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

Brussels Airport, via its official website, announced (19-Nov-2025) the cancellation of all departing services on 26-Nov-2025 due to a national industrial action called by trade unions. The airport stated arrivals may also be affected.

Background ✨

Brussels Airport experienced similar nationwide industrial actions in 2025, including cancellations of all departures on 14-Oct-2025 and 25-Jun-2025, both due to strikes called by trade unions, with arrivals also potentially impacted1 2. On 31-Mar-2025, a national strike by ground handling and security staff also led to the cancellation of all departing services, highlighting ongoing labour unrest affecting Belgian airports this year3.

Emirates announced (18-Nov-2025) the next phase of its fleet retrofit programme, under which 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s will receive the following cabin improvements from Aug-2026:

  • Safran Seats' S Lounge seats to be installed in business class cabins on both aircraft types;
  • RECARO Aircraft Seating "advanced seating technology with a mechanical recline system" to be installed in premium economy cabins on both aircraft types;
  • Safran Seats' Z400 seats to be installed in economy class cabins on both aircraft types;
  • Panasonic Avionics Corporation to install Astrova inflight entertainment platform and integrated Arc 3D 4K Moving Map throughout cabins on both aircraft types;
  • Starlink to install free high-speed inflight WiFi connectivity throughout cabins on both aircraft types.

As previously reported by CAPA, Emirates' fleet retrofit programme commenced in 2021 with 120 aircraft, later expanding to 191 aircraft in May-2024 and to 219 aircraft in late 2024. To date, 76 aircraft have been retrofitted and "the programme maintains a steady cadence, with two freshly refurbished aircraft emerging each month". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Emirates planned to install Starlink inflight connectivity across its entire operational fleet of 232 aircraft by mid-2027, with the first Boeing 777 deployment scheduled for 23-Nov-2025 and A380 installations starting in Feb-2026, making it the first airline globally to offer Starlink on A380s. The rollout targeted installation on approximately 14 aircraft per month, offering free high-speed WiFi in all cabins1. Safran Seats was selected for both business and economy cabins2.

Air Europa signed (18-Nov-2025) an MoU with Airbus for up to 40 A350-900 aircraft. The agreement forms a central part of the carrier's long haul fleet replacement programme and aims to increase Air Europa's profitable growth to key markets in Latin America. Air Europa president Juan Jose Hidalgo stated: "The A350-900 is a game-changer for key destinations in Latin America. It provides an exceptional cabin experience and the operational performance and economics needed to expand the airline's network without compromise, delivering the highest standards in air travel". [more - original PR - Airbus] [more - original PR - Air Europa]

Background ✨

Air Europa has implemented a sustainability programme which included the addition of Boeing 787 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft to reduce fuel consumption and emissions on its medium and long haul services, and by 2024 its fleet comprised 28 787s and two 737 MAX 8s1. The airline reported a net profit of EUR165 million for 2023, with plans to complete repayment of its Official Credit Institute loan by Aug-20242.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport introduced (18-Nov-2025) European Union's (EU) new Entry/Exit System for the registration of non EU citizens travelling for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. The measure was introduced at all border crossing points in 29 European countries, with the aim of strengthening internal security in the Schengen area. The regulation is for passengers with non EU passports, who may temporarily have to expect longer waiting times during border checks. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

The EU's new Entry/Exit System became operational on 12-Oct-2025, with a progressive rollout over six months and full implementation at all external border points expected by 10-Apr-2026. The system digitally registers the data and biometric details of non-EU travellers for short stays, with each country determining its own deployment timeline and location for the system's introduction1 2.

Emirates selected (18-Nov-2025) Safran Seats to install business and economy class seats on 111 Emirates aircraft, comprising Boeing 777-300ERs and A380s. Safran Seats' S-Lounge seats will be installed in the business class cabins of both aircraft types. The seat "incorporates a wireless charger alongside the host of comfort enhancements already featured such as a premium trim & finish, a mini bar, massage & lumbar support and a tablet personal control unit". The company's Z400 seats will be installed in the economy class cabins of both aircraft types. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Emirates previously retrofitted 25 A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft with refurbished cabins, introducing premium economy and new business class seats, and scheduled an additional 17 aircraft for retrofitting by Dec-20241. It also deployed its first retrofitted Boeing 777 with new business class and premium economy cabins on Dubai-Geneva service, with plans for further deployment to Tokyo Haneda and Brussels2.

Riyadh Air placed (18-Nov-2025) a firm order with CFM International for 120 LEAP-1A engines to power 60 A321neo family aircraft. The airline also signed an agreement with CFM to supply spare engines. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Riyadh Air previously agreed to purchase 60 A321neo aircraft, increasing its total orderbook to 132 aircraft ahead of its planned 2025 launch. CEO Tony Douglas stated this order would support both industry growth and Saudi Arabia’s net-zero emissions goals1.

Gulf Air finalised (18-Nov-2025) a firm order for 15 Boeing 787s, with options for a further three 787s. The airline now has 17 of the aircraft type on order. Gulf Air Group chairman Khalid Husain Taqi stated: "By confirming our acquisition of the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, we are accelerating our strategy to increase capacity, strengthen long-haul operations, and deliver an elevated, more sustainable travel experience to our passengers". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Gulf Air previously placed an order with Boeing for 12 787s, with options for six more, as part of its fleet modernisation strategy, with the Boeing 787 highlighted by Gulf Air Group chairman Khalid Taqi for its performance and sustainability benefits1. The airline had also been evaluating further widebody orders to support future network growth and recalibration2 3.

RTX announced (18-Nov-2025) Ethiopian Airlines selected Collins Aerospace to provide premium lie-flat business class seating for the airline's A350s and Boeing 737 MAX 8s. Under the agreement, 11 Ethiopian Airlines A350-900s "will feature Collins Elevation suites, offering premium privacy, comfort, and ample space to work, relax and dine", while 56 737 MAX 8s will feature Collins' Parallel Diamond business class seats, which transform into lie-flat beds. [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Ethiopian Airlines had previously signed an MoU for 11 additional A350-900s, making it the largest A350 customer in Africa, and it also committed to upgrades such as new inflight entertainment and lie-flat business class seats across its long haul fleet, including on the 787s and A350s1 2. The airline received its first A350-1000 recently and plans further A350 deliveries in the coming years3.

flydubai signed (18-Nov-2025) an agreement with SpaceX to install Starlink inflight connectivity on its Boeing 737s, enabling passengers to access free high-speed inflight WiFi. The LCC aims to install Starlink on 100 aircraft in 2026. flydubai SVP of inflight operations Daniel Kerrison stated: "Fast, free internet isn't just a game changer for our customers, it also gives our crew the real-time data and information they need to deliver an exceptional travel experience". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Emirates planned to equip its fleet of 232 aircraft with Starlink inflight connectivity by mid 2027, offering free high-speed WiFi in all cabin classes, and began rolling out the service on its Boeing 777s in Nov-2025, with A380 installations to follow in Feb-20261. Qatar Airways and IAG also pursued large-scale Starlink installations across their fleets in 2025 and 20262 3.

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19-Nov-2025 12:08 PM

flydubai orders 150 A321neos

flydubai signed (18-Nov-2025) an MoU with Airbus placing a firm order for 150 A321neos, with options for 100 additional Airbus aircraft. The order is valued at USD24 billion, and the aircraft are scheduled to commence delivery in 2031. This marks the LCC's first order from Airbus. The LCC stated: "This strategic addition diversifies our narrowbody fleet and strengthens our long term expansion plans", adding: "This will enable flydubai to play a key role in the success of Dubai World Central's expansion plans, an airport we aim to become the largest airport in the world". [more - original PR - flydubai] [more - original PR - Airbus - II]

Background ✨

flydubai had previously relied exclusively on Boeing aircraft, with ongoing delivery delays prompting it to consider non-Boeing options and issue an RFP for more than 125 narrowbody aircraft in 2024. It was no longer scheduled to receive additional aircraft throughout 2024 due to these delays1. As of 2025, flydubai expected to take delivery of 12 new Boeing 737 MAX 8s, but remained 20 aircraft behind its original projections2.

Webjet received (19-Nov-2025) a non-binding and indicative offer from Helloworld Travel Limited to acquire 100% of the shares in Webjet that Helloworld does not already own, by way of a scheme of arrangement. Helloworld has a shareholding of 17.3% in Webjet. The proposal is subject to conditions including:

  • Satisfactory completion of due diligence by Helloworld;
  • Entry into a scheme implementation deed with customary terms and conditions;
  • The unanimous recommendation from the Webjet board to vote in favour of - and to vote their shares in favour of - the proposed transaction;
  • Required regulatory approvals;
  • Webjet shareholder and court approval.

The proposed transaction would be funded through a combination of cash on balance sheet and new debt facilities. Webjet's board has agreed to provide Helloworld with an opportunity to conduct due diligence. [more - original PR - Webjet] [more - original PR - Helloworld]

Background ✨

Webjet completed a demerger, resulting in two ASX listed entities: WEB Travel Group, which owns WebBeds, and Webjet Group Limited, comprising B2C businesses such as Webjet OTA, GoSee and Trip Ninja. The demerger, approved by a 97% shareholder majority, was pursued to enable both businesses to capitalise on distinct growth opportunities following an extensive strategic review that also considered sale options to third parties1 2.

Air New Zealand announced (19-Nov-2025) a major refresh of its loyalty programme, effective Apr-2026. The carrier's Airpoints programme will transition to Koru, a new tiered rewards system culminating in the new top-earned tier Koru Black - which features the following benefits:

  • Koru Circle, which provides members with the ability to share Koru Black features with family and friends;
  • Status Rewards including a Koru Black banked year, or curated gifts and experiences;
  • Access to the new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport when it opens;
  • Additional recognition upgrades and valet parking vouchers, enhanced OneUp offers and more.

Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar stated: "There's more on the horizon including introducing new partners, delivering new and exclusive ways to fly with Air New Zealand using Airpoints and new opportunities to earn Airpoints and Status Points to ensure our members get even more value from every journey". [more - original PR]

Background ✨

Air New Zealand previously outlined plans to introduce a new top tier to its Airpoints rewards programme in 2025, alongside enhanced redemption opportunities for members1. The carrier also revealed that the new flagship Koru Lounge at Auckland International Airport would be approximately 1700sqm larger than the current facility, with dedicated spaces for various loyalty tiers2.