Somon Air Makes Landmark Commitment to Boeing for Up to 14 Aircraft
In a bold move to expand its international footprint and modernize its fleet, Somon Air, Tajikistan’s national carrier, has announced a commitment to acquire up to 14 Boeing aircraft, including four 787-9 Dreamliners and ten 737-8 MAX jets. The announcement was made during the C5+1 Summit, coinciding with the U.S.’s 10th anniversary of the diplomatic platform. Somon Air currently operates six Next-Generation 737s, connecting Dushanbe to 25 destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The new order marks the airline’s first-ever widebody purchase, with the 787-9 Dreamliner enabling long-haul intercontinental routes and providing enhanced passenger comfort. Meanwhile, the 737-8 MAX jets
Taking Flight in True Proteas Style!
South African sports fans have a new reason to celebrate – the Proteas FlySafair Boeing has officially taken to the skies! The unveiling took place on 4 November at the FlySafair hangars at OR Tambo International Airport, where the airline revealed a striking, fan-designed livery that celebrates South African pride and the nation’s cricketing passion. Every detail of the design reflects the spirit of the Proteas, turning the Boeing into a flying tribute to one of South Africa’s most beloved sports teams. FlySafair, already well-known for its support of South African sports, is also a proud sponsor of the Springboks Rugby team.
Ramping Up A320 Family Production
How Airbus is expanding its operations to meet growing demand Responding to surging demand from airlines and lessors, Airbus is ramping up production across all its commercial aircraft programmes. The company’s global industrial footprint is expanding rapidly, including two new A320 Family final assembly lines (FALs) in China and the United States. At the heart of this growth is the A321neo — the largest and most in-demand member of the A320 Family. A fun fact: an Airbus A320 Family aircraft takes off or lands somewhere in the world every two seconds. The programme has accumulated nearly 20,000 orders and, in October 2025,
IndiGo Converts MoU to Firm Order for 30 Additional A350-900s
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has converted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June into a firm order for 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, bringing its total A350 orders to 60 aircraft. The expanded fleet will support IndiGo’s entry into the long-haul international market, leveraging the A350’s fuel efficiency, range and passenger comfort to strengthen its global presence. “Today is a special day for IndiGo as we solidify our commitment to expanding our international footprint and offering unparalleled connectivity to our customers,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo. “These aircraft will play a pivotal role in enabling IndiGo to connect India with more destinations
Airlink and Air Austral Expand Networks with Bilateral SPA
Air Austral and Airlink have signed a bilateral Special Prorate Agreement (SPA), effective 15 October 2025, marking a significant expansion in connectivity between Réunion and Southern Africa. Under the agreement, Air Austral passengers can access Airlink’s network of 45 destinations across South Africa and the Southern Africa region through connections in Johannesburg on Air Austral’s Réunion–Johannesburg flights. The partnership enables seamless travel with a single ticket, through check-in and baggage checked through to the final destination. Key destinations include Cape Town, Durban, Windhoek, Gaborone, Lusaka, Victoria Falls and more. Conversely, Airlink customers gain access to destinations beyond Réunion on Air Austral’s network,
FlySafair Soars as Official Airline Sponsor of Red Bull Flugtag 2025
FlySafair has officially partnered with Red Bull Flugtag 2025, stepping in as the event’s official airline sponsor and aligning its brand with one of the most imaginative celebrations of flight and innovation. The partnership highlights FlySafair’s commitment to aviation excellence, creativity and nurturing the next generation of engineering talent. As part of the collaboration, FlySafair unveiled a special aircraft livery inspired by the daring spirit of Red Bull Flugtag. The reveal took place at a high-energy event attended by content creators and key representatives from both FlySafair and Red Bull, capturing the imagination and excitement that define the annual event. But FlySafair’s
Airlink Welcomes Third Embraer E195-E2, Sets Record for Longest E2 Flight
Embraer has delivered ZS-LKA, the third E195-E2 aircraft to South African carrier Airlink. The aircraft recently completed a 3,996-nautical-mile (7,400 km) non-stop flight from São José dos Campos, Brazil, to Johannesburg, South Africa — marking the longest E2 flight since the family entered service in 2018. During this milestone journey, the E195-E2 demonstrated its exceptional efficiency, consuming less than 1,350 kg of fuel per hour, reinforcing the E2 family’s reputation as the world’s most efficient small narrowbody aircraft. This combination of range, performance, and fuel economy highlights the aircraft’s suitability for both regional and longer non-stop routes. The new aircraft will play
Turkish Airlines Orders Up to 75 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Expands 737 MAX Commitment
Boeing and Turkish Airlines have announced a firm order for up to 75 787 Dreamliners, marking the flag carrier’s largest-ever widebody purchase from Boeing. The order includes 35 787-9s, 15 787-10s, and options for 25 additional 787s, supporting fleet growth, modernization, and operational efficiency. The deal is expected to support over 123,000 jobs across the U.S. In addition, Turkish Airlines announced its intent to purchase up to 150 737 MAX jets, which will become its largest Boeing single-aisle order once finalized. Combined, the 787 and 737 MAX orders will double Turkish Airlines’ Boeing fleet, strengthening the airline’s global capacity and network. Fleet
Embraer, Finnair, and Norra Celebrate 20 Years of E-Jets Service
Embraer, Finnair, and Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra) marked a major milestone in European aviation, celebrating 20 years of E-Jets service. On 1 October 2005, Finnair operated its first Embraer E170 revenue flight from Helsinki to Oslo, opening a new era of regional connectivity, comfort, and reliability. Since October 2012, Norra has flown the Embraer aircraft across Europe on behalf of Finnair. To commemorate the anniversary, executives from Embraer, Finnair, and Norra gathered at Helsinki Airport ahead of flight AY915, which retraced the historic Helsinki-Oslo route under the specially designated call-sign “FIN20Y.” The event included speeches, gifts for passengers, and a ceremonial send-off,
New FlySafair Route Connects Limpopo to Cape Town, Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
FlySafair has officially launched its new route from Hoedspruit to Cape Town, a development set to significantly enhance Limpopo’s tourism and economic potential. The airline’s 165- or 189-passenger aircraft will operate three times a week, providing convenient and affordable travel options for both tourists and locals, with fares starting at R1570 one way. The launch was celebrated by Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, MEC Susan Violet Mathye, and GAAL CEO Mokgadi Matli, who highlighted the route’s role in driving connectivity, stimulating economic growth and creating opportunities for local businesses. Access to the Kruger National Park is expected to improve dramatically, making Limpopo’s renowned
Airlink Takes Delivery of First Three Embraer E195-E2s
Airlink, Southern Africa’s premium airline, has formally accepted the first three of ten new Embraer E195-E2 jetliners under a lease agreement with Fort Lauderdale-based asset management firm Azorra. The agreement, finalised in August, will see Azorra provide the newly built aircraft to Johannesburg-headquartered Airlink, strengthening its all-Embraer fleet. Each E195-E2 seats up to 136 passengers in a two-by-two layout and offers extended range to open new routes while increasing capacity on high-density sectors such as Johannesburg-Cape Town. Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said: “The integration of the E195-E2s is a key milestone in our 33-year history. These aircraft provide operational and commercial
Nigeria Reviews China’s C919, First Real Alternative to Boeing and Airbus in Africa
Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority is reviewing the certification of China’s COMAC C919 narrow-body jet for domestic airlines, potentially introducing the first non-Western single-aisle aircraft into Africa’s commercial fleet. The C919, seating 158–192 passengers, competes directly with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families that dominate the continent’s skies. By Jarryd Sinovich The jet offers lower lease costs than Western competitors, but faces hurdles in reliability, maintenance, and regulatory acceptance. Nigerian regulators have asked COMAC to outline spares provisioning, engineer training, and technical support, echoing challenges faced during the earlier MA60 turboprop programme, which struggled with parts shortages and limited after-sales support across
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