The International Airlines Group (IAG), owner of airlines such as British Airways and Iberia, is in negotiations with Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, with the aim of offering ultra-fast Wi-Fi to its passengers.
Annalisa Gigante, the group’s Head of Innovation, mentioned in an interview with Bloomberg that IAG is also considering Amazon’s Project Kuiper as a possible alternative.
This move highlights the growing adoption of in-flight Internet technology provided by low-Earth orbit satellites, an area where Starlink has excelled. Starlink’s expanding satellite network enables Internet access in remote areas and has become an attractive option for both the aviation and maritime industries, positioning itself as a direct competitor to traditional providers like Viasat and Gogo.
In recent times, several major airlines, including United Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Air New Zealand, have announced agreements with Starlink to enhance onboard connectivity, reported <a href="https://aeroin.net/iag-dono-da-british-airways-e-iberia-negocia-com-a-starlink-de-elon-musk-para-internet-mais-rapida-em-voos/?amp">Aeroin</a>.
Recently, Air France also announced plans to implement Starlink technology in its aircraft next year. airBaltic is expected to be the first European airline to offer Starlink Internet onboard.
Currently, the in-flight Internet service for IAG’s aircraft is provided by Inmarsat, which was acquired by Viasat last year.

IAG in Talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink for High-Speed Satellite Internet Onboard

The ongoing issues with British Airways&#8217; (BA) Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet have forced the airline to suspend its flights to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, as the popular connection to the Middle East will be removed from the airline&#8217;s network for the summer 2025 season.
British Airways had relaunched the London-Heathrow-Abu Dhabi route in April after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the company operates the route with a daily flight using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
According to London Air Travel, British Airways will suspend its direct flight to Abu Dhabi for the entire summer 2025 season, which runs from March 30 to October 25, 2025. The company stated that it has been forced to cut several routes due to persistent issues with the Rolls-Royce Trent engines powering its fleet of 787 Dreamliners, <a href="https://aeroin.net/em-meio-a-crise-do-boeing-787-abu-dhabi-entra-na-lista-de-cortes-da-ba/">Aeroin</a> reported.
These reliability issues require engine maintenance earlier than expected, and supply chain challenges have exacerbated the situation, leaving aircraft grounded for much longer than planned, according to Paddle Your Own Kanoo.
British Airways tried to maintain its schedule by operating older Boeing 777s more frequently, but since the Rolls-Royce engine problems remain unresolved, the airline needed to allocate time for maintenance of these aircraft.
In November, the airline stated that problems with the Dreamliners were the reason for indefinitely suspending two popular routes between London Heathrow and Bahrain and Kuwait. Following public outcry, British Airways partially reversed this decision and will continue to operate three weekly flights to Bahrain at the start of the summer 2025 season.
Additionally, the airline will withdraw from Dallas-Fort Worth at the end of March 2025, but capacity will be absorbed by American Airlines, its partner in the transatlantic joint venture. At the same time, British Airways will reduce flights to Miami, has already suspended the route to Beijing, and has decreased its offerings to Hong Kong.
Last week, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that supply chain issues had caused a 30% drop in new aircraft deliveries compared to a peak of 1,813 units in 2018.
The backlog of undelivered orders has reached an unprecedented figure of 17,000 aircraft, meaning airlines are operating fleets with a much higher average age than in previous years. If the delivery rate does not improve, IATA estimates it will take 14 years to clear this backlog of unfulfilled orders.

British Airways Halts Abu Dhabi Flights Amid Boeing 787 Dreamliner Issues

An airplane, the Airbus A320 used for research, has a very different and exotic appearance, incorporating a part from a military fighter jet. The A320 used in the ATRA – Advanced Technology Research Aircraft project, part of the DLR (German Aerospace Center), is typically equipped with various sensors for aerodynamic and atmospheric studies but has now been seen with an unusual feature.
The aircraft features an elongated nose, as the new AESA radar has been installed, which will equip the Eurofighter Typhoon fighters of the Luftwaffe and Spanish Air Force&#8217;s Tranche 4 batch. The A320ceo, registered as D-ATRA, replaced its traditional weather radar with the Captor ECRS.Mk 1 radar, manufactured by the German company Hensoldt.
Known as the best technology currently available in military radars, AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) is an advanced technology that uses an array of independently emitting and receiving elements, allowing electronic scanning without the need for physical movement of the antenna, as reported by the affiliated outlet <a href="https://aeroin.net/aviao-airbus-a320-de-laboratorio-alemao-e-visto-com-inusitado-nariz-de-caca/">Aeroin</a>.
It offers several advantages, such as greater precision, faster detection and tracking of targets, resistance to interference, and the ability to operate in multiple modes simultaneously (such as search and surveillance).
This technology is widely used in military aircraft, ships, and defense systems, contributing to greater efficiency and security in strategic operations. Brazil recently began using this type of radar, with the Leonardo Raven ES-05, which equips all SAAB Gripen NG fighters.
As of today, some Typhoon fighters from Qatar and Kuwait are already equipped with AESA radar, but from a previous generation, the Captor-E Mk 0. The Mk1 will be installed in Germany and Spain&#8217;s Tranche 2 and 3 fighters, in addition to being the standard in new Tranche 4 fighters to be produced in future batches.
The Mk2 version, which includes technology from the ES-05 used in the Gripen, is also under development but will currently only be installed on future Royal Air Force British fighters.
The Captor Mk 1 radar installed on the A320 was discovered by journalist Tony Osborne, who shared a photo on his Twitter, drawing attention to the new shape of the commercial aircraft’s nose. The Airbus will soon fly and test the new radar before it is integrated into German and Spanish Eurofighters.

Airbus A320 Research Aircraft Spotted with Advanced Fighter Jet Radar

Pegasus Airlines, Turkey&#8217;s leading low-cost airline, has signed an agreement with Boeing for the acquisition of up to 200 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, marking the largest order in the company’s history. The contract includes 100 firm orders and options for 100 additional aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.
The Boeing 737-10, the largest model in the 737 MAX family, will have the capacity—once certified—to carry up to 230 passengers and a range of approximately 5,740 km (3,100 nautical miles). Additionally, it reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 20% compared to the aircraft it replaces.
«Boeing aircraft have been a fundamental part of our operations since Pegasus entered the aviation industry in 1990,» stated Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines. «We are pleased to expand our fleet with the Boeing 737-10 model. This agreement reinforces our commitment to growth both in Türkiye and globally, while also expanding our network with new routes,» she added.
<h3>Economic and strategic impact</h3>
The contract, valued at $36 billion at list prices, also aligns with the National Aerospace Initiative launched by Boeing in collaboration with the Turkish government in 2017. According to Öztürk, this order will create new opportunities for the production and export of aerospace components by Turkish manufacturers, strengthening the country’s aviation industry.
For her part, Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: «We are thrilled to welcome Pegasus Airlines as the newest 737 MAX customer. We appreciate their trust in the Boeing team and are committed to delivering the 737-10 with its promises of greater efficiency, versatility, and reliability.»
With this order, Pegasus Airlines aims to solidify its position as a leader in the low-cost market, expanding its network of destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. Currently, the airline connects 144 destinations in 53 countries, with 35 domestic routes within Turkey and 109 international ones.

Pegasus Airlines Makes History with $36 Billion Order for 200 Boeing 737-10 Aircraft

As we reported in <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/level-expands-fleet-with-new-airbus-a330-200/">Aviacionline</a>, <a href="https://www.flylevel.com/">LEVEL</a> announced that this week it received the seventh aircraft in its fleet. The aircraft, an Airbus A330-200 registered as EC-OHY, debuted by operating a flight between Barcelona and Los Angeles. 
The EC-OHY arrived at the airline on December 14. The aircraft is 12 years old and previously belonged to Virgin Australia, which had initially received it on June 18, 2012, and retired it on March 9, 2020. Initially, it operated for Iberia on routes to Santo Domingo/Las Américas (SDQ) before performing its first flight with LEVEL on December 17.
The new A330 will enable LEVEL to expand its operations to the Americas, which have seen a 9% increase in seat capacity during the current winter 2024-2025 season compared to the same period last year.
This addition comes just a few days after LEVEL obtained its own <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/what-levels-new-aoc-means-for-its-autonomy-and-growth-in-the-aviation-market/">Air Operator Certificate (AOC)</a>, transitioning from being a commercial brand to becoming its own airline within IAG. As the group announced, the low-cost carrier plans to operate eight aircraft by 2026.
“The addition of this aircraft, the seventh in seven years since the company’s founding, reflects the positive growth moment LEVEL is experiencing. With this new aircraft, we can strengthen our current flight offerings to the Americas and continue working to enhance the long-haul connectivity of our operational base, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport,” said Rafael Jiménez Hoyos, CEO of LEVEL.
LEVEL’s seventh aircraft has the same configuration as the rest of its fleet, with 311 seats, divided into 42 in premium economy and 249 in economy.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-349374" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flightmap-SFO-BCN-LAX-MIA-BCN-JFK_SCL-BCN-EZE_BOS-BCN.png" alt="" width="1200" height="600" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-SFO-BCN-LAX-MIA-BCN-JFK_SCL-BCN-EZE_BOS-BCN.png 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-SFO-BCN-LAX-MIA-BCN-JFK_SCL-BCN-EZE_BOS-BCN-300x150.png 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-SFO-BCN-LAX-MIA-BCN-JFK_SCL-BCN-EZE_BOS-BCN-768x384.png 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-SFO-BCN-LAX-MIA-BCN-JFK_SCL-BCN-EZE_BOS-BCN-150x75.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
<h3>LEVEL’s Destinations</h3>
The low-cost airline operates exclusively from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) to seven destinations in the United States and South America. For now, no new destinations have been announced for 2025.
According to its website, during the northern winter 2024-25 season, it will operate the following frequencies:
<ul>
<li>Boston (BOS), 3 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Buenos Aires (EZE), 8 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Los Angeles (LAX), 3 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Miami (MIA), 3 weekly flights.</li>
<li>New York (JFK), 3 weekly flights.</li>
<li> Santiago de Chile (SCL), 3 weekly flights.</li>
</ul>
And during the summer of 2025:
<ul>
<li>Boston, 7 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Buenos Aires, 7 weekly flights. </li>
<li>Los Angeles, 7 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Miami, 4 weekly flights.</li>
<li>New York, 7 weekly flights.</li>
<li> Santiago de Chile, 4 weekly flights.</li>
<li>San Francisco, 4 weekly flights.</li>
</ul>
It is worth noting that LEVEL has an interline agreement with Vueling, allowing it to offer connections to Europe, Africa, and Turkey through Barcelona.

LEVEL’s New Airbus A330 Enhances Long-Haul Operations from Barcelona

Aer Lingus added the first Airbus A321XLR to its fleet, out of a total of six units ordered. With this delivery, carried out in Hamburg on December 18, the airline becomes the second global operator of this model and the second within the International Airlines Group (IAG).
The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, features a two-class configuration with 184 seats: 16 in business class with fully lie-flat seats and 168 in economy class. According to the airline, it is the first aircraft in its fleet to include Airbus&#8217;s Airspace cabin, which offers larger overhead compartments (60% more storage space), connectivity at every seat, and a lighting system designed to enhance the passenger experience.
The A321XLR will enable Aer Lingus to expand its network of destinations beyond the East Coast of the United States and Canada, adding routes to cities such as Nashville and Indianapolis.
According to Airbus, the A321XLR offers a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, representing 15% more range than its predecessor, the A321LR, along with 30% less fuel consumption per seat compared to older-generation aircraft. The aircraft is also designed to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and noise levels.
The European manufacturer highlighted that the A321XLR can operate with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and aims to achieve the capacity to use 100% SAF across its entire fleet by 2030.
With this acquisition, Aer Lingus aims to strengthen its presence in the transatlantic market, in line with the airline&#8217;s and IAG Group&#8217;s expansion plans. Iberia was the first airline in the world to put the A321XLR into regular operation last month.
The Airbus A321XLR received its certification in July 2024, following its maiden flight in 2022. Since the beginning of the year, it has undergone intensive testing under the supervision of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), evaluating the functionality and reliability of its systems.
However, since mid-2024, the manufacturer has been dealing with a deficit in the aircraft&#8217;s anticipated range. This adjustment stems from agreements reached with European regulators regarding necessary design safeguards, a critical step toward certifying the new long-range single-aisle aircraft, primarily concerning the additional tank. This situation delayed the delivery of the first model, initially scheduled for the first half of 2024.
See also: <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/11/a321xlr-era-begins-iberia-operated-first-scheduled-flight-with-game-changing-model/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The first transatlantic flight of the Airbus A321XLR took off</a>

Aer Lingus Adds First Airbus A321XLR to Fleet: Expanding Transatlantic Routes

Binter Canarias announced that it will increase its capacity by 22% from Gran Canaria, reaching more than 772,500 seats across up to 29 direct routes—both domestic and international—during the summer season. In the domestic market, capacity will grow by 36%, consolidating connections with 19 Spanish cities.
The Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) will feature direct routes to Valencia (VLC) with four weekly flights, and Córdoba (ODB), Almería (LEI), and Badajoz (BJZ) with two flights per week. These routes will begin on March 30, 2025.
For the first time, Binter will operate at these four Spanish airports, expanding to sixteen destinations on the mainland, along with three in the Balearic Islands and seven in the Canary Islands. In Valencia, it will compete with Ryanair and Vueling, and on the route to Badajoz with Air Nostrum during the summer season.
Additionally, routes to Vigo (VGO) and Santander (SDR) will be reinforced with one additional frequency each, increasing to five and three weekly flights respectively.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-349370" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flightmap-VLC-LPA-ODB-LEI-LPA-BJZ_SDR-LPA-VGO_MAD-LPA-GRX_ZAZ-LPA-RMU_OVD-LPA-PNA_IBZ-LPA-PMI_XRY-LPA-EAS_LCG-LPA-VLL_MAH-LPA.png" alt="" width="1200" height="600" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-VLC-LPA-ODB-LEI-LPA-BJZ_SDR-LPA-VGO_MAD-LPA-GRX_ZAZ-LPA-RMU_OVD-LPA-PNA_IBZ-LPA-PMI_XRY-LPA-EAS_LCG-LPA-VLL_MAH-LPA.png 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-VLC-LPA-ODB-LEI-LPA-BJZ_SDR-LPA-VGO_MAD-LPA-GRX_ZAZ-LPA-RMU_OVD-LPA-PNA_IBZ-LPA-PMI_XRY-LPA-EAS_LCG-LPA-VLL_MAH-LPA-300x150.png 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-VLC-LPA-ODB-LEI-LPA-BJZ_SDR-LPA-VGO_MAD-LPA-GRX_ZAZ-LPA-RMU_OVD-LPA-PNA_IBZ-LPA-PMI_XRY-LPA-EAS_LCG-LPA-VLL_MAH-LPA-768x384.png 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-VLC-LPA-ODB-LEI-LPA-BJZ_SDR-LPA-VGO_MAD-LPA-GRX_ZAZ-LPA-RMU_OVD-LPA-PNA_IBZ-LPA-PMI_XRY-LPA-EAS_LCG-LPA-VLL_MAH-LPA-150x75.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
“Binter consolidates itself as a leader in the Canary Islands-Mainland/Balearic corridor, facilitating both tourist arrivals and resident travel,” said Binter’s General Coordinator, Santiago Guerra.
In total, the airline will offer more than 1,375,000 seats on direct routes to and from the Canary Islands, representing a 30% growth compared to 2024 and marking the largest summer program in the company’s history.
“This year, we have introduced the highest connectivity in our history with 680 routes, 63 airlines, and 169 airports, which is now further expanded with Binter’s new routes,” stated Gran Canaria Tourism Councilor, Carlos Álamo.
<h3>Binter Canarias’ network expansion in 2025</h3>
In 2025, Binter will strengthen its presence in the national and international markets of the Canary Islands by incorporating 10 new routes and enhancing connectivity with existing destinations.
This week, the airline also announced six new routes from Tenerife North-Ciudad de La Laguna Airport (TFN), which will be connected to Valencia, San Sebastián (EAS), Pamplona (PNA), Granada (GRX), and Murcia (RMU). Flights will begin on March 30, 2025. Additionally, starting July 1, the airline will operate a new international route to Ponta Delgada (PDL) in the Azores with one weekly frequency.

Binter Introduces 10 New Routes and Boosts Domestic Connections for Summer 2025

On December 17, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published an update to the type certificate data sheet (Type Certificate Data Sheet &#8211; TCDS) for the Boeing 787 family, highlighting an increase in the maximum allowable weights for the 787-9 model.
With this update, the maximum taxi weight (Maximum Taxi Weight &#8211; MTW) for the Boeing 787-9 has increased to 563,000 pounds (255,372 kilograms), while the maximum takeoff weight (Maximum Takeoff Weight &#8211; MTOW) is now 561,500 pounds (254,692 kilograms). These changes apply to aircraft equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, with 74,000 pounds of thrust, and General Electric GEnx engines, with thrust ratings of 74,000 or 75,000 pounds.
Despite these increases, EASA warned that the maximum weight limits may vary depending on operational constraints related to the center of gravity, fuel density, and maximum fuel load, as outlined in the Approved Flight Manual (AFM) of each operator.
The update, <a href="https://simpleflying.com/easa-increases-mtw-mtow-for-boeing-787-9/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">also reported by Simple Flying</a>, confirms that other weight limits, such as the maximum landing weight (Maximum Landing Weight &#8211; MLW), maximum zero fuel weight (Maximum Zero Fuel Weight &#8211; MZFW), and minimum flight and zero fuel weights (Zero Fuel Weight &#8211; ZFW), have not been modified.
<h3>International outlook and future developments</h3>
Meanwhile, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not updated the 787’s TCDS since August, although it references the maximum weights approved in the operators&#8217; specific AFMs. These non-public documents can vary between airlines.
In the industry context, Boeing is currently working on increased gross weight (IGW) variants for the 787-9 and 787-10. According to <a href="https://theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatches/boeing-details-787igw-performance-improvements/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Air Current, these versions could add up to 12,000 pounds (5,443 kilograms) to the MTOW of the 787-10, bringing it to 572,000 pounds (259,454 kilograms).</a>
These modifications offer airlines greater operational flexibility in terms of payload and range, while engine developments contribute to improved reliability and efficiency. However, specific operational constraints and airline configurations may lead to variations in the reported weights.

EASA Approves Increased MTOW for Boeing 787-9: Key Updates Explained

Wizz Air and the concessionaire TAV Macedonia announced the addition of three new destinations at the <a href="https://skp.airports.com.mk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Skopje International Airport (SKP)</a> for the summer season of 2025. The ULCC will connect the capital of North Macedonia with Barcelona (BCN), Spain; Lyon (LYS), France; and Stuttgart (STR), Germany.
«As TAV Airports, we are delighted to announce the return of Barcelona as a leisure destination from Skopje Airport starting May 3, 2025, operated by Wizz Air, especially as it was the most desired route by our passengers. In addition to Barcelona, Wizz Air will launch Lyon and Stuttgart as new destinations from Skopje Airport next year, which will be an advantage for everyone as it will expand Skopje Airport’s route network, Wizz Air’s map, and travel options for all adventurers. Through this expanded network, we aim and aspire to offer greater convenience and enhance our passengers’ connectivity with the world beyond,» stated Nejat Kurt, General Manager of TAV Macedonia.
Reservations for the three new destinations available from Skopje International Airport are open today. Flights will begin on May 3, 2025 (Barcelona) and will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Flights to Lyon will start on May 1, 2025, with flights scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Meanwhile, flights to Stuttgart will commence on September 29, 2025, operating three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-349342" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Flightmap-BER-SKP-DTM-HHN-SKP-FDH_HAM-SKP-FKB_FMM-SKP-STR_NUE-SKP-BTS_CRL-SKP-LJU_BCN-SKP-BVA_LYS-SKP-MLH_BUD-SKP-VCE_BLQ-SKP-MXP_CIA-SKP-FCO_TSF-SKP-TRF_MLA-SKP-LTN_EIN-SKP-GOT.png" alt="" width="1200" height="600" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-BER-SKP-DTM-HHN-SKP-FDH_HAM-SKP-FKB_FMM-SKP-STR_NUE-SKP-BTS_CRL-SKP-LJU_BCN-SKP-BVA_LYS-SKP-MLH_BUD-SKP-VCE_BLQ-SKP-MXP_CIA-SKP-FCO_TSF-SKP-TRF_MLA-SKP-LTN_EIN-SKP-GOT.png 1200w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-BER-SKP-DTM-HHN-SKP-FDH_HAM-SKP-FKB_FMM-SKP-STR_NUE-SKP-BTS_CRL-SKP-LJU_BCN-SKP-BVA_LYS-SKP-MLH_BUD-SKP-VCE_BLQ-SKP-MXP_CIA-SKP-FCO_TSF-SKP-TRF_MLA-SKP-LTN_EIN-SKP-GOT-300x150.png 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-BER-SKP-DTM-HHN-SKP-FDH_HAM-SKP-FKB_FMM-SKP-STR_NUE-SKP-BTS_CRL-SKP-LJU_BCN-SKP-BVA_LYS-SKP-MLH_BUD-SKP-VCE_BLQ-SKP-MXP_CIA-SKP-FCO_TSF-SKP-TRF_MLA-SKP-LTN_EIN-SKP-GOT-768x384.png 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/Flightmap-BER-SKP-DTM-HHN-SKP-FDH_HAM-SKP-FKB_FMM-SKP-STR_NUE-SKP-BTS_CRL-SKP-LJU_BCN-SKP-BVA_LYS-SKP-MLH_BUD-SKP-VCE_BLQ-SKP-MXP_CIA-SKP-FCO_TSF-SKP-TRF_MLA-SKP-LTN_EIN-SKP-GOT-150x75.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" />
«We are thrilled to diversify our network and connect Skopje with popular destinations like Barcelona, Lyon, and Stuttgart. These new connections will allow travelers to explore exciting new places and embark on unforgettable adventures, while also offering Western European tourists the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of North Macedonia,» stated Roland Tischner, General Manager of Wizz Air Hungary.
It is the most important airline in the Balkan Peninsula, where the low-cost carrier will connect 24 European cities for the upcoming summer season of 2025.

Wizz Air Announces Summer 2025 Flights to Barcelona, Lyon, and Stuttgart from Skopje

ITA Airways, Italy&#8217;s flagship airline, and Icelandair, Iceland&#8217;s national carrier, have signed a codeshare agreement to connect their networks and expand travel options for their customers.
The signing ceremony took place at ITA Airways headquarters at Rome Fiumicino Airport and was attended by Andrea Benassi, CEO of ITA Airways; Cesare Autera, Vice President of Alliances and Partnerships at ITA Airways; Tomas Ingason, Chief Commercial Officer of Icelandair; and Helgi Mar Bjorgvinsson, Vice President of Partnerships and Corporate Affairs at Icelandair.
This agreement will allow passengers to travel seamlessly between the two airlines&#8217; networks, enhancing connections between Italy and Iceland. Flights are already available for sale, with operations under this agreement set to commence on January 20, 2025.
Andrea Benassi, CEO of ITA Airways, highlighted: “We are pleased to sign this codeshare partnership with Icelandair. This agreement strengthens ITA Airways&#8217; growth-oriented commercial strategy and opens a privileged access route for all passengers, who will benefit from connectivity through Rome Fiumicino and Reykjavik. This marks the 37th codeshare partnership for the company, an excellent achievement in just over three years.”
Bogi Nils Bogason, CEO of Icelandair, stated: “We are delighted to welcome ITA Airways to our group of airline partners. This codeshare agreement will offer our customers very convenient connections between the networks of both airlines. ITA Airways has an extensive route network and provides an excellent customer experience. We look forward to welcoming ITA Airways passengers onboard and extending our network across Italy and beyond.”
The agreement will enhance connectivity between Rome and Reykjavik, offering connections to ITA Airways&#8217; extensive domestic network, including destinations such as Catania, Palermo, Naples, Bologna, Florence, Bari, Genoa, Trieste, Lamezia Terme, Venice, and Turin. Additionally, both airlines plan to expand the partnership to include more shared European destinations.
Thanks to this collaboration, ITA Airways and Icelandair customers will be able to travel with a single ticket and check their luggage through to their final destination. During the summer season, Icelandair operates daily flights to Milan and Rome, and to complement the new partnership, it has announced an increase in the frequency of its winter flights to Rome, with four weekly flights.

ITA Airways and Icelandair Sign Codeshare Agreement to Enhance Connectivity

<a style="color: #3366ff;" href="https://www.aireuropa.com/">Air Europa</a> will become the second Spanish airline to launch flights to Turkey, connecting Madrid (MAD) and Istanbul (IST) starting May 12, 2025.
With this new route, it will join Vueling, which links Barcelona (BCN) and Istanbul (IST). Additionally, it will also become the 109th airline to operate at Istanbul International Airport.
Air Europa will break the duopoly of Turkish companies Turkish Airlines and Pegasus in Madrid. Initially, the airline will offer four weekly flights, increasing the frequency to daily starting July 7, 2025. These flights will be operated with Boeing 787-9 aircraft, configured with between 333 and 339 seats, providing a capacity of 4,746 seats per week.
<ul>
<li>Flight UX 1683 MAD 09:10 &#8211; 13:55 IST</li>
<li>Flight UX 1684 IST 15:40 &#8211; 18:50 MAD</li>
</ul>
The schedule allows connections with its nineteen destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean, and two in the United States.
The market between Spain and Turkey is largely dominated by Turkish airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and SunExpress, which operate in six Spanish airports. In 2024, up to September, these companies transported 1,521,961 passengers.
Turkish Airlines flies from Istanbul (IST) to Barcelona (25 weekly flights), Madrid (24), Málaga (14), Valencia (14), and Bilbao (7), making it the leading airline in Spain.
Meanwhile, Pegasus operates from Sabiha Gökçen to Barcelona (10 weekly flights), Madrid (11), and Seville (5). Finally, SunExpress operates weekly flights from Izmir (ADB) to Madrid and Barcelona.

Air Europa Launches Flights Between Madrid and Istanbul Starting May 2025

<a href="https://www.flyedelweiss.com/de/en/home.html">Edelweiss</a> has presented its schedule for the summer season of 2025, adding seven new destinations and increasing flights on existing routes, in some cases substantially.
Starting June 2, it will begin service to Seattle in the United States twice a week, and a twice-weekly connection to Halifax (Nova Scotia) in Canada will also be added starting July 3. This schedule will include service to Tbilisi in Georgia twice a week starting April 12, followed by Bristol in the United Kingdom starting June 2, also twice a week.
Additionally, there will be services to Terceira in the Azores with a weekly frequency starting June 25, Zadar in Croatia twice a week starting June 28, and Calvi in Corsica with a weekly frequency starting July 6. 
In the Mediterranean, there will be increased service to Sardinia with daily flights to Olbia and Cagliari. Services to Portugal have been increased to six weekly flights to Faro, eight weekly flights to Madeira, and three weekly flights to Ponta Delgada in the Azores.
The offer in Southeast Europe will also expand: it will fly twice daily to Pristina in Kosovo, Tivat in Montenegro with three weekly flights, and two weekly flights to Pula in Croatia.
In the UK schedule, there were up to ten weekly flights to Edinburgh (Scotland). The flight schedule for Iceland, Finland, and Norway will include new flights to Akureyri on Friday mornings, new services to Kittilä, and more convenient flight days to Tromsø.
In the United States, service to Tampa Bay (Florida) will operate five times a week, the connection to Las Vegas will continue with three weekly flights, and starting mid-May, the Airbus A350 will be introduced on the route. Additionally, the route to Denver will have four weekly flights.
In Canada, the service to Vancouver will operate daily, and starting in July, the Airbus A350 will be introduced, while the connection to Calgary will have three weekly flights.
Operations to Tanzania will also be boosted: Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar will have three weekly flights. During the summer, they are scheduled on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and in the fall on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays.
Edelweiss has a network of 93 vacation destinations in 37 countries in the summer 2025 flight schedule.

Edelweiss Expands Summer 2025 Schedule: Seven New Destinations Added

Finnair has received its 18th Airbus A350-900 from a total order of 19 aircraft, further consolidating its fleet renewal program for long-haul flights. The acquisition was financed with the support of export credit granted by the credit agencies of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, amounting to more than 100 million euros. The operation was structured by Citibank Europe plc.
The Airbus A350-900 is a key component of Finnair&#8217;s strategy to optimize its long-haul network, with routes connecting its hub in Helsinki to the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. The Finnish airline is now advancing towards the final delivery of its order, with only one aircraft remaining to be delivered.
<a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/06/finnair-completa-la-modernizacion-de-las-cabinas-de-su-flota-de-largo-alcance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The incorporation of this new A350 comes at a time when Finnair has completed the modernization of the cabins of its long-haul fleet,</a> a 200-million-euro project completed in June 2024. This investment enabled the installation of new cabins in its Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft, featuring innovative products in Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy.
The revamped cabins, inspired by the airline&#8217;s Nordic design, have received positive feedback since their launch in 2022, consolidating Finnair&#8217;s in-flight experience as one of the most modern in the long-haul segment.
Looking ahead, Finnair announced the modernization of its regional fleet, starting with its Embraer 190. These short-haul aircraft will adopt a design inspired by the recently upgraded long-haul cabins, ensuring a consistent experience across all flight segments.
With the incorporation of its 18th Airbus A350-900 and the culmination of ambitious modernization projects, Finnair continues to strengthen its position as a leading airline in efficiency and comfort for long-haul routes.

Finnair modernizes long-haul cabins as it adds 18th Airbus A350-900 to its fleet

United Airlines will increase its nonstop flights between Dublin and the United States for the summer 2025 season, boosting seat capacity with larger aircraft and adding frequencies on existing routes. In total, the airline will offer five daily flights and more than 7,300 weekly seats between the U.S. and the Irish capital, representing an increase of 40% compared to the previous summer.
The Chicago O’Hare-Dublin route will increase its capacity by replacing the Boeing 757-200 with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which seats 243 passengers: 28 in Business Class, 21 in Premium Economy, 36 in Economy Plus, and 158 in Economy. In this segment, United competes with American Airlines and Aer Lingus, which also operate wide-body aircraft.
Meanwhile, the Washington-Dulles-Dublin service will add an additional flight, operating up to two daily frequencies. Both will be operated with Boeing 757-200, which offer 176 seats: 16 in Business Class (lie-flat seats), 42 in Economy Plus, and 118 in Economy. On this route, United competes exclusively with Aer Lingus, which also uses single-aisle aircraft.
During the summer season, United Airlines will operate two daily flights between Newark and Dublin using Boeing 777-200ER and 757-200 aircraft. The 777-200ER has a capacity of 276 passengers: 50 in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, 46 in Economy Plus, and 156 in Economy. In winter, the route will feature one daily frequency, operated with Boeing 767-400ER, configured with 231 seats: 34 in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy, 48 in Economy Plus, and 125 in Economy.
The services to Dublin are complemented by seasonal flights from Newark and Chicago O’Hare to Shannon, also operated with Boeing 757-200. For summer 2025, United will offer 800 daily flights to 147 international destinations, including 40 exclusive routes among U.S. airlines. The company has operated in Ireland since 1998.
See also: <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/united-airlines-celebra-cinco-anos-volando-a-sudafrica/" target="_new" rel="noopener">United Airlines celebrates five years flying to South Africa</a>

United Airlines Increases Nonstop Flights to Dublin: New Frequencies and Aircraft Upgrades

<a href="https://www.volotea.com">Volotea</a> announced its growth plans for 2025 in Spain, where it expects seat capacity to exceed 9% compared to the previous year.
Volotea’s offer will increase from 3.3 million seats in 2024 to 3.6 million in 2025. The airline’s bases in Spanish territory, in Bilbao and Asturias, operate with five aircraft. During the summer season, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, and Menorca will be the most prominent destinations, according to Cirium data.
In total, Volotea operates 123 routes in Spain, with more than 17,000 annual flights across 23 airports. The airline directly employs about 720 people and generates over 4,000 indirect jobs throughout the country.
Looking ahead to 2025, Volotea will continue expanding its network in Spain with three new routes: <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/11/volotea-announces-new-direct-route-from-asturias-to-cadiz-starting-april-2025/">Asturias-Jerez,</a> <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/voloteas-2025-expansion-plan-new-routes-and-jobs-for-bordeaux-base/">Barcelona-Bordeaux</a> and Bilbao-Palermo.
“Spain is and will continue to be a key and strategic market for Volotea, where we have two operational bases and fly to more than 20 airports. Our planned offer for 2025 of more than 3.6 million seats across over 120 routes will be the highest since we began operations in 2012, allowing us to reach the figure of more than 17 million passengers transported to and from the country”, stated Gabriel Schmilovich, Chief Strategy Officer of Volotea.
Volotea attributes its growth to improvements in connectivity, punctuality, and service quality, from ticket purchase to the onboard experience. The company reported a global Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 38.1 points through November 2024, approaching its target of 40 points by year-end. This indicator is key for measuring customer satisfaction in the industry.

Volotea Adds New Routes and Boosts Capacity by 9% in Spain for 2025

Luxair, Luxembourg&#8217;s flag carrier, confirmed two additional options for the Embraer E195-E2, increasing its total order to six units. The decision suggests a possible shift in the company’s fleet strategy, as the E195-E2 could replace older Dash 8-400 turboprops or serve as a contingency amid delays in the certification of the Boeing 737-7 MAX.
The new order secures additional delivery slots for 2027, complementing the initial 2023 agreement, which foresees the delivery of the first E195-E2 at the beginning of 2026. Luxair also retains options for three additional units, providing greater flexibility for the future.
Currently, Luxair operates 11 Dash 8-400, key aircraft in its regional network. However, with an average age exceeding 11 years, the airline faces rising operating and maintenance costs associated with these models.
The E195-E2, with its capacity for 136 seats and improved fuel efficiency, emerges as a strong candidate to replace the Dash 8. Its two-by-two cabin configuration enhances passenger comfort, while its optimized operating costs position it as a superior alternative to older turboprops. Additionally, its quieter operations and lower emissions align with Luxair’s sustainability goals, a key consideration at noise-sensitive airports such as <a href="https://www.lux-airport.lu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luxembourg Airport (LUX)</a>.
<h3>Delays in 737-7 certification and fleet flexibility</h3>
Luxair&#8217;s plans to incorporate the Boeing 737-7 MAX into its fleet face uncertainty due to delays in the certification process. As the European launch customer for the 737-7, Luxair had ordered four units of the model to complement its existing orders for the 737-8 and 737-10 MAX. The 737-10 faces similar challenges but does not target the same segment as the E195-E2.
Nevertheless, uncertainty surrounding the availability of the 737-7 could hinder the airline&#8217;s expansion plans. The confirmation of two additional E195-E2s provides Luxair with a reliable alternative that mitigates delivery risks.
<h3>Fleet strategy and operational efficiency</h3>
By diversifying its fleet with the Embraer E195-E2 and Boeing 737 MAX variants, Luxair positions itself to achieve efficient fleet optimization:
<ul>
<li>The E195-E2 is ideal for low and medium-demand regional routes, previously operated by the Dash 8.</li>
<li>The 737-8 and 737-10 are designated for high-demand, long-range routes, such as holiday destinations in Greece and the Canary Islands.</li>
</ul>
This combination allows Luxair to adjust aircraft size based on market needs, balancing cost per seat and fuel efficiency across its network.
<h3><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-349076 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/E195-E2_Luxair-2100x1182-a9a81e94-a563-4bed-b9ff-210dea7e7ca8.jpg" alt="Embraer E195 E2 Luxair" width="2100" height="1182" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/E195-E2_Luxair-2100x1182-a9a81e94-a563-4bed-b9ff-210dea7e7ca8.jpg 2100w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/E195-E2_Luxair-2100x1182-a9a81e94-a563-4bed-b9ff-210dea7e7ca8-300x169.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/E195-E2_Luxair-2100x1182-a9a81e94-a563-4bed-b9ff-210dea7e7ca8-1600x900.jpg 1600w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/E195-E2_Luxair-2100x1182-a9a81e94-a563-4bed-b9ff-210dea7e7ca8-768x432.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/E195-E2_Luxair-2100x1182-a9a81e94-a563-4bed-b9ff-210dea7e7ca8-1536x865.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/E195-E2_Luxair-2100x1182-a9a81e94-a563-4bed-b9ff-210dea7e7ca8-2048x1153.jpg 2048w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/E195-E2_Luxair-2100x1182-a9a81e94-a563-4bed-b9ff-210dea7e7ca8-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 2100px) 100vw, 2100px" /></h3>
Luxair CEO Gilles Feith described the E195-E2 as a “critical investment” aligned with the airline’s growth strategy and commitment to sustainability. “Starting in 2026, these aircraft will mark the beginning of a new era for Luxair, delivering quieter operations, superior fuel efficiency, and unmatched comfort for our passengers.”
Meanwhile, Embraer’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Marie-Louise Philippe highlighted the E2’s ability to complement Luxair’s existing fleet. “The E2 is perfectly suited to Luxair’s operations and ambitions, ensuring maximum fleet and network optimization in the long term.”
The increased order for the Embraer E195-E2 provides Luxair with strategic flexibility and a clear path to modernize its fleet, addressing potential challenges from delays in the Boeing 737-7 program and the aging Dash 8. With initial deliveries scheduled for 2026, Luxair remains focused on combining growth, sustainability, and enhanced passenger experience in its expanding network.

Luxair secures additional Embraer E195-E2 slots as 737-7 certification delays persist

Animawings, the Romania-based airline, received its first Airbus A220-300, becoming the first operator of this model in the country. The delivery was carried out by Azorra, an aircraft leasing company, from its firm order with Airbus. The aircraft arrived in Bucharest after being assembled at Airbus&#8217; facilities in Mirabel, Canada.
This addition represents a step forward in Animawings&#8217; fleet modernization strategy, which seeks to expand its route network in Europe and the Middle East, as well as offer greater operational efficiency and comfort for passengers.
“The Airbus A220-300 is fundamental to our growth plans, allowing us to operate more efficiently and provide a superior experience to our customers,” highlighted Marius Pandel, co-owner of Animawings. Among the first destinations to be served by the aircraft are Dubai, Cluj, Iasi, Oradea, Paris, Larnaca, and Stockholm.
Founded in 2019, Animawings initially operated as a virtual airline, connecting Romania to tourist destinations through wet-lease agreements with Aegean Airlines. Since then, the company has embarked on a modernization process with an ambitious projection: to operate up to 12 Airbus A220-300 and A320neo.
The airline has already announced its expansion in the Spanish market, with new routes:
<ul>
<li>Bucharest – Ibiza (IBZ): Two weekly flights (Thursdays and Sundays) between June 5 and September 28, 2025.</li>
<li>Bucharest – Gran Canaria (LPA): One weekly flight starting June 10, 2025.</li>
<li>Timișoara – Palma de Mallorca (PMI): One weekly flight starting June 12.</li>
</ul>
With this offering, Animawings will provide 548 weekly seats per leg between Romania and Spain, consolidating its presence as the only operator on these routes during the peak summer season.
Benoît Schultz, CEO of Airbus Canada, emphasized: “Animawings becomes the tenth European airline to operate the A220, demonstrating the continued expansion of the program. The A220 will allow passengers to enjoy a more comfortable and sustainable flight.”
Meanwhile, John Evans, CEO and founder of Azorra, highlighted the importance of this delivery: “We are proud to support Animawings in its path to growth with the A220-300, an ideal aircraft for its business model and network expansion.”
<h3>Looking ahead</h3>
The arrival of the first Airbus A220-300 not only reinforces Animawings&#8217; growth plans but also positions the airline as a key player in the Romanian market, committed to efficient and sustainable operations on short- and medium-haul routes. <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/12/animawings-expands-network-new-bucharest-to-ibiza-route-starting-june-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The addition of this aircraft is part of an expansion process that includes strategic destinations in Europe and the Middle East, with a special focus on leisure markets such as Spain, France, and Greece.</a>
With this milestone, Animawings prepares for a year of consolidation and growth in 2025, strengthening its network with a modern and competitive fleet.

Animawings receives its first Airbus A220-300 to expand routes in Europe and the Middle East

<a href="https://www.aircaraibes.com">Air Caraïbes</a>, the airline of the groupe Dubreuil, received its fourth Airbus A350-1000, consolidating its widebody fleet. The delivery took place at Airbus facilities in Toulouse (TLS). The aircraft subsequently performed a ferry flight to Paris/Orly (ORY), where it will be deployed on its two highest-demand routes: Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP), Fort-de-France (FDF), and occasionally to Punta Cana (PUJ).
Like the rest of its A350-1000s, the aircraft registered as F-HAJP is configured with 24 seats in business class (Madras), 45 in premium economy (Caraïbes), and 360 in economy (Soleil), totaling 429 seats. The Caribbean airline&#8217;s widebody fleet consists of two A330-300s, three A350-900s, and four A350-1000s, all based at Orly to connect with the French Caribbean.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-348987" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/A35K-TX.jpeg" alt="" width="2048" height="1365" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/A35K-TX.jpeg 2048w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/A35K-TX-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/A35K-TX-1350x900.jpeg 1350w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/A35K-TX-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/A35K-TX-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/12/A35K-TX-150x100.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" />
<h3>Air Caraïbes routes operated with widebody aircraft</h3>
The airline connects eight destinations from the Paris airport:
<ul>
<li>Cancún (CUN), 3 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Cayenne (CAY), between 4-7 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Fort-de-France (FDF), between 7-14 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP), between 7-18 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Port-au-Prince (PAP), 1 weekly flight.</li>
<li>Punta Cana (PUJ), 2-7 weekly flights.</li>
<li>Santo Domingo/Las Américas (SDQ), 1 weekly flight.</li>
<li>San Salvador (ZSA), Bahamas, 1 weekly flight.</li>
</ul>
Additionally, the airline complements <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/11/air-caraibes-recibio-un-nuevo-atr-72-600/">these routes with its four ATR 72-600s</a>, connecting destinations such as St. Barthelemy (SBH), San Martin (SFG), and other islands within Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Europe