Airlines News

ch-aviation

ASL Airlines Australia to add four Boeing 737-800 converted freighters as ASL expands in Australia and New Zealand

ASL Airlines Australia plans to add four incremental Boeing 737-800 converted freighters, expanding the fleet of the Sydney Bankstown-based operator. The move forms part of parent ASL Aviation Holdings’ broader growth strategy across Australia and New Zealand, strengthening its regional cargo capacity.

Reuters

High activity

AirAsia cuts third-quarter capacity 20%-25% after quarterly loss, targets pre-war levels in Q4

Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia Group plans to reduce third-quarter capacity by 20% to 25% year-on-year to protect profitability after posting a quarterly loss. The group expects to gradually rebuild capacity to pre-war levels in the fourth quarter, signaling continued pressure on demand and network economics.

FlightGlobal

High activity

Delta to launch first Austin–Paris route as Texas focus city reaches 30 destinations

Delta plans to begin daily nonstop service between Austin and Paris Charles de Gaulle in March 2027, its first transatlantic route from the Texas capital. The carrier will also add daily Austin–San Diego flights in April, using Airbus A319s, taking its Austin network to 30 destinations by summer 2027.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

Delta Evacuates After Fumes Fill Cabin as Four Frontier Flight Attendants Fall Ill Mid-Flight

Two U.S. airline flights faced onboard medical emergencies: a Delta aircraft made an emergency landing and evacuation after fumes spread through the cockpit and cabin, while four of five flight attendants on a Frontier flight from Cleveland to Fort Lauderdale became sick during the journey.

ch-aviation

Air Canada to use $1.8 billion investment to repay bonds

Air Canada will use a $1.8 billion investment to repay outstanding bonds, directing fresh capital toward balance-sheet obligations rather than fleet or network expansion. The available report does not identify the investor, timing, bond maturities or other terms of the transaction.

Runway Girl

Allegiant Extra previews the airline’s premium future

Allegiant is positioning its current Allegiant Extra offering as a bridge to a more premium product, with the airline planning to launch Allegiant First in 2027. For now, the carrier continues to emphasize a reliable, affordable proposition while testing how far customers will pay for added value.

PaxEx.Aero

Blue Origin Builds Quartz Ground Network as SkyFive and Bluebox Target Airline Connectivity Revenue

Blue Origin has selected RBC Signals to support its Quartz global ground-station network, with nine sites planned by year-end for missions in low Earth orbit and beyond. Separately, SkyFive and Bluebox are partnering to help airlines convert inflight connectivity into stronger ancillary revenue and passenger-experience outcomes.

AINonline

High activity

Portable Battery Chargers Drive 42% Rise in In-Flight Thermal Runaway Incidents

The number of aircraft thermal runaway incidents involving portable battery chargers is rising, increasing the risk of a serious aviation safety event. The trend underscores the operational challenge posed by lithium-battery devices carried by passengers and the need for effective mitigation measures.