The home of market intelligence for
the aviation and travel industry.

Aircalin announced (10-Jul-2026) its first of two A350-900 aircraft entered the final assembly line at Airbus' Toulouse-Blagnac site. The aircraft will be the first of its type to join Aircalin's fleet, which currently consists of two A330neos and two A320neos. The new aircraft is expected to "deliver performance particularly well suited to the Paris route" from Noumea. It is scheduled for delivery to the carrier in Dec-2026, as previously reported by CAPA. Aircalin CEO and chairman of the board Georges Selefen stated: "An airline ordering [an A350-900] today would have to wait nearly ten years before delivery. Having a delivery slot as early as this year therefore represents an exceptional strategic opportunity. Thanks to this proven aircraft, Aircalin is strengthening its competitiveness, enhancing the passenger experience and expanding its carrying capacity - particularly in cargo - for the benefit of New Caledonia's economy". [more - original PR]

AirAsia X Group completed (09-Jul-2026) its name change to AirAsia Group, following shareholder approval and the registration of the new name by the Companies Commission of Malaysia. [more - original PR]

Air Niugini confirmed (09-Jul-2026) plans to resume twice weekly Port Moresby-Tokyo Narita service using a mix of Boeing 767-300ER and 737-800 equipment from 18-Jul-2026. The carrier last operated the route in 2020. Air Niugini CEO Alan Milne stated: "Port Moresby is strategically positioned to serve as a transit hub for travellers moving between Japan, Australia and the Pacific - and this service will enhance those regional connections through Air Niugini's growing network". He added: "The direct Narita service not only improves connectivity and convenience for our passengers, but also opens greater opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchange between Papua New Guinea and Japan. Papua New Guinea exporters also stand to benefit from the direct flights with faster to market cargo shipments of coffee, vanilla beans, seafood and other products expected". [more - original PR]

Delta Air Lines introduced (08-Jul-2026) Delta First, Delta Premium Select and Delta One products alongside Classic and Extra fares in select markets to enable customers to now access premium products at a lower price point. Delta's Basic Business fare options include the following:

• Seats assigned after check-in;
• Reduced checked bag allowance;
• Lower mileage earn;
• No complimentary or paid upgrades;
• No same day confirmed or same day standby travel changes;
• Changes or cancellations for a fee.

The carrier stated customers on a Basic ticket will be able to access Delta Sky Club lounges through "another means of entry than their purchased fare". The carrier added customers flying Basic Business fares will retain access to the Delta One check-in experience and Delta One Lounge through 18-Jan-2027. [more - original PR]

Air Canada appointed (08-Jul-2026) Anko Van der Werff as president and CEO and a member of the board, effective from the end of Jan-2027. Mr Van der Werff, who currently serves as president and CEO of SAS, will succeed Michael Rousseau, who plans to retire from 31-Aug-2026 and will continue to "be available as needed throughout the transition". Mr Van der Werff previously served as CEO of Avianca, EVP and chief commercial officer at Aeroméxico and served on the board of governors of IATA. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - French] [more - Aviation Week]

Air France launched (08-Jul-2026) new amenity kits for La Première, business and premium economy cabins, featuring bamboo toothbrushes with organic toothpaste, recycled-material socks, earplugs and sleep masks. [more - original PR]