Paris, France, 18 June 2025 – STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has signed a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of ten additional A350-1000 aircraft, taking its total order for the type to 18 aircraft. The agreement was signed at the Paris Airshow by STARLUX Airlines CEO Glenn Chai and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business .

STARLUX Airlines already operates an all-Airbus fleet of 28 aircraft including the A350-900, the A330neo and the A321neo. The Taiwanese airline has on order 30 aircraft including the A350F freighters and A350-1000.

“Expanding our international fleet with additional A350-1000s is a significant step toward reinforcing our global presence and enhancing connectivity across key markets,” said Glenn Chai. “This aircraft offers efficiency, range and comfort, making it the perfect fit for our strategy to optimise long-haul operations while delivering an exceptional passenger experience. As we continue to strengthen our international network, the A350-1000 will play an important role in driving growth, sustainability and operational flexibility.”

“STARLUX Airlines’ decision to add more A350-1000s to its growing fleet reaffirms the aircraft’s standing as the benchmark for long-haul operations. With its advanced design and fuel-efficient performance, the A350-1000 Long Range Leader enables airlines to optimise routes while reducing environmental impact,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “We are pleased to strengthen our long-standing partnership with STARLUX Airlines as they expand their global footprint and connect more destinations with efficiency and comfort.”

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. It offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today. Powered by the latest generation of Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft is designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, using 25% less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

The A350 Family has received more than 1,390 orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 650 aircraft currently in the fleets of 38 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes.

Paris, France, 18 June 2025 – EGYPTAIR has disclosed a firm order for an additional six A350-900s as part of its expansion strategy to meet growing demand for air travel. The agreement takes the airline’s total order for the type to 16 A350-900.

“We are continuously working to modernise our fleet and deliver a more comfortable and optimised travel experience. This collaboration with Airbus builds on a long-standing relationship that spans decades, marked by multiple successful deals and strategic partnerships in the aviation sector. Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to integrating the next-generation aircraft into our fleet. It will enable us to meet rising demand for long-haul travel, support our network expansion plans over the next five years, and contribute to Egypt’s broader efforts to promote more sustainable air transport.” said EGYPTAIR Chairman and CEO Captain Ahmed Adel.

“This is the second time EGYPTAIR has placed an order for the A350 and the decision is testament to the value the aircraft provides. The A350 is set to be a pillar in EGYPTAIR’s journey, and we look forward to these aircraft playing a pivotal role in the airline’s continued success, growth and decarbonisation ambition,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and has set new standards for intercontinental travel. It offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner in production today. Powered by the latest generation of Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft is designed to fly up to 9,700 nautical miles / 18,000 kilometres non-stop, using 25% less fuel than previous generation types and with a similar reduction in carbon emissions.

The A350-900s are equipped with a comfortable and spacious Airspace cabin, wide seats, high ceilings and alluring ambient lighting.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A350 aircraft is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030.

At the end of May 2025, the A350 had won over 1,390 orders from 60 customers worldwide.

Paris, France, 18 June 2025 – MNG Airlines (MNGA), a global logistics provider and e-commerce enabler based in Türkiye, has become the latest carrier to commit to the all-new A350F, following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for two aircraft. The A350F will become a central element in MNG’s future fleet, bringing all the benefits of an all-new freighter to the airline’s operations.

“ This agreement for two A350F deepens a partnership with Airbus across its full range of freighter programmes. This move strengthens our position across key trade lanes, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and a growing footprint in North America. It will support both our scheduled and charter operations and give us added flexibility to meet evolving cargo demands, from e-commerce to high-value freight and express logistics,” said CEO of Mapa Group and Chairman of MNG Airlines Murathan Doruk Günal.

“We are delighted to welcome MNG Airlines as the latest customer for the A350F, underscoring the strong market appeal for this game-changing freighter. The A350F will bring new generation efficiency and performance as well as new levels of capacity and unprecedented loading flexibility. We look forward to ensuring a seamless integration into MNG’s operations,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

Engineered as the world’s most advanced freighter aircraft, the A350F is designed to meet the evolving needs of the global air cargo market. Currently under development, it will carry up to 111 tonnes with a range of 8,700 km. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, it will offer up to 40% reduction in fuel consumption and CO ₂ emissions compared to previous generation aircraft. Made of over 70% advanced materials, the A350F will be 46 tonnes lighter than competitors and will feature the industry’s largest main deck cargo door. It is the only freighter fully meeting ICAO’s 2027 CO ₂ standards and by the time it enters service it will be 50% SAF capable, with a target for 100% by 2030.

Airline wins nine awards, including World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining for the Air Canada Signature Suite and Best Cabin Crew in North America

MONTRÉAL, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada today was named the Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. Presented at the Paris Air Show, the Skytrax awards, which are based on customer satisfaction surveys of approximately 22 million global travellers, also recognized the Toronto Air Canada Signature Suite as the World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining for the second straight year, as well as its flight attendants as Best Cabin Crew in Canada and North America. Air Canada also took home additional honours for the Best Low-Cost Airline for its Rouge subsidiary, Most Family Friendly Airline in North America, Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in North America, Best Business Class Onboard Catering in North America, and Best Business Class Lounge in North America.

“We are tremendously proud that Air Canada has been named the Best Airline in North America at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. I thank our customers, the people who know our products and services best, for voting for us and for their loyalty in choosing to fly with Air Canada. I congratulate our 40,000 global employees, who are the true winners of this award, and I thank them for their professionalism in taking care of our customers and transporting them safely with glowing-hearted hospitality. I am pleased but not surprised to see their work elevating the customer experience recognized on a global stage,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer at Air Canada.

“In North America, we are Canada’s flag carrier competing successfully against the world’s largest and best airlines, which makes this award very significant. But while today we are celebrating, we are not letting up. Our commitment is to rise even higher – through new products, services, and delivering with care and class, positive customer experiences as we share the best of Canada with the entire world – to keep earning our customers’ loyalty far into the future.”

“We are also very proud of the awards given our cabin crews as Best Cabin Crew in Canada and North America. These recognize the efforts our crews make every day to treat our customers with care and class.”

These awards celebrate Air Canada’s industry leadership and the airline’s success enhancing all aspects of the travel experience as voted by customers. Recent product and service upgrades include the introduction of fast, free Wi-Fi, a revised app with more functionalities, complimentary in-flight snacks and beverages, increased content on its award-winning in-flight entertainment system, new and refurbished lounges, streamlined airport processes, an award-winning loyalty program, and intermodal travel options all on one ticket.

Other recognitions Air Canada has recently received for excellence include:

• Five Star Global Airline Award at the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) 2025 Awards
• World’s Leading Airline to North America at World Travel Awards
• Gold as best international airline at Travvy Awards

Riga. The Latvian airline airBaltic has announced plans to launch direct flights between its seasonal base Gran Canaria (Spain) and Molde (Norway). The route will be operated once weekly from October 29, 2025, to April 8, 2026, on Wednesdays, and the flight time will be approximately 5 hours 40 minutes.

This marks airBaltic’s seventh direct route from Gran Canaria, complementing its existing services to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia), Vilnius (Lithuania), Billund (Denmark), Oslo Torp (Norway), and recently launched direct service to Ljubljana (Slovenia).

Thomas Alexander Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer (Acting) of airBaltic: “We are excited to continue introducing new routes from our seasonal base in Gran Canaria to various destinations across Europe, further strengthening this regional connectivity. The new flights will offer Norwegian travelers seamless access to this sunny and warm destination during the colder winter months, while passengers from Gran Canaria will have the opportunity to explore Molde – a city known for its stunning fjord views and vibrant cultural scene. We believe this direct service will generate demand from both ends of the route, contributing positively to inbound tourism of each region.”

airBaltic will operate flights between Gran Canaria and Molde with Airbus A220-300 aircraft, offering both Economy and Business Class. Furthermore, the airline also offers free high-speed SpaceX Starlink internet onboard, making it the first European airline to provide this service.

The airBaltic fleet, one of the youngest in Europe, consists of a single aircraft type – Airbus A220-300. The airline currently operates 50 of such aircraft and aims to double in size. The aircraft offers an excellent flying experience, with benefits for passengers such as wider seats, larger windows, more hand luggage space in the cabin and improved lavatories, as well as better overall performance.

Back in 2005, Barcelona was airBaltic’s first destination in Spain. Since then, the airline has continued to expand its network, now offering connectivity from eight Spanish destinations and making Spain one of the airBaltic’s key markets. In late 2023, the airline launched a seasonal base in Gran Canaria, providing direct flights to the Baltics and Scandinavia. Operating from Alicante, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Madrid, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, and Valencia, airBaltic offers Spanish travelers a wide range of options for visiting the Baltics and surrounding regions.

Recently, airBaltic also announced plans to expand its network with three new destinations for the upcoming winter season from late October 2025 to late March 2026, adding new routes from Riga to Faro (Portugal), from Tallinn to Madeira (Portugal), and from Gran Canaria to Ljubljana.

Additionally, the airline will expand its operations in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) by significantly increasing flight frequencies from Riga to daily service, and doubling capacity from Vilnius with four weekly flights between the two cities. airBaltic also plans to enhance connectivity to Amsterdam (the Netherlands) from all three Baltic capitals – offering 19 weekly flights from Riga and 14 weekly flights from Tallinn and Vilnius each.

Paris, France, 17 June 2025 – Vietjet, Vietnam’s largest private airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus covering a major new order for 100 single-aisle A321neo aircraft, with the potential to add another 50 in the future.

The agreement was signed during the Paris Air Show by Vietjet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

“This new agreement marks a significant milestone in our strategic partnership with Airbus,” said Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao. “These modern and efficient aircraft have been instrumental in Vietjet’s growth, helping us make air travel more accessible and affordable for millions, while strengthening our role as a connector for economic development, cultural exchange and global connectivity. This landmark agreement represents a vital step in Vietjet’s growth strategy as a multi-national aviation group.”

“Our latest agreement comes just weeks after the airline placed an additional order for A330neo widebody aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “Together the A321neo and A330neo will be perfect partners for Vietjet to continue to spread its wings, efficiently matching capacity more closely to demand across its network. The airline will also benefit from the high levels of technical commonality that are unique to latest generation Airbus aircraft.”

Operating a fleet of more than 100 Airbus aircraft, Vietjet continues to expand its global network and fleet modernisation.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.

At the end of May 2025, more than 7,000 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by over 90 customers across the globe.

As with all in-production aircraft, the A321neo is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target to increase to up to 100% SAF capability by 2030.

Addis Ababa, 16 June 2025 – Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier and one of the world’s fastest-growing airline brands, has launched a new passenger route to Hyderabad, India, effective June 16, 2025.

The inaugural flight was celebrated with a vibrant ceremony at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, attended by senior government officials, ambassadors, dignitaries, and members of the aviation community. This launch marks Ethiopian’s sixth destination in India and reinforces the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity between Africa and India.

Flight Schedule (Thrice Weekly):

• ET 682: Addis Ababa (ADD) → Hyderabad (HYD) – Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
• ET 683: Hyderabad (HYD) → Addis Ababa (ADD) – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Speaking at the launch, Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, stated:

“We are pleased to commence this new passenger service to Hyderabad, the sixth destination Ethiopian operates in India. We believe that beyond providing air transportation service, this new flight will play a pivotal role in strengthening trade and tourism ties between the two regions.”

He added:

“This route offers convenient passenger transport services, and Ethiopian will continue exploring new opportunities to expand its network in India and the region. As the continent’s top carrier with wide connectivity and world-class service, we remain dedicated to meeting the growing demand and fostering stronger partnerships across borders.”

Strengthening Presence in India

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates over 50 weekly passenger and cargo flights to five Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Chennai.

With the addition of Hyderabad, Ethiopian further solidifies its footprint in the Indian market, offering passengers more travel options, seamless connections, and increased access to and through India.

• China Airlines is currently postponing the retirement of its aging Boeing 737-800s and Airbus A330-300s due to significant delays in receiving replacement aircraft—primarily the Boeing 787-9 …
• Air Austral is navigating a turbulent financial chapter, marked by persistent deficits, restructuring efforts, and cautious optimism. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, the airline p …
• As of June 30, 2025, Oman Air has officially joined the oneworld alliance as its 15th full member—a move that significantly boosts the alliance’s presence in the Middle East and opens up new …
• On June 27, 2025, two Vietnam Airlines aircraft were involved in a serious ground collision at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. The pictured Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (VN-A863), taxiing …
• Turkish Airlines is planning to add the Istanbul (IST) – London Stansted (STN) route on March 18, 2026, intially with 10 weekly flights.

Today marks the first time that the five-star airline Cathay Pacific will offer flights between Munich and Hong Kong. The renowned Asian airline will connect these economic powerhouses four times a week — on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays — using a modern, fuel-efficient Airbus A350-900. Hong Kong’s international hub also offers passengers numerous connections to other destinations in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. This new route allows travelers from Asia to take advantage of Munich as a convenient hub for flights to Europe and North America.

Jost Lammers, the CEO of Munich Airport, states: “We are proud that Cathay Pacific, one of the world’s leading airlines, is now flying to Munich. With a population of over 85 million, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area are among the most important economic regions in Asia. This new route will further strengthen Munich Airport’s position as a hub for business and leisure travelers between Europe and Asia, which is crucial for the entire region.”

“We’re excited to introduce Munich as the latest addition to our global network, establishing a direct link between this key European economic and transport centre and our home hub in Hong Kong. This new route enhances travel options for both business and leisure customers and offers seamless access to the Cathay Group’s expansive global network covering 100 destinations via Hong Kong, reinforcing the city’s role as a premier international gateway,” states Brian Tsoi, Regional General Manager, Europe Cathay Pacific.

The aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water baptism during its first landing in Munich today. Passengers received typical gingerbread hearts as a surprise. In addition, a festive ribbon cutting ceremony took place on the apron for the first departure.

Between 2004 and 2008, the cargo subsidiary Cathay Cargo already flew cargo aircraft from Munich via Brussels and Dubai to Hong Kong. Starting today, freight from companies in Bavaria and the greater economic area can now be transported nonstop from Munich to Hong Kong.

LOT Polish Airlines has placed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s, marking the first time Poland’s national carrier has selected Airbus aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation.

Paris, France, 16 June 2025 – LOT Polish Airlines has placed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s, marking the first time Poland’s national carrier has selected Airbus aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation. The agreement which could foresee a future increase to 84 A220 aircraft was announced at the 2025 Paris Air Show.

“Today’s decision is about the future. The Airbus A220 family aircraft, which will start joining our fleet in 2027, open up new opportunities for development and growth – key pillars of our strategy. These modern, efficient, and passenger-focused aircraft will allow us to compete effectively in the European skies, strengthen our position as the preferred carrier in Central and Eastern Europe, and prepare LOT for its role as a leading airline at the Central Communication Port,” said Michał Fijoł, LOT Executive Officer.

“This order for 40 Airbus A220s marks a historic milestone as we officially welcome LOT Polish Airlines into the Airbus family. The A220 Family will be instrumental in LOT’s fleet modernisation and network expansion strategy with the A220-100 and A220-300 being the ideal combination for their needs. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with LOT, leveraging Airbus global expertise to support its  renewal program and ensure the A220’s seamless integration,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The A220 aircraft will gradually replace the LOT’s existing regional fleet, offering new possibilities for route development and new destinations thanks to the A220 benefits.

Combining the longest range, lowest fuel consumption, the A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category, carrying between 100 to 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). Depending on cabin configuration, the A220-100 serves the 100-135 seat market, while the larger A220-300 is perfectly tailored for the 120-160 seat market. The A220 is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500 GTF engines and offers a 50% smaller noise footprint compared to the previous generation of aircraft. 

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting for its aircraft to be 100% SAF capable by 2030.

At the end of May 2025, the A220 had secured over 900 firm orders from more than 30 customers worldwide, with over 415 aircraft already delivered. The A220 is currently in  successful service with 24 airlines globally, operating on more than 1,600 routes and serving over 470 destinations.