Paddle Your Own Kanoo
• Mateusz Maszczynski
Delta Air Lines will begin daily nonstop Atlanta–Riyadh service on Oct. 23, 2026, its first route to Saudi Arabia and the first nonstop connection between the U.S. and Riyadh operated by a U.S. airline. The launch advances Delta’s partnership with Riyadh Air despite continuing regional tensions.
Geopolitical Developments & Conflict Impact
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Lt. Gen. Daniel Lasica has assumed leadership of U.S. Air Forces Central in a scheduled change of command as American forces operate in the Middle East during the Iran war. The transition places a new commander at the helm of the region’s U.S. Air Force operations.
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Delta Air Lines will begin daily nonstop Atlanta–Riyadh service on Oct. 23, 2026, its first route to Saudi Arabia and the first nonstop connection between the U.S. and Riyadh operated by a U.S. airline. The launch advances Delta’s partnership with Riyadh Air despite continuing regional tensions.
A North Korean unit is deploying to western Russia and could operate as many as 120 ballistic missiles for strikes against Ukraine, Reuters reported. The reported deployment would further integrate North Korean missile capabilities into Russia’s war effort and broaden the conflict’s international military dimension.
Turkish Airlines and LATAM Airlines absorbed fuel-cost increases of roughly 93% or more in the second quarter, with Turkish slipping to an operating loss despite stronger cargo revenue. El Al, meanwhile, doubled quarterly profit and purchased two leased 787-9s as conflict-related capacity constraints strengthened its position.
Israel’s flag carrier El Al remained profitable at the half-year mark after a sharp second-quarter recovery. Reduced military operations in early April helped the airline offset a loss-making first quarter, with net profit doubling to $132 million for the three months ended June 30.
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Cathay Pacific posted its strongest first-half performance since 2010, with passenger and cargo growth offsetting higher fuel costs, while Lufthansa’s operating profit fell to €383 million and Air Astana slipped into a small loss. Carriers remain cautious as Middle East-related fuel price pressures persist.
The U.S. Navy has asked defense contractors to develop an uncrewed aircraft centered on long-range strike, offering a clear signal of how it is reshaping future carrier air wings. The effort reflects mounting concern over long-range counter-air weapons and the operational demands of the Indo-Pacific.
Lockheed Martin is negotiating potential supplies of scandium and germanium from North American producers, including NioCorp, Teck Resources and 5N Plus, as pressure builds to strengthen U.S. defense-material supply chains. NioCorp’s preliminary agreement could cover up to 15 metric tons of scandium oxide annually for 10 years.
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