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The Points Guy • Sean Cudahy

United to launch first-ever Sapporo service and add daily Chicago–Tokyo Narita flights for 2025/26 winter

United Airlines will add Japan service to Sapporo for the first time, with new nonstop routes including San Francisco–Sapporo and a daily Chicago–Tokyo Narita departure for the 2025–2026 northern winter season. Some flights will be operated with Boeing 787-9 aircraft, including SFO–Sapporo winter service starting in December 2026.

2026-05-14T05:06:44.627510-07:00

AeroTime

AirAsia Group turns to margin protection as fuel costs bite, suspending 21 routes and cutting capacity

2026-05-15T03:24:15.276881-07:00

FlightGlobal

Alaska Airlines plots 787-led shift from regional carrier to global intercontinental operator

2026-05-15T15:38:21.179217-07:00

FlightGlobal

SIA Group posts record $2.4B operating profit, targets capacity growth in 2H despite Middle East-linked headwinds

2026-05-15T00:23:07.818275-07:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

Alaska Airlines plots 787-led shift from regional carrier to global intercontinental operator Alaska Airlines CEO says the carrier plans to launch a dozen intercontinental routes using Boeing 787s, signaling a deliberate move beyond its traditional regional footprint. The strategy is designed to reposition Alaska into a West Coast long-haul player, with Europe as a near-term proving ground.

2026-05-15T15:38:21.179217-07:00

Alaska Airlines plots 787-led shift from regional carrier to global intercontinental operator

ch-aviation

Cubana cancels Madrid route after Plus Ultra exit Cubana has withdrawn its Madrid service following Plus Ultra’s departure from the market. The change underscores how quickly bilateral route networks can contract when a single operator exits—particularly where demand and operating conditions remain fragile for Cuba-facing services.

2026-05-15T09:44:26.029585-07:00

Cubana cancels Madrid route after Plus Ultra exit

AeroTime

AirAsia Group turns to margin protection as fuel costs bite, suspending 21 routes and cutting capacity AirAsia Group reported a Q1 profit but said a fuel surge is forcing a shift to margin protection: it is suspending 21 routes, reducing capacity, and adjusting its network. Separately, Indonesia AirAsia will axe Bali services from Melbourne and Adelaide from 18 June, citing a no-longer-viable operating environment.

2026-05-15T03:24:15.276881-07:00

AirAsia Group turns to margin protection as fuel costs bite, suspending 21 routes and cutting capacity

FlightGlobal

SIA Group posts record $2.4B operating profit, targets capacity growth in 2H despite Middle East-linked headwinds Singapore Airlines Group reported full-year operating profit up 39% to $2.4 billion on record revenue, citing stronger passenger yields and higher fuel efficiency. The group said it expects demand to “hold up” near term and will ramp up European capacity in 2H, while issuing further Northern Winter 2026/27 schedule changes.

2026-05-15T00:23:07.818275-07:00

SIA Group posts record $2.4B operating profit, targets capacity growth in 2H despite Middle East-linked headwinds

ch-aviation

STARLUX returns to profit in Q1 2026 and maps funding, fleet monetization and route growth Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines swung back to profit in Q1 2026 as passenger and cargo demand strengthened. The carrier also announced plans to raise funds via a mid-2Q26 bond and share sale, while monetizing three new Airbus A330neo aircraft through asset sales and increasing Taipei Taoyuan–Busan service for July 2026.

2026-05-14T17:59:22.912449-07:00

STARLUX returns to profit in Q1 2026 and maps funding, fleet monetization and route growth

ch-aviation

Uganda Airlines wet-leases two Boeing 737-800s from Ethiopian to stabilize operations Uganda Airlines has taken delivery of the first of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft under a short-term wet lease from Ethiopian Airlines, aimed at restoring capacity after the grounding of two of its aircraft. The carrier also points to renewed route momentum, including plans for a 10-year growth push covering 32 routes.

2026-05-14T07:15:37.800132-07:00

Uganda Airlines wet-leases two Boeing 737-800s from Ethiopian to stabilize operations

The Points Guy

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United to launch first-ever Sapporo service and add daily Chicago–Tokyo Narita flights for 2025/26 winter United Airlines will add Japan service to Sapporo for the first time, with new nonstop routes including San Francisco–Sapporo and a daily Chicago–Tokyo Narita departure for the 2025–2026 northern winter season. Some flights will be operated with Boeing 787-9 aircraft, including SFO–Sapporo winter service starting in December 2026.

2026-05-14T05:06:44.627510-07:00

United to launch first-ever Sapporo service and add daily Chicago–Tokyo Narita flights for 2025/26 winter

ch-aviation

Akasa Air creates a leasing arm as India extends government loans Akasa Air is setting up a leasing subsidiary after the government extended loan support, according to ch-aviation. The move is aimed at improving access to aircraft via leasing structures, tying the airline’s funding environment to fleet planning flexibility.

2026-05-14T00:42:33.630616-07:00

Akasa Air creates a leasing arm as India extends government loans

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Routes News

United to launch first-ever Sapporo service and add daily Chicago–Tokyo Narita flights for 2025/26 winter

AirAsia Group turns to margin protection as fuel costs bite, suspending 21 routes and cutting capacity

Alaska Airlines plots 787-led shift from regional carrier to global intercontinental operator

SIA Group posts record $2.4B operating profit, targets capacity growth in 2H despite Middle East-linked headwinds

News Timeline