Airlines News

FlightGlobal

ATR pitches U.S. regional airlines on a three-class turboprop targeting 2030 production

ATR is again courting U.S. regional airlines with a three-class turboprop featuring forward boarding, positioning the aircraft as a replacement for aging regional jets. The Franco-Italian manufacturer says production could begin by 2030, but only if commercial orders justify launching the program.

Paddle Your Own Kanoo

High activity

Cabin Odor Sickens Seven Flight Attendants on Honolulu Service; ANA 737-800 Evacuated After Engine Shutdown

Seven flight attendants reportedly became ill after a mystery odor on a Los Angeles–Honolulu flight operated by Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines; the aircraft was returned to service and the cause was not disclosed. Separately, an ANA Boeing 737-800 returned to Okinawa after an engine shutdown, prompting a slide evacuation and three minor injuries.

CNBC

High activity

United, American and JetBlue Waive Change Fees as Northeast Nor’easter Threatens Weekend Travel

United Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue are waiving change fees on eligible Northeast flights as a strengthening nor’easter brings heavy rain, high winds and coastal flooding through the weekend. Airports and carriers are preparing for potential disruptions, though flight impacts remained limited early Saturday.

ch-aviation

LOT Polish Airlines plans move into dedicated freighter operations

LOT Polish Airlines is preparing to enter the dedicated freighter market, according to ch-aviation. The move would broaden the Polish carrier’s cargo offering beyond passenger-aircraft capacity, although details on aircraft, timing, routes and the scale of the planned operation have not been disclosed.

Reuters

High activity

Qatar Airways permanently retires remaining A330 passenger fleet after four-year replacement delay

Qatar Airways has permanently retired its remaining Airbus A330 passenger aircraft, which stopped flying in late February after disruptions linked to the Iran war. The aging widebodies had remained in service roughly four years longer than planned because production delays held up their replacement aircraft; pilots are being offered temporary assignments with RwandAir.

New York Times

High activity

Airline Credit Cards and Loyalty Programs Face Anticompetitive Scrutiny

Airline loyalty programs and co-branded credit cards are reshaping competition while potentially harming consumers, according to the article summary. The issue raises questions about how rewards economics influence airline market power, customer choice and competitive dynamics.

AeroTime

High activity

Attestor to acquire Germany’s remaining 49% stake in Condor, taking full control in 2027

British private-equity firm Attestor is exercising its option to acquire the German government-held 49% stake in Condor, following an agreement reached in 2021. The transaction, expected to close in late August 2027, will end state ownership as Condor pursues medium- and long-haul fleet renewal and growth.

ch-aviation

PIA board reportedly approves Boeing 787 leases

Pakistan International Airlines’ board has reportedly greenlit leases for Boeing 787 aircraft, according to a ch-aviation report. The decision points to a potential widebody fleet move for the carrier, although the report does not specify the number of aircraft, lessors, lease terms or delivery timeline.