with the most destinations across the Atlantic than any U.S. carrier.
United Adds Flights to New Cities in Croatia, Italy, Scotland and Spain next Summer
In Summer 2026, United will be the only U.S. airline to launch nonstop flights to four new destinations from its hub in Newark/New York to Split, Croatia; Bari, Italy; Glasgow, Scotland and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The airline is also adding its first service between Washington-Dulles and Reykjavik, Iceland, as a new nonstop year-round daily service from Newark/New York to Seoul, South Korea, and four additional weekly flights, for 18 total weekly flights, between Newark/New York and Tel Aviv, Israel.
“United has an unmatched international network, and we pride ourselves on connecting our customers to unique, trendsetting destinations no other U.S. airline serves,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. “With the addition of these new flights and the return of all of our new routes from last year, United now flies to 46 cities across the Atlantic – more than any other airline – and is the clear flag carrier of the U.S.”
As the leader in service from the U.S. to international destinations across the globe, United is continuing that momentum by offering nearly 3,000 weekly international roundtrips in Summer 2026. In addition to United’s new Summer 2026 destinations, United will continue to serve all nine destinations from its largest expansion ever last summer including seasonal service to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Nuuk, Greenland; Palermo, Italy; Bilbao, Spain; Madeira Island, Portugal; Faro, Portugal; and continue year-round service from Dakar, Senegal; Puerto Escondido, Mexico, and Kaohsiung.
With United’s Summer 2026 schedule, the new and returning destinations offer a variety of landscapes and experiences for customers to choose from โ whether they want to relax on a coastal beach, explore glacial landscapes, feed off the energy of vibrant cities or walk around historic towns, museums and architecture. Across the globe, United will offer more than 850 daily flights to and from over 150 international destinations โ including 41 that no other U.S. airline serves โ next year.
All new flights are subject to government approval and will be available for sale on United.com and on the United app today.
Split, Croatia
United will launch its new summer routes with the only nonstop service between Split and the United States beginning April 30. Split offers travelers the ability to explore historic sites like the ancient Roman Diocletian’s Palace, the Cathedral of Saint Dominus โ one of the oldest in the world โ while also mixing adventure from Split’s promenade and harbor. The palm-lined Riva promenade offers entertainment and restaurants with Mediterranean staples like fresh-caught fish, octopus, and risotto, while the harbor gives travelers the chance to explore, sail and even adventure to many Dalmatian Islands, like Hvar, for a day trip.
United will be the only airline to fly from the U.S. to Split and is currently the only airline offering direct flights to Croatia with its seasonal service from Newark/New York to Dubrovnik. Flights will operate three times a week on a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
Bari, Italy
United will be the only U.S airline offering nonstop service between Bari and the United States beginning May 1. The new flight will serve as a gateway to the Puglia region from Newark/New York, offering travelers the chance to explore the area’s beautiful hilltop towns, turquoise beaches of the Adriatic Sea, historic Old Town and the iconic Trulli buildings.
The new service to Bari will operate four times a week on a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. With one of the largest ports on the Adriatic Sea, travelers can also connect from Bari by boat to Albania, Croatia, Greece and more.
United will offer up to 15 flights per day to Italy across six destinations next summer, with the only U.S. airline service to Palermo and Bari.
Glasgow, Scotland
United will be the only U.S. airline offering nonstop service between the United States and Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city known for its world-class museums, iconic architecture and historic pubs. Voted by Conde Nast Traveler as 2025’s Friendliest UK City, travelers can choose from strolling through over 90 parks and gardens, visiting one of a dozen museums like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum โ one of the UK’s most visited, or enjoying one of the many music events the city hosts weekly as a recognized UNESCO City of Music member since 2008.
The daily seasonal service from Newark/New York will begin on May 8 and provide an easy nonstop connection on a Boeing 737-MAX8 aircraft for U.S. travelers who wish to explore the city, conduct business or reconnect with family and friends. United also serves Edinburgh year-round and is the largest carrier between the United States and Scotland.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
With three times weekly seasonal service from Newark/New York starting May 22, United will be the only carrier to offer nonstop service between the U.S. and Santiago de Compostela โ the capital of the Galicia region in Spain. Located near Spain’s northwest coast, the area has a rich history with stunning cathedrals, Medieval architecture and is the endpoint of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
This will be the first regularly scheduled service between the U.S. and Santiago de Compostela, making it more accessible than ever for American travelers to explore or visit loved ones. The flight will operate on a Boeing 737-MAX8 aircraft. With this new flight, United now flies to six destinations in Spain including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao, and is the only airline to fly nonstop to Bilbao, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca from the U.S.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Beginning May 21, United will offer daily service between Reykjavik and Washington Dulles, building on the airline’s existing service from Chicago O’Hare and Newark/New York. The daily flight will operate on a Boeing 757-200, making United the only airline to offer lie-flat business class seats between the two capital cities, giving travelers more choices for comfort.
The new flight brings U.S. travelers more ways to connect to and see the destination’s natural beauty like the world-famous Blue Lagoon, Midnight Sun or Northern Lights, Icelandic landscapes, black sand beaches and more. Since 2019, United has now added flights to nine transatlantic destinations from Washington-Dulles, with Reykjavik joining this year’s most recent additions of year-round service to Dakar and seasonal service to Venice and Nice.
Seoul, South Korea
Next summer, United will be the only U.S. airline offering nonstop flights between Newark/New York and South Korea. With convenient options from both U.S. coasts to Seoul, travelers can experience thousands of cuisines at the vibrant Gwangjang Market, catch K-pop concerts and musical performances, try the most-talked about Korean beauty and wellness treatments, and so much more.
The daily flights from Newark/New York begin September 4 on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and build on United’s existing twice-daily flights from San Francisco.
Tel Aviv, Israel
On March 28, United will add a third flight to Tel Aviv from Newark/New York operating on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The four times weekly service builds on the existing double daily Newark-Tel Aviv, four times weekly Chicago O’Hare-Tel Aviv, and three times weekly Washington Dulles-Tel Aviv service the airline already offers โ providing more travel options for customers and reinforcing United’s position as the largest U.S. carrier to Israel.
United has flown more flights to Tel Aviv this year than any other U.S. airline and will be the only airline operating flights between Tel Aviv and both Chicago and Washington D.C. when they begin in early November.
Destinations Return from Historic Expansion
After a successful summer, United is thrilled to be bringing back all nine destinations from its historic Summer 2025 expansion โ the largest in the airline’s history. These routes will resume on:
Ulaanbaatar: April 30, 2026
Faro: May 15, 2026
Madeira Island: May 16, 2026 (three weeks earlier than in 2025)
Palermo: May 22, 2026
Bilbao: May 30, 2026
Nuuk: June 6, 2026 (one week earlier than in 2025)
Kaohsiung: Operating year-round service
Dakar: Operating year-round service
Puerto Escondido: Operating year-round service
As of August 2025, United set a new record for the most passengers it has carried to Italy, Spain and Portugal at nearly 1.5 million, 11% more than last year. The inaugural flight to Nuuk, Greenland was the fastest selling inaugural in United Airlines history.
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