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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. 154 news briefs have been published for CAPA Members in the past 2 days.

China Airlines announced (09-Jul-2025) plans to offer free inflight WiFi connectivity to all passengers travelling on the airline's Boeing 777s, A350s and A321neos, commencing 01-Aug-2025. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Several Asian airlines have recently announced or launched complimentary inflight WiFi, including Cathay Pacific across its entire fleet from Aug-20251, EVA Air for business class and frequent flyers from 01-Jul-20252, and All Nippon Airways on both domestic and select international flights from 13-Jun-20253. These moves reflect a broader regional trend toward expanding free connectivity for passengers.

Qantas Airways and Air France-KLM expanded (10-Jul-2025) an existing partnership to improve air connectivity between Australia and Europe. Details include:

Virgin Atlantic Airways announced (08-Jul-2025) the following updates to its fleet and product offering:

  • Following completion of a USD17 billion fleet transformation, the carrier will operate a mixed fleet of 45 next generation, fuel efficient aircraft: 19 A330-900s, 12 A350-100s and 14 Boeing 787-9s, with an average age of under seven years.
    • The 787-9s will undergo a full cabin re-design, offering 44 Upper Class and 56 Premium seats, including eight Retreat Suites in Upper Class. The economy cabin will reduce from 192 to 127 seats. The roll-out is scheduled to take place between 2028 and 2030;
    • From 3Q2026, 10 A330neos will be delivered configured with increased premium cabins, with 48 Upper Class, 56 Premium and 128 economy seats, including four additional Retreat Suites in Upper Class for a total of six;
  • Introduction of 'Fantastic Flying Club' recognition for guests with multi-year loyalty who may not travel enough for tier status progression;
  • Deployment of free, streaming-quality unlimited WiFi throughout its fleet using Starlink technology, with roll-out scheduled to take place from 3Q2026 and be completed by the end of 2027;
  • Introduction of a new 'World of Virgin Atlantic in your Pocket' mobile app from Dec-2025, integrating both airline and holiday journeys into one platform;
  • Partnership with OpenAI and Tomoro.ai to create a digital concierge featuring an integrated advanced voice mode;
  • Partnership with Joby Aviation announced in Mar-2025, supporting electric air taxi services across the UK by the end of 2030;
  • Investing in Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses. Following the opening at Los Angeles International Airport in Mar-2025, the carrier plans to open refurbished clubhouses at London Heathrow Airport and New York John F Kennedy International Airport;
  • The carrier recently launched 10 signature food and beverage creations;
  • Partnership with Votary to provide skincare product on board from the beginning of 2026. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]

Background ✨

Virgin Atlantic placed a firm order for seven additional A330-900neo aircraft, bringing its total fleet commitment for the type to 19, with deliveries scheduled from 2027. It also extended leases on seven Boeing 787-9s, aiming to operate 45 next generation aircraft by 2028 with an average age of 6.4 years. CEO Shai Weiss highlighted the environmental benefits of operating a younger, more efficient fleet1.

Boeing, via its official website, reported (08-Jul-2025) the following commercial aircraft orders and deliveries for Jun-2025:

Background ✨

Boeing's Jun-2025 gross orders were significantly lower than in May-2025, when it recorded 303 aircraft orders, driven by large orders from Qatar Airways and unidentified customers. Deliveries in Jun-2025 rose to 57, up from 44 in May-2025, continuing a recent upward trend in monthly production output following a dip earlier in 20251. Airbus reported 203 gross orders and 62 deliveries in Jun-20252.

Boeing reported (08-Jul-2025) the following commercial aircraft deliveries:

Background ✨

Boeing's 2Q2025 deliveries brought its 1H2025 total to 280 commercial aircraft, compared to 130 in 1Q2025. This followed 348 deliveries in 2024, with 265 being 737s. The company delivered 83 and 92 aircraft in 1Q and 2Q2024 respectively, with 1H2024 deliveries totalling 175 aircraft, highlighting a notable increase in 2025 output so far1 2 3 4.

Airbus reported (08-Jul-2025) the following commercial aircraft orders and deliveries for Jun-2025:

Background ✨

Airbus recorded 51 deliveries and no gross orders in May-2025, following 56 deliveries and 11 gross orders in Apr-2025. In Mar-2025, it reported 71 deliveries and 211 gross orders, including large commitments from lessors and undisclosed customers. Recent months have shown fluctuating order activity, with significant increases in gross orders in both Mar-2025 and Jun-2025 compared to the preceding months1 2 3.

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced (08-Jul-2025) a new policy which will enable passengers travelling at domestic airports to keep their shoes on when passing through US TSA security checkpoints. Ms Noem stated: "Ending the 'Shoes-Off' policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernise and enhance traveller experience across our nation's airports. We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Prior to this policy, only TSA PreCheck participants were routinely allowed to keep their shoes on during screening, with the programme marketed as a way to reduce wait times and streamline the security process for eligible travellers1 2. Standard screening required shoe removal due to earlier unsuccessful trials of footwear scanners3. The US had gradually expanded PreCheck access across hundreds of airports since its launch in 20114 5.

Bluebox Aviation announced (08-Jul-2025) Thai VietJet Air will launch an inflight entertainment (IFE) service, powered by Blueview digital services platform. The service will be available across the LCC's fleet of 18 Airbus aircraft, with plans to expand to incoming Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

VietJet Air agreed to transfer up to 50 Boeing 737 aircraft from its existing order to Thai VietJet Air, with deliveries starting in Oct-2025. Boeing committed to provide technical support, pilot and engineer training, and maintenance programmes to support the safe introduction and operation of these aircraft in Thailand1.

EVA Air will debut (07-Jul-2025) its fourth generation premium economy cabin to the US on three times weekly Taiwan Taoyuan-Dallas Fort Worth service, scheduled to commence on 03-Oct-2025 with three class Boeing 787-9 equipment. The cabin features 28 premium economy seats with a 42 inch pitch in a 2-3-2 configuration. The airline stated: "Passengers will also enjoy a 15.6 inch HD touchscreen, adjustable tray tables designed for digital devices, individual power outlets, ample storage, and privacy panels". EVA Air plans to increase Taiwan Taoyuan-Dallas Fort Worth frequency to five times weekly, commencing 18-Nov-2025, and further increase frequency to daily, commencing 15-Dec-2025. [more - original PR]

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8-Jul-2025 12:20 PM

Enugu Air commences operations

Enugu Air commenced (07-Jul-2025) operations, with plans to initially operate services from Enugu to Lagos and Abuja with Embraer E170/E190 aircraft. The state owned airline will be operated by Xejet and plans to expand operations to include cities such as Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin and Kano. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah added: "In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US and other global business hubs". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

The Enugu State Government launched Enugu Air as part of its strategy to develop a multi-modal transport system and position Enugu as an aviation hub, initially operating three Embraer E170/E190 aircraft between Enugu, Abuja and Lagos, with plans to expand domestically and internationally in future phases1. The state government previously announced an investment of NGN41.13 billion to acquire four aircraft for the project2.

SAS selected (03-Jul-2025) J&C Aero to supply its advanced Movable Class Divider (MCD) solution for the entire SAS A320 and Embraer fleets, encompassing 110 aircraft. The solution will support the carrier's upcoming European business class offering. The new MCDs enable SAS to adapt seating configurations in response to passenger demand and route specifics. The MCDs can be repositioned between rows one and nine and stowed behind the last passenger row without occupying overhead bin space, optimising cabin efficiency without compromising storage capacity. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

SAS planned to reintroduce a dedicated European Business Class product across its European and Scandinavian network from 01-Oct-2025, featuring a dedicated front cabin section and other premium services in response to increased demand for premium travel1. CEO Anko van der Werff noted this move would align SAS's product naming with its Air France-KLM partners2.

Finnair cancelled (05-Jul-2025) approximately 100 flights on 07-Jul-2025 due to industrial action planned by the Finnish Aviation Union at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. If the planned actions are implemented, they will impact all essential ground services related to Finnair operations. The cancellations will affect the travel plans of about 7200 customers. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

The Finnish Aviation Union planned industrial action impacting Helsinki-Vantaa Airport caused Finnair to cancel 100 flights on 02-Jul-2025 and 80 flights on 04-Jul-2025, disrupting ground services and affecting thousands of customers. The union announced actions for multiple dates in July-2025, with previous strikes in June also resulting in significant cancellations and operational disruption at the airport1 2 3 4.