Commercial Aviation News

Aircalin, the international airline of the South Pacific French territory of New Caledonia, has disclosed an order with Airbus for two long-range A350-900 aircraft. This order will enable Aircalin to support fleet adaptation and the carrier's long haul network expansion.

It appears that COMAC's C919 has started its first commercial flights outside of mainland China. It has had flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong.

Air NewZealand has received its first ATR 72-600 powered by Pratt & Whitney PW127XT. Entering service today, Thursday 16 January, the aircraft will operate its first scheduled flight from Christchurch to Invercargill. The aircraft has the registration ZK-MZG. The newest ATR arrived in New Zealand on 29 December 2024 after a weeklong journey from the manufacturing site in Toulouse, France. Its journey spanned more than 20,000 kilometers, with stops in Heraklion, Riyadh, Oman, Hyderabad, Kuala Lumpur, Denpasar, Darwin, and Brisbane before landing in Christchurch.
Air New Zealand's General Manager of Strategy, Networks, and Fleet, Baden Smith, said the arrival of the latest ATR is a valuable addition to the airline's services in the region.

"The ATR is a fantastic aircraft and the backbone of our domestic network for regional customers. It performs exceptionally well in New Zealand's unique operating conditions with its fuel efficiency, reliability, and ability to access smaller airports. The aircraft's versatility ensures we can maintain a robust and resilient service, connecting our communities across the motu efficiently," said Smith. This new ATR features the Pratt & Whitney PW127XT engine, which is designed to deliver an estimated 3% fuel savings compared to its predecessor. This is Air New Zealand's first ATR72-600 with this engine type.
The airline also has another ATR on order, scheduled to arrive in mid-2025.

United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has sued two U.S Airlines, Southwest and Frontier. Read more below.

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot-sues-southwest-airlines-chronically-delayed-flights

Looks like FlyDeal out of Saudi Arabia will be looking at the Airbus A330neo for its widebody needs. This is according to Reuters.

https://www.reuters.com/business/ae...r-airbus-a330neo-jets-sources-say-2025-01-14/

777-9 still testing. Great looking aircraft though.

An Airbus A340 taking pax to Antarctica.

Allegiant took delivery of three Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets earlier than anticipated. That allowed them to end 2024 with 4 of the type which was not the plan but i'm sure they are not complaining. They have an order of over 40 aircraft of the type

Reconsideration of ATC rules in the wake of the DC crash between a military helicopter and a regional jet killed 67 persons.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us...ring-air-traffic-rules-talks-musk-2025-02-05/

Qatar Airways flaunting its new wi-fi product.

The heir apparent...at Virgin.

Korean Air has fully finalized on a deal it tentatively signed with Boeing at the 2024 Farnborough Air Show. It sees them acquiring 50 jets which take in the 787 and the upcoming latest variant of the 777. 20 777-9s and 20 787-10s, with options for an additional 10 787s.

ZK-NZH is the registration of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that Air New Zealand has received back after its upgraded retrofit. The aircraft received a nose-to-tail upgrade which was inclusive of a brand new interior. All 14 of the airline's 787-9s will receive this treatment and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Etihad's Airbus A350 delivery.

Talking Chinese commercial planes.

Aviation lessor BOC has placed an order for five Airbus A321neo aircraft to go to Thai Airways International.

A look at the interior of the four-class cabin on the Boeing 787 for RIYADH AIR.

Not news but some nice cinematic commercial traffic views.

The Boeing 787 family has crossed the 1 billion passenger mark.