The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 2.6% year-on-year increase in global passenger demand for February 2025, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK). Total system capacity, expressed in available seat kilometers (ASK), rose by 2.0%, while the load factor reached 81.1%—a 0.4 percentage point increase compared to February 2024.In Latin America and the Caribbean, demand grew by 4.6%—the second-highest rate after Africa (6.8%)—while capacity increased by 5.6%, the highest among all regions. This resulted in a 0.8% drop in load factor, which stood at 81.6%, the third highest behind Asia-Pacific (85.4%) and the Middle East (82%).The overall growth was driven by international traffic, which saw a 5.6% rise in demand compared to the same month last year. Capacity in this segment increased by 4.5%, and the international load factor reached 80.2%, up by 0.9 percentage points.In contrast, domestic markets saw a 1.9% decline in demand, alongside a 1.7% drop in capacity. The domestic load factor was 82.6%, slightly lower than in February 2024 (-0.2 points).IATA noted that part of the slowdown may be attributed to seasonal factors, such as 2024 being a leap year and the Chinese New Year falling in January this year, rather than February as in 2024. Nonetheless, the organization highlighted that traffic reached a record high for the month of February.However, IATA Director General Willie Walsh warned that “we must keep a close eye on developments in North America, which saw declines in both domestic and international traffic.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/iata_demanda_global_en_rpk_enero_2022_a_febrero_2025.jpg" alt="IATA - Demanda global en RPK - Enero 2022 a Febrero 2025"><figcaption>IATA - Global demand in RPK - January 2022 to February 2025</figcaption></figure><h3>International traffic performance by region</h3><ul><li>In Latin America, international demand rose by 6.7%, while capacity grew by 9.9%. This resulted in a 2.5 percentage point drop in load factor to 81.7%, reflecting a gap between supply and demand.</li><li>Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 9.5% increase in international demand, with capacity up 8.3%. The load factor reached 85.7%, among the highest across all regions, gaining 0.9 points.</li><li>European airlines saw demand grow by 5.7%, with capacity rising 4.9%. The region's load factor stood at 75.5%, up by 0.5 points from February 2024.</li><li>In the Middle East, demand expanded by 3.1%, while capacity rose just 1.3%. This pushed the load factor up by 1.4 points to 81.9%.</li><li>African carriers recorded a 6.7% increase in demand, with a 4.0% rise in capacity. The load factor climbed to 75.3%, a 2.0-point improvement.</li><li>North American airlines were the only group to post a drop in international demand, falling by 1.5%. Capacity declined by 3.2%, but the load factor improved by 1.3 points to 78.9% due to tighter capacity management.</li></ul><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/estadisticas_aerocomerciales_iata_febrero_2025.jpg" alt="Estadísticas aerocomerciales IATA - Febrero 2025"><figcaption>IATA Air Transport Statistics - February 2025</figcaption></figure><h3>Domestic markets: Declines in the U.S. and China, strong growth in India</h3>Domestic markets showed mixed performance among major economies. India led the growth, with demand up 13.2% and capacity rising 11.4%. The domestic load factor reached 90.3%, up 1.5 points.In the U.S., domestic demand fell 4.2%, while capacity decreased 1.2%. Load factor dropped to 78.7%, down by 2.5 points. IATA suggested this may be linked to a decline in consumer confidence.China's domestic market also contracted, with demand down 3.2% and capacity falling 4.5%. Still, the load factor rose 1.2 points to 86.2%.Other markets like Brazil and Japan showed solid performance. Brazil saw an 8.0% rise in domestic demand and a 4.1% increase in capacity, lifting the load factor to 80.3% (+2.9 points). In Japan, demand increased 5.8% despite a 1.2% drop in capacity, pushing load factor to 83.9%, 5.5 points higher year-on-year.In Australia, domestic traffic declined by 3.8%, and capacity fell by 5.5%. Still, the load factor improved to 74.3% (+1.3 points).<h3>Debate over European passenger rights regulation</h3>Willie Walsh also addressed the recent closure of Heathrow Airport, using the incident to criticize Europe’s and the UK’s current passenger rights framework, calling it “not fit for purpose.”“The current passenger rights regime in Europe and the UK is inadequate,” Walsh said. “Even with proposed reforms, EU Regulation 261 continues to penalize airlines for delays caused by infrastructure failures, while those responsible for such failures face no consequences,” he warned.IATA noted that compensation and assistance costs for passengers amount to billions of euros annually. While the organization welcomed efforts by Poland’s EU Council presidency to push for changes, it believes the current reform proposal “fails to offer a real solution.”<a href="https://www.iata.org/en/iata-repository/publications/economic-reports/air-passenger-market-analysis-february-2025/">Download document: IATA Air Passenger Market Analysis - February 2025</a>&nbsp;

Passenger traffic in Latin America grows 4.6% in February, above the global average

Iberia and Aerolíneas Argentinas have signed an interline agreement that will allow their passengers to connect transatlantic flights with multiple domestic destinations in Spain and Argentina, using a single ticket and streamlined travel procedures.According to the official announcement, the alliance — in effect as of March 27 — enables travelers from both airlines to access 37 destinations within Argentina and 29 across Spain, with connections facilitated via Ezeiza and Aeroparque airports in Buenos Aires, and Madrid-Barajas Terminal 4 in the Spanish capital.As outlined in the agreement, Iberia passengers will be able to extend their itineraries to Argentine cities such as Córdoba, Mendoza, Bariloche, Ushuaia, Iguazú, and El Calafate, among others, operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas. Conversely, Aerolíneas passengers will have access to Iberia-operated flights connecting to Spanish cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, and Tenerife, among others.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36801" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>“This alliance with Iberia is a natural response to our historic ties, both cultural and economic,” said Fabián Lombardo, President and CEO of Aerolíneas Argentinas. “It will bring Argentinians closer to their roots and help Iberia passengers reach Argentina’s wonderful destinations.”From Iberia’s side, Marco Sansavini, President and CEO, stated: “Thanks to this agreement, we will be able to offer our customers the best travel options in a market as important as Argentina.” He added, “The more than 2,000 people we carry daily on our three daily flights between Buenos Aires and Madrid will now have access to a complete domestic connectivity network.”<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="37447" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Both airlines emphasize that passengers will benefit from single check-in, baggage check-through to the final destination, and integrated booking, which, according to the companies, simplifies and speeds up travel between the two countries.Depending on the season, Aerolíneas Argentinas operates between 7 and 14 weekly flights between Buenos Aires/Ezeiza and Madrid using Airbus A330-200 aircraft, while Iberia operates 21 weekly flights with Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Iberia and Aerolíneas Argentinas Sign Interline Agreement

Iberia announced that it will expand its international network for the 2025–2026 winter season, adding new routes from Madrid to Orlando, United States, and to Recife and Fortaleza in Brazil.According to the company, the direct connection between Madrid and Orlando will begin on October 26, 2025, with four weekly flights operated by Airbus A330 aircraft, which have a capacity of 254 passengers. Iberia will offer more than 46,000 seats on this route throughout the season.“We believe Orlando could become the star destination for the next Christmas season thanks to our relationship with Disney Destinations,” said María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s Chief Commercial, Network Development, and Alliances Officer.Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, stated that this direct route “reflects our commitment to further fostering global connections” between Orlando and Madrid.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/horarios_de_iberia_entre_madrid_y_orlando.jpeg" alt="Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid y Orlando"><figcaption>Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid y Orlando</figcaption></figure>The company will also strengthen its presence in Brazil by launching flights to Recife starting December 13, 2025, with three weekly frequencies, increasing to five starting in February 2026. Fortaleza will begin receiving Iberia flights on January 19, 2026, initially with three weekly flights, increasing to four per week in February.Most notably, these new Brazilian routes will be operated with the new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, a model Iberia globally launched in November 2024 and currently uses on routes to Boston and Washington. According to the airline, these aircraft offer a range of up to 7,500 kilometers, feature 182 seats across Business and Economy classes, and deliver over 40% fuel savings compared to similar wide-body aircraft. These will be the first transatlantic services operated by the A321XLR outside the North Atlantic corridor.“We believe Brazil has great potential beyond the main cities we already serve. With the addition of the new A321XLR, we can explore new routes across the Atlantic, gauge their performance, and gradually adapt our offer to meet demand,” said López Solás.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/horarios_de_iberia_entre_madrid_recife_y_fortaleza.jpeg" alt="Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid, Recife y Fortaleza"><figcaption>Horarios de Iberia entre Madrid, Recife y Fortaleza</figcaption></figure>Marcelo Freixo, President of Embratur, added: “Fortaleza and Recife are vibrant gateways to Brazil’s unique beauty and experiences. We are expanding access for Spanish tourists to the Brazilian northeast, which features warm-water beaches, stunning natural landscapes, and rich local cuisine and culture. In 2024, we saw a 13% increase in tourists from Spain, and the launch of these routes will help us continue growing.”<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36759" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>From the state government of Pernambuco, Acting Governor Priscila Krause said the new Recife-Europe connection will “further strengthen cultural and economic ties.” Eduardo Loyo, President of Empetur, noted that this route is the result of joint work started in 2023.Meanwhile, Ceará Governor Elmano de Freitas described the new direct connection between Madrid and Fortaleza as “a milestone for the state,” adding that it will help reinforce Ceará’s position as a global destination.With these new destinations, Iberia will offer approximately 284,000 seats to Brazil during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Iberia brings A321XLR to South America with new routes to Recife and Fortaleza

LATAM Airlines Brazil has announced it will advance the launch of its own flights to Ribeirão Preto (SP) and Fernando de Noronha (PE), aiming to better serve the demand of travelers in these regions following the suspension of operations by Voepass.Initially, LATAM had planned to begin operations in Ribeirão Preto by the end of March and in Fernando de Noronha in May, according to our partner outlet, <a href="https://aeroin.net/latam-tera-voo-inedito-e-sem-escalas-de-guarulhos-para-fernando-de-noronha/">Aeroin</a>.The expedited launch of these new services is the result of a joint effort between LATAM and the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports. For Fernando de Noronha, the action also involves coordination with the Government of Pernambuco to ensure connectivity for both tourists and residents of the state.<h3>Ribeirão Preto</h3>Between March 18 and 31, LATAM will operate one daily flight on the Guarulhos-Ribeirão Preto route using Airbus A319 (8 Premium Economy seats and 132 Economy seats) and A320 aircraft (12 Premium Economy seats and 162 Economy seats).Starting March 31, this operation will increase to two daily flights on the Congonhas-Ribeirão Preto route, also using Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft.The LATAM flight on the Guarulhos-Ribeirão Preto route (operating exclusively in March) will last 50 minutes, departing from Guarulhos at 12:15 PM (local time) and from Ribeirão Preto at 1:45 PM (local time).The LATAM flights on the Congonhas-Ribeirão Preto route, starting March 31, will last 1 hour. Departure times from São Paulo will be 8:05 AM and 5:40 PM (local time), with return flights from Ribeirão Preto at 10:05 AM and 7:25 PM (local time).<h3>Fernando de Noronha</h3>Starting March 19, LATAM will operate three weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) on the Recife-Noronha route using Airbus A320 aircraft (12 Premium Economy seats and 162 Economy seats).From April 4, the operation will increase to four weekly flights (Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday), still using A320 aircraft.Starting May 1, LATAM will operate five weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday) on the Guarulhos-Noronha route, with Airbus A319 aircraft (8 Premium Economy seats and 132 Economy seats). Currently, Guarulhos serves as LATAM's main hub for Brazil and other countries, connecting to 49 domestic airports and 90 international destinations.The LATAM flight on the Recife-Noronha route, operating in March, will last 1 hour and 10 minutes, departing from Recife at 6:35 AM (local time) and from Noronha at 10:00 AM (local time). Starting in April, the flight will depart Recife at 1:20 PM (local time), returning from the island at 4:25 PM (local time).The LATAM flight on the Guarulhos-Noronha route, starting in May, will last 3 hours and 50 minutes, departing from São Paulo at 7:40 AM (local time) and from the island at 1:15 PM (local time).Tickets for these flights will be available on latam.com and other sales channels throughout this week.

LATAM Brazil Advances Launch of Flights to Ribeirão Preto and Fernando de Noronha

Emirates has confirmed the addition of its Airbus A350 to new cities across the Middle East, GCC, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This expansion takes advantage of the A350's operational flexibility and efficiency, featuring state-of-the-art cabins, including Business Class and Premium Economy, now available in more destinations than ever before.Starting on June 1, Emirates will begin operating the A350 to Tunis, with service six times a week (except Tuesdays) on flight EK 747/748. The A350 will also be introduced on daily flights EK 905/906 to Amman from the same date.From July 1, the A350 will make its debut in Istanbul, operating daily flights EK 117/118, and in Dammam (Saudi Arabia) on flights EK 827/828. On August 1, the aircraft will begin services to Ho Chi Minh City in Southeast Asia on flights EK 364/365, while Baghdad will be served three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday) starting on August 3.Starting on September 1, the A350 will also launch daily operations to Oslo on flights EK 159/160. In addition to these new destinations, the airline will increase its presence in Bahrain and Kuwait, adding more flights from June and October, respectively.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="36845" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>Flights to these new destinations with the A350 are now available for booking through Emirates’ official website, mobile app, retail stores, and travel agents.“Our strategic A350 expansion across diverse geographies in the Middle East/GCC, Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia leverages the aircraft’s operational flexibility and efficiency, while offering more customers expanded premium travel options and the opportunity to experience our latest generation interiors like Business Class and Premium Economy along with plenty of thoughtful touches throughout every cabin, now available in more cities than ever before" said Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline.Emirates’ A350 features three cabin classes, offering 312 seats. In Business Class, passengers will enjoy a 1-2-1 configuration, 32 lie-flat seats, and a mini-bar. Premium Economy offers 21 seats, while Economy Class has 259 seats with generous legroom. The cabin also includes technological innovations like wireless charging in Business Class, electric window blinds featuring the Ghaf logo, 4K touchscreen displays, and USB-C charging ports in every seat.Emirates received its first Airbus A350-900 in November 2024, and since then, has added two more from an order of 65.

Emirates Introduces A350 to Seven New Cities

Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced the addition of 17 Boeing 737-8 aircraft. This follows JAL's March 2023 announcement of an order for 21 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, primarily to replace the Boeing 737-800 aircraft currently operating on domestic routes.According to the airline, the fleet renewal will also include the introduction of 11 Airbus A321neo aircraft to replace the Boeing 767, primarily on routes to and from Haneda. As the company highlights, this fleet update is in line with supply and demand, aimed at enhancing profitability.For international routes, JAL plans to introduce 10 Boeing 787-9 aircraft and 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. According to the airline's projected schedule, 38 Boeing 737-8 aircraft for domestic flights are expected to start arriving in fiscal year 2026, while 11 Airbus A321neo and 10 Boeing 787-9 are scheduled for fiscal year 2028.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="35788" data-title="Puede interesarte"></section>The Airbus A350-900 aircraft will be introduced sequentially starting in fiscal year 2027, with 20 units dedicated to international flights and three units for domestic routes. Additionally, the airline will sequentially add five Airbus A350-1000 units exclusively for international flights, although specific delivery dates for these aircraft have not been disclosed.The airline anticipates that by fiscal year 2030, its international operations will expand by approximately 1.5 times compared to fiscal year 2023. This expansion will primarily come from increased frequencies to North America and Asia, key markets expected to grow significantly. JAL also plans to increase seat capacity by operating larger aircraft and boosting flight frequencies, thus improving service quality and convenience for passengers.According to the statement, the early introduction of state-of-the-art aircraft not only aims to improve service quality but also reduce CO₂ emissions through the use of more fuel-efficient aircraft, contributing to a more sustainable operation in the future.

Japan Airlines to Order 17 Additional Boeing 737 MAX 8

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced improvements to its CO2 Connect tool, now incorporating the ability to account for CO2 emissions reductions derived from the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This update follows the release of IATA's SAF Accounting and Reporting Methodology, which establishes the guidelines for including SAF in passenger emissions data.With this enhancement, CO2 Connect will apply a uniform reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger across the entire airline network, meaning that all flights will equally benefit from the reduction based on the total SAF purchases made. In future versions of the tool, this reduction will be assignable to specific routes, providing a more detailed breakdown of the SAF benefits.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="26729" data-title="You might be interested"></section>"Businesses and travelers are increasingly interested in understanding the environmental impact of their flights. In particular, those who have invested in SAF want to clearly understand its effect on emission reductions. By integrating SAF methodology into CO2 Connect, we are responding to the demand for transparency and accuracy," explained Frederic Leger, Senior Vice President of Commercial Products and Services at IATA.The tool, which already uses real operational data such as fuel consumption by aircraft type, has seen a growing number of airlines contributing their data. With the recent addition of Air India, Air Astana, Air Europa, Amelia, Clic Air, Corsair, Hi Fly, Oman Air, Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, and Royal Air Maroc, the number of participating airlines in CO2 Connect has reached 60. This expansion, IATA notes, improves the accuracy of the calculations and provides more transparency to both travelers and businesses."Thanks to the continued support of participating airlines and the new capability to accurately account for SAF, CO2 Connect continues to gain momentum as an essential tool for the decarbonization of aviation," added Leger.

IATA updates CO2 Connect to include emissions reduction from SAF usage.

Emirates announced its plans to introduce the renovated Boeing 777 aircraft on its second and third daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh, starting on March 30 and May 7, respectively.The airline aims to provide more opportunities for customers to experience its new, modern Business Class seats, as well as its Premium Economy product.The planned upgrades for the renovated Boeing 777 aircraft will make Riyadh the first city in the Middle East/AGCC, and one of the few destinations in Emirates' network, to be served exclusively by the latest renovated aircraft, reported our partner publication <a href="https://aeroin.net/adiantando-concorrencia-da-riyadh-air-emirates-coloca-777-reformado-em-voos-para-a-arabia/?amp">Aeroin</a>.The flights EK815 and EK816 will be operated with Emirates' renovated Boeing 777 aircraft starting March 30, 2025. Starting May 7, 2025, Emirates will operate flights EK817 and EK818 with the renovated Boeing 777, initially with six weekly flights, and starting August 11, 2025, with daily flights.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/emirates_1.jpg" alt="Emirates"></figure>Emirates' renovated Boeing 777s first debuted in Riyadh in October 2024 on flights EK819 and EK820. Following positive customer feedback and strong demand, Emirates is expanding its premium products on its 777s to offer an even better experience in the sky across all cabin classes. The airline plans to expand the number of cities served by this aircraft model in the coming weeks and months.The focus is on Riyadh as the first regional route to receive the renovated aircraft in anticipation of the competition that will be generated by Riyadh Air, the new Saudi state airline. The company was created to complement Saudia Airlines, but the new airline will target a higher-income audience, directly competing with neighboring Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, while also focusing on establishing a global hub in Riyadh.These newly renovated Boeing 777s from Emirates feature Premium Economy seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, offering more comfort and space. The Business Class cabin has a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access, providing even more privacy and comfort. They also feature First Class suites and a renovated Economy Class cabin.<figure class="image"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/emirates_2.jpg" alt="Emirates"></figure>In November 2024, Emirates will also introduce the Chauffeur-Drive Service (CDS) in Riyadh, which will offer First Class and Business Class passengers a premium door-to-door experience. Riyadh is the first and only regional city to offer CDS for premium customers, and Emirates is the only airline offering this service exclusively in the city. Riyadh Air will also offer this service to its premium customers in Dubai when it launches flights to the United Arab Emirates.Emirates currently operates 72 weekly flights to four destinations in Saudi Arabia, with a mixed fleet of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft.

Emirates puts renovated 777 aircraft into service on flights to Saudi Arabia

JetSMART celebrated the inaugural flights of its recently acquired Airbus A321neo aircraft, becoming the only airline in Argentina to operate this fuel-efficient and eco-friendly model.With a capacity of 240 passengers, the A321neo offers 29% more seating than the A320, which is the airline’s standard aircraft.<h3>First Flights and Expanded Route Capacity</h3>The first three flights took off from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, bound for:✈ Bariloche (Río Negro) ✈ Mendoza (Mendoza) ✈ Puerto Iguazú (Misiones)<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/jetsmart_airbus_a321neo_1.jpg" alt="Jetsmart Airbus A321neo"></figure>JetSMART has ambitious growth plans for 2025, with an expected 86% increase in domestic seat capacity and a 13% rise in international seat availability compared to the same period in 2024.<h3>Commitment to Expansion and Sustainability</h3>Estuardo Ortiz, Founder &amp; CEO of JetSMART, emphasized:<blockquote>"JetSMART has taken a major step in Argentina’s commercial aviation by incorporating not just one, but three A321neo aircraft, recognized as the most efficient and sustainable in the region. This achievement reinforces our commitment to expansion and investment in the country while elevating international standards in the industry.”</blockquote>Ortiz also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development to support the airline’s continued growth in Argentina and Latin America.Gonzalo Pérez Corral, Country Manager of JetSMART Argentina, added:<blockquote>“These aircraft, the only ones of their kind in Argentina, allow us to expand connectivity both domestically and internationally. In 2024, we surpassed 10 million passengers transported, and we take pride in making air travel more accessible, safe, and reliable.”</blockquote><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/jetsmart_airbus_a321neo_2.jpg" alt="Jetsmart Airbus A321neo"></figure><h3>A Smooth and Quiet Flight Experience</h3>Aviacionline and Aviation reporters joined the inaugural flight to Mendoza, which took off at 11:45 AM with 230 passengers. Before departure, the group had the opportunity to see all three A321neo aircraft lined up on the runway.The flight was described as exceptionally smooth and quiet, thanks to the low-noise engines. The return trip from Mendoza to Buenos Aires carried 207 passengers and landed on schedule at 4:00 PM at Aeroparque.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2025/03/jetsmart_airbus_a321neo.png" alt="Jetsmart Airbus A321neo"></figure><h3>A321neo: The Future of Eco-Friendly Air Travel</h3>The Airbus A321neo is seven meters longer than the A320 and offers: ✔ 50% noise reduction compared to older models. ✔ 20% lower fuel consumption, cutting CO₂ emissions by over 12,000 tons per aircraft per year—equivalent to the carbon absorption of 200,000 trees over a decade.These aircraft are equipped with Pratt &amp; Whitney GTF engines, advanced redesigned winglets, and a lightweight cabin. The seats are covered in Eleather, a recycled leather material that is 48% lighter than traditional leather, reducing fuel costs by up to $10,000 per aircraft annually.With this latest fleet expansion, JetSMART continues to lead the way in sustainable, low-cost aviation in Argentina and beyond.

JetSMART Launches Airbus A321neo in Argentina with Three Inaugural Flights

LATAM Airlines Group transported 6.5 million passengers in February 2025, marking a 1.8% growth compared to the same month last year. This performance comes amid the airline's consolidation in the region, with sustained recovery in international traffic and an increase in operational capacity. Although the year-over-year variation is lower than in January, the group continues strengthening its market position with an expansion strategy in key routes.According to <a href="https://www.biobiochile.cl/noticias/economia/negocios-y-empresas/2025/03/12/latam-reporta-que-transporto-mas-de-65-millones-de-pasajeros-durante-febrero-de-2025.shtml">BioBioChile</a>, LATAM's total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), grew by 4.4% year-over-year. This increase was largely driven by the expansion of international flights, which saw a 9.1% rise compared to February 2024. As a result, consolidated passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), increased by 3.1%, with a load factor of 83.3%, indicating sustained demand and efficient use of available capacity.<h3>Cargo growth and operational strategy</h3>The cargo segment also performed positively in February, with a 3.3% increase in capacity, reaching a total of 638 million available ton-kilometers (ATK). This growth reinforces LATAM's strategy in air cargo transport, a key area in its business model, especially after the reconfiguration of part of its fleet to meet growing logistics demand in the region. The capacity increase in this segment reflects economic recovery and the consolidation of cargo services as a fundamental pillar of the group's operational structure.<h3>Monthly performance and outlook</h3>In terms of monthly performance, February’s growth was more moderate compared to January 2025. In the first month of the year, LATAM transported 7.5 million passengers, reflecting a 5.8% year-over-year increase. The slower growth in February could be attributed to seasonal demand shifts following the peak holiday season in South America. Nevertheless, the airline continues to report positive figures as the aviation sector recovers from the pandemic-driven crisis and subsequent fluctuations in flight demand.<section class="noteSuggested" data-id="35999" data-title="You might be interested"></section>The performance of the first two months of 2025 confirms LATAM's focus on network expansion and capacity optimization, with an emphasis on improving profitability and operational efficiency. With a growing number of international flights and solid domestic demand in South America, the airline is advancing its leadership in the region, reinforcing its presence in strategic routes and optimizing its fleet to enhance competitiveness in a highly dynamic sector.

LATAM Airlines increased its passenger traffic in February 2025

The Regional Labor Court of the 15th Region, in the 11th Panel – 6th Chamber of Brazil, ruled on an ordinary appeal, denying suspensive effect to the decision requiring Azul Linhas Aéreas to reinstate its commanders to a higher classification.As a result, the airline must continue reinstating Airbus A320 pilots who were originally hired from Avianca Brasil (Oceanair)—pilots who previously flew A320s for the company but were later downgraded to smaller aircraft (Class I), such as the regional Embraer E195 jet and the ATR 72 turboprop.In mid-2023, Azul had already been sentenced in the first instance to reinstate these pilots to Airbus operations, as well as to pay retroactive salary differences and a multimillion-dollar fine, according to <a href="https://aeroin.net/azul-tem-recurso-negado-em-processo-sobre-rebaixamento-de-pilotos-da-avianca/#google_vignette">Aeroin</a>, our media partner.Out of the 45 captains originally hired from Avianca, 25 remain at Azul, and all were downgraded to Class I aircraft. This downgrade was initially communicated by the airline at the time of hiring, while other pilots—those previously employed by Azul or recruited afterward—were not subjected to the same reclassification.In its defense, Azul argued that the change in pilot classification—within a system comprising 414 captains, divided between Class I and Class II—would require a restructuring of schedules, concentrating pilots in Class I and impacting variable compensation. The airline also claimed that this shift could pose safety risks for both crew members and passengers.Azul, which operates 51 Airbus A320 aircraft, emphasized the need to maintain operational balance, asserting that the court’s decision would impact approximately 885 pilots with seniority priority and necessitate the reassignment of some commanders.However, the Public Labor Ministry (MPT) countered Azul’s arguments, noting that in its strategic plan for acquiring aircraft from the defunct Oceanair, the airline had already employed former pilots from the bankrupt company.According to the MPT, these professionals—who possessed the necessary qualifications to operate the aircraft—were instrumental in launching Azul’s new operations. However, the airline later cut their salaries.The court ruled that Azul had ample time to provide training and adjust schedules, meaning the company could not claim immediate harm from reinstating the pilots to the A320. As a result, all arguments for granting suspensive effect were rejected, maintaining only the devolutive effect established under Article 899 of the CLT.This ruling, case number 0011643-19.2023.5.15.0094, is available at <a href="https://pje.trt15.jus.br/segundograu/Processo/ConsultaDocumento/listView.seam?nd=25012415000010500000127419295">this link</a>.

Brazilian Court Rejects Azul’s Appeal, Orders Reinstatement of Pilots to Airbus A320 Fleet

The island has been without jet flights since October 2022, when runway conditions made jet operations unsafe. Since then, commercial flights have been restricted to Azul Linhas Aéreas and Voepass Linhas Aéreas, the only airlines operating regular flights to the destination using turboprops—specifically, the ATR 72 model.With the precautionary suspension of Voepass operations ordered by ANAC last night, Azul remains the only airline serving the island. This left LATAM passengers, who had booked tickets through its partnership with Voepass, without an alternative to leave the location, according to <a href="https://aeroin.net/sem-voepass-latam-usara-jatos-airbus-para-resgatar-passageiros-em-noronha/">Aeroin</a>, our media partner.Given this situation, LATAM requested an exemption from ANAC to lift restrictions at Fernando de Noronha Airport and conduct a special rescue operation for stranded passengers. The request included the use of Airbus A319 aircraft, with a capacity of up to 144 passengers, and A320neo, which can carry 180 passengers.The request was approved this Wednesday by ANAC, which justified the decision based on the need for emergency assistance to affected passengers following the Voepass service interruption.Information from ROTAER, the aeronautical database used by pilots, has been updated to allow emergency jet operations in Fernando de Noronha, in addition to aeromedical and emergency flights. However, jet operations remain prohibited on wet runways.The rescue flight, LA9000, is scheduled to depart from Recife this Thursday (13) at 6:30 AM, landing in Noronha at 8:50 AM. The return flight LA9001 will take off at 10:20 AM, landing in Pernambuco's capital at 10:40 AM, all in local time.For Wednesday's (12) operation, LATAM will use an Airbus A319 with registration PT-TMB. On Thursday (13), the mission will be carried out with a larger A320neo, registration PR-XBC, following the same schedule.

LATAM Brasil Granted Emergency Authorization to Operate Jet Flights to Fernando de Noronha for Voepass Passenger Rescue

According to the AirNav platform, the aircraft registered as F-WXLR landed at Toluca International Airport (TLC) on March 11, after a flight from Toulouse (TLS) with a stopover in Bermuda (BDA). This marks the first time this model has operated at an airport in Latin America.<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" width="650" height="500" src="https://www.airnavradar.com/?widget=1&amp;z=7&amp;fid=2370973232"></iframe></div>At an altitude of 9,186 feet (2,800 meters) above sea level, Toluca is considered an optimal environment for evaluating aircraft performance under high-altitude and high-temperature conditions. In this context, Airbus will conduct hot &amp; high tests to analyze how the aircraft performs in airports with low air density, which affects lift and engine thrust.The testing program includes takeoff, landing, climb, and approach evaluations, as well as engine starts under various conditions, low-speed taxiing, and aborted takeoff simulations. This set of assessments aims to validate the A321XLR’s capability to operate at high-altitude airports, expanding its operational potential for airlines requiring flights in such conditions.This is not the first time Airbus has used Toluca for this type of testing. In 2023, an A330-900 (A330neo) also operated at the airport for similar evaluations.

The Airbus A321XLR Continues Testing Program to Obtain Certifications and Demonstrate Reliability to Potential Operators

KLM has begun expanding its pilot training center, with the foundation stone laid yesterday by Bas Brouns, the airline’s Chief Financial Officer. The new facility, named The Link, is expected to be operational by mid-2026.<h3>Investing in the Future of Pilot Training</h3>"With The Link, we can secure our training capacity for the future. We choose to train our pilots in-house because it gives us better control over quality and continuity. This is a crucial investment in pilot training and, therefore, in the future of KLM," said Brouns.Driven by the growing demand for air travel and the importance of the Netherlands' international connections, KLM projects an increase in its pilot workforce from 3,000 to approximately 4,000 in the coming years. To meet this demand, the airline is making a significant expansion of its training capacity, including the addition of new flight simulators.<h3>Sustainable Construction and Advanced Infrastructure</h3>KLM has selected SPIE, a multitechnical service provider, as the lead contractor for the project. KLM Real Estate &amp; Facility Contracting will oversee construction alongside the airline’s Flight Operations division.The foundation will be built using DPA piles, a technique that minimizes ground vibrations, ensuring the protection of existing simulators and the nearby operations control center.The new facility is designed to meet the latest sustainability and energy efficiency standards. It will be a near-zero energy building, featuring:<ul><li>No reliance on gas</li><li>Heat pumps for heating</li><li>Solar panels on the roof</li><li>A sedum-covered green roof, which enhances thermal insulation and water retention</li></ul>With this expansion, KLM reinforces its commitment to high-quality pilot training and sustainable aviation infrastructure, preparing for the future of global air travel.

KLM Expands Pilot Training Center to Meet Growing Demand

Businessman Germán Efromovich stated today that “Avian will fly again” and explained that, to achieve this, he met with Argentina’s Secretary of Transportation, Franco Mogetta, and the Undersecretary of Air Transport, Hernán Gómez.In an interview with Aviacionline, Efromovich emphasized that he was "warmly received" and that officials responded "very positively" to the possibility of Avian’s return. "We told them that we are working to lift Avian’s bankruptcy, despite some obstacles created by certain individuals, whom I will refrain from mentioning at this time," he said.He warned that the situation "could become very serious, even reaching the level of extortion." According to Efromovich, legal action is already underway. "There are people trying to prevent the bankruptcy from being lifted, but I believe the court will recognize what is happening. We have a meeting with the judge tomorrow to present all the evidence and ensure the necessary legal precautions are taken.""That way," he added, "we can move forward with the long-awaited dream of flying again and doing what we were not allowed to do before."<h3>The Fleet and Legal Challenges</h3>Efromovich confirmed that the airline will operate the same ATR aircraft currently parked at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Buenos Aires. "The planes belong to a lessor that originally purchased them from ATR. They must return to the lessor, but the company has committed to leasing them back to us once the legal issues are resolved."However, he acknowledged that there are efforts to block the airline’s revival: "There are people working against this, and I have informed the judge. We are fighting this battle because the court has been misled. What’s happening behind the scenes is extremely serious, and it could even lead to criminal lawsuits against several individuals."<h3>Future Plans and Regional Expansion</h3>Efromovich also announced that once the legal process is complete, he plans to reveal everything that happened "as an example for other businesses and entrepreneurs, so they do not find themselves in similar difficult situations."Regarding Avian’s operations, he confirmed that the airline will restart with two ATR aircraft. "Additionally, I was in talks with ATR, and they are interested in providing us with more planes to expand regional connections. We are even considering operations on shorter runways in lower-demand areas, using new 19-seat aircraft.""The plan is to offer flights of up to an hour and a half, connecting major hubs," he explained. "This was our original business model—we never intended to centralize operations in Buenos Aires."<h3>No Government Aid, Just No Obstacles</h3>Efromovich made it clear that he is not seeking government assistance. "I did not ask the Secretary of Transportation for help. I don’t want help—I just don’t want obstacles like the ones placed in our way by the previous administration and even by Macri’s government before that."He revealed that the company has already deposited the necessary funds to lift the bankruptcy, and once that process is complete, the airline will move forward with ANAC certifications and, finally, the realization of the dream to fly again.<figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2018/01/Avianca-Argentina-Buenos-Aires-Mar-del-Plata-Cel-19.jpg" alt="Avianca Argentina – Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata – Cel 19"></figure><h3>Avian's History and Challenges</h3>Avian began regular flights in November 2017, becoming the first airline established under Mauricio Macri’s “Aviation Revolution” initiative. As part of Efromovich’s group of companies, it operated under the Avianca Argentina brand. However, in terms of management, it was not directly linked to Colombia’s Avianca, but rather to the Brazilian Oceanair, which also used the Avianca Brasil name.The airline focused on a regional flight model using 70-seat aircraft, which allowed it to serve routes no other airline covered—such as Buenos Aires-Rosario-Reconquista—or to offer higher frequencies on routes where larger aircraft had limited schedule flexibility.However, Avian was ultimately impacted by Oceanair’s financial crisis in Brazil, as well as challenges within Avianca Holdings. As a result, Avian ceased operations in June 2019, and its ATR aircraft have remained parked at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery ever since.

Germán Efromovich Announces: "Avian Will Fly Again"

The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Cape Verde has decided to close the investigation initiated in 2017 into alleged criminal irregularities in the management of Transportes Aéreos de Cabo Verde (TACV) during the PAICV government.According to Expresso das Ilhas, the decision was publicly announced by the Attorney General’s Office following the conclusion of the investigation, conducted by the Central Department of Criminal Action (DCAP). The case closure was officially disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.The investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by the Ministry of Finance, which raised concerns about alleged misconduct, illicit business dealings, and corruption in the airline’s management, according to reports from our partner outlet, <a href="https://aeroin.net/arquivada-a-investigacao-sobre-a-gestao-da-cabo-verde-airlines-sem-indicios-de-ilicitos/#google_vignette">Aeroin</a>.During the inquiry, prosecutors carried out multiple procedures, including document analysis, expert hearings, and witness testimonies. The former Chairman of TACV’s Board of Directors was even named as a suspect.However, after reviewing the evidence, the Public Prosecutor’s Office concluded that there was insufficient proof to support the occurrence of any crimes.According to the statement from the Attorney General’s Office, there was no evidence to suggest that the accused intentionally acted to harm TACV, ruling out the possibility of criminal mismanagement.Additionally, investigators found no proof of illicit business dealings or corruption involving the accused or any other individuals in the airline’s administration.With the case closed, all involved parties have been notified, and the case files are no longer under judicial secrecy.The investigation into TACV's management was initiated following a request from then Minister of Finance, Olavo Correia, who believed there was evidence of mismanagement of the airline during the PAICV's 15 years in power.

Cape Verde’s Public Prosecutor Closes Investigation into TACV Management

Air New Zealand has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Greg Foran, will step down in October after five years leading the airline. During his tenure, Foran faced significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain disruptions, and engine maintenance issues. Here’s a closer look at this transition and the challenges ahead for the airline.<h3>Foran’s Leadership Through Crisis</h3>Foran, a former Walmart executive, took over as CEO of Air New Zealand just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the airline navigated a turbulent period marked by unique challenges stemming from New Zealand’s geographical isolation.He managed multiple crises, including engine component shortages and the recent grounding of up to 11 aircraft due to maintenance issues. He also oversaw a Dreamliner fleet modernization program, which is set to be completed by the end of this year, according to a report by Reuters.<h3>Current Challenges for Air New Zealand</h3><ul><li>Supply Chain Disruptions: The airline has faced delays in securing engine components, affecting its operations.</li><li>Engine Maintenance Issues: Air New Zealand’s aircraft are powered by Pratt &amp; Whitney and Rolls-Royce engines, both impacted by supply chain delays. This has led to the temporary grounding of some planes.</li><li>Intense Competition: New Zealand’s relatively small domestic market and strong competition from Australian carriers like Qantas and Virgin Australia have added further pressure.</li></ul><h3>Financial Impact</h3>In February, Air New Zealand reported an 18% drop in first-half earnings, reflecting the impact of global engine maintenance issues and other operational challenges. These problems have affected the airline’s ability to operate efficiently, leading to additional costs.Dame Therese Walsh, Chair of Air New Zealand, praised Foran’s leadership, highlighting his relentless efforts and global profile in mitigating operational disruptions. She acknowledged that supply chain challenges impact the airline almost daily but emphasized that Foran’s management has been instrumental in minimizing the effects on customers.<h3>Search for a New CEO</h3>The company has not yet named a successor but confirmed that a global search is underway to find a new CEO. The incoming leader will face the challenge of managing the airline’s ongoing issues, including fleet modernization and operational efficiency improvements.New Zealand’s geographical isolation presents unique challenges for Air New Zealand, which relies heavily on long-haul international flights. Competition from Australian carriers like Qantas and Virgin Australia has intensified pressure in the regional market.The completion of the Dreamliner fleet modernization by the end of this year could enhance the airline’s efficiency and competitiveness.The new CEO will be tasked with addressing ongoing challenges, including supply chain management and operational optimization, to remain competitive in an increasingly tough global market.<h3>A Leadership Transition in Challenging Times</h3>In summary, Greg Foran’s departure marks the end of a leadership period in which Air New Zealand faced unprecedented challenges. The airline is now preparing for a leadership transition while continuing to tackle operational and financial difficulties in a competitive and geographically isolated environment. Finding the right CEO will be crucial in steering the company forward in the coming years.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran to Step Down in October

Thailand is making a significant investment of 3.6 billion baht (approximately $106 million) to upgrade its aviation infrastructure and establish itself as the region’s leading aviation hub by 2037.The project includes modernizing air traffic management systems and constructing three new international airports, according to the Vietnam News Agency, a TV BRICS network partner.<h3>Expanding Air Traffic Capacity</h3>Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI) has stated that the air traffic control system upgrade will increase the country's operational capacity from 1.2 million to 2 million flights per year. Additionally, the new international airports are expected to be completed by 2030, according to <a href="https://tvbrics.com/es/news/tailandia-invierte-106-millones-de-d-lares-en-la-modernizaci-n-de-la-aviaci-n/">TV BRICS</a>.<h3>Privately Funded, No Public Debt Increase</h3>A key feature of the project is that it will be funded through private investment, without state guarantees, ensuring that it does not contribute to public debt. AEROTHAI also plans to implement digital control towers at major Thai airports by 2026, aligning with international safety standards.<h3>Strengthening Thailand’s Position as a Regional Aviation Hub</h3>These technological improvements will not only enhance air traffic efficiency but also manage the growing passenger flow, which is expected to continue expanding in the coming years. With these initiatives, Thailand aims to solidify its status as a key aviation hub in Southeast Asia, attracting more flights and international passengers.

Commercial Aviation