Paradise Found: oneworld welcomes Fiji Airways to global alliance

"Island of Viti Levu", delivered November 15, 2019
Fiji Airways (2nd) Airbus A350-941 DQ-FAI (msn 299) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 948712.

FORT WORTH, Texas,ย March 31, 2025ย  —ย oneworldยฎย alliance today welcomes Fiji Airways, the flag carrier ofย Fijiย and the South Pacific, as its newest member airline, with a full suite ofย oneworld benefits available to customers around the world beginningย 01 April 2025.

Fiji Airways will provide top tier customers with a full suite of oneworld benefits as a full member airline:

  • Access to a network of nearly 700 airport lounges globally, including recently openedย oneworld branded lounges inย Amsterdam’sย Schiphol andย Seoul’sย Incheon airports
  • Priority check-in and boarding
  • Earning and redeeming miles
  • Earning Tier Points

“The introduction of Fiji Airways marks an important strategic step for our alliance as we connect even more people, places and experiences than ever before,” said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. “Fiji Airways customers will benefit from oneworld’s global reach of more than 900 destinations, priority services and premium lounge access, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the oneworld family.”

Fiji Airways, with its hub at Nadi International Airport, serves 25 destinations in 14 countries and territories globally, including oneworld hubs in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney and its newest global destination, Dallas-Fort Worth, further connecting the airline into the oneworld network.

“Becoming a full member of the oneworld alliance is a proud and momentous milestone for Fiji Airways. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing world-class service and expanding our global reach, while showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Fiji to the world, said Andre Viljoen, Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways. “As a full member, we are excited to offer our customers even greater benefits and seamless connectivity across the extensive oneworld network. We look forward to welcoming more oneworld customers onboard to experience the beauty of Fiji and the exceptional service of Fiji Airways.”

Fiji Airways has also adopted the American Airlines award-winning AAdvantageยฎ travel rewards programme as their frequent flyer programme, ensuring its most frequent travellers can now enjoy all the benefits of oneworld alliance as AAdvantageยฎ members.

Taking to the skies on 1st September 1951, Fiji Airways now boasts a fleet of 23 state-of-the art aircraft, including its flagship A350-900s, offering customers warm and welcoming Fijian hospitality on all flights.

Fiji Airways continues to be recognised for its excellence, earning a Five Star Major Airline rating from APEX for the third consecutive year and multiple Skytrax 2024 awards, including Best Airline, Best Business Class Onboard Catering, and Best Cabin Crew in Australia/Pacific. As part of its oneworld integration, Fiji Link joins as an affiliate airline, further expanding the alliance’s reach with domestic services across Fiji and regional connections to Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Celebrating Aviation Professionals Retiring Today for Their Lasting Impact on the Industry

Northwest Airlines Airbus A319-114 N345NB (msn 1774) (Fred Freketic). Image: 949980.
Northwest Airlines Airbus A319-114 N345NB (msn 1774) (Fred Freketic). Image: 949980.
Northwest Airlines-NWA Boeing 747-451 N671US (msn 26477) MSP (Jan Petzold). Image: 900867.
Northwest Airlines-NWA Boeing 747-451 N671US (msn 26477) MSP (Jan Petzold). Image: 900867.
United Airlines Boeing 767-322 ER N652UA (msn  25390) LHR (SPA). Image: 941839.
United Airlines Boeing 767-322 ER N652UA (msn 25390) LHR (SPA). Image: 941839.
N833SY
Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737-8KN WL N833SY (msn 40244) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 946670.
Alaska's 2018 "Sub Pop Records" special livery
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-890 SSWL N587AS (msn 35684) (Sub Pop) DCA (Brian McDonough). Image: 943306.

Historical Delivery – Delivered on March 28, 1991 – Tower Air Boeing 747-136 N606FF

Delivered on March 28, 1991
Tower Air Boeing 747-136 N606FF (msn 20273) MIA (Bruce Drum). Image: 102757.

GOL announces 4Q24 Earnings Result

Gol Transportes Aereos Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 PR-XMH (msn 43993) GRU (Rodrigo Cozzato). Image: 958202.
Gol Transportes Aereos Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 PR-XMH (msn 43993) GRU (Rodrigo Cozzato). Image: 958202.

SรƒO PAULO,ย March 28, 2025 —ย GOL Linhas Aรฉreas Inteligentes S.A. (B3: GOLL4), one of the leading airlines inย Brazilย and part of the ABRA Group, announced today its consolidated results for the fourth quarter of 2024 (4Q24). All information herein is presented in Brazilian Reais (R$), unless otherwise noted, in accordance with international accounting standards (IFRS), with adjusted metrics made available to enable comparison of this quarter (4Q24) with the fourth quarter of 2023 (4Q23) and the full year of 2024 (FY24) to the same period of the previous year (FY23).

Highlights

GOL โ€“ Passenger Business

  • GOL ended 2024 as the second-most punctual low-cost airline in the world, with an on-time performance rate of 85.1%, an increase of 5.4 percentage points compared to 2023. Inย January 2025, the Company achieved the title of the world’s most punctual low-cost airline and the most punctual inย Latin America. These results reinforce our commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
  • GOL celebrated the milestone of 50thย MAX-8 aircraft in the 4Q24 with the PS-GOL aircraft and ended the year with a fleet of 52 MAX-8.
  • GOL increased its capacity (ASK) by 6.8% (vs 4Q23), with a 2.5% rise in unit revenue (RASK) during the same period, balancing expansion and sustainable revenue quality.
  • GOL was the airline with the best position in the “ANAC Consumer Monitoring Bulletin,” with the lowest consumer complaint rate in 2024 inย Brazil.

Smiles โ€“ Loyalty Program

  • Clube Smilesย grew 7.2% in the number of customers in the 4Q24 (vs 4Q23), reaching 1.2 million customers.
  • Smiles revenue continued to grow in the 4Q24, with a 4.5% increase (vs 3Q24), and ended the year with a 6.5% increase vs FY23.
  • Miles redeemed grew 17.9% in the 4Q24 vs 4Q23, highlighting a 5.7ย p.p. increase in the share of miles redeemed with non-airline products and services, reflecting Smiles’ positioning as a complete loyalty platform.

GOLLOG โ€“ Cargo Business

  • For the first time in its history,ย GOLLOG surpassed theย R$ 1 billionย milestone in annual revenue, growing 32% compared to FY23 and reaching nearlyย R$ 1.3 billionย in FY24, achieving the ambitious targets set in its business plan defined in 2022.
  • In January 2025,ย GOLLOG celebrated 24 years of operation, transporting 2.9 million packages in 2024. GOLLOG currently has over 1,800 employees providing services to deliver shipments. Additionally, the unit operates 58 cargo terminals (TECAs) and 60 stores, covering more than 4,000 cities, which strengthen the infrastructure and enable the service of strategic points acrossย Brazil.

Aircraft Lighting Market worth $2.68 billion by 2029 – Report by MarketsandMarketsโ„ข

Stormy Night In San Francisco (Mark Durbin). Image: 913373.
Stormy Night In San Francisco (Mark Durbin). Image: 913373

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.,ย March 28, 2025 —ย Theย Aircraft Lighting marketย is estimated in terms of market size to beย USD 1.98 billionย in 2024 toย USD 2.68 billionย by 2029, at a CAGR of 6.2% according to a new report by MarketsandMarketsโ„ข.ย The aircraft lighting market is driven by factors such as the increasing demand for air travel, lighting technology advancements, and strict aviation safety standards. With growing air traffic worldwide, airlines are increasing their fleets, creating greater demand for aircraft equipped with advanced, energy-saving lighting solutions. The increasing emphasis on passenger experience has also resulted in developments such as mood lighting, intelligent cabin lighting, and UV-C disinfection lights, further fueling market growth. Additionally, the rising production of commercial, military, and business aircraft, coupled with advancements in IoT-enabled and infrared lighting systems, continues to fuel the growth of the aircraft lighting market.

Aircraft Lighting Market Report Scope:

Report CoverageDetails
Market Revenue in 2024$ 1.98 billion
Estimated Value by 2029$ 2.68 billion
Growth RatePoised to grow at a CAGR of 6.2%
Market Size Available for2020โ€“2029
Forecast Period2024โ€“2029
Forecast UnitsValue (USD Million/Billion)
Report CoverageRevenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Segments CoveredBy Light Type, Aircraft Type, Technology, End User and Region
Geographies CoveredNorth America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World
Key Market ChallengeWeight limitations in aircraft design
Key Market OpportunitiesDevelopment of next-generation lighting
Key Market DriversIncreasing demand for enhanced passenger comfort and cabin customization

Based on Light type, the Interior Lights segment is expected to account for the largest market share in the Aircraft Lighting market during the forecast period.

Based on light type, the interior lights segment is expected to account for the largest market share in the aircraft lighting market due to the increasing focus on passenger comfort, in-flight experience, and energy efficiency. The key driver for interior lighting segment growth is it’s integration with smart and IoT-based lighting systems. This provides real-time control, automated brightness adjustment during flight phases, and synchronized lighting with onboard entertainment systems. Requirements driven by regulation for emergency lighting, photoluminescent floor path signs, and exit signs also create a consistent demand for quality interior lighting solutions. Business jets and private jets growth is also responsible for segment leadership since many of these aircraft often incorporate sophisticated lighting systems at the highest levels to enhance a superior flight experience to the passengers. With aircraft  manufacturer’s efforts to improve cabin aesthetic appeal, security, and efficiency, the interior lights segment will remain the highest contributor to the aircraft lighting industry.

Based on technology, the LED segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on type, the LED segment is anticipated to have highest CAGR within the aircraft lighting market in the forecasted period. LED technology has immense energy efficiency with lower power consumption and superior brightness. They have longer lifespan compared to conventional lights, which ultimately reduces fuel expenses and overall cost of operation for airlines. LEDs are increasingly being used in external lighting applications such as landing, taxi, and navigation, thus expanding their market range. With continued technology advancements, increasing fleet modernization programs, and the need for green aviation, the LED market will witness the highest growth in the aircraft lighting market during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The Asia-Pacific is expected to achieve the highest CAGR within the aircraft lighting industry during the forecast period. The growth in the region is attributed to the increasing air passenger traffic, and heavy airline investments in new aircraft purchases. Countries in the Asia Pacific include China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific, who contribute to the market due to the increasing domestic and international travel demand thereby encouraging airlines in the region to increase their fleets and upgrade their aircraft with innovative lighting technologies. The low-cost carriers (LCCs) in the region are also developing very fast, increasing demand for new aircraft with energy-efficient LED lighting and intelligent cabin lighting systems. In addition, regional airlines are emphasizing passenger experience upgrades, implementing mood lighting, smart cabin lighting, and UV-C disinfection lights to enhance comfort and hygiene. Due to robust economic growth, urbanization, and the increasing middle-class population fueling the demand for air travel, Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the aircraft lighting market with the highest growth rate in the forecast period.

RTX (US), Astronics Corporation (US), Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG (Germany), Honeywell International Inc.(US), Heads Up Technologies (US), Bruce Aerospace (US), Whelen Aerospace Technologies (US) and Thales (France) are the major key players in the Aircraft Lighting companies. These companies have strong distribution networks across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.

Brussels Airlines unveils “Atomium”: the newest Belgian Icon

… and brings yet another little piece of Belgium in the air.

Photos courtesy of Brussels Airlines

Brussels, March 26, 2025 – Brussels Airlines, in proud collaboration with the Atomium, is thrilled to introduce its newest Belgian Icon dedicated to the renowned landmark. After a contest launched in August last year, the winning design of architect Thomas Faes (Faes Architecture) was brought to life. The โ€œAtomiumโ€ celebrates the nation’s spirit of creativity, innovation, and pride. The OO-SNM (Airbus 320), arrived in Brussels early this morning from the painting facility and is set to embark on its first flight to Prague tomorrow.

At a special event held in Brussels Airlinesโ€™ Maintenance & Engineering hangar, media, guests, and employees gathered to witness the grand reveal. “Atomium” pays tribute to one of Belgiumโ€™s most recognized symbols.

The “Atomium” proudly joins the prestigious lineup of Belgian Icons, reinforcing the airlineโ€™s commitment to showcasing local heritage worldwide and bringing little pieces of Belgium in the air.

From contest to soaring reality
โ€‹
Last August, Brussels Airlines launched a contest, inviting Belgians and residents to submit designs capturing the essence of the country. The response was impressive with over 900 creative entries highlighting Belgiumโ€™s diverse heritage: from cycling and Art Nouveau to comic book characters and, of course, the Atomium. After a rigorous selection process, 15 finalists were chosen, and a public vote of over 50,000 participants narrowed them down to the top five.

A distinguished jury – including singer Sandra Kim, musician Alex Callier, artist Philippe Geluck, and designer Gabrielle Szwarcenberg – ultimately selected the Atomium design by Belgian architect Thomas Faes (Faes Architecture). His vision encapsulated the iconic buildingโ€™s historical significance and timeless appeal. Even as a child, Thomas was fascinated by the structure, an admiration that inspired his technical design approach.

โ€œThere are many parallels between an architectural project and the design of an aircraft livery. Both involve a series of stages to complete and constraints to consider. What stands out most to me of these last months, is the human journey behind it all. However, I will also always remember the first 3D simulation – that moment when you can truly say that it has the desired impact. Equally unforgettable is seeing the aircraft in real life, experiencing that magical transition from concept to reality. I am incredibly proud of the result, which blends elegance with modernity.โ€ โ€‹
โ€‹
 Thomas Faes, designer of the Belgian Icon โ€œAtomiumโ€

Thomas Faes

โ€œThough the final decision wasnโ€™t easy, looking back, choosing Thomas Faesโ€™ design is the perfect fit. The Atomium has long been woven into our identity, from the nine red dots in our logo or on our aircraftโ€™s tails to the lining of the blazers or the scarves in our uniforms. I am very happy to see our newest member of the Belgian Iconโ€™s family joining our fleet for the coming five years.โ€
โ€‹- Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, Brussels Airlines

Bringing the Atomium to the skies
โ€‹To transform Thomas Faesโ€™ (Faes Architecture) concept into reality, Brussels Airlinesโ€™ marketing team refined his design to meet all technical specifications. The painting process required over 400 liters of paint and took about 2,400 hours from start to finish. Renowned XXL airbrush artist Andrรฉ Eisele, who has worked on all eight previous Belgian Icons, once again created a stunning masterpiece.

OO-SNMโ€™s interior is also remarkable, guiding passengers through the structureโ€™s history. From original sketches and historical photos of its 1958 construction to present-day imagery, the design tells the story of Belgiumโ€™s iconic monument.

“This collaboration between the Atomium and Brussels Airlines represents a perfect union of two Belgian icons that have long served as ambassadors for our country’s innovation and creativity. Just as the Atomium has welcomed visitors from around the world since 1958, Brussels Airlines connects Belgium to global destinations daily. Seeing our beloved monument soaring through the skies is not only a stunning visual tribute but also a powerful symbol of our shared mission to showcase the best of Belgium internationally. We are incredibly proud to see the Atomium take flight and bring a piece of Belgium to every corner of the world Brussels Airlines reaches.”
โ€‹
 Julie Almau Gonzalez, General Director, the Atomium

First maiden flight
โ€‹The aircraft’s first commercial flight is scheduled for March 27, 2025, departing for Prague (SN2809) at 9.25am.

Discover the ‘making of’ Atomium:

Some facts about “Atomium”
โ€‹- 
Around 400 liters of paint were used for the design.
โ€‹- The painting process took an estimated 2,400 hours from start to finish.About Brussels Airlinesโ€™ Belgian Icons
โ€‹The idea behind the Belgian Icons is to introduce the best of Belgium to the world. The Belgian Icons are known all over the world and make flying even more fun.Brussels Airlinesโ€™ very first Belgian Icon, Rackham, was introduced in 2015 and pays tribute to Tintin, the world-famous Belgian comic. In November 2022, the new version of Trident – the aircraft dedicated to the Belgian Red Devils and Red Flames, the Belgian male and female national football teams – was presented. In April 2024, the second edition of Amare was revealed, which is a collaboration with the world-famous music festival Tomorrowland. Atomium is the fourth Belgian Icon in the airlineโ€™s fleet.These are the previous Belgian Icons:
โ€‹- Magritte was part of the fleet between 2016 and 2021. The aircraft was a homage to Renรฉ Magritte, the Belgian surrealistic painter.
โ€‹- Aerosmurf smurfed the fleet between 2018 and 2023. This plane took shape during a design contest organized by Brussels Airlines.
โ€‹- Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder, a Belgian Icon from the 16th century, traveled the world between 2019 and 2023.

Historical Delivery – “Pacemaster William B. Travis”, delivered March 27, 1952

"Pacemaster William B. Travis", delivered March 27, 1952
Pioneer Air Lines (1st) Martin 202 N93053 (msn 9143) (Jacques Guillem Collection). Image: 950450.

Korean Air Selects GE Aerospace Engines to Power New 787-10s and 777-9s

Delivered on July 19, 2024
Korean Air Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner HL8515 (msn 66878) SEA (Joe G. Walker). Image: 965420

CINCINNATI, March 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) announced today that following Korean Air’s agreement to purchase 20 Boeing 777-9s and up to 30 787-10s, the airline has placed an order for GEnx and GE9X engines to power its new aircraft. 

“We’re grateful for the Korean Air team putting its trust in us again,” said Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, GE Aerospace. “Today’s order represents the next chapter in our long-standing partnership with Korean Air and reaffirms our commitment to support their successful fleet upgrade and expansion.”

The order also includes a service agreement to cover the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GE9X engines. With this order, Korean Air becomes the first GE9X customer in South Korea.

“GE Aerospace provides the advanced technology that powers our commitment to excellence,” said Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group. “Our partnership is essential to Korean Air’s vision of becoming the world’s most loved airline.”

Since its introduction in 2011, the GEnx engine family has accumulated over 62 million flight hours. It stands as GE Aerospace’s fastest-selling, high-thrust engine to date, with more than 3,600 engines currently in service and backlog, including spare units.  Today, the GEnx engine powers two-thirds of all 787 aircraft currently in operation.

The GE9X engine is the world’s most powerful commercial aircraft engine and the most fuel-efficient engine in its class. Available only on the Boeing 777X family of 777-9 and 777-8 aircraft, the GE9X offers 10% better specific fuel consumption than its predecessor, the GE90-115B, with emissions that are a generation ahead of any competing engine.

Like all GE Aerospace commercial engines, both GEnx and GE9X engines are certified to run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends today.

Today, Korean Air operates an extensive fleet of GE Aerospace and CFM powered aircraft that includes GE90-110B/115B, LEAP-1B and CFM56-7B engines. In addition to the engine technology, Korean Air is using GE Aerospace’s industry-leading Flight Data Monitoring system, Safety Insight, to enhance its safety protocols and operational effectiveness through advanced analytics, automation, and high-speed processing of big data. 

**CFM is a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines

A New Market Segment? A competitor to Bark Air is selling seats and dog beds

MINNEAPOLIS,ย March 26, 2025ย  — Just in time for summer vacation season, pet parents can now book flights on pet-centric air carrier RetrievAirย to nine U.S. cities, with flights beginningย May 21.ย Flight reservations are available now atย RetrievAir.com.

Flights for the new RetrievAir take off beginning May 21, serving these major markets:

New pet-centric air carrier RetrievAir announces flight reservations now available to nine U.S. citiesPost this

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea
  • Chicago
  • Dallas/Fort Worth
  • Denver
  • Los Angeles
  • New York City
  • Palm Beach
  • Salt Lake City
  • Tampa Bay

RetrievAir redefines the way pet parents travel with their pets, providing a peaceful side-by-side flight experience on a 30-seat regional jet, focusing on the calm environment of a private charter flight at a price that is thousands less.

More information about pricing and how to book a flight can be found at RetrievAir.com.

For many pet parents, traveling long distances with a pet is challenging. For the estimated 54 million dogs weighing more than 20 pounds, traditional air travel is limited, difficult, and sometimes impossible. Families who don’t want to leave their pets behind are often forced to drive long distances, limit travel plans, or avoid traveling entirely.

RetrievAir provides a pet-first experience with everything designed for your pet’s comfort and well-being:

  • Side-by-side seating for pets and parents on a 30-seat private charter jet: Aircraft areย owned and operated by RVR Aviation, a U.S.-certified direct air carrier with nearly 20 years of experience.
  • Private, peaceful terminals: Flights depart from exclusive, private-style terminals in major metropolitan areas, offering easier access, reduced crowds, and a peaceful door-to-door travel experience.
  • Simplified security screening: Passengers and their luggage go through TSA-approved security screenings at the private terminal.
  • First-class style legroom: RetrievAir’s regional jets provide all the comforts of a private charter, including up to 41 inches of first-class style legroom.
  • Pet-first experience: Flights board from the back of the aircraft forward, and pets sit next to the window to minimize pet interaction. Each flight has a specially trained attendant to ensure pets and their parents enjoy a stress-free flight.

Visit RetrievAir.com for pricing and booking information and to learn more about this unique new way to enjoy safe and memorable air travel and adventures together with your furry best friend.

Founder & CEO

Benton Miller

Type Retired on this Day – March 26, 2020 (flight TG476 SYD-BKK with HS-TGA)

Type Retired: March 26, 2020 (flight TG476 SYD-BKK with HS-TGA)
Thai Airways International Boeing 747-4D7 HS-TGG (msn 33771) HKT (Wim Callaert). Image: 905886.