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Finnair announced (17-Jun-2025) plans to cancel approximately 128 flights on 19-Jun-2025, due to planned industrial action by the Finnish Aviation Union at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. As previously reported by CAPA, the carrier also cancelled approximately 143 flights for 17-Jun-2025 due to industrial action by the union. [more - original PR]

Airbus A350 chief engineer Miguel Llorca stated (13-Jun-2025) the company plans to begin flight tests for its A350-1000ULR aircraft in 2026. The aircraft will carry over 20,000 litres of additional fuel and will have a range of 9700nm, and is being designed to meet Qantas Airways' target of flying nonstop from London or New York to Sydney. The tests will validate the new tank and some cabin comfort enhancements, with the goal of entering service in Australia before 2027. Mr Llorca added test flights for the A350F will commence in mid 2026. [more - Aviation Week]

Finnair cancelled (15-Jun-2025) approximately 143 flights for 17-Jun-2025 due to industrial action by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. The industrial action will take place for four hours, targeting functions such as ground handling and catering. The cancellations are expected to affect approximately 6500 travellers, who will be offered alternative flights. IAU has announced similar industrial action for 19-Jun-2025. [more - original PR]

Air New Zealand announced (13-Jun-2025) plans to increase frequency to the following destinations in Asia from Oct-2025 to Mar-2026:

• Auckland-Taipei: From three to four times weekly between Dec-2025 and Feb-2026, adding 11,800 seats, up 27% year-on-year;
• Auckland-Bali: 49% increase in premium seats with an additional 2400 on the route;
• Auckland-Hong Kong: 28% rise in premium seats, adding 3700 Business Premier and premium economy seats on the route;
• Auckland-Shanghai: 35% more premium seats. [more - original PR]

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport welcomed (12-Jun-2025) LATAM Airlines plans to increase three times weekly Santiago-Melbourne service to daily from Dec-2025. The expansion marks the first time in the airport's 55-year history that it will have a daily connection to South America. Airport CEO Lorie Argus stated: "Today's announcement by LATAM is a further sign of confidence in Victoria and the increase in services will provide benefits to people on both sides of the Pacific... South America is an increasingly popular region for Victorian tourists and businesses but we're also seeing growing interest in Victoria as a destination for education, trade or holidays". [more - original PR]

Virgin Australia launched (13-Jun-2025) daily Sydney-Doha service with Boeing 777 equipment on 12-Jun-2025. The service provides onward connectivity to more than 170 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa through Qatar Airways' network. The carrier plans to launch Brisbane and Perth services to Doha on 19-Jun-2025 and 26-Jun-2025, respectively, with Melbourne service scheduled in Dec-2025. The Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways alliance is projected to add AUD3 billion to Australia's economy over five years. [more - original PR - Virgin Australia] [more - original PR - Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport]