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Kenya Airways is preparing to return several long-grounded Boeing 787- 8 Dreamliners to service, ending a prolonged disr...
06/17/2026

Kenya Airways is preparing to return several long-grounded Boeing 787- 8 Dreamliners to service, ending a prolonged disruption caused by engine shortages and maintenance delays. The restoration follows the long-awaited arrival of replacement engines, allowing the airline to begin rebuilding its widebody fleet after severe capacity constraints.

The carrier operates nine Boeing 787-8s, which form the backbone of its long-haul network from Nairobi. At the height of the crisis in 2025, around one-third of the fleet was grounded, forcing Kenya Airways to cut capacity on key routes to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, damaging connectivity and revenues just after the airline had returned to profitability in 2024.

With engines now becoming available, Kenya Airways expects fleet recovery by the end of 2026, alongside the return of three Embraer regional jets. While some aircraft remain parked, the airline views the development as a critical step toward stabilising operations and recovering from years of disruption linked to global engine supply constraints.

Source: Dj's Aviation

Etihad Airways has launched new direct services from Abu Dhabi to Kraków and Palma de Mallorca, further expanding its Eu...
06/17/2026

Etihad Airways has launched new direct services from Abu Dhabi to Kraków and Palma de Mallorca, further expanding its European network with leisure-focused destinations. The Kraków route began on June 11, 2026, followed by Palma de Mallorca on June 12, with both operated three times weekly using Airbus A321LR aircraft.

Etihad is now the only airline offering First Class cabins on flights linking Abu Dhabi with Kraków and Palma de Mallorca. Kraków becomes Etihad’s second destination in Poland, complementing Warsaw, while Palma de Mallorca gains its first-ever direct air link to the Middle East, opening new connectivity to Asia, Africa, India, and Australia via Abu Dhabi.

The A321LR features two First Class suites, 14 lie-flat Business Class seats, and 144 Economy seats, delivering a premium long-haul experience on narrowbody aircraft. The new routes strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub and underline Etihad’s strategy of combining premium products with targeted European expansion.

Source: Aviation A2Z

Deliveries of the Airbus A321XLR are running up to two years behind schedule, creating growing disruption for airlines t...
06/17/2026

Deliveries of the Airbus A321XLR are running up to two years behind schedule, creating growing disruption for airlines that planned their long-haul strategies around the aircraft. While Air Canada has now introduced the type into service, the airline says ongoing delays continue to complicate fleet and network planning.

Air Canada originally expected its A321XLRs to arrive in 2024–25, but certification changes and production setbacks pushed deliveries into 2026 and beyond. As a result, the carrier has postponed planned route launches and adjusted long-haul operations, even as the first aircraft enter service. Uncertainty around future delivery timelines remains a key challenge.

The delays are industry-wide. IndiGo, one of the largest A321XLR customers, is also facing reduced deliveries in 2026, with supply chain disruptions and broader A320neo family production pressures cited as major factors. The situation highlights how persistent aircraft delays are reshaping airline growth plans across the decade, forcing carriers to rely longer on existing fleets or seek mitigation through leasing and compensation.

Source: Dj's Aviation

A SriLankan Airlines Airbus A330-200 operating flight UL606 from Colombo to Sydney returned to Colombo shortly after dep...
06/17/2026

A SriLankan Airlines Airbus A330-200 operating flight UL606 from Colombo to Sydney returned to Colombo shortly after departure on June 12, 2026, following a reported lightning strike to one of its engines. The crew made a precautionary decision to turn back, and the aircraft landed safely with 207 passengers and 16 crew members on board. No injuries were reported.

Videos shared on social media appeared to show brief flames or sparks near an engine during the climb, drawing public attention. Sri Lankan aviation authorities confirmed the aircraft returned within national airspace and launched an investigation to assess potential damage caused by the strike.

SriLankan Airlines said passenger safety was the priority and deployed a replacement aircraft, allowing the journey to Sydney to continue later that morning. The incident highlights standard safety procedures, as aircraft struck by lightning require thorough inspections before returning to service.

Source: Simple Flying

Hawaiian Airlines has unveiled the first of three special Moana-themed aircraft liveries, celebrating Disney’s upcoming ...
06/17/2026

Hawaiian Airlines has unveiled the first of three special Moana-themed aircraft liveries, celebrating Disney’s upcoming live-action Moana film ahead of its July 10, 2026 release. The first design was revealed on June 11 on an Airbus A321neo operating routes between Hawaii, the US West Coast, and the Cook Islands.

The livery features the message “Voyage beyond the reef” and showcases characters from the film, including Maui, the Kakamora, and Moana’s companions Heihei and Pua. The artwork extends from the fuselage to the wingtips and even into the cabin, where characters appear on overhead bins.

Two additional Moana liveries will debut in July 2026 on an Airbus A330 and a Boeing 717, reflecting Hawaiian Airlines’ deep cultural connection to Polynesian voyaging and its tradition of honoring Hawaii’s heritage through aircraft design.

Source: AeroTime

JetBlue has issued an apology after a Mint cabin passenger reported spotting a rat crawling inside the aircraft ceiling ...
06/16/2026

JetBlue has issued an apology after a Mint cabin passenger reported spotting a rat crawling inside the aircraft ceiling during a flight. A video shared on social media appeared to show the rodent moving behind illuminated panels above the overhead bins, quickly drawing widespread attention and concern.

The airline responded publicly, apologising and requesting the passenger’s booking details to identify the aircraft involved. While no immediate safety incident was reported, the sighting raised serious hygiene and maintenance concerns, as rodents can chew through wiring and damage critical aircraft systems if left undetected.

JetBlue emphasised that pest control is part of routine maintenance and that aircraft are inspected once such reports are received. Aviation experts note that confirmed rodent sightings typically require an aircraft to be taken out of service for thorough inspection and repairs, highlighting the importance of promptly reporting such issues to cabin crew.

Source: Simple Flying

Riyadh Air completed its first domestic commercial flight, operating a service between Riyadh and Jeddah on June 14, 202...
06/16/2026

Riyadh Air completed its first domestic commercial flight, operating a service between Riyadh and Jeddah on June 14, 2026. The milestone marks an important step in the startup airline’s phased launch as it builds operations within Saudi Arabia.

The flight was operated by a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, departing Riyadh King Khalid International Airport at 09:18 and landing at Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport shortly before 10:20. The aircraft had only recently been delivered from Boeing’s Everett facility and is part of Riyadh Air’s growing Dreamliner fleet.

The inaugural service was marked by a ceremony attended by senior aviation officials and reflects the airline’s role in enhancing connectivity on one of the world’s busiest domestic routes. Riyadh Air has already launched international services to London and will soon add flights to Dubai, Cairo, Madrid, and Manchester, all operated with Boeing 787-9 aircraft as it expands its network.

Source: AeroTime

Noman Ahmed’s journey from a childhood dream in Jeddah to the cockpit of an Airbus A320 is a story of perseverance, sacr...
06/16/2026

Noman Ahmed’s journey from a childhood dream in Jeddah to the cockpit of an Airbus A320 is a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and determination. Despite financial challenges and a non-aviation background, he worked multiple jobs, earned several aviation licenses, and built thousands of flight hours, proving that dedication can turn ambitions into reality. He previously worked with Airblue and is currently with AirSial.

Airbus recorded 357 gross aircraft orders in May 2026, marking one of its strongest monthly performances in recent years...
06/16/2026

Airbus recorded 357 gross aircraft orders in May 2026, marking one of its strongest monthly performances in recent years as airlines rushed to secure future delivery slots. The surge reflects rising demand across regions, with carriers locking in orders well into the 2030s amid limited production availability.

The orders spanned Airbus’ full commercial portfolio. Highlights included large narrowbody commitments from Chinese airlines, additional A321neo orders, and long-haul growth in Europe with Lufthansa adding more A350-900s. Cargo demand was also evident, with new A350F orders from Cathay Pacific Cargo and Air China Cargo.

The standout deal came from Fly AirAsia’s record-breaking order for 150 Airbus A220s, the largest ever for the type. The move signals a strategic shift toward efficient narrowbody operations and secondary city growth, while reinforcing the A220 program’s long-term viability and positioning Airbus strongly across multiple market segments.

Source: Dj's Aviation

Air India is considering deferring aircraft deliveries, cutting flights, and slowing its expansion plans as mounting los...
06/16/2026

Air India is considering deferring aircraft deliveries, cutting flights, and slowing its expansion plans as mounting losses prompt a strategic rethink. The majority owner, the Tata Group, has reportedly instructed the airline to prioritize financial stability after years of aggressive growth and continued losses.

The carrier is in discussions with Airbus and The Boeing Company to delay deliveries from its massive order book, which includes around 600 aircraft ordered since 2023. Up to 500 aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2027–28 could be affected, allowing Air India to postpone major capital outlays at a time of tight cash flow.

Air India is also reviewing its route network, trimming services and delaying launches at select airports, including the upcoming Noida International Airport. While the airline disputes claims of a major slowdown, the shift signals a more cautious approach as the Tata Group seeks to stabilize operations, reduce losses, and recalibrate the pace of the airline’s long-term transformation.

Source: Aviation A2Z

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