ch-aviation
• Hilka Birns
Ethiopian Airlines says it cannot repatriate $90 million in ticket revenue held in overseas markets, including $45 million trapped in Russia because of financial sanctions imposed after the war in Ukraine. The blocked funds underscore the cash-flow and settlement risks sanctions create for international carriers.
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Air India plans to add more than 100 aircraft across its group in 2027 and 2028 despite ongoing uncertainty, while Akasa Air is expanding through a sale-and-leaseback agreement for up to seven Boeing 737-8200s. Separately, EVA Air approved up to $131 million for five LEAP-1A spare engines.
Ethiopian Airlines says it cannot repatriate $90 million in ticket revenue held in overseas markets, including $45 million trapped in Russia because of financial sanctions imposed after the war in Ukraine. The blocked funds underscore the cash-flow and settlement risks sanctions create for international carriers.
British Airways owner International Airlines Group questioned the price tag attached to Heathrow Airport’s planned expansion and third runway in evidence submitted to a parliamentary committee, underscoring concern from a major airport user over the project’s financial burden.
Air Canada expects September and October revenue to break records, driven by premium travelers shifting trips away from Europe and Japan’s peak summer heat and crowds. The outlook points to continued strength in premium demand and a potentially broader seasonal reshaping of long-haul travel patterns.
High activity
Airlines are gradually restoring grounded aircraft to service after a years-long engine crisis, improving fleet availability while facing a slower financial recovery. The costs of repairs, maintenance and prolonged downtime continue to weigh on operators even as aircraft return to active fleets.
Air Arabia expects to begin operations in the third quarter with its new Saudi Arabian airline, established with investment partners after receiving the rights to create an operator in Dammam last year. The launch would expand the Middle Eastern budget carrier’s presence in the Saudi market.
Delta Air Lines’ on-time performance rose to 79.3% in the first half of 2026 from 78.7% a year earlier, ranking second among major U.S. carriers. The improvement contrasts with continued operational disruption, suggesting that headline punctuality alone does not capture the full passenger experience.
An affiliate of Boston-based Hill City Capital won Spirit Airlines’ former Dania Beach, Florida, headquarters campus with a $93.25 million bid at an August 11 bankruptcy-court auction. The transaction remains subject to court approval, converting a recently established corporate asset into proceeds for the restructuring process.
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