Air Data News
• ADN Staff
IATA reported modest global passenger demand growth in July, with revenue passenger kilometers up 0.2% year over year despite declines in North America and the Middle East. Air cargo demand was stronger, rising 3.9%, with Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America generating more than 90% of the increase.
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Airlines are urging the U.S. to retain Midway Island as an ETOPS alternate, underscoring the importance of remote diversion airports to long-range operations. Any change to the island’s status could affect route planning, dispatch procedures and operational resilience for flights crossing the Pacific.
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IATA reported modest global passenger demand growth in July, with revenue passenger kilometers up 0.2% year over year despite declines in North America and the Middle East. Air cargo demand was stronger, rising 3.9%, with Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America generating more than 90% of the increase.
TAP Air Portugal reported growing losses in the first half of 2026 as the Portuguese carrier awaits a decision on its planned sale. Air France-KLM and Lufthansa Group are competing to become TAP’s new owner, adding financial pressure to an already consequential privatization process.
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Two Airlink Embraer passenger jets flew in close formation an estimated 45 feet above Cape Town’s DHL Stadium before a Springboks–All Blacks rugby Test, thrilling roughly 56,000 spectators. The airline said the maneuver was carefully and precisely planned, while aviation observers questioned the risks of the low-altitude stunt.
Hainan Airlines plans to introduce Airbus A321neo service on an international route from Beijing beginning in October 2026. Separately, Porter Airlines is adding four international routes from London, Ontario, during the Northern winter 2026/27 season, including scheduled service beginning in mid-fourth-quarter 2026.
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India’s Fly91 is nearing an order for at least 20 ATR turboprop aircraft, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The deal would support the startup’s fleet expansion and deepen its commitment to India’s regional aviation market, which is being encouraged through government subsidies for connectivity.
Kenya Airways is in ongoing discussions to secure a long-term lease for a Boeing 777 freighter after ending its capacity agreement with Terra Avia. Acting CEO George Kamal cited soaring fuel costs, highlighting the carrier’s effort to recalibrate cargo capacity and operating exposure.
Industrial action by aviation workers, including air-traffic controllers, has caused hours-long delays at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and disrupted Kenya Airways and partner flights across multiple routes. The renewed strike has stranded thousands of travelers and raised fresh concerns about regional connectivity through East Africa’s key aviation hub.
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