Loading

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.

Request More Information

Complete the following to request more information.

Our daily News Briefs are only available to CAPA Members

Membership provides access to more than 1,000 News Briefs every week, with quick links to our Analysis Reports, Research Publications, Data Centre and more.

It’s easy to keep your News Briefs relevant by customising your email alerts based on topic, region, sector, frequency and more. Once you’ve saved your settings, you can stay up-to-date wherever you are, by quickly scanning our News Briefs online or via the CAPA mobile app.

Membership also provides full access to our Analysis Reports, in-depth Research Publications and comprehensive Data Centre. Premium CAPA Members can also access add-ons such as our exclusive Fleet Database, Airline Cask Data tools and more, to enjoy the full capabilities of our global platform.

Below is a sample of the latest news headlines. 129 news briefs have been published for CAPA Members in the past 2 days.

Uganda Airlines, via its official Facebook and Twitter accounts, announced (20-Feb-2026) it temporarily removed two long haul aircraft from service "due to unscheduled maintenance". The airline is working to rebook affected customers with partner airlines, adjust schedules and support rebooking. The airline's long haul fleet comprises two A330-800s, according to the CAPA Fleet Database, which are used to operate Entebbe-London Gatwick and Entebbe-Mumbai services, according to OAG and the CAPA Route Capacity Analyser.

Background ✨

Uganda Airlines launched four times weekly Entebbe-London Gatwick using A330-800neo equipment, stating it was the first operator of the A330-800neo into Gatwick.1 Uganda Airlines commenced three times weekly Mumbai-Entebbe on 07-Oct-2023 with A330-800, marking its second international destination outside Africa.2 Uganda Airlines also used short term A320 wet leases from Global Airlines and DOT LT to cushion operational challenges and augment services including Nairobi, Lagos and Abuja.3 4

IATA reported (20-Feb-2026) the following highlights from its Air Transport Chartbook for 4Q2025:

  • Passengers:
    • Global passenger traffic in RPKs increased 6% year-on-year. Global passenger capacity in ASKs increased 5.7%, resulting in a 0.2pp increase in load factor to 84%;
    • International traffic increased 8%. Economy class demand grew 8.1% and premium demand grew 6.7%. The international segment contributed more than 80% of total RPK growth;
    • Domestic traffic increased 2.8%, led by Brazil with 10.3% growth. The US market contracted 0.7%, marking its fourth consecutive quarterly decline;
    • Global scheduled seat capacity is forecast to grow 3.3% in 1Q2026, moderating slightly from 3.7% in 4Q2025. Regional growth is expected to remain uneven;
  • Cargo:
    • Global cargo demand in CTKs increased 4.6%, marking the highest quarterly growth of 2025, the 10th consecutive quarter of growth and a new record volume. IATA stated the performance reflects "sustained resilience despite differing regional trajectories". Capacity increased 4.7%, marking the strongest result of 2025 and the 12th consecutive quarterly expansion. Load factor decreased 0.1pp to 45.9% in seasonally adjusted terms. IATA commented: "Demand generally kept pace with supply, even as capacity expanded across most regions";
    • International traffic increased 5.7%, marking the 10th consecutive quarterly gain. All regions except the Americas contributed to the increase. International capacity increased 6.5% for bellyhold and 6.4% for dedicated freighters, marking the fastest growth of 2025 for both categories;
  • Fuel:
    • Crude oil prices decreased 8% compared to 3Q2025 to an average of USD63.7 per barrel. The drop was primarily driven by mounting concerns over persistent oversupply;
    • Jet fuel prices increased 1% compared to 3Q2025 to an average of USD91.4 per barrel. The jet fuel crack spread widened by 30% to USD27.7;
    • Global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production is estimated at 1.9 million tonnes for 2025, compared to one million tonnes in 2024, accounting for 0.6% of total jet fuel consumption. SAF output is projected to increase at a slower pace to reach 2.4 million tonnes (0.8% of demand) in 2026. IATA stated "ineffective policies", and notably SAF mandates, "are leading to fragmentation, higher prices, though not any discernible increase in production or in CO2 emissions reduction";
    • SAF milestones in 4Q2025 included the start of production in Brazil and Malaysia. Six SAF purchase deals were announced, bringing the total to 39 for 2025 and marking the highest annual total to date. [more - original PR]

IATA stated (20-Feb-2026) electrolytic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) projects should be developed in regions where renewable electricity is more abundant and affordable, as electricity can account for up to two thirds of production costs. Details include:

  • 40 of the 46 announced commercial scale e-SAF facilities are in Europe, where "the average levelised cost of renewable electricity is among the highest globally". Nordic countries are potential exceptions as relatively low cost electricity markets;
  • There is a "glaring dearth of announced projects" in countries and regions with "significant untapped potential and lower renewable electricity costs", such as Brazil, India, the Middle East and North Africa;
  • e-SAF is expected to account for more than 40% of SAF needs by 2050, but no commercial scale e-SAF facilities are currently in operation. IATA added: "The risk of insufficient supply, particularly by 2030, is increasing". Progress is hindered by high capital investments and production costs, which can be up to 12 times higher than conventional aviation fuel.

IATA stated: "e-SAF project announcements seem to be driven primarily by the mandates in the EU and the UK rather than by project economics. As a result, no commercial scale e-SAF projects in Europe have progressed to a final investment decision (FID), and globally, only one project has reached FID to date and is under construction in the US". The association concluded: "Scaling affordable e-SAF supply should focus on enabling countries with the highest potential to enter the market. Developed economies should also boost their renewable energy production to lower their costs and make their planned production economically viable". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

IATA highlighted that Europe planned for just over 1.5 million tonnes of e-SAF capacity by 2030, but this could consume a substantial share of existing renewable grid capacity in some countries, and overall renewable power generation may ultimately limit e-SAF scale even in regions with higher renewable energy shares1. The high electricity demand of e-SAF projects further complicates cost-competitiveness in Europe1.

Azul concluded (20-Feb-2026) its financial restructuring process in the US, with consequent emergence from Chapter 11 conducted before the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Azul stated all conditions under the plan of reorganisation "have been satisfied or waived", and provided the following restructuring results:

  • Reduction of loans and financing debt by approximately USD1.1 billion;
  • Reduction of aircraft lease debt by nearly 40%;
  • Estimated reduction in annual interest payments of more than 50% compared to pre‑Chapter 11 levels;
  • Estimated reduction of approximately one third of recurring aircraft leasing;
  • Estimated pro forma net leverage after implementation of the plan of reorganisation, upon emergence of less than 2.5x;
  • Capital raise of approximately USD1.4 billion through the issuance of senior notes and USD950 million in equity commitments. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Azul secured equity investments from United Airlines and American Airlines, each committing USD100 million, and received approval from Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense for United's investment, which was scheduled to settle on 20-Feb-2026. Additional capital was raised through a USD1.4 billion exit financing offer and incremental investments from existing creditors, supporting Azul’s emergence from Chapter 11 proceedings in early 20261 2 3 4.

Qantas Airways, via its official LinkedIn account, announced (21-Feb-2026) its second Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR entered the final assembly line at the Airbus facility in Toulouse, with fuselage sections and wings joined and the tail installed. The first Project Sunrise aircraft is in advanced stages of ground testing ahead of its flight test programme, which is scheduled to commence "in the coming months". The carrier plans to operate the aircraft from Australia's east coast nonstop to London and New York.

Background ✨

Qantas planned to take delivery of three A350-1000ULR aircraft before commencing Project Sunrise flights, with the first commercial services scheduled for 1H2027 following delivery of the initial aircraft in 4Q2026. The aircraft, configured with 238 seats and a Wellbeing Zone, is designed for up to 22 hours of nonstop flying from Australia to London and New York. Extensive flight testing is expected to commence in 20261 2.

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.