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CAPA News Briefs

CAPA publishes more than 1,000 global News Briefs every week, covering all aspects of the aviation and travel industry. It’s the most comprehensive source of market intelligence in the world, with around 50 per cent of content translated from non-English sources. The breadth of our coverage means you won’t need any other news sources to monitor competitors and stay informed about the latest developments in the wider aviation sector.

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Below is a sample of the latest news headlines. 240 news briefs have been published for CAPA Members in the past 2 days.

Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith stated (19-Feb-2026) the company plans to increase its minority stake in SAS to 60.5% by the end of 2026. The group also plans to make a non-binding offer for a stake in TAP Air Portugal. Mr Smith added: "The network TAP has in place is very complementary. Having an entry point into Latin America from the Iberian peninsula would be extremely strong for us". [more - Aviation Week]

Background ✨

Air France-KLM aimed to formalise its expression of interest in TAP Air Portugal by end-Nov-2025, with the privatisation process expected to conclude by early summer 2026; Lufthansa and IAG also expressed interest in TAP, whose South American network, especially to Brazil, is seen as a key asset by its CEO Luis Rodrigues1 2 3. The group has been progressing regulatory approval to acquire a majority stake in SAS4 5.

Air Peace, via its official Twitter account, announced (16-Feb-2026) it opened an executive lounge at Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport terminal 2. The lounge is for first and business class passengers.

Background ✨

Delta Air Lines also inaugurated a newly renovated premium lounge at Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport on 01-Jul-2025, providing additional amenities such as WiFi and private relaxation spaces1. The airport has seen several new lounge openings recently, including facilities by The Alternative Bank and MTN Nigeria, catering to different passenger segments2 3.

London Gatwick Airport reported (19-Feb-2026) a "record number" of serving airlines plan to operate to more than 230 destinations during summer 2026 - the most since 2019. The airport will be served by 62 airlines including new carriers Air Arabia, Air France, AirAsia X, Animawings, Beijing Capital Airlines, Condor Flugdienst and Jet2.com. Airport head of aviation development Jonny Macneal stated: "With new airlines joining the airport, new destinations launching and major frequency increases across our network, passengers will enjoy even more choice for holidays, business trips and long-haul adventures. We're proud to offer one of the UK's most comprehensive route networks and we look forward to welcoming even more passengers this summer". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Jet2.com announced it would launch operations from London Gatwick in Mar-2026, marking its arrival as the largest new based airline at the airport this century, with 29 planned summer routes and six based aircraft, including five A321neos. Its inaugural service from Gatwick will be to Tenerife from 26-Mar-2026, and it will operate to 24 destinations from the airport in the winter 2026/27 season1 2.

Airbus reported (19-Feb-2026) the following operational highlights for FY2025:

  • 793 commercial aircraft delivered, up from 766 in 2024, comprising 93 A220s, 607 A320s, 36 A330s and 57 A350s;
  • 1000 gross commercial aircraft orders, up from 878 in 2024;
  • Net orders of 889 aircraft after cancellations, up from 826 in 2024;
  • Order backlog amounted to a "year end record" of 8754 commercial aircraft;
  • Consolidated order intake by value increased to EUR123.3 billion and the consolidated order book value stood at EUR619 billion at the end of 2025;
  • Revenues generated by commercial aircraft activities increased 4% to EUR52.6 billion, mainly reflecting the higher number of deliveries and growth in services, partially offset by the USD depreciation.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury stated (19-Feb-2026) "2025 was a landmark year, characterised by very strong demand for our products and services across all businesses, a record financial performance, and strategic milestones". Mr Faury added: "Global demand for commercial aircraft underpins our ongoing production ramp up, which we are managing while facing significant Pratt & Whitney engine shortages". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Airbus set a target of around 820 commercial aircraft deliveries for 2025, with guidance including the impact of tariffs and the integration of certain Spirit AeroSystems work packages, while assuming no further disruptions to global trade or supply chains. CEO Guillaume Faury noted deliveries would be backloaded due to the complex operating environment and continued ramp up in industrial capacity1.

SpiceJet signed (13/19-Feb-2026) an MoU with an unnamed party to acquire 10 aircraft. This follows the board's recent approval of the LCC's plan to expand its operational fleet from 33 aircraft, as of 31-Dec-2025, to 60 operational aircraft by 4Q2026. SpiceJet aims to take delivery of 35 leased aircraft by Oct-2026, and resume deployment of five grounded aircraft, following completion of MRO works. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]

Background ✨

SpiceJet commenced a "major winter expansion" in late 2025, receiving one A340 and two Boeing 737s, with plans for 20 new aircraft to join under damp lease in Oct/Nov-2025 and four grounded aircraft expected to return to service by mid Dec-2025. The LCC aimed to more than double its active fleet and triple capacity by end-Dec-2025, following earlier wet and dry lease agreements for additional aircraft1 2 3.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways signed (19-Feb-2026) an agreement with Boeing to acquire 40 787-9s with a total value of approximately USD22.5 billion. The carrier chose the widebody aircraft to support its "strategic ambition to build a truly intercontinental network". The airline plans to introduce long haul international routes connecting Phu Quoc with destinations in the US, UK, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Middle East, CIS countries, Japan and Australia. The 787-9s will be configured with 296 seats and will have the capability to operate nonstop up to 16 hours. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Sun PhuQuoc Airways expanded its fleet with deliveries of A321neo and A320neo aircraft in Feb-2026, bringing its total fleet to eight, and previously outlined plans to reach 25 aircraft by the end of 2026 and up to 35 by 20271 2 3. It was recently granted an expanded air operator's certificate to operate international services and establish sales networks in South Korea and Taiwan4.

Airbus reported (19-Feb-2026) the following targets for 2026:

  • Around 870 commercial aircraft deliveries;
  • EBIT Adjusted of around EUR7.5 billion;
  • Free cash flow before customer financing of around EUR4.5 billion.

Airbus stated it assumes "no additional disruptions to global trade or the world economy, air traffic, the supply chain, its internal operations, and its ability to deliver products and services". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Airbus revised its 2025 delivery target from 850 to around 790 commercial aircraft due to a supplier quality issue with A320 Family fuselage panels, but maintained its financial targets for adjusted EBIT and free cash flow before customer financing. Inspections were required for 628 aircraft, impacting both delivered and in-production units. The company had previously forecast 820 deliveries for 2025 before the panel issue emerged1 2.

Qantas Airways, via its official Facebook account, announced (19-Feb-2026) it donated one Fokker 100 (VH-NHO) to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Museum in Parkes. The jet will serve as a tourist attraction in regional New South Wales following delivery from Perth. The carrier is retiring its Fokker 100 fleet as it takes delivery of Embraer E190 equipment.

Background ✨

QantasLink selected the Embraer E190 as the preferred replacement for its Fokker 100 fleet at Network Aviation, with up to 14 E190s to be introduced from late 2026 and four A320s from Jetstar Asia accelerating F100 retirements. QantasLink planned a multi-million AUD fleet upgrade, including WiFi and cabin refurbishments, alongside a broader group-wide renewal involving over 200 new aircraft orders1 2.

Vietnam Airlines, via its official Facebook and LinkedIn accounts, announced (18-Feb-2026) it signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase 50 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The airline also discussed plans to invest in 30 additional widebody aircraft, with the total potential deal valued at over USD12 billion. The carrier will deploy the 737 MAX 8 aircraft across domestic and Asia Pacific routes and aims to grow its fleet to 151 aircraft by 2030. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Vietnam Airlines previously stated it finalised agreements to acquire 50 narrowbody aircraft, expecting deliveries of 14 in 2030 and 18 more between 2031 and 2032, and outlined plans to lease or purchase 50 widebody aircraft by 2035 for replacement and expansion purposes1. Vietnam's Government granted in principle approval for the acquisition of 50 new A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, aiming for a fleet of 52 widebody and 112 narrowbody aircraft by 20352.

Aer Lingus, via its official website, confirmed (Feb-2026) plans to extend its 10kg carry-on baggage policy across all of its UK, European and Aer Lingus Regional services, effective 03-Mar-2026. The change grants a carry-on bag of 10kg across any Plus, Advantage or AerSpace fare regardless of destination. Customers who book a Saver fare can still pay to take this baggage on board, or check it into the hold for free. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Ryanair increased its free carry-on baggage dimensions to 40cm by 30cm by 20cm, making its allowance 33% larger than the EU standard, and completed the rollout of these new sizers at 235 airports across Europe by early 20261 2. Norse Atlantic Airways and JetBlue Airways also recently introduced or enhanced 10kg carry-on bag policies for select fare types3 4.

Ethiopian Airlines announced (18-Feb-2026) plans to launch three times weekly services to Negele Borena, Gore Metu and Debre Markos from mid Apr-2026, expanding its domestic network to 26 destinations. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said: "The inauguration of these three new airports, along with the commencement of passenger services, represents a major milestone for Ethiopian Airlines and for the nation as a whole". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

The launch of services to Negele Borena, Gore Metu and Debre Markos followed Ethiopian Airlines' recent domestic network growth, with new routes and airport terminals inaugurated at Goba Robe, Gode Ugaas Miraad and Jinka Baco, alongside resumed and new services to Dembi Dolo, Axum and Nekemite, further strengthening its presence across Ethiopia1. The new airports aligned with plans to increase the number of sealed domestic runways in the country2.

LATAM Airlines Group confirmed (19-Feb-2026) it has altered its operations to and from Argentina on 19-Feb-2026 due to a general strike announced by the General Confederation of Labor of Argentina, and following "formal notification of adherence from the unions representing the workers of Intercargo". LATAM stated: "Some flights may operate with altered schedules and/or dates, without necessarily being cancelled". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

LATAM Airlines Group previously cancelled operations in Argentina during general strikes, including a full suspension of domestic and international services on 25-Sep-2018 and 25-Jun-2018, and offered rescheduling options to affected passengers. Past industrial actions involving Intercargo personnel have also impacted LATAM's operations in Argentina, causing service disruptions and delays1 2 3 4.