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Air Astana announced (23-Oct-2026) the first of its three Boeing 787-9s will enter service in 2027. The 787-9 (EI-KZA) completed its first test flight on 01-Oct-2026 and will be delivered upon completion of all certification procedures. The new long haul aircraft will gradually replace the carrier's existing 767-300ER fleet, contributing to greater operational efficiency and creating new opportunities to expand its international network. [more - original PR]

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced (14-Oct-2026) Kenya and the UK signed an MoU on the 'Recognition of Aviation Security Measures for One-Stop Security'. The agreement establishes mutually recognised aviation security standards, controls and procedures. Under the 'One-Stop Security' arrangement, eligible hold baggage arriving from London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport will be exempt from secondary security screening at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, subject to agreed operational guidelines. KAA stated the agreement is expected to improve connections for passengers and minimise processing delays for airlines by eliminating redundant security checks. [more - original PR]

Air Mauritius CEO Andre Viljoen outlined (23-Oct-2026) the following 'Future-Fit Game Changer Strategies', following an organisational review:

• Strategies:
  1. Perfecting the basics;
  2. Continuous organisational 'culture transformation' with values-based consequential leadership;
  3. Driving the company's strategic purpose;
  4. Developing a fit-for-purpose network to maximise revenue and future growth. Seabury Aviation Partners has completed a 10 year network review and route profitability criteria are being applied;
  5. Modernising the fleet. The Seabury review recommends introducing narrowbody aircraft and reassessing three A350-900s on order. An RFP for up to five narrowbodies is underway, alongside a proposed conversion of one ATR 72-500 to a medevac and cargo configuration for the Rodrigues route;
  6. Deepening airline partnerships to maximise revenue;
  7. Improving efficiency, revenue recapture and cost reduction;
  8. Building service quality;
  9. Continuous business model improvement;
  10. Continuous ESG expansion. A sustainability strategy is in development for 2026 to 2030;
• Actions and outcomes:
  • Established a 'Fuel War Room' covering flight planning, weight reduction, auxiliary power unit management and tankering;
  • Establishing an 'Efficiency and Cost Control Office';
  • The focus for Aug-2026 to Jul-2027 will be to revamp the onboard experience through changes covering crew service for business and economy class, "mindset training", service procedures including dine-on-demand, and a reviewed food and beverage offering. The programme covers crew training, menu improvements, communications and a sharper focus on passengers. The carrier has delivered lounge upgrades and a refurbished Ebene ticket office;
  • Technical dispatch reliability reached 98.72% in Jul-2026, the best monthly result since 2020 and continuing a 12 month upward trend;
  • Customer satisfaction increased from 72.2% in Sep-2025 to 76.1% in Aug-2026;
  • Net Promoter Score for the 12 past months rose from +9.4 to +23.1, compared to the previous period.

Air Mauritius also reported that it signed MoUs and collective agreements with unions. The airline and staff co-created the values of accountability, integrity, respect and courage. Leadership, engagement and succession programmes are underway. [more - original PR]

Finnair launched (26-Oct-2026) daily Helsinki-Bangkok-Melbourne service, operating with A350. The service operates with fifth freedom rights. Finnair chief revenue officer Christine Rovelli said: "This is an important milestone for us, bringing Finnair's own flights to Australia for the first time and creating a new daily connection between Melbourne, Finland and the rest of Europe". [more - original PR]

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport welcomed (25-Oct-2026) the launch of Jetstar Airways' Western Sydney-Gold Coast service and the beginning of commercial passenger operations at Australia's first major international airport in more than 50 years. The airport opens with capacity for up to 10 million passengers p/a and "is expected to become Australia's primary gateway", with capacity for more than 80 million annual passengers. Its 24-hour operations aim to add "much-needed capacity" to the Sydney aviation market and provide airlines with "greater flexibility to introduce new services and routes". The opening of passenger services follows the commencement of operations at the WSI Cargo Precinct on 27-Jul-2026. Airport CEO Simon Hickey stated: "For decades, countless people have advocated for an airport in Western Sydney and the social and economic benefits it would provide. Today, that ambition will become a reality as we mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our city's cultural heartland". He added: "WSI is the most transformational piece of infrastructure our nation has seen since the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It brings the world closer to Western Sydney and opportunity closer to home, creating new meaningful jobs for generations to come". [more - original PR - Western Sydney International Airport] [more - original PR - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese] [more - original PR - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese - II] [more - original PR - Australian Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King] [more - original PR - Penrith City Council] [more - original PR - Tourism & Transport Forum]

Hobart Airport announced (25-Oct-2026) Air New Zealand resumed Auckland-Hobart service, as part of a three-year commitment to expand the service through the Aviation Attraction Fund. As previously reported by CAPA, the carrier operates the service on a three times weekly basis, with plans to increase to four times weekly during the peak period of summer 2026/27. Airport COO Matt Cocker stated: "The nonstop Hobart to Auckland service gives Tasmanians a direct link to New Zealand and convenient connections to destinations across North America and beyond", adding: "We're working towards extending the operating season and increasing both capacity and frequency, strengthening Tasmania's access to a key international market. By the 2028/29 season, Air New Zealand, with the support of the Tasmanian Governments Aviation Attraction Fund, will have more flights and seats in an extended season than when the service operated year-round". Mr Cocker concluded: "The Auckland service is part of a strong summer schedule at Hobart Airport, which also includes Jetstar's seasonal Newcastle flights and Qantas' move to daily Brisbane service". [more - original PR - Hobart Airport] [more - original PR - Tasmanian Government]