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Airline Economics • Justin Pugsley

LATAM Q1 2026 profit tops expectations; group cuts 2026 outlook on higher fuel and cautious pricing

LATAM Airlines Group reported first-quarter 2026 net profit of $576 million, driven by a 10.4% capacity increase and a 19.8% adjusted operating margin. Liquidity ended the quarter at about $4.1 billion, but LATAM lowered its 2026 guidance for June amid a jet-fuel price outlook (referenced around $170 per unit) and a conservative pricing stance.

2026-05-06T03:14:08.577520-07:00

FlightGlobal

U.S.-Mexico air services progress: Mexico City slots and AIFA recognition move to resolving 2015 open-skies dispute

2026-05-06T07:15:29.141455-07:00

AirInsight

Lufthansa to table binding offer for TAP Air Portugal stake amid Iran-related risk

2026-05-06T06:07:04.914530-07:00

CNBC

Lufthansa Group readies fuel stopovers as jet-fuel crisis adds €1.7B risk; hedges ~80% of 2026 exposure

2026-05-06T00:05:37.568523-07:00

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FlightGlobal

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U.S.-Mexico air services progress: Mexico City slots and AIFA recognition move to resolving 2015 open-skies dispute The U.S. and Mexico say they have agreed on steps to resolve a dispute over alleged 2015 open-skies violations, with a commitment expected to end restrictions affecting US carrier access to Mexico City’s primary airport. Separately, the AIFA is formalized in the bilateral agreement as “Mexico City” airport for scheduling and cargo capacity.

2026-05-06T07:15:29.141455-07:00

U.S.-Mexico air services progress: Mexico City slots and AIFA recognition move to resolving 2015 open-skies dispute

ch-aviation

Cabo Verde Airlines resumes U.S. operations Cabo Verde Airlines is restarting its operations to the United States, restoring direct scheduled connectivity between the carrier’s home market and the U.S. market. The resumption is positioned as a return to service after a disruption in U.S. operations.

2026-05-06T06:08:29.289102-07:00

Cabo Verde Airlines resumes U.S. operations

AirInsight

Lufthansa to table binding offer for TAP Air Portugal stake amid Iran-related risk Lufthansa will move from a prior non-binding bid to a binding offer for TAP Air Portugal, targeting a strategic position in Portugal with geographic complementarity and connectivity benefits. The decision continues despite growing risks tied to the Iran conflict, with Germany’s leaders publicly urging cooperation between the two carriers.

2026-05-06T06:07:04.914530-07:00

Lufthansa to table binding offer for TAP Air Portugal stake amid Iran-related risk

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

British Airways expands Starlink inflight connectivity to enable voice and video calls across all Wi‑Fi-equipped aircraft, inclu British Airways is now allowing passengers to make and receive voice and video calls on all aircraft equipped with its fast, free Starlink-powered in-flight Wi‑Fi, extending the earlier, limited rollout. The policy applies on flights to the US as well as the rest of BA’s Starlink-enabled network.

2026-05-06T05:29:29.049922-07:00

British Airways expands Starlink inflight connectivity to enable voice and video calls across all Wi‑Fi-equipped aircraft, inclu

AeroTime

SQ321 turbulence: three passengers file UK High Court personal injury claims against Singapore Airlines Nearly a year after severe turbulence on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 killed one passenger and hospitalized more than 100, three injured passengers have filed personal injury claims against the carrier at the UK High Court. The filing follows the aircraft’s diversion/remediation and extends the legal exposure for the incident.

2026-05-06T04:45:36.257649-07:00

SQ321 turbulence: three passengers file UK High Court personal injury claims against Singapore Airlines

ch-aviation

Airbus signs Nigeria aviation-sector support MOU Airbus will provide technical support, training and advisory services to Nigeria under a new memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation sector. The agreement positions Airbus to support capability-building beyond aircraft sales, focusing on operational and workforce development.

2026-05-06T03:15:47.712390-07:00

Airbus signs Nigeria aviation-sector support MOU

Airline Economics

LATAM Q1 2026 profit tops expectations; group cuts 2026 outlook on higher fuel and cautious pricing LATAM Airlines Group reported first-quarter 2026 net profit of $576 million, driven by a 10.4% capacity increase and a 19.8% adjusted operating margin. Liquidity ended the quarter at about $4.1 billion, but LATAM lowered its 2026 guidance for June amid a jet-fuel price outlook (referenced around $170 per unit) and a conservative pricing stance.

2026-05-06T03:14:08.577520-07:00

LATAM Q1 2026 profit tops expectations; group cuts 2026 outlook on higher fuel and cautious pricing

ch-aviation

Air Congo to launch Kinshasa–Brussels service in 3Q26, signaling new ATR long-haul push and direct competition with Brussels Air Air Congo is preparing its first Europe route, targeting Kinshasa–Brussels service in early 3Q26 (with a reported July launch timetable). In discussions with Ethiopian Airlines leadership, Air Congo also pointed to fleet updates with new ATR aircraft—setting up direct competition on the Brussels–Congo lane.

2026-05-06T02:00:16.681086-07:00

Air Congo to launch Kinshasa–Brussels service in 3Q26, signaling new ATR long-haul push and direct competition with Brussels Air

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Airlines News

LATAM Q1 2026 profit tops expectations; group cuts 2026 outlook on higher fuel and cautious pricing

U.S.-Mexico air services progress: Mexico City slots and AIFA recognition move to resolving 2015 open-skies dispute

Lufthansa to table binding offer for TAP Air Portugal stake amid Iran-related risk

Lufthansa Group readies fuel stopovers as jet-fuel crisis adds €1.7B risk; hedges ~80% of 2026 exposure

News Timeline