Air Senegal Commits to First Boeing 737 MAX Order
Air Senegal has announced a major fleet expansion with its commitment to purchase nine Boeing 737-8 aircraft marking the carrier’s first Boeing order in more than 20 years. Revealed at the Dubai Airshow on 17 November 2025 the deal represents the airline’s largest-ever fleet acquisition and signals a significant step in its long-term growth strategy. The new 737-8s will strengthen Air Senegal’s single-aisle operations while supporting its plans to grow regional and intercontinental services. The airline intends to expand its European network and launch new routes from Dakar to destinations in the Middle East and the Americas. The aircraft will also enable
LIFT Reveals Top 5 Designs for Birthday Tail Competition
South Africans have truly showcased their creativity! LIFT recently asked the public to design a special birthday livery for its aircraft, and the response was overwhelming. With nearly 3,000 submissions, the airline has now narrowed it down to the Top 5 designs that will compete to be the next iconic LIFT birthday tail. The competition isn’t over yet — now it’s up to South Africa to decide which design will take to the skies. Every vote counts, and to make it even more exciting, one lucky voter will win a R5,000 LIFT Wallet. This is a unique opportunity for South Africans to
FedAir Locks in to the Lowveld: A New Era of Safari Connectivity
Federal Airlines (FedAir), South Africa’s leading luxury safari air transfer operator, has announced a major strategic expansion into the country’s Lowveld region — a move set to transform regional lodge connectivity from May 2026. The new six-aircraft Lowveld Schedule will link the region’s premier lodges directly with Kruger Mpumalanga International, Skukuza and Hoedspruit Airports, creating a seamless “safari-from-the-sky” experience. Tickets go on sale 17 November 2025, perfectly timed for 2026 safari bookings. Streamlined Safari Travel Guests will soon be able to arrive at one of the three gateway airports and connect quickly by air to their lodge airstrip, avoiding long road transfers.
𝗦𝗔𝗔 𝗘xtends 𝗔frican 𝗖onnectivity
South African Airways (SAA) has expanded its African network with the launch of a new twice-daily service between Johannesburg and Gaborone, which commenced on 4 November 2025. The new route strengthens direct connectivity between South Africa and Botswana while also enhancing access to SAA’s wider regional destinations such as Windhoek, Lusaka, Harare and Kinshasa as well as intercontinental routes including São Paulo and Perth. Speaking at the launch event in Gaborone, SAA Group CEO Professor John Lamola said, “This route is more than a flight, it’s a strategic link in SAA’s broader commitment to enhancing intra-African connectivity. It reflects our vision to
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
MOST POPULAR
NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our newsletter for new blog posts, tips and news
