Norse Atlantic Airways has completed a wet lease agreement with Indian carrier IndiGo, adding two more Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to the contract initially outlined in a letter of intent published on November 29, 2024. This brings the total number of aircraft under the agreement to six.According to Norse Atlantic, the agreement secures additional long-term fixed revenues and aims to mitigate market risk. The arrangement aligns with the company’s strategy to maximize fleet utilization by balancing demand from both its scheduled network and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) operations."This agreement represents an important milestone in our collaboration with IndiGo and reinforces our partnership with one of the world's leading airlines" said Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO and founder of Norse Atlantic Airways. "The wet lease agreement for a total of six aircraft further strengthens our strategic and financial position in a volatile market".The two additional aircraft are expected to enter into service by early 2026, operating long-haul routes from India. The initial lease term is six months, with the possibility of extension up to 18 months, pending regulatory approvals. Both airlines have expressed interest in exploring further extensions, subject to clearance by authorities.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36650" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>One of the Dreamliners has already been delivered and is flying IndiGo’s Delhi–Bangkok route.Norse Atlantic stated that the commercial terms for the additional two aircraft remain consistent with those previously disclosed.IndiGo, India’s largest airline by passenger volume and fleet size, continues to push into the long-haul segment. In fiscal year 2025, the carrier transported over 118 million passengers. While its core operations are focused on domestic and short to medium-haul regional routes, IndiGo has firmed an order for 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with options for an additional 70, slated for delivery starting in 2027.The company had announced in March its intention to reach Western Europe by flying to Manchester and Amsterdam starting in July, but so far, ticket sales for these flights have not been launched.

Norse Atlantic cashes in on IndiGo’s long-haul push with two more 787-9 Dreamliners on wet lease

Gol Linhas Aéreas continues to move forward with its Chapter 11 restructuring process in the United States, aiming to conclude proceedings by the end of June. In its latest development, the airline reached an agreement with a group of senior secured bondholders maturing in 2026, unlocking an additional US$ 125 million in new funding, which complements the US$ 1.25 billion previously committed by Castlelake and Elliott Management.The agreement marks a significant milestone in the company’s financial restructuring, which began in early 2024, providing the liquidity needed to sustain operations and reshape its capital structure.Gol will now update its reorganization plan to incorporate the new terms, including a provision to offer up to US$ 100 million in new non-convertible debt to creditors outside the main investor group. In addition, remaining bondholders will have the opportunity to subscribe to an additional US$ 50 million of financing under the same conditions.As part of its broader recovery strategy, Gol intends to convert up to US$ 1.7 billion of debt into equity and settle approximately US$ 850 million in liabilities, a move that will result in significant dilution of its current shareholder base, though existing investors will retain their preemptive rights.This development takes place alongside the consolidation of Abra Group Limited, a UK-based private holding company that controls both Gol and Colombia’s Avianca. While both airlines will continue to operate independently, the shared corporate structure allows for strategic coordination and restructuring efficiencies, without altering their respective brand identities.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37858" data-title="You might be interested"></section>Gol filed for Chapter 11 protection in early 2024 to reorganize its debt with international creditors, maintain operational continuity, and execute its transformation plan amid ongoing challenges in the Latin American airline sector.With this additional funding secured, the airline expects to emerge from Chapter 11 by the end of the second quarter of the year, laying the groundwork for a new phase in its business strategy.

Gol secures new financing and updates restructuring plan ahead of Chapter 11 exit in June

Qatar Airways is reportedly close to placing a mega order for wide-body aircraft with Boeing. According to a Bloomberg report, which cites sources familiar with the matter, the purchase would include 100 aircraft, plus options for 100 more.Confirmation of the deal is expected next week, coinciding with the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to the Middle East. This has prompted regional airlines to expedite negotiations to secure agreements ahead of his arrival.If both the order and quantities are confirmed, Boeing’s backlog with Qatar Airways would double, exceeding 200 aircraft.Currently, based on data compiled by Aviacionline via Cirium Fleets Analyzer, Qatar Airways has on order 60 Boeing 777-9, 34 777-8F, and 10 787-9, offering a potential preview of how the new order of 100 aircraft (plus options for 100 more) might be split. In addition, the airline holds 50 options for the 777-9 and 16 for the 777-8.The Qatari carrier also has 50 Airbus A321neo and 18 A350-1000 still pending delivery from Airbus.<h3>Breakdown of Qatar Airways' fleet</h3>As of this publication, Qatar Airways’ active fleet comprises 248 aircraft, with an average age of 9.6 years:<ul><li>57 Boeing 777-300ER</li><li>34 Airbus A350-900</li><li>31 Boeing 787-8</li><li>28 Boeing 777-200LRF</li><li>27 Airbus A320</li><li>24 Airbus A350-1000</li><li>20 Boeing 787-9</li><li>8 Airbus A330-300E</li><li>8 Airbus A80</li><li>7 Boeing 777-200LR</li><li>3 Airbus A330-200E</li><li>1 Boeing 737 MAX 8</li></ul>

Qatar Airways close to placing massive wide-body aircraft order with Boeing

Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG), a global aircraft asset management company, has signed a definitive agreement with Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited to acquire a portfolio of 20 aircraft.The deal includes 16 narrow-body and 4 wide-body aircraft. Among the narrow-body jets, 12 are next-generation models, and all four wide-body aircraft also belong to the newer, more fuel-efficient category.The fleet has an average age of approximately 4.1 years and an average remaining lease term of about 8.4 years. These aircraft are currently operated by 17 airlines across 16 different countries. As part of this transaction, ACG will add six new airline customers to its client base.Thomas Baker, CEO and President of ACG, stated: “These aircraft are a strong complement to our existing portfolio.” He added: “This acquisition—executed with a trusted partner like Avolon—reflects ACG’s strategic focus on growth, our commitment to investing in fuel-efficient next-generation aircraft, and our ability to transact at scale.” Baker also noted that “ACG will continue to seek scalable investment opportunities as we accelerate our growth momentum.”From Avolon’s side, Ross O’Connor, CFO, expressed satisfaction with strengthening ties with ACG through this 20-aircraft portfolio transaction. “ACG has demonstrated its proven capability to transact at scale, and we look forward to working closely together to complete the aircraft transfers in the coming months,” said O’Connor.This transaction allows ACG to expand its portfolio with relatively young assets tied to long-term lease agreements, while also diversifying its geographic and customer exposure.

ACG Acquires 20-Aircraft Portfolio from Avolon, Expanding Global Leasing Reach

Mexican carrier Volaris has confirmed it is just days away from finalizing a codeshare agreement with Copa Airlines, a move aimed at strengthening its regional presence and expanding its destination portfolio beyond the domestic market.According to Holger Blankenstein, Volaris’ Executive Vice President, as quoted by <a href="https://www.flightglobal.com/strategy/volaris-and-copa-close-to-completing-codeshare/162777.article">FlightGlobal</a>, the agreement is expected to be signed by the end of April. This strategic partnership will connect Copa Airlines’ extensive route network, centered around its hub in Panama City, with Volaris’ broad domestic footprint, which includes more than 40 destinations across Mexico.The joint operation would allow Copa passengers easier access to secondary Mexican cities, beyond the country’s main urban centers. At the same time, Volaris customers would gain seamless connections to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean through Copa’s well-established trunk routes—among the most comprehensive in the region.Currently, Copa Airlines serves Mexico with 37 weekly flights to Cancún, 42 to Mexico City, 5 to Guadalajara, and 4 to Monterrey. Volaris, including its subsidiaries in Costa Rica and El Salvador, operates regional services to Bogotá, Guatemala City, Lima, San Salvador, San Pedro Sula, and San José, Costa Rica, with around 140 weekly flights.This agreement marks another step in Volaris’ strategy to grow international alliances. The airline already maintains similar partnerships with Frontier Airlines in the U.S. and Iberia in Europe, providing connectivity and shared operations in key markets. The Iberia agreement, in place since 2024, allows travelers to reach 25 Mexican cities via connections through Mexico City.The timing of the alliance also comes as Volaris faces a challenging financial environment. The airline posted a net loss of $51 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to a $33 million profit in the same period last year. Quarterly revenue fell by 12% to $645 million, reflecting a dip in demand in the VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travel segment between the U.S. and Central America—one of its key markets.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="28194" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Nevertheless, the airline has assured that its current operations in Central America will remain unaffected, and that flights in the region will continue as normal. From a commercial standpoint, the partnership with Copa offers access to new markets without the need to significantly expand its fleet or launch new routes independently.The codeshare agreement is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to take effect in the coming weeks, once the necessary administrative and technical procedures are completed.

Volaris Nears Codeshare Agreement with Copa Airlines to Expand Regional Reach

Voepass Linhas Aéreas announced on Wednesday that it has filed a bankruptcy protection request in a bid to reorganize its financial obligations and reinforce its capital structure. The filing was submitted Tuesday to the São Paulo State Court, which confirmed receipt of the request.“In light of the challenges the company has faced in recent months, this was the only way to execute a comprehensive restructuring and ensure that Voepass can once again provide essential air service for Brazil’s development,” said José Luiz Felício Filho, CEO of Voepass Linhas Aéreas, in a statement.This marks the airline’s second bankruptcy filing, following a previous request between 2012 and 2017. During that period, Voepass claims to have stabilized its operations and finances, transporting over 2.7 million passengers in the last three years, according to affiliate outlet <a href="https://aeroin.net/voepass-entra-com-pedido-de-recuperacao-judicial-e-culpa-latam-e-suspensao-da-anac-por-crise/?amp">Aeroin</a>.“If the court grants the new bankruptcy protection request, all of Voepass's liabilities will be frozen and renegotiated based on a detailed plan to be developed to address creditor needs,” the company explained.In its statement, Voepass described the move as a “continuation of the financial restructuring process” that began in February this year, with the goal of ensuring financial sustainability and maintaining its mission of connecting Brazil’s interior regions with major aviation hubs.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38084,37359" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>The current filing does not cover compensation claims related to the August 2024 crash in Vinhedo, São Paulo state, which resulted in 62 fatalities. The airline emphasized that these claims are being handled directly by its insurance provider.Voepass also highlighted the challenging landscape facing regional aviation in Brazil, marked by shrinking access to air travel in the country’s interior.<h3>Operations Suspended</h3>Since early March, Voepass operations have been suspended by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) due to regulatory noncompliance. As a result, the airline is prohibited from operating any flights.“The suspension will remain in effect until the company corrects nonconformities in its management systems as outlined in the regulations,” ANAC stated.In response, Voepass said it is committed to resuming operations as soon as possible: “Since receiving ANAC’s notification in March, Voepass has cooperated fully and transparently with the regulator, providing all required technical and operational documentation, with a focus on safety and resuming service promptly.”<h3>LATAM's Role in Voepass Crisis</h3>In its court filing, Voepass also named LATAM as one of the contributors to its financial difficulties. The two airlines had a codeshare agreement, allowing them to sell tickets for each other's flights.Despite some positive negotiations, Voepass claimed it was blindsided by ANAC’s indefinite flight suspension, which further exacerbated its already fragile financial situation. The company alleges that breaches of contract by LATAM and its interference in Voepass’s operations hindered cash flow and led to mounting liabilities.LATAM Brasil, for its part, stated that it ended the commercial partnership primarily due to the crash of Voepass Flight 2283 on August 9, 2024, and noted that Voepass no longer holds a valid Air Operator Certificate (COA) due to the ANAC suspension. LATAM said this restriction justifies the termination of the partnership, as it prevents Voepass from conducting passenger operations.

Voepass Files for Bankruptcy Protection Amid Operational Suspension and Financial Strain

Lufthansa is considering registering its highly anticipated Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in Switzerland as a way to circumvent the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.The move comes amid difficulties the German airline faces in importing aircraft directly to Germany due to retaliatory tariffs imposed during the trade conflict that began under former U.S. President Donald Trump.According to aeroTELEGRAPH, Lufthansa—awaiting the arrival of its new Dreamliners—should have already received some of the 15 Boeing 787-9s it has on order, as reported by our partner outlet, <a href="https://aeroin.net/para-driblar-tarifas-dos-eua-lufthansa-estuda-registrar-novos-boeing-787-na-suica/?amp">Aeroin</a>.These aircraft, currently stored in Charleston, South Carolina, have not yet been delivered due to delays in certifying the newly acquired seats Lufthansa plans to install. Despite this, the airline had initially intended to deploy the planes on medium-haul routes starting in the European summer.However, the potential imposition of tariffs of up to 200% on aircraft entering the European Union has forced the group to reconsider its logistical strategy. Switzerland, which is not an EU member and has not imposed retaliatory tariffs on the U.S., has emerged as a strategic alternative. By initially registering the aircraft in Switzerland, the group could significantly cut down on import costs.This strategy would leverage the multinational structure of the Lufthansa Group, which already operates in various countries and holds stakes in non-German airlines such as ITA Airways, and potentially Air Europa and TAP. The group's legal and geographical diversity may thus become an operational advantage in times of trade uncertainty.Lufthansa has not officially confirmed whether it will adopt the Swiss registration route, but German media reports that the option is under serious internal review. If viable, the Dreamliners could later be re-registered in Germany once integrated into the active fleet.This scenario highlights how the global nature of commercial aviation demands not only efficient logistics but also geopolitical and legal agility to maintain competitiveness.

Lufthansa would register new Boeing 787s in Switzerland to avoid Trump’s tariffs

During his visit to Chile in January 2018, Pope Francis left a mark not only on the spiritual and political landscape, but also on Chilean aviation, as he flew across the country on board a specially prepared LATAM Airlines Airbus A321 that hosted both official duties and a unique airborne ceremony.While his arrival in Chile was via an Alitalia-operated long-haul flight, the domestic segments of the tour were entrusted to LATAM’s A321, registered CC-BEK. The aircraft featured special decals, including the papal crest and the official visit hashtag #ElVueloDeFrancisco, marking it as the Pope’s temporary airborne base.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/ei_dbl_boeing_777_243er_alitalia.jpg" alt="EI-DBL - Boeing 777-243ER - Alitalia"><figcaption>EI-DBL - Boeing 777-243ER - Alitalia</figcaption></figure><section class="noteSuggested" data-id="38208" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>On January 17, Francis flew from Santiago to Temuco on flight LAN1247, departing at 08:04 and landing just over an hour later at La Araucanía Airport. In a move highlighting the security protocols for such a visit, the flight was escorted by the Chilean Air Force (FACh) with a Boeing 737 and a KC-135E.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/cc_bek_airbus_a321_211sl_latam_airlines_1.jpg" alt="CC-BEK - Airbus A321-211SL - LATAM Airlines"><figcaption>CC-BEK - Airbus A321-211SL - LATAM Airlines</figcaption></figure>That same afternoon, the Pope returned to Santiago on the same aircraft. On January 18, the tour continued to Iquique, again using the A321 CC-BEK. It was on this flight that a historic event took place: Pope Francis performed a mid-air wedding for two LATAM flight attendants, Paula Podest and Carlos Ciuffardi, who had previously held a civil ceremony but had postponed their religious marriage due to the 2010 earthquake. The wedding certificate was drafted and signed on board, with LATAM CEO Ignacio Cueto acting as witness.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/paula_podest_carlos_ciuffardi_ignacio_cueto_papa_francisco.webp" alt="Paula Podest - Carlos Ciuffardi - Ignacio Cueto - Papa Francisco"><figcaption>Paula Podest - Carlos Ciuffardi - Ignacio Cueto - Papa Francisco. &nbsp;Photo: Reuters</figcaption></figure>After the Iquique events, the Pope continued his trip to Lima, Peru, again aboard the same LATAM aircraft.Beyond the speeches and meetings, Francis’ visit left behind a rare aviation footprint, showcasing LATAM’s capacity to operate VIP and protocol-intensive flights, and the Chilean Air Force’s involvement in high-profile missions. The A321 remained in regular commercial service after the visit, but its role as the official aircraft of the first papal visit to Chile in over 30 years has given it a special place in the country's aviation history.And another noteworthy point. LATAM became the airline that has transported a Pope on more than two occasions outside of Alitalia or ITA operations. In 1987, the then Chilean National Airline (LAN Chile) carried Pope John Paul II throughout the country using a Boeing 737-200Adv., and for his departure from Antofagasta to Aeroparque Argentina aboard a Boeing 767-200ER.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/TEZGHb_Jkfk"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TEZGHb_Jkfk" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>&nbsp;

Francis’ flight: how the Pope’s 2018 visit to Chile also marked aviation history

The Pakistani government is preparing to launch a renewed effort to privatize its national airline, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), announcing that it will seek "expressions of interest" (EOIs) for the sale of a majority stake. The move follows a failed previous attempt and comes after a strategic decision to clean up the airline’s balance sheet by absorbing much of its substantial legacy debt.According to the Ministry of Privatization, the Privatization Commission has formally approved the prequalification criteria for potential bidders, aiming to sell between 51% and 100% of PIA's equity, including management control.The privatization of PIA is a key part of broader economic reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under a $7 billion assistance program. Pakistan is working to reform or offload state-owned enterprises that, like PIA for decades, have been persistent drains on public resources. The airline, described as “heavily indebted,” has required repeated government bailouts over the years.The announcement comes alongside recent reports (early April 2025) that PIA posted its first annual profit in more than two decades—a positive milestone, though one that must be viewed within the broader context of deep structural and financial changes underway.<h3>Learning from past failures</h3>A previous privatization attempt in October 2024 failed dramatically. Only one consortium, Blue World City (BWC), submitted a bid—offering just $36 million for a 60% stake, far below the government’s expected minimum valuation of around $306 million.One of the key obstacles cited by interested parties at the time was PIA’s overwhelming legacy debt, which exceeded $2.9 billion. To make the offer more appealing this time, the Pakistani government has transferred “nearly all” of this debt to the state’s accounts, effectively separating it from the operating entity being offered for sale.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="34413,32247" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Once a benchmark for Asian aviation, Pakistan International Airlines has endured decades of turmoil, including allegations of mismanagement, overstaffing, an aging fleet, and intense regional competition. Operational and safety issues even led to flight bans in key regions such as Europe and the U.S.—though the EU ban was lifted in late 2024, allowing PIA to resume some European routes in January 2025.Still, economic pressures and commitments to the IMF have created renewed urgency for the sale. With its debt burden now offloaded, this fresh bidding process marks a pivotal moment for the future of Pakistan International Airlines. Some reports suggest the full privatization timeline could extend through December 2025.

Here we go again: Pakistan absorbs PIA’s debt and seeks bids for privatization

On February 26, 2013, he left Buenos Aires on an Alitalia flight bound for Rome, unaware that he would never return to his homeland—destiny had reserved a place for him in world history.According to local media, a friend who delivered the newspaper to him every day asked if he should suspend the delivery. Bergoglio replied, “No, I’ll be back in a week.”It is also said that he could have traveled in First Class on the Alitalia Boeing 777-200 that took him to Rome, as an acquaintance had offered to pay for it, but he declined and flew in Economy.Since becoming Pope Francis on March 13, 2013, the closest he ever got to Argentina was 10,000 meters above it, and only twice: the first on July 10, 2015, when he flew over northern Argentina en route from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Asunción, Paraguay, aboard an Airbus A330-200, registration EI-EJL; the second on January 15, 2018, aboard an Alitalia Boeing 777-200, registration EI-DBL, en route from Rome to Santiago de Chile, as part of a tour that also included Peru.Although it is customary for the Pope to send telegrams to the countries he flies over as a gesture of diplomatic courtesy, in Francis' case—as the first non-European Pope in 12 centuries (and the first from the Americas)—these messages carried a deeper symbolic meaning for Argentinians, especially with expressions like “beloved Argentine homeland” or “the people of my homeland.”These were the two telegrams sent during those flyovers:To Cristina Fernández:As I fly over the beloved Argentine homeland to begin my pastoral visit to Paraguay, I am pleased to send cordial greetings to Your Excellency, expressing my closeness and affection to this dear nation. I pray to the Lord for abundant blessings to help it advance in human and spiritual values, and strengthen its commitment to justice and peace. —Francis<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/mensaje_del_papa_francisco_al_sobrevolar_argentina_el_10jul2015.jpg" alt="Mensaje del Papa Francisco al sobrevolar Argentina el 10JUL2015"><figcaption>Message from Pope Francis while flying over Argentina on July 10, 2015</figcaption></figure>To Mauricio Macri:“As I fly over Argentinian airspace, I extend to you my warm greetings and I send heartfelt best wishes to all the people of my homeland, assuring them of my closeness and blessing. I ask everyone, please, don’t forget to pray for me.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/mensaje_del_papa_francisco_al_sobrevolar_argentina_el_15ene2018.webp" alt="Mensaje del Papa Francisco al sobrevolar argentina el 15ENE2018"><figcaption>Message from Pope Francis while flying over Argentina on January 15, 2018</figcaption></figure>As for the aircraft involved, EI-EJL (serial number 1283) was delivered to Alitalia directly from the factory in January 2012. It later became part of the fleet transferred to ITA Airways in October 2021, where it operated until October 2024, before joining Hi Fly Malta in February 2025 (in recent months it had been flying under a wet lease arrangement for Air Austral).The Boeing 777-200 EI-DBL (serial number 32781) had been delivered to Alitalia in November 2002 and remained in its fleet until October 2021. It was subsequently stored by its owner (GECAS) and ultimately retired at the Roswell airport in the United States, where it has remained since December 2021.

Pope Francis Flew Over Argentina Twice—but Never Landed Again

ITA Airways has expressed its condolences following the death of Pope Francis, recalling the role the airline played in supporting the pontiff’s apostolic journeys since it began operations.According to the company, ITA Airways accompanied the Pope on 13 international trips, starting with the visit to Cyprus in December 2021, just two months after the airline commenced operations.The list of destinations includes Canada, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Mongolia and Indonesia, with the most recent journey taking place in Ajaccio, France, in December 2024.During a private audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, Pope Francis referred to the airline and its personnel as “the Pope’s wings that allow me to fly to the ends of the Earth carrying the Gospel of hope and peace”, a moment the company highlighted in its statement.The airline emphasized the legacy of Pope Francis, particularly his dedication to mercy, interreligious dialogue, peace, care for the environment, and his commitment to the most vulnerable in society. These values, the company noted, resonated with the spirit of the journeys it supported.“His death leaves an immense emptiness in our hearts and in our lives,” ITA Airways stated, adding that his “words of peace, gestures of mercy and constant call for brotherhood between peoples” will continue to inspire future generations.ITA Airways is the flag carrier of Italy, currently owned 59% by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and 41% by Deutsche Lufthansa AG.&nbsp;

ITA Airways, ‘the Pope’s wings,’ pays tribute to Francis after his passing

At 11:55 a.m. local time, Arajet flight DM 2100 landed at Miami International Airport (MIA), marking the Dominican low-cost carrier’s first operation in the United States.The flight lasted two hours and originated from Santo Domingo/Las Américas (SDQ). It was operated with a Boeing 737 MAX 8, registration HI1101. With this new route, Arajet strengthens its hub model in the Dominican Republic, enabling connections across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.The new route will initially operate four times per week, and from June 13, it will become a daily service. For now, the system displays connection options via Santo Domingo between Miami and Aruba, Bogotá, Cancún, Curaçao, Guatemala, Medellín, Mexico City, San José (Costa Rica), and San Salvador.From its hubs in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, the airline currently operates 28 routes to 21 international destinations, further consolidating its regional presence.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/04/arajet_certificado_del_vuelo_inaugural_a_miami.jpeg" alt="Arajet - Certificado del vuelo inaugural a Miami"><figcaption>Arajet - Certificado del vuelo inaugural a Miami</figcaption></figure>This new service will be complemented by the Punta Cana (PUJ)–Miami route, which will launch on June 13 with six weekly flights. Additionally, routes to San Juan (SJU) and Newark (EWR) will begin on June 6 and June 16, respectively.Newark will be served with four weekly flights, while San Juan will be operated from both Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, also with four weekly frequencies each.All three new destinations are aimed at serving the Dominican diaspora in the United States, particularly in Florida, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.This year, Arajet is set to receive three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which will support its planned U.S. expansion.Last month, Arajet filed a request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to amend its route application, stating its intent to add more U.S. destinations such as Boston (BOS), Chicago/O'Hare, Washington Dulles (IAD), Orlando (MCO), among others.

Arajet Made Its U.S. Debut Today, Creating a New Gateway to Latin America

Airbus has announced that Air Canada will be the launch customer for the new Airspace cabin on its A220 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2026.The updated cabin design introduces a range of new features, most notably the Airspace XL overhead bins, which offer a 20% increase in volume, are 10% lighter, and are intended to speed up turnaround times by simplifying the boarding and baggage process. The new bins will accommodate up to 15% more carry-on luggage, equivalent to 19 additional bags on the A220-300, according to Airbus.In addition to the expanded bins, the Airspace cabin includes enhanced LED lighting features, with an optional third light strip below the bins, as well as a redesigned Passenger Service Unit (PSU) developed in line with the Airspace design standards."The A220 has already become a favourite among our customers, and we’re thrilled to be the launch customer for the next cabin evolution of this Canadian-designed and assembled aircraft," said John Moody, Managing Director of Onboard Product at Air Canada. "The introduction of larger overhead bins on future A220s means more space for your belongings, quicker boarding, and an even better experience on board."Ingo Wuggetzer, Vice President of Cabin Marketing at Airbus, added: "We are extremely happy to launch the A220 Airspace cabin with Air Canada and very proud the Canadian flag carrier is introducing our latest innovation to support its fleet renewal programme."Airbus states that the Airspace cabin for the A220 aims to offer a more consistent experience across its fleet, bringing widebody-style comfort to single-aisle aircraft. According to the manufacturer, the new design will reduce structural cabin weight by approximately 300 pounds, improve operational efficiency, and minimize maintenance requirements due to simplified mechanisms.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37649" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Retrofit options will be available for current A220 operators in the coming years, while line-fit installations are scheduled to begin in late 2025.With the most recent order included, Air Canada now has 65 firm orders for the A220-300. The airline expects the first aircraft featuring the Airspace XL bins to enter service by early 2026, with the new cabin design becoming standard later that year.The Airspace cabin for the A220 has also been named a finalist for the 2025 Crystal Cabin Award in the Passenger Comfort category. Winners will be announced on April 8, 2025, during the Crystal Cabin Award Gala in Hamburg.

A220 Gets Airspace Cabin; Air Canada Named Launch Operator

Thales has introduced 360Stream, a new inflight entertainment (IFE) platform that enables live, event-based television programming and offers DVR-like functionality for airline passengers. According to the company, it is the first system of its kind in the commercial aviation sector.360Stream is designed to deliver live sports, news, and special events on board, working across mixed aircraft fleets and compatible with any IFE system or connectivity provider. The platform is currently live with the new Emirates A350, with content from providers including BBC News, CNN, and EuroNews, and more partners expected to be added soon.A key feature of the service is its Digital Video Recorder (DVR) capability, which allows passengers to pause, rewind, fast-forward, or jump to live content, mimicking the experience of home-based streaming platforms. Thales states that this represents an industry-first at 40,000 feet.The system also includes a Near-Live feature, which delivers condensed news and sports highlights to aircraft within an hour of broadcast. The company describes the process as a fully automated content workflow, linking ground and onboard systems to keep passengers up to date with major events in near real-time."Thales has delivered an industry first with 360Stream, to connect passengers with the world’s ‘happening now’ content," said Niels Steenstrup, CEO of Thales InFlyt Experience. "The innovative service benefits passengers with relevant and timely content so they won’t miss out on news and events. Working on any satellite network and with any inflight entertainment system provider, airlines are empowered to increase passenger engagement with flexibility for the future."<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="34954,35633" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Thales emphasizes that 360Stream is optimized for high streaming quality, with intelligent bandwidth management that can prioritize capacity for major live events. Passengers can access the content on their personal electronic devices without downloading an app, while airlines can integrate additional content partners within three days.The new technology also aims to improve airline operations by reducing the need for traditional equipment and allowing for faster content updates across fleets. The company says this model offers improved scalability and enhances the passenger experience without increasing infrastructure demands.Thales says 360Stream and the Near-Live service are already flying with select carriers, positioning the company to play a key role in shaping the future of inflight content delivery.

Thales Introduces First Inflight DVR and Near-Live Content Platform

The recent wave of U.S. tariff increases is just the beginning of what could be a global trade tsunami, hitting industries that have spent decades building around the idea of a barrier-free world.The commercial aviation industry, long caught in the debate between protectionism and liberalization, now finds itself especially vulnerable to this sudden shake-up.While the U.S. measure may appear to be an aggressive nudge to renegotiate global trade rules, the industry fears rising operating costs, a potential drop in passenger demand, and major disruptions in global supply chains—a triple threat that could stall a recovery that had only just begun following the pandemic.Latin America—and particularly Brazil—faces its own complex set of ripple effects.<h3>Costs, demand, and supply chains: Under Pressure</h3>Rising operating costs: Airlines are seeing a spike in the price of imported parts and components essential for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). Manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus are grappling with higher production costs due to tariffs on critical raw materials like steel and aluminum, as well as imported components.This cost burden could trickle down to the price of new aircraft, tightening the financial screws on carriers already grappling with fuel price volatility. Even ground support equipment and airport infrastructure projects could take a hit.Higher aircraft prices directly affect leasing contracts, which ripple across the industry—from brand-new deliveries to secondhand aircraft leased by smaller carriers.Demand downturn: The trade war's economic uncertainty could dampen global growth. Historically, recessions reduce discretionary spending, impacting both leisure and business travel.If airlines pass on rising costs to passengers, demand could drop further, hit by both reduced purchasing power and pricier international fares—especially on U.S.-linked routes.Fragmented supply chains: Aircraft production relies on a sprawling web of global suppliers. New tariffs on components—and the potential expiration of exemptions like those in USMCA for Mexico and Canada—could break this delicate balance, causing delays in aircraft production and delivery.Boeing, with its global supply base and export focus, is particularly exposed, while Airbus also risks delays due to its European-sourced parts used outside the EU.This disruption threatens to reverse decades of supply chain optimization in aerospace. It also marks the potential end of 45 years of tariff-free trade in civil aircraft under the WTO’s Aircraft Trade Agreement.<h3>Global response: retaliation or resignation?</h3>U.S. trade policy is prompting strong reactions. Key partners like China and the European Union have either announced or implemented retaliatory tariffs—some targeting aerospace products.This could damage the global competitiveness of firms like Boeing in crucial export markets and spark a broader trade war with unpredictable, but likely negative, consequences for global aviation. Changing travel patterns may also emerge, with passengers favoring less affected or more affordable destinations over the U.S.<h3>Latin America: sadness never ends, but calm sure does</h3>While most Latin American countries face a base tariff of 10% on exports to the U.S.—lower than the rates imposed on China or the EU—the impact will still be felt.Direct and indirect effects: The tariffs could reduce export revenues, limiting investment in sectors like aviation. A slower global economy would indirectly hurt Latin American economies and air travel demand. Tourism between the region and the U.S. may also decline.<h4>Brazil under the spotlight:</h4>Airlines: Face higher operating costs due to imported parts and maintenance. Brazilian retaliation could worsen the situation. A drop in global or U.S. demand could further squeeze revenues.Embraer: The Brazilian aerospace giant now faces a 10% tariff on aircraft and equipment exports to the U.S., reducing its competitiveness compared to rivals from exempt regions like Canada under USMCA. Production costs will also rise due to tariffs on imported components. Analysts like Wolfe Research have flagged the risk, downgrading Embraer from Outperform to Peer Perform.Tourism: Rising travel costs and economic uncertainty could reduce two-way tourism between Brazil and the U.S.Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. Some analysts suggest that Latin American products, including those from Brazil, may gain relative competitiveness in the U.S. market versus higher-tariff regions. It could also spur deeper trade ties with markets like China.<h3>Uncertainty and mitigation strategies</h3>Most experts agree on the generally negative outlook—rising costs, shrinking demand, and supply chain disruption—but also emphasize the high level of uncertainty. To mitigate the impact, the aviation industry will likely:<ul><li>Diversify suppliers</li><li>Lobby governments for exemptions</li><li>Optimize logistics and pricing strategies</li><li>Double down on operational efficiency and cost control</li></ul>The new U.S. tariffs present a major challenge for global commercial aviation. While Latin America and Brazil may not be hit as hard as other major economies, the fallout on costs, demand, Embraer’s competitiveness, and tourism is clear.The industry now enters a period of volatility and strategic recalibration. Navigating this increasingly turbulent global trade environment will require adaptability and foresight. Stakeholders across the aviation sector should prepare for fast-moving changes—and stay vigilant.Time will tell.&nbsp;

Tariff gambit: commercial aviation, a pawn in a game where everyone loses

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced its new Contactless Travel Directory, a digital tool designed to boost the adoption of contactless travel technologies across airports worldwide.According to IATA, the directory serves as a reference platform for airlines, helping them identify which airports and biometric touchpoints are available along their routes. This enables easier implementation of contactless solutions, even in collaboration with partner carriers.Contactless travel technology allows passengers to move through various stages of the airport journey—such as baggage drop, lounge access, security checks, and boarding—using biometric identification, eliminating the need for physical documents like passports or boarding passes.The directory provides key features, including passenger eligibility details based on nationality, passport type, and age, as well as the technical protocols needed for integration between airlines and airports. IATA says this tool will help expand biometric services more efficiently and in a standardized manner across the globe.Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security, stated, “The launch of the Contactless Travel Directory will make it easier for airlines to expand biometric services for their customers.” He added, “As travelers increasingly demand efficiency, biometric recognition technology is playing an expanding role in streamlining the journey.”<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="25571" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>IATA emphasized that the initiative aligns with its One ID program, which aims to establish a globally interoperable ecosystem based on international standards for digital passenger identification.At the Passenger Terminal Expo taking place this week in Madrid, companies Airware, IDEMIA, and iPassport will be the first to showcase the directory in action. Attendees can simulate registration and travel through mock flights between the UK and Spain, using the WorldJet Airline App and passing through biometric checkpoints installed at the Airware and IDEMIA booths.According to IATA, these demonstrations are intended to showcase the system's real-world functionality, offering insights into how it could enhance the passenger experience and streamline airport operations.

IATA launches Contactless Travel Directory to accelerate biometric adoption in airports

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 2.6% year-on-year increase in global passenger demand for February 2025, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK). Total system capacity, expressed in available seat kilometers (ASK), rose by 2.0%, while the load factor reached 81.1%—a 0.4 percentage point increase compared to February 2024.In Latin America and the Caribbean, demand grew by 4.6%—the second-highest rate after Africa (6.8%)—while capacity increased by 5.6%, the highest among all regions. This resulted in a 0.8% drop in load factor, which stood at 81.6%, the third highest behind Asia-Pacific (85.4%) and the Middle East (82%).The overall growth was driven by international traffic, which saw a 5.6% rise in demand compared to the same month last year. Capacity in this segment increased by 4.5%, and the international load factor reached 80.2%, up by 0.9 percentage points.In contrast, domestic markets saw a 1.9% decline in demand, alongside a 1.7% drop in capacity. The domestic load factor was 82.6%, slightly lower than in February 2024 (-0.2 points).IATA noted that part of the slowdown may be attributed to seasonal factors, such as 2024 being a leap year and the Chinese New Year falling in January this year, rather than February as in 2024. Nonetheless, the organization highlighted that traffic reached a record high for the month of February.However, IATA Director General Willie Walsh warned that “we must keep a close eye on developments in North America, which saw declines in both domestic and international traffic.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/iata_demanda_global_en_rpk_enero_2022_a_febrero_2025.jpg" alt="IATA - Demanda global en RPK - Enero 2022 a Febrero 2025"><figcaption>IATA - Global demand in RPK - January 2022 to February 2025</figcaption></figure><h3>International traffic performance by region</h3><ul><li>In Latin America, international demand rose by 6.7%, while capacity grew by 9.9%. This resulted in a 2.5 percentage point drop in load factor to 81.7%, reflecting a gap between supply and demand.</li><li>Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 9.5% increase in international demand, with capacity up 8.3%. The load factor reached 85.7%, among the highest across all regions, gaining 0.9 points.</li><li>European airlines saw demand grow by 5.7%, with capacity rising 4.9%. The region's load factor stood at 75.5%, up by 0.5 points from February 2024.</li><li>In the Middle East, demand expanded by 3.1%, while capacity rose just 1.3%. This pushed the load factor up by 1.4 points to 81.9%.</li><li>African carriers recorded a 6.7% increase in demand, with a 4.0% rise in capacity. The load factor climbed to 75.3%, a 2.0-point improvement.</li><li>North American airlines were the only group to post a drop in international demand, falling by 1.5%. Capacity declined by 3.2%, but the load factor improved by 1.3 points to 78.9% due to tighter capacity management.</li></ul><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/estadisticas_aerocomerciales_iata_febrero_2025.jpg" alt="Estadísticas aerocomerciales IATA - Febrero 2025"><figcaption>IATA Air Transport Statistics - February 2025</figcaption></figure><h3>Domestic markets: Declines in the U.S. and China, strong growth in India</h3>Domestic markets showed mixed performance among major economies. India led the growth, with demand up 13.2% and capacity rising 11.4%. The domestic load factor reached 90.3%, up 1.5 points.In the U.S., domestic demand fell 4.2%, while capacity decreased 1.2%. Load factor dropped to 78.7%, down by 2.5 points. IATA suggested this may be linked to a decline in consumer confidence.China's domestic market also contracted, with demand down 3.2% and capacity falling 4.5%. Still, the load factor rose 1.2 points to 86.2%.Other markets like Brazil and Japan showed solid performance. Brazil saw an 8.0% rise in domestic demand and a 4.1% increase in capacity, lifting the load factor to 80.3% (+2.9 points). In Japan, demand increased 5.8% despite a 1.2% drop in capacity, pushing load factor to 83.9%, 5.5 points higher year-on-year.In Australia, domestic traffic declined by 3.8%, and capacity fell by 5.5%. Still, the load factor improved to 74.3% (+1.3 points).<h3>Debate over European passenger rights regulation</h3>Willie Walsh also addressed the recent closure of Heathrow Airport, using the incident to criticize Europe’s and the UK’s current passenger rights framework, calling it “not fit for purpose.”“The current passenger rights regime in Europe and the UK is inadequate,” Walsh said. “Even with proposed reforms, EU Regulation 261 continues to penalize airlines for delays caused by infrastructure failures, while those responsible for such failures face no consequences,” he warned.IATA noted that compensation and assistance costs for passengers amount to billions of euros annually. While the organization welcomed efforts by Poland’s EU Council presidency to push for changes, it believes the current reform proposal “fails to offer a real solution.”<a href="https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/publications/economic-reports/air-passenger-market-analysis-february-2025/">Download document: IATA Air Passenger Market Analysis - February 2025</a>&nbsp;

Passenger traffic in Latin America grows 4.6% in February, above the global average

Iberia and Aerolíneas Argentinas have signed an interline agreement that will allow their passengers to connect transatlantic flights with multiple domestic destinations in Spain and Argentina, using a single ticket and streamlined travel procedures.According to the official announcement, the alliance — in effect as of March 27 — enables travelers from both airlines to access 37 destinations within Argentina and 29 across Spain, with connections facilitated via Ezeiza and Aeroparque airports in Buenos Aires, and Madrid-Barajas Terminal 4 in the Spanish capital.As outlined in the agreement, Iberia passengers will be able to extend their itineraries to Argentine cities such as Córdoba, Mendoza, Bariloche, Ushuaia, Iguazú, and El Calafate, among others, operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas. Conversely, Aerolíneas passengers will have access to Iberia-operated flights connecting to Spanish cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, and Tenerife, among others.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36801" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>“This alliance with Iberia is a natural response to our historic ties, both cultural and economic,” said Fabián Lombardo, President and CEO of Aerolíneas Argentinas. “It will bring Argentinians closer to their roots and help Iberia passengers reach Argentina’s wonderful destinations.”From Iberia’s side, Marco Sansavini, President and CEO, stated: “Thanks to this agreement, we will be able to offer our customers the best travel options in a market as important as Argentina.” He added, “The more than 2,000 people we carry daily on our three daily flights between Buenos Aires and Madrid will now have access to a complete domestic connectivity network.”<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37447" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Both airlines emphasize that passengers will benefit from single check-in, baggage check-through to the final destination, and integrated booking, which, according to the companies, simplifies and speeds up travel between the two countries.Depending on the season, Aerolíneas Argentinas operates between 7 and 14 weekly flights between Buenos Aires/Ezeiza and Madrid using Airbus A330-200 aircraft, while Iberia operates 21 weekly flights with Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

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