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Air Zimbabwe, via its official Facebook account, confirmed (09-Jul-2026) plans to resume three times weekly Harare-London Gatwick service from 22-Jul-2026. The service will operate with A330-300 equipment under an ACMi contract with Plus Ultra Airlines.

Emirates announced (09-Jul-2026) plans to deploy A380 equipment on one daily Dubai-Delhi frequency, commencing 25-Oct-2026. The airline operates the route four times daily and will continue to deploy Boeing 777 equipment on the remaining three daily frequencies. Emirates' A380s are configured with four cabins, comprising first, business, premium economy and economy class. Delhi will be the third destination in India Emirates will serve with A380 equipment, following Mumbai and Bengaluru. The airline also announced plans to commence deployment of A350 equipment on a daily frequency on Dubai-Kolkata service, effective from 25-Oct-2026. Emirates operates the route 12 times weekly and will continue to deploy 777 equipment on the remaining five weekly frequencies. [more - original PR]

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] [more - Aviation Week]