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FlightGlobal • Dominic Perry

IAG backs MAKO to flight-test shark-skin riblet film aimed at ~4% fuel-burn reduction

IAG has invested in Australian startup MAKO, which develops a shark-skin-inspired drag-reduction “riblet film” (Flightfilm). The carrier group plans flight-testing this year on an aircraft operated by one of its airlines, with initial roll-out targeted for the Airbus A320. MAKO says the coating could cut fuel burn by up to 4%.

2026-06-29T07:10:56.082081-07:00

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Air Seychelles commits to A321XLRs and weighs domestic upgauge

2026-06-29T12:12:09.171213-07:00

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AZAL Azerbaijan takes delivery of first LEAP-powered A321neo

2026-06-29T00:26:04.173042-07:00

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Air Astana formalises 25+25 A320neo family order in Kazakhstan’s biggest direct aircraft deal

2026-06-28T22:06:41.897210-07:00

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Air Seychelles commits to A321XLRs and weighs domestic upgauge Air Seychelles has committed to Airbus A321XLRs, signaling a push to expand long-range capability and route flexibility. The airline is also weighing changes to its domestic capacity mix, including an “upgauge” option to better match local demand patterns.

2026-06-29T12:12:09.171213-07:00

Air Seychelles commits to A321XLRs and weighs domestic upgauge

FlightGlobal

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IAG backs MAKO to flight-test shark-skin riblet film aimed at ~4% fuel-burn reduction IAG has invested in Australian startup MAKO, which develops a shark-skin-inspired drag-reduction “riblet film” (Flightfilm). The carrier group plans flight-testing this year on an aircraft operated by one of its airlines, with initial roll-out targeted for the Airbus A320. MAKO says the coating could cut fuel burn by up to 4%.

2026-06-29T07:10:56.082081-07:00

IAG backs MAKO to flight-test shark-skin riblet film aimed at ~4% fuel-burn reduction

ch-aviation

AZAL Azerbaijan takes delivery of first LEAP-powered A321neo AZAL Azerbaijan has received its first A321neo configured with CFM’s LEAP engines, marking the carrier’s next step in fleet modernization. The delivery is a tangible milestone in the aircraft’s market entry for the airline and signals continued investment in newer, more efficient narrowbody capacity.

2026-06-29T00:26:04.173042-07:00

AZAL Azerbaijan takes delivery of first LEAP-powered A321neo

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Air Astana formalises 25+25 A320neo family order in Kazakhstan’s biggest direct aircraft deal Air Astana has formalised an order for up to 50 A320neo family aircraft: 25 firm orders and 25 purchase options, covering the Kazakh carrier’s next phase of fleet renewal. The airline said the agreement is the largest direct aircraft order in Kazakhstan’s history.

2026-06-28T22:06:41.897210-07:00

Air Astana formalises 25+25 A320neo family order in Kazakhstan’s biggest direct aircraft deal

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PIA ownership handover targeted for early 3Q26, with Airbus A320-200 fleet in scope Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to be handed over to new owners by early 3Q26, with the carrier’s Airbus A320-200 operations included in the transaction scope. The timetable points to a 2026 transition phase for control, fleet oversight, and commercial operations.

2026-06-25T03:41:36.526216-07:00

PIA ownership handover targeted for early 3Q26, with Airbus A320-200 fleet in scope

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Air Austral swings back to profit; A320neo delivery pushed to late Q1 2027 Air Austral is reported to be back in the black, with the carrier’s fleet roadmap including an A320neo handover targeted for late first quarter 2027. The update lands amid ongoing A320neo delivery pressures that have already prompted Airbus to flag risk of further slippage for some 2027-2028 handovers.

2026-06-24T07:28:01.147451-07:00

Air Austral swings back to profit; A320neo delivery pushed to late Q1 2027

Air Data News

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American Airlines expands Airbus A319/A320 interior retrofit with more premium seats, larger storage and Starlink Wi‑Fi—while re American Airlines is rolling out a new interior configuration on its legacy Airbus A319 and A320 narrowbodies, adding more premium First Class seating with upgraded finishes, increased overhead bin capacity and Starlink Wi‑Fi. The retrofit also standardizes elevated cabin design elements, while introducing a SpaceFlex galley that affects crew amenities and layout.

2026-06-23T09:56:07.045325-07:00

American Airlines expands Airbus A319/A320 interior retrofit with more premium seats, larger storage and Starlink Wi‑Fi—while re

FlightGlobal

AirAsia accelerates fleet renewal: older A320 retirements, A330-900 order cancelled and Bahrain hub launch delayed AirAsia Group is phasing out up to 12 of its oldest Airbus A320s this year while expecting additional A321LR deliveries in 2027. The group has also cancelled its order for 15 Airbus A330-900 aircraft with Airbus confirming the AirAsia X cancellation. Separately, AirAsia has postponed plans to launch London service via a new Bahrain hub until at least August or September amid Middle East conflict disruption.

2026-06-22T05:54:39.329982-07:00

AirAsia accelerates fleet renewal: older A320 retirements, A330-900 order cancelled and Bahrain hub launch delayed

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Airbus A320 News

IAG backs MAKO to flight-test shark-skin riblet film aimed at ~4% fuel-burn reduction

Air Seychelles commits to A321XLRs and weighs domestic upgauge

AZAL Azerbaijan takes delivery of first LEAP-powered A321neo

Air Astana formalises 25+25 A320neo family order in Kazakhstan’s biggest direct aircraft deal

News Timeline