Air Cambodia has made a preliminary deal with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to acquire up to 20 C909 regional jets, enhancing the airline’s fleet. This move positions Cambodia alongside other Southeast Asian countries choosing COMAC jets, as COMAC attempts to compete with Airbus and Boeing. The C909 jets will improve Air Cambodia’s operational efficiency on short to medium-haul routes while supporting growing regional passenger demand.
Browsing: Airline Updates
The aviation industry is experiencing a shift where ancillary revenue is rising as fares fall. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Frontier, Spirit, and Wizz Air are leading, with some airlines earning more from ancillary services than base fares. Global ancillary revenue reached $148 billion in 2024, with traditional airlines seeing a 5.3% rise in per-passenger ancillary income despite fare declines.
Air India and IndiGo initiated repatriation flights from Kathmandu to manage the return of Indian nationals stuck due to protests that shut down Nepal’s main airport. Following the political unrest, which included violent demonstrations and a government collapse, the Indian government coordinated relief efforts. Security and safety concerns arose, affecting many, including high-profile political figures.
Japan Airlines dismissed a pilot for violating alcohol policies, resulting in significant disruptions at Honolulu International Airport, affecting about 630 passengers. The Japanese government issued a formal reprimand as this was JAL’s second alcohol-related warning in a year. In response, JAL has pledged to implement stricter enforcement of alcohol checks among its crew members to prevent future incidents.
Alaska Airlines will introduce a new nonstop service from Seattle to Seoul, operated by Hawaiian Airlines using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This venture aims to fortify Seattle as a leading global hub on the West Coast and aligns with Alaska’s ambitious expansion plans. The launch includes attractive promotional offers and marks a significant growth in Alaska’s long-haul international routes.
Southwest Airlines is set to expand its network by adding Santa Rosa, California, to its routes in April 2026, offering direct flights to several key cities. This development forms part of a broader strategy that includes introducing new routes to St. Thomas, Knoxville, and St. Maarten. The airline continues to lead in intra-California travel, reinforcing its commitment to connecting communities and providing affordable services.
Air Canada is expanding its network from Toronto Pearson with new routes launching between winter 2025 and summer 2026. These include nonstop flights to Shanghai and Budapest, resumption of service to Prague, along with additional destinations in South America and Mexico, which are aimed at bolstering tourism and trade. The airline is also upgrading its fleet with the introduction of the Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A321XLR models.
Qantas will commence using the Airbus A220-300 for international flights to Wellington from Brisbane, enhancing its trans-Tasman operations. With a focus on expanding seat availability and offering the latest in passenger comfort, Qantas aims to strengthen its presence in the Australasian market. The expansion includes a new Jetstar route, increasing accessibility and options for travelers.
Malaysia Airlines is set to boost its flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Adelaide Airport, moving to daily service by February 2026. This expansion, featuring the Airbus A330neo, will significantly increase seat availability and improve onboard comfort. The changes highlight Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to supporting international travel and tourism in South Australia.
JetBlue has retired its last Embraer E190, concluding its transition to an all-Airbus fleet. The E190s, instrumental since 2005, facilitated JetBlue’s entry into smaller markets. The shift to the Airbus A220-300 is driven by operational efficiency, with significant fuel savings and increased seat capacity.