Weight Loss Drugs May Deliver Unexpected Fuel Savings for Airlines
Airlines could see significant fuel cost savings from an unexpected development: lighter passengers. The growing use of weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, particularly in the United States, is prompting analysts to examine how reductions in average passenger weight may influence aircraft efficiency. While individual changes may appear small, the cumulative effect across large airline fleets could be substantial. Aircraft weight remains a key driver of fuel consumption. For decades, airlines have worked to reduce onboard mass by introducing lighter seats, limiting catering loads and minimising non-essential cabin materials. Passenger weight, however, has largely remained outside airline control. New modelling
Airbus Achieves Record Deliveries and Backlog in 2025
Airbus has concluded 2025 with a strong performance, delivering 793 commercial aircraft to 91 customers worldwide, marking a 4% increase year on year. The company also recorded 1,000 gross orders from 57 customers (889 net), including 49 A220s, 656 A320s, 100 A330neos, 2 A330 MRTTs and 193 A350s. This robust delivery and order performance underscores the sustained global demand for Airbus’ diverse aircraft portfolio. The overall order backlog reached a record 8,754 aircraft, while the widebody backlog alone hit 1,124, reflecting confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects. In 2025, Airbus continued to expand its operator base with new customers for the
Ethiopian Airlines Confirms Order for Nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading carrier, has confirmed the purchase of nine Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled between 2031 and 2033. The new aircraft will expand the airline’s route network and enhance international connectivity, offering passengers greater flexibility. This latest order follows the airline’s commitment to 11 Boeing 737 MAX jets announced at the Dubai Airshow. Finalized in December 2025, the combined 787 and 737 MAX purchase boosts Ethiopian Airlines’ order book by 20 fuel-efficient Boeing airplanes. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, said: “We are pleased to confirm the order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to expand our
SAA and CemAir Announce Landmark Domestic Codeshare Partnership
South African Airways (SAA) and CemAir have announced a landmark domestic codeshare partnership set to redefine air travel within South Africa. The collaboration strengthens connectivity between major metropolitan centres and niche regional and leisure destinations not previously served by SAA’s network. Unlike SAA’s existing codeshare agreements, which primarily focus on regional and international routes, this partnership is exclusively domestic. It is designed to enhance accessibility and convenience for travellers across South Africa by combining the strengths of both airlines. Under the agreement, SAA and CemAir will place their respective airline codes on selected flights, allowing customers to book integrated itineraries via official
Porter Airlines Reaches Milestone with 50th Embraer E195-E2 Delivery
Porter Airlines has officially received its 50th Embraer E195-E2, marking a major milestone in one of North America’s most ambitious fleet expansions. Since the arrival of its first E2 jet in December 2022, Porter has leveraged the aircraft to redefine the passenger experience and expand its network across Canada, the United States, and now the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. The airline currently has firm orders for 75 E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional 25, potentially bringing its fleet to 100 jets. The E195-E2, the largest and most advanced member of Embraer’s E-Jets E2 family, offers up to 29% lower
STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000
STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has taken delivery of its first of 18 A350-1000s, becoming the 11th global operator of the largest version of the A350. The new A350-1000 will join a fleet of 10 A350-900s already in service with the airline, deployed on premier long-haul services from Taipei to Europe and North America, as well as selected destinations within the Asia-Pacific region. To mark the arrival of its newest fleet member, STARLUX has unveiled a striking livery that reflects both innovation and identity. The design integrates the airline’s signature visual elements with a carbon-fibre motif, representing the advanced composite materials integral to the
LIFT Expands Fleet as Domestic Travel Surges Across South Africa’s Golden Triangle
South African domestic airline LIFT is preparing for one of its busiest festive seasons yet, driven by rising demand, strong early bookings and positive forecasts from tourism organisations in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. To meet peak travel along Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, known as the Golden Triangle, LIFT added two additional aircraft from November. Cilliers Jordaan, Chief Commercial Officer at LIFT, says early bookings show strong confidence from South African travellers. “Many are locking in holiday plans earlier, staying longer and travelling in larger groups. Our added fleet capacity allows us to meet this growing demand.” Rising international arrivals and
Qantas Expands Western International Hub with New Perth–Auckland–Johannesburg Links
Qantas has marked a major milestone in strengthening its western international network, launching new direct services that connect Perth with Auckland and Johannesburg. The expanded links reinforce Perth’s growing role as a strategic long-haul gateway and offer travellers more seamless access between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The inaugural rotation took place on Sunday, when an Airbus A330-200 operated flight QF112 from Auckland to Perth before continuing onwards to Johannesburg as QF65. This new routing not only enhances connectivity but also positions Perth as a key transit point for passengers heading between Oceania and Southern Africa. According to Qantas, the addition
FlySafair Spreads Festive Cheer with “Santa’s Sleigh” Livery
This holiday season, FlySafair is bringing a touch of magic to South African skies with its very first Christmas-themed aircraft livery. The airline’s Boeing 737-800 (ZS-SJV) has been transformed into “Santa’s Sleigh,” featuring a playful design where Santa’s sleigh is pulled not by reindeer but by a springbok, zebra and gemsbok, racing across the country’s skies. The festive livery was conceived to celebrate the joy of the holiday season and to create a memorable experience for passengers travelling in December. It embodies the spirit of South Africa, blending local wildlife and a sense of fun with the timeless tradition of Santa’s journey.
Emirates and SAA Strengthen Codeshare Partnership
Emirates and South African Airways (SAA) are expanding their nearly 30-year partnership with a reciprocal codeshare agreement, enhancing connectivity across South Africa, Africa, and the globe. The agreement allows Emirates passengers to travel seamlessly from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha, as well as 13 regional destinations including Lagos, Accra, Windhoek, and Mauritius. SAA customers continue to enjoy access to Dubai on Emirates’ 56 weekly flights, plus 68 additional global destinations via interline connections. Since January 2025, over 45,000 passengers have benefited from the partnership. The agreement was signed at the 2025 Dubai Airshow by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and
Flydubai signs landmark agreement for 150 A321neo aircraft becoming a new Airbus customer
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 November 2025 – flydubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 150 A321neo aircraft marking the airline’s first order with Airbus and one of its largest fleet commitments to date. The agreement highlights flydubai’s confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth and its alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, signed the MoU with Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, during a ceremony on the second day of the Dubai Airshow 2025. flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith was also in attendance. Sheikh Ahmed said
AerCap Signs Lease Agreements with FlySafair for Five Boeing 737 Aircraft
AerCap Holdings has announced a major fleet expansion deal with South African low-cost carrier FlySafair confirming lease agreements for three new Boeing 737 MAX 8s and two Boeing 737-800NGs. The announcement was made at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The 737 MAX 8 aircraft are scheduled for delivery from the first quarter of 2028 while the 737-800NGs are expected to arrive from the third quarter of 2026. Peter Anderson, AerCap’s Chief Commercial Officer said the company was pleased to welcome FlySafair as a new customer and support its fleet modernisation strategy. He noted that AerCap appreciated the partnership and wished the airline success
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