Delta doubles down on Seattle with new global routes and two new lounges

Delta reinforces its commitment to Seattle with the launch of new nonstop service to Barcelona and Rome and the debut of two premier experiencesโ€”a Delta One Lounge and Delta Sky Clubโ€” in one 24,000-square-foot-space inspired by the Emerald City.

Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-941 N425DX (msn 2037) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 964193.
Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-941 N425DX (msn 2037) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 964193.

Delta is deepening its investment in Seattle with the announcement of new nonstop service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Barcelona and Rome, alongside the debut of two new premier lounges at SEA: a luxurious Delta One Lounge and a sophisticated Delta Sky Club. Complementing these enhancements, Delta has secured priority access to 18 gates across Concourses A and Bโ€”streamlining operations and ensuring a more seamless, elevated experience for travelers from check-in to takeoff. 

โ€œDeltaโ€™s commitment runs deep in Seattle, from our people on the ground to our global ambitions in the skies,โ€ said Glen Hauenstein, President of Delta Air Lines. โ€œWith new international service and the opening of our Delta One Lounge, weโ€™re investing in what matters most to our customersโ€”exceptional, premium experiencesโ€”and reinforcing our role as Seattleโ€™s largest global carrier.โ€ 

Powering Seattleโ€™s international reach 

Delta will launch new daily nonstop service from Seattle to Barcelona and Rome beginning summer 2026*, opening the door to two of Europeโ€™s most iconic destinations. Whether exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona or the timeless landmarks of Rome, customers will enjoy a seamless journey aboard the next-generation Airbus A330-900neo, featuring Deltaโ€™s premium cabin experiences. Delta One offers lie-flat seats with full-height privacy doors, direct aisle access and curated inflight meals paired with premium wines. Delta Premium Select offers a more spacious seat, adjustable footrest and leg rest, upgraded dining and an amenity kit, all designed to make long-haul travel more comfortable and refined. 

Rome, Italy

Delta has launched 28 new markets in Seattle over the past decade and now operates nearly 180 peak-day departures to 60+ global destinations. Through Deltaโ€™s global alliances, customers have access to hundreds more across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. 

โ€œWe welcome the opportunity to grow our partnership with Delta as they expand Seattleโ€™s connections to international communities and businesses,โ€ said Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman. โ€œDeltaโ€™s new international flights to Rome and Barcelona and two new lounges enhance our ability to be a welcoming port. These efforts are good for travelers and enhance cultural exchanges that also benefit our vibrant region.โ€

A new era of premium travel at SEA 

For the first time ever, Delta is opening two lounges in one separate-but-connected space. Situated across from Gate A11, the two-story space features over 24,000 square feet of panoramic mountain views, sophisticated design and premium offerings to suit every customer. This is the fourth Delta One Lounge added to the network in the past year and the third new Delta Sky Club, bringing the total of Delta lounges and clubs to 57. 

To enhance the Delta One Lounge experience, Delta One customers flying out of SEA now enjoy an exclusive, concierge-style Delta One check-in; similar experiences are offered at BOS, JFK and LAX, with plans to expand to all Delta hubs. Starting June 25, eligible passengers flying in any cabin who check in via the Fly Delta app and enroll in TSA PreCheck Touchless ID (formerly Delta Digital ID) can access expedited bag drop and security lanes, with this benefit rolling out to all Delta hubs by year’s end. 

Perched on the top floor, the Delta One Lounge offers an exclusive retreat with seats for 149 guests inside and 72 seats on a wrap-around terrace with breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier. Just below, the Delta Sky Club seats 183, where expansive windows showcase the surrounding mountains and forests.  

“These sophisticated-yet-comfortable spaces reflect Deltaโ€™s commitment to delivering experiences customers can look forward to through every step of their journey,” said Claude Roussel, VP of Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience. โ€œBy continuing to invest in key markets and creating bespoke Lounges and Sky Clubs, we are responding to customer demand for the elevated experiences they have come to know, love and expect from Delta at our hubs and beyond.โ€  

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The space pays homage to Seattleโ€™s natural beauty with stone accents, rich wood paneling and a palette of emerald, navy, rust, and warm wood tones. Metallic finishes and reflective glass mimic misty mountain peaks, while curated lighting enhances the inviting atmosphere. Artwork from global and Seattle-based artists add depth and character. This includes Pam Kueny Taylorโ€™s mixed media piece, โ€œTime to Migrate,โ€ featuring a bird perched atop suitcases.  

โ€œOur goal throughout the design process was to create a space that captures both Seattleโ€™s beautiful aesthetic and soul,โ€ said Roussel. โ€œFrom locally sourced food and artwork by Washington-based artists to sustainable design, this space reflects the spirit and values of the Pacific Northwest.โ€ 

Bold local flavors โ€“ as unforgettable as the view 

The Delta One Lounge offers a Seattle-inspired fine-dining experience with an open kitchen, where guests can engage with chefs as dishes are prepared. The three-course menu highlights locally sourced seafood, from Dungeness crab cannelloni to wood-fired teriyaki steelhead, alongside dumplings, ramen and yellowtail crudo. Desserts include a Rainier cherry sundae, chocolate mousse and an artisanal cheese plate featuring Beecherโ€™s flagship cheese. 

Breakfast at the Lounge continues the Pacific Northwest theme with fresh pastries, Dungeness crab benedict and Dutch baby pancakes topped with Rainier cherry compote.  

The regional flair goes beyond the plate โ€“ coffee is sourced from Seattleโ€™s own Caffe Umbria, bringing a taste of a city favorite for locals and visitors to enjoy. At the bar, Guests can enjoy a selection of cocktails inspired by Seattle destinations, premium sake and a West Coastโ€“focused wine portfolio.  

The Delta Sky Club rotates seasonal specialties, offering zesty salads, hearty entrees like lemon chicken and ribs and clam chowder from Seattleโ€™s iconic Ivarโ€™s. Desserts include coconut cream pie and marionberry crumble. Like at all Delta Sky Clubs, guests can sit back and enjoy coffee from Starbucks โ€“ a hallmark of Deltaโ€™s wide-ranging partnership with the beloved Seattle brand. At the bar, cocktails, beer and wine are served, along with non-alcoholic options, with sweeping views of Mount Rainier in the backdrop. 

From elegant plateware sourced from local shops in Japan to our highly trained, attentive staff, each moment is elevated with high-touch hospitality that is distinctly Delta. 

Sustainable innovation, elevated experience 

Beyond its striking design, the entirety of the space was created with sustainability in mind, featuring smart windows that adjust to sunlight, all-electric energy with motion-sensing lights, and reusable dinnerware to reduce waste. These thoughtful touches help lower energy consumption while fostering an eco-friendly, comfortable, and elevated atmosphere. 

These enhancements are matched by a broader commitment to sustainability in Deltaโ€™s Seattle hub: 87% of Deltaโ€™s CORE fleet and 70% of its ground support equipment at SEA are now electric. As a testament to Deltaโ€™s focus on enhancing sustainability initiatives across its operation at SEA, last year the Port of Seattle recognized the airline with a Sustainable Century Award for operating the highest percentage of fuel-efficient aircraft at the airport. 

Continued investments in Seattle 

With 2,700 employees across Washington state, Delta has a long-standing commitment to Seattleโ€”reflected in impactful partnerships with local brands like Starbucks and T-Mobile, sponsorships of beloved hometown teams including the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders FC, and deep engagement with community organizations throughout the region. 

*SEA-FCO will launch May 6, 2026. SEA-BCN will launch May 7, 2026. 

Etihad Airways and Air Europa celebrate inaugural flight milestone

This collaboration highlights the value of strategic partnerships

  • Air Europa’s first flight from Abu Dhabi marks the Spanish carrier’s Middle East debut
  • Enhanced partnership strengthens connectivity between the UAE and Spain

Abu Dhabi, UAE / Madrid, Spain  – Etihad Airways and Air Europa have celebrated a historic milestone as Air Europa operates its inaugural wet-lease flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid, marking the Spanish carrier’s first-ever aircraft operation from the Middle East.

The landmark Boeing 787-9 service represents a significant evolution of the partnership between the two airlines, building on their expanded codeshare agreement and frequent flyer programme cooperation. This collaboration highlights the value of strategic partnerships in improving global connectivity and offering more seamless travel options for passengers across four continents.

Etihad now offers twice-daily services to Madrid, with the afternoon EY103 service operated by Air Europa’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring 32 Business class and 307 Economy seats. The wet-lease arrangement, alongside the expanded codeshare, strengthens the growing market between Abu Dhabi and Spain, and supports wider tourism and trade links between the two countries.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: โ€œToday marks a new chapter in our partnership with Air Europa. This collaboration demonstrates how Etihad can work with strategic partners to enhance our Madrid route and offer even greater choice for travellers between the UAE and Spain. By partnering with Air Europa, we’re opening exciting possibilities for our passengers seeking to explore new destinations.โ€

Juan Josรฉ Hidalgo, Air Europa’s President, added: “โ€œPartnering with Etihad Airways to launch our first Middle East service from Abu Dhabi is a major milestone for Air Europa. It allows us to better serve growing demand for travel between Spain and the UAE. Abu Dhabi is a world-class destination and an ideal platform for us to expand into new markets.โ€

The partnership reinforces Etihadโ€™s commitment to supporting Abu Dhabiโ€™s position as an attractive destination for both leisure and business travel, while also strengthening links with key European markets such as Spain. Together, Etihad and Air Europa offer passengers convenient travel options to more than 130 destinations across their combined networks.

The wet-lease operation establishes a strong foundation for more strategic initiatives between Etihad and Air Europa in the future, including opportunities for deeper commercial activities and expanded bilateral cooperation. Both airlines remain committed to exploring additional collaborative opportunities that will benefit passengers through enhanced travel options, improved connectivity, and seamless service delivery.

American Airlines named Official Airline of the PGA of America

American Airlines Boeing 737-823 WL N854NN (msn 33214) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 105919.
American Airlines Boeing 737-823 WL N854NN (msn 33214) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 105919.

FRISCO, Texas ใƒผ The PGA of America and American Airlines announced today an expansive new multiyear partnership establishing American as the Official Airline of the PGA of America and PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), as well as the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup USA through 2027.

Designed to elevate the travel experience for PGA of America Golf Professionals and the thousands of PGA Championship and Ryder Cup spectators nationwide, American brings an unparalleled commitment to accessibility and connection to the game.

In this exciting collaboration, American will work closely with the PGA of America to provide immersive experiences and exclusive benefits to AAdvantageยฎ credit cardmembers, including designated hospitality areas and the opportunity to redeem miles for various perks.

โ€œTogether with the PGA, weโ€™re looking forward to offering our customers an opportunity to experience golf like never before, whether theyโ€™re traveling to the most-talked-about tournaments or getting within feet of their favorite golfers on the course,โ€ said Caroline Clayton, Americanโ€™s Chief Marketing Officer. โ€œOur AAdvantageยฎ members love these priceless moments, and weโ€™re honored to make them happen.โ€

American will also serve as a presenting sponsor of The Secretaryโ€™s Cup, a spirited 9-hole match amongst 12 PGA HOPE teams that is contested annually during PGA Championship week. PGA HOPE is the flagship military program of The PGA of America REACH Foundation, introducing golf to Veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

โ€œAmerican Airlines is well established as a global aviation leader, dedicated to providing exceptional service and travel experiences,โ€ said Jeff Price, PGA of America Chief Commercial and Philanthropy Officer. โ€œAs our PGA Members travel the country growing the game and thousands of spectators journey to our Major Championships, American will deliver a world-class experience and ensure they reach their destinations. Americanโ€™s tremendous support of PGA HOPE and one of our Associationโ€™s most impactful annual events, The Secretaryโ€™s Cup, highlights our shared mission to support our nationโ€™s heroes.โ€

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held Sept. 23-28 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. The 108th PGA Championship will be contested May 11-17, 2026, at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

Delta celebrates summer European routes in style

Relive Delta’s recent gate celebrations to exciting new and recurring European routes just in time for the summer.

Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-332 ER WL N172DZ (msn 29691) LHR (SPA). Image: 942696.
Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-332 ER WL N172DZ (msn 29691) LHR (SPA). Image: 942696.
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Delta is making bold moves across the Atlantic this summer, operating itsโ€ฏmost expansive trans-Atlantic schedule everโ€ฏfrom key hubs includingโ€ฏNew Yorkโ€“JFK, Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolisโ€“St. Paul, and Detroit. With this growth, Delta becomes theโ€ฏlargest U.S. carrier to Italy, Greece, France, the Netherlands, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and the Czech Republic, and theโ€ฏonly U.S. airline flying direct to Prague. 

And while the celebrations span the map this summer,โ€ฏItaly is taking center stage. Delta has increased service to the country byโ€ฏmore than 10% year-over-year, reinforcing its position as theโ€ฏ#1 U.S. carrier in the Italian market.  

Boston (BOS) to Barcelona, Spain (BCN) 

Boston Loganโ€™s Terminal E turned into a mini fiesta with flamenco dancers and a Spanish guitarist, with mocktails to match. The energy of Barcelona was alive and well at the gate, setting the tone for a summer of tapas and sangria. 

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Boston (BOS) to Milan, Italy (MXP) 

The next day, Milan took center stage with a live opera and elegant refreshments. Customers were treated to a taste of Italyโ€™s fashion and cultural capital before wheels up. 

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New York (JFK) to Catania, Sicily (CTA) 

Deltaโ€™s first-ever direct flight to Catania took off with a sweet Sicilian send-off. Think: a custom cannoli-inspired cake, Italian treats and live music from a local Sicilian artist. The celebration captured the spirit of Sicilyโ€™s eastern coastโ€”Mount Etna, Taormina and Siracusa included. 

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Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH) 

Delta and the Metropolitan Airports Commission marked the launch with speeches, live music and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event brought together Delta leaders and local officials to celebrate a new link between the Midwest and Scandinavia

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Also launched in May: 

  • Detroit (DTW) to Dublin, Ireland (DUB)ย 
  • Atlanta (ATL) to Naples, Italy (NAP)ย 
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Rome, Italy (FCO)ย 

And the momentum continues with Atlanta to Brussels (BRU) routeโ€ฏlaunched June 10. 

With new routes, more seats and noteworthy send-offs, Delta is giving customers more ways than ever to experience the world whether itโ€™s sipping espresso in Rome, flamenco dancing in Barcelona or exploring the charm of Copenhagen.  Book your flight at delta.com.

The Role of Water Survival and HUET Training in Aviation Safety

Flying over bodies of water brings unique challenges that go well beyond routine safety checks. In the rare event of a ditching or forced water landing, crews and passengers face hypothermia, disorientation and isolation until rescue arrives. Hands-on preparation and muscle-memory drills are essential to turn a crisis into a controlled evacuation.

Understanding overwater emergencies.

An unplanned water landing tests both equipment and human instinct. Cold temperatures, strong currents and the shock of immersion can overwhelm even experienced aviators. In that moment, familiarity with life vests, life rafts and signalling devices becomes essential.

During these rare but critical challenges, aviation professionals rely on two specialised programmes: water survival training and HUET training (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training). Each course builds the skills and confidence needed to respond decisively when every second counts. Training that simulates these conditions reduces panic and improves coordination, ensuring that crews can guide passengers through evacuation and await rescue safely.

Water survival training essentials

Water survival training focuses on actions immediately after ditching. Crews practise inflating and donning life vests, boarding life rafts in choppy water and operating distress signals such as flares and personal locator beacons. Training often takes place in pools or sheltered open-water sites where instructors can vary wave patterns and water temperatures to mirror real sea conditions. Participants learn to:

  • Conserve energy and maintain body heat
  • Deploy and manage life rafts under pressure
  • Prioritise the safety of passengers with limited swimming ability
  • Use communication tools to coordinate with rescue vessels

By repeating these exercises, crew members develop the muscle memory and calm mindset needed to act without hesitation.

The importance of HUET training

For personnel who fly to offshore platforms or island airstrips, helicopter emergencies require additional preparation. HUET training immerses trainees in underwater escape drills. Pilots, engineers and cabin attendants enter a submerged mock-up cabin that tilts and fills with water. Under instructor supervision, they practise:

  • Operating emergency breathing systems
  • Locating and opening escape hatches in zero visibility
  • Maintaining orientation in disorienting conditions
  • Exiting the fuselage and swimming clear of the wreckage

These realistic scenarios teach crews to control their breathing, think clearly under stress and support one another during escape.

Building confidence through realism

Both programmes stress realistic conditions and repeated practice. Instructors introduce unexpected variables, such as simulated equipment malfunctions or power disruptions, to test adaptability. After each drill, participants review performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Over time, crews gain the assurance that they can respond confidently to any overwater scenario.

Keeping skills current

Completing water survival and HUET courses once is not enough. Regular recurrency ensures that skills remain sharp and that newer crew members gain the same competence. Airlines often partner with accredited providers for scheduled training blocks, combining online theory with hands-on sessions. Some use digital platforms to track certifications, automate refresher reminders and maintain audit-ready records, helping management demonstrate compliance and safeguard operations.

Conclusion

Overwater emergencies challenge both training and teamwork. By investing in comprehensive water survival training and HUET training, aviation operators equip their crews with the lifesaving skills required for any sea landing. Realistic drills build confidence and coordination, while ongoing recurrency keeps every team member prepared. In aviation, readiness means more than maintaining aircraft, it entails ensuring every person on board has the knowledge and practice to reach safety in case of an emergency.

JetBlue Brings Customers Added Peace of Mind with New Bag Tracking and Appleโ€™s Share Item Location Features

New Capabilities Provide Customers with More Ways to Monitor and Help Recover Their Checked Bags

JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-231 WL N944JT (msn 6359) (Ribbons) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 964450.
JetBlue Airways Airbus A321-231 WL N944JT (msn 6359) (Ribbons) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 964450.

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced two major enhancements to its baggage experience: a new mobile app feature that provides customers with real-time updates on the status of their checked bags, and a new option that allows customers to securely share the location of an Apple AirTag or Find My network accessory placed inside their checked luggage.

โ€œWe are constantly looking for ways to offer our customers a more convenient travel experience,โ€ said Carol Clements, JetBlueโ€™s Chief Digital and Technology Officer. โ€œAs part of our JetForward strategy, weโ€™re focused on delivering the products and perks our customers want. This new in-app bag tracking feature, along with AirTag location sharing for baggage recovery, are designed to bring customers peace of mind when checking their bags with JetBlue.โ€

These new capabilities will give customers greater visibility into their bagsโ€™ journey and help expedite recovery in the rare event of a delay or mishandling. JetBlue consistently ranks among the top U.S. carriers for baggage handling, with fewer than 1% of customers experiencing a delay, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. The airline continues to invest in innovative, customer-focused technology to deliver a more seamless travel experience.

New Baggage Tracking in the JetBlue Mobile App
Building on the baggage status updates JetBlue already provides via email, the airline has introduced enhanced tracking in its mobile app, making it easier than ever for customers to stay informed. Travelers flying across JetBlueโ€™s network can now access real-time updates on their checked bags directly within the app, putting everything in one convenient place. This added visibility not only streamlines the travel experience but also offers greater peace of mind by helping customers feel confident their bags are on the right track.

Appleโ€™s Find My Integration Enhances JetBlueโ€™s Baggage Support
JetBlue is also adding support in the rare event a checked bag is delayed or misplaced. Customers who place an Apple AirTag or Find My network accessory in their bag can now choose to securely share its location with JetBlueโ€™s Baggage Service team, helping the airline reunite customers with their belongings more quickly.

To share an itemโ€™s location, customers can generate a Share Item Location link in the Find My app on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This link can be provided to JetBlue by scanning a QR code in the baggage claim area or by working with a crewmember at the airportโ€™s Baggage Service Office. JetBlue crewmembers will use the temporary link to help locate and retrieve bags found within JetBlue stations or other contracted facilities. Customers remain in full control of their location-sharing settings, and access automatically ends once they are reunited with their bags.

By combining in-app bag tracking with the ability to share the location of a Find My-enabled item, JetBlue is giving customers more ways to stay informed and feel confident throughout their journey. These enhancements reflect JetBlueโ€™s continued investment in innovative, customer-friendly technology designed to offer greater peace of mind and a more seamless travel experience.

In 2024, the airline ranked second among all U.S. carriers in baggage handling, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. By improving systems and expanding support options, JetBlue is further strengthening its goal of getting baggage where it needs to go and giving customers one less thing to worry about.

Hong Kong Airlines Celebrates Inaugural Flight to Sydney

Offering Travellers More Direct Flight Options to Australia

HONG KONG, June 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Kong Airlines’ inaugural flight between Hong Kong and Sydney, Australia, departed yesterday, making it the second local airline to operate this route and providing greater travel options for business, leisure, and transit passengers.

To mark this new milestone in its network expansion, Hong Kong Airlines held celebratory events at both Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Sydney Airport (SYD).

The inaugural flight HX017 landed at SYD this morning and all arriving passengers were treated to a traditional water cannon salute and welcome ceremony.
The inaugural flight HX017 landed at SYD this morning and all arriving passengers were treated to a traditional water cannon salute and welcome ceremony.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held at SYD to officially mark the launch of the new Hong Kong Airlines service.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held at SYD to officially mark the launch of the new Hong Kong Airlines service.

Prior to departure, a launch ceremony was held at the boarding gate of the HKIA. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines; Mr Ian McGraw from the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong; Ms Carmen Tam and Ms Vivien Yuen from Tourism Australia; Ms Jennifer Tung from Destination New South Wales; and Mr Ricky Chong from Airport Authority Hong Kong. The guests interacted with passengers and presented them with bespoke souvenirs to commemorate the historic occasion.

During the event, Hong Kong Airlines President Mr Jeff Sun stated: “As a full-service local carrier, the launch of our Sydney service marks a significant step in our transformation to an international airline. Sydney is not only a popular destination for leisure and business travel but also one of Australia’s most vital economic hubs. The expansion of the bilateral traffic rights agreement allows us to offer more choice to travellers in both cities, strengthening the connection between them.”

He added, “While Hong Kong Airlines may be a younger brand in the mature Australian market, we are endeavouring in our commitment to providing quality service. We operate this route with our Airbus A330 aircraft, featuring comfortable business and economy class cabins, and strive to deliver a passenger-centric in-flight experience through attentive service and fine dining for our long-haul customers.”

Sydney Airport CEO Mr Scott Charlton said: “We’re proud to welcome Hong Kong Airlines to Sydney as our 52nd airline partner with its strong reputation for service excellence, efficiency and value. This inaugural service comes on the back of the first expansion in bilateral air traffic rights between Australia and Hong Kong in 19 years and we thank the Albanese Federal Government for its role in enabling this important agreement, which reflects the strength of our longstanding cultural and economic ties.” 

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper, said: “Hong Kong is a priority international market for NSW, with incoming travellers contributing substantially to the NSW visitor economy. The Minns Labor Government has made it very clear; we want to grow our visitor economy and the best way to do this is by increasing airline capacity and unlocking new international markets for NSW. We’ve set our sights on increasing the state’s aviation capacity by 8.5 million seats, and this new Hong Kong route will complement other new routes we’re securing as we work towards landing this goal.”

Mr Wang Yu, Consul General of People’s Republic of China (Sydney), said: “As the second Hong Kong-based airline to operate the Hong Kongโ€“Sydney route, Hong Kong Airlines not only provides a convenient new option for traveling between China and Australia, but also contributes to enhanced exchanges among students, tourists, business professionals and friends from all walks of life. This new service will strengthen Hong Kong and Sydney’s role as vital gateways for the flow of people and goods, injecting fresh momentum into the economic and cultural ties between China and Australia. Its launch will also attract more international travelers to transit through Hong Kong or Sydney, further strengthening both cities’ positions as global aviation hubs and creating new opportunities for trade and investment.

Looking ahead, the Consulate-General of China in Sydney will continue to encourage and support airlines from both China and Australia in restoring or launching new routes based on the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. We believe that Hong Kong Airlines will continuously enhance its service quality and showcase a good corporate image.”

Also in attendance at the Sydney welcome ceremony were representatives from the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney, Destination NSW and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Sydney).

Exclusive Lounge Access for Connecting Passengers

To celebrate the launch of the new service, passengers travelling on this route and transit at Hong Kong for selected Hong Kong Airlines flights* to Vancouver, Bali, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Shanghai (Pudong), Haikou, or Sanya, between 20 June and 31 October 2025, will receive complimentary access to the airline’s flagship lounge “Club Autus” at Hong Kong International Airport.

*Please click here for the relevant terms and conditions.

Expanding Route Network

The launch of the Sydney service indicates Hong Kong Airlines’ overarching strategy for its network expansion. Coupled with the various significant destinations that have been inaugurated or reinstated since the start of the year, including Gold Coast in Australia, Vancouver in Canada, and Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia of mainland China, the airline has cultivated a more extensive and diversified route map. This further underscores Hong Kong Airlines’ commitment and contribution to the aviation industry’s recovery and long-term development. 

In addition to the new routes, the Company also increased the frequency of services on multiple routes to cater to the summer travel demand. This includes the resumption of seasonal flights to the Maldives and an increase in flights to Da Nang to two per day. Additionally, flights to Shanghai Pudong will be increased to four per day, while services to Hangzhou and Nanjing will become twice day. The variety of flight times available throughout the day provides business, leisure, and transit passengers with the flexibility to plan their itineraries.

The Company will launch another new service in July, providing passengers with more travel options. 

Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* between Hong Kong and Sydney is as follows (All times local): 

RouteFlight NumberDepartureArrivalFrequency
HKG โ€“ SYDHX01722:2509:50+1Daily
SYD โ€“ HKGHX01811:3019:10

* Flight number and schedule may change without prior notice

Air Canada announces preliminary results of $500 million substantial issuer bid

Air Canada Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-GELJ (msn 61234) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963600.
Air Canada Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 C-GELJ (msn 61234) YYZ (TMK Photography). Image: 963600.

MONTRร‰AL, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada (TSX: AC) today announced the preliminary results of the now expired substantial issuer bid (the “Offer“) to purchase for cancellation up to $500 million of its Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares (collectively, the “Shares“) at a purchase price of not less than $18.50 and not more than $21.00 per Share.

Air Canada (TSX: AC) today announced the preliminary results of the now expired substantial issuer bid (the โ€œOfferโ€) to purchase for cancellation up to $500 million of its Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares (collectively, the โ€œSharesโ€) at a purchase price of not less than $18.50 and not more than $21.00 per Share. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Air Canada (TSX: AC) today announced the preliminary results of the now expired substantial issuer bid (the โ€œOfferโ€) to purchase for cancellation up to $500 million of its Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares (collectively, the โ€œSharesโ€) at a purchase price of not less than $18.50 and not more than $21.00 per Share. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

Air Canada expects to take up and pay for 26,595,744 Shares at a price of $18.80 per Share under the Offer, representing an aggregate purchase price of about $500,000,000 and about 8.24% of the total number of Air Canada’s issued and outstanding Shares as of June 20, 2025 and before giving effect to the Offer.

In response to the Offer, 26,823,988 Shares were validly deposited and not withdrawn pursuant to auction tenders at or below the purchase price and purchase price tenders. Since the Offer was oversubscribed, shareholders who made auction tenders at or below the purchase price and purchase price tenders will have the number of Shares purchased prorated following the determination of the final results of the Offer (other than “odd lot” tenders, which are not subject to proration). Air Canada currently expects that shareholders who made auction tenders at or below the purchase price and purchase price tenders will have about 99.14% of their validly deposited Shares purchased by Air Canada.

After giving effect to the Offer and based on the number of issued and outstanding Shares on June 20, 2025, Air Canada expects to have 296,131,236 Shares issued and outstanding.

Further information

The number of Shares validly deposited and not withdrawn, the number of Shares to be purchased, the proration factor and the purchase price referred to above are preliminary and remain subject to verification by TSX Trust Company (the “Depositary“), as depositary for the Offer. Upon take up and payment of the Shares purchased, Air Canada will release the final results, including the estimated paid-up capital per Share and “specified amount” (each for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) and the final proration factor.

The full details of the Offer are described in the offer to purchase and issuer bid circular dated May 16, 2025, as well as the related letter of transmittal and notice of guaranteed delivery, copies of which were filed and are available under Air Canada’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Air Canada’s Shares. All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars.

“Footnotes of Airline Histories” Gallery and Slide Show

NEW – Interesting facts, historical dates and significant events in airline histories.

Click on the image for this interesting gallery:

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Click on the arrow for the slide show (constantly updated):

New book on the Boeing 727 now available on AMazon:

Airline News Daily on AirlinersGallery.com

Click on the photo for the latest airline news from AirlinersGallery.com:

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Click on the arrow for the slide show of the latest airline news from AirlinersGallery.com:

New airline history book available on Amazon: