The Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) has welcomed Türkiye-based Freebird Airlines as its newest member. Marking 25 years of operations in 2026, Freebird Airlines serves more than 120 destinations alongside its Malta-registered sister carrier, Freebird Airlines Europe. The group operates flights from 16 German airports to popular leisure destinations such as Antalya, Crete
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a decline in global passenger demand for April 2026, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to disrupt international air travel and push up operating costs. Total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), fell 3.4% compared with April 2025. Excluding the Middle East,
Honeywell has revealed the new brand identities for its automation and aerospace businesses as it prepares to separate into two independent, publicly traded companies on June 29, 2026. The move marks a major milestone in the company’s transformation and follows the planned spin-off of its aerospace division. The automation business will operate as Honeywell Technologies
American Airlines (American) will equip more than 500 narrow-body aircraft with Starlink high-speed satellite internet from the first quarter of 2027, marking a major upgrade to its inflight customer experience. “As a premium global airline, we are continuously seeking out world-class partners like Starlink to deliver what our customers need and want,” said American Airlines
easyJet and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport have launched electronic TaxiBot operations for Airbus aircraft at Schiphol following a successful trial earlier this year, marking a further step in reducing ground emissions and improving operational efficiency. Funded through the SESAR HERON project, TaxiBot is a semi-robotic aircraft tug that allows aircraft to taxi between the gate and
Airbus has launched the Airbus Tech Hub in Canada, a new platform aimed at accelerating aerospace research and innovation through collaboration with the country’s technology and academic ecosystem. Located in Mirabel, the Canada Tech Hub joins Airbus’ existing global network of innovation centres in South Korea, Japan, Singapore and the Netherlands. The initiative is designed
Hawaiian Airlines has introduced a new fleet of electric ground support equipment at Honolulu International Airport, replacing 116 diesel and propane-powered vehicles as part of a major sustainability drive. The new lithium battery-powered fleet includes baggage tractors, belt loaders and aircraft pushback tractors, and now accounts for 73% of the airline’s ground support equipment at
H.I.G. Capital, the global alternative investment firm managing US$75 billion in assets, has completed the acquisition of International Aerospace Coatings (IAC), strengthening its presence in the aviation services sector. Headquartered in Irvine, California, and Shannon, Ireland, IAC is widely recognised as a leading provider of aircraft painting solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), major airlines,
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investing US$26 million to support the development of the next generation of aviation professionals, strengthening the workforce pipeline across the aerospace industry. The funding will support a range of initiatives designed to address growing demand for skilled workers, including pilots, mechanics, technicians, and drone operators. The investment will be
Etihad Airways and Uzbekistan Airways have signed a new codeshare agreement aimed at strengthening links between Abu Dhabi and Central Asia while expanding travel options across Uzbekistan and beyond. The partnership came into effect on May 15, 2026, with the first codeshare flights available for travel from August 9, 2026. Under the agreement, Etihad passengers
