Transport and Environment (T&E) reported (22-Sep-2026) contrail mitigation could provide the aviation industry with time to decarbonise. T&E stated that contrail mitigation starting in 2030 and targeting a 50% reduction of contrail warming by 2040 could reduce global warming by approximately 0.025 degrees Celsius in 2050 and 0.049 degrees Celsius in 2070. T&E called for increased investment in large scale tests and contrail research, emphasising that incomplete knowledge should not delay avoidance measures. The organisation noted that if aviation growth continues unchecked, global aviation energy consumption could more than double by 2050 compared to 2019. T&E stated that halving global contrail warming at current traffic levels could avoid between 67 and 225 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent p/a over a 100 year period. [more - Aviation Week]
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Qantas Group confirmed (23-Sep-2026) plans to launch Sydney-New York service with A350-1000ULR equipment from mid 2028, which will be the first ever nonstop commercial service between Australia and New York. It is the second Project Sunrise route to be confirmed, following daily Sydney-London service which is scheduled to commence in Oct-2027. Project Sunrise flights will be operated using A350-1000ULR aircraft fitted with an additional 20,000L fuel tank, enabling flights of more than 16,000km and up to 22 hours nonstop. Qantas plans to take delivery of 12 of the aircraft from Apr-2027, each configured with 238 seats across four cabins. The first test aircraft is in the final stages of its flight test programme. Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson stated the nonstop New York service of around 18 hours will cut "around three hours off the current fastest travel time". [more - original PR]
Background ✨
Qantas' first Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR, 'Vega', landed in Melbourne from Toulouse on 24-Jul-2026, operated by four Airbus flight test pilots and five flight test engineers, marking a major milestone in the programme1. The aircraft then returned to Toulouse after a 24 hour Melbourne flight, with two Qantas pilots joining the Airbus flight test crew on the return sector2.
CAPA - Centre for Aviation, in a report entitled: 'Canada Aviation: the four busiest airports to be leased - the which, what, why and wherefores', stated (22-Sep-2026) Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has committed to bringing private investment into operations at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and YYC Calgary International Airport. The likely structure is long-term lease/concession arrangements, with Transport Canada retaining ownership and oversight rather than outright airport sales. The government's stated rationale is "asset recycling" to unlock value from mature airport assets to fund other national growth priorities. Politics and geopolitics may shape bidder interest and outcomes, with potential preference for European participation as Canada seeks to distance itself from the US and deepen EU ties. [more - CAPA Analysis]
Background ✨
Air Line Pilots Association, International president Tim Perry warned that opening Canada's four largest airports to foreign private investment posed risks, urging the government to prioritise public interest and safety.1 Canadian Labour Congress, CUPE, Unifor and IAM opposed long term concessions, citing Australia as a cautionary example and flagging concerns over higher fees and pressure on wages and working conditions.2 Canadian Airports Council president Monette Pasher argued proceeds should be reinvested in infrastructure, connectivity and affordability across Canada's airport system.3
Jambojet MD and CEO Karanja Ndegwa stated (21-Sep-2026) the carrier plans to determine its 10 year network strategy within the next year. Mr Ndegwa said Jambojet will conduct talks with Airbus, Boeing and Embraer, and consider the economics. Mr Ndegwa said the Dash 8-400 remains central to the carrier's strategy due to its suitability for short haul routes and ability to operate at airports with infrastructure limitations. Jambojet plans to expand its Dash 8-400 fleet from nine to 16 aircraft by 2029. Mr Ndegwa said economics shift in favour of jets for longer duration services. Jambojet plans to increase passengers from 1.5 million p/a to between 2.8 million and 2.9 million p/a in five years. [more - Aviation Week]
Background ✨
Jambojet CEO and MD Karanja Ndegwa said fleet growth was constrained by delayed deliveries, with the 12th aircraft expected in 4Q2026 rather than 3Q2026, but additional 2027 deliveries were intended to add about 22 weekly flights and lift capacity 11%, supporting new regional routes and higher domestic frequencies.1 2 Jambojet chairman Ayisi Makatiani said it planned to increase domestic frequencies and start Entebbe and Dar es Salaam services by Mar-2027, targeting a fleet of 30 aircraft over five years and potentially introducing longer-range aircraft.3 4
EASA reported (21-Sep-2026) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) comprised 2.8% of the EU's aviation fuel supply in 2025. Of the 39.3 million tonnes of aviation fuel supplied to EU airports, 1.1 million tonnes were SAF, cutting CO2 emissions by 3.77 million tonnes. France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain accounted for 74% of all SAF supplied in the EU, with the Netherlands being the largest recipient at 29%. The main concern among European airlines is meeting the 6% SAF mandate by 2030, including a 1.2% e-SAF sub-mandate. EASA stated the SAF ramp-up is "on track" to meet the 2030 targets, with approximately 50 e-SAF projects awaiting final investment decisions. [more - Aviation Week]
Most Read News Headlines
OAG: Istanbul Airport the top 'Megahub' for the first time in 2026
OAG reported (16-Sep-2026) the following highlights from its 2026 'Megahubs' report, ranking the most internationally connected airports:
- Istanbul Airport is the world's top hub for the first time, rising from second place in 2025, with connections to 337 destinations worldwide. Turkish Airlines operates 80% of flights at the airport;
- London Heathrow Airport is the world's second top hub, as potential connections on the busiest day fell by 6% year-on-year, partly reflecting the ongoing disruption to Middle East schedules;
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport holds third place with growth in both connections and destinations served;
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport placed fifth globally, up from seventh in 2025, and is the most connected airport in the Americas, with potential connections up 9.8% and destinations served expanding from 297 to 308, giving O'Hare the "third widest international reach of any airport in the world", behind Istanbul Airport (337) and Frankfurt Airport (310);
- Asia Pacific "dominated the index", with eight airports in the global top 20. Kuala Lumpur International ranked fourth globally and first among all Asian airports, with connections to 154 destinations. Kuala Lumpur also topped OAG's low cost carrier (LCC) Megahubs index, offering nearly 15,000 possible low cost connections. Seoul Incheon International Airport held second place in the LCC rankings with connectivity reaching 198 destinations;
- Singapore Changi Airport rose from 10th to fifth place in the LCC rankings, reflecting "growth in both destinations served and potential low-cost connections";
- The average dominant carrier share at Asia Pacific's top 10 airports is 33%, "lower than most other regions". OAG noted this reflects the "diverse mix of full-service and low-cost carriers serving different traveller segments across Southeast and Northeast Asia".
OAG chief analyst John Grant stated: "The 2026 rankings reflect a global aviation landscape that is still recalibrating after significant disruption. Istanbul's rise to the top reflects the strength of Turkish Airlines' network and the airport's geographic position as a connecting hub between east and west". Mr Grant noted: "The recovery of Chinese airports is equally significant. The data suggests the post-pandemic adjustment in that market is now complete". [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]
UN Tourism: International tourism grows 'modestly' in 1H2026
UN Tourism reported (17-Sep-2026) the following highlights for 1H2026 from its World Tourism Barometer:
- International tourism grew "modestly", with global arrivals up 0.4% year-on-year to an estimated 690 million, "even as insecurity in the Middle East, elevated oil prices, and broader inflationary pressures tested the sector's resilience";
- Global arrivals increased by 2% in 1Q2026, then dropped by 1% in 2Q2026. Arrivals declined 3% in Apr-2026, largely due to the calendar effect of the Easter holiday period starting in Mar-2026 and the impacts of the Middle East conflict. Arrivals dropped 3% in Jun-2026, driven by a 6% decline in Western Europe, partly due to a heatwave in some destinations. Southeast Asia recorded 5% fewer arrivals in Jun-2026 as a result of "weaker demand from Asian markets, geopolitical tensions, air travel disruptions through the Middle East, and increased travel costs". Some destinations in Oceania (-6% in Jun-2026) were also impacted by Typhoon Sinlaku in 2Q2026;
- Africa (+4%) and Europe (+3%) recorded "solid" growth in arrivals, while the Americas recorded a 2% increase, with mixed results across sub-regions;
- Arrivals in Asia Pacific grew 1% but remained 11% below 2019 levels as disruptions to air connectivity, higher airfares and uncertainty affected intra-regional demand. North East Asia grew 3%, while South Asia (-5%) and Southeast Asia (-1%) recorded declines;
- The Middle East recorded a 22% decrease, as it was directly impacted by the conflict.
UN Tourism noted that in view of the latest data and current geopolitical volatility, international tourist arrivals are now expected to grow by between 1% and 2% globally in 2026, compared to the Jan-2026 forecast of 3% to 4%. UN Tourism added this will "depend on the conflict's actual duration and its effect on oil prices and overall inflation". The organisation stated international travellers are "expected to continue to seek value for money and travel either closer to home or domestically, again in response to elevated prices and uncertainty". UN Tourism Secretary General Shaikha Al Nuwais stated: "The latest data shows a sector absorbing real pressure and finding a way forward. Tourism has not stopped growing, but that growth is fragile". Ms Al Nuwais added: "The Middle East situation has touched destinations far beyond the region itself and serves as a clear reminder that, in such a connected world, resilience needs to be built everywhere and not just when a crisis begins". [more - original PR]