AAV News in Brief 10 May 2026

China Airlines Partners with JetBlue on reward tickets: China Airlines has partnered with the US carrier JetBlue to launch a mutual redemption program for reward tickets. Dynasty Flyer members can now use their miles to redeem JetBlue tickets to explore American cities further inland via key gateways such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. JetBlue TrueBlue members can in turn use their points to redeem China Airlines tickets and experience the trans-continental flying services offered by China Airlines wide-body passenger fleet. Dynasty Flyer members can now make reservations and use their miles to redeem tickets through customer service centres. In Economy Class, for example, a domestic U.S. round-trip is 35,000 miles, a round-trip from the U.S. to Central America is 40,000 miles, a round-trip to South America is 50,000 miles, and a round-trip from the U.S. to Europe is 70,000 miles. These make Dynasty Flyer miles the most flexible option for onward travel. China Airlines has been operating in the North American market for more than half a century. The carrier operates non-stop flights to seven cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Ontario, San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, and Vancouver, with 40 services a week. The existing airline partnership offering connecting services to more than a hundred inland cities in America is now joined by the JetBlue reward ticket service. Travelers now have even more options for redeeming tickets for their dream tour of the Americas. GM Aviation orders Tecnam aircraft: Tecnam announced GM Aviation has confirmed orders for two new aircraft – a P2010 Gran Lusso TDI and a P2008JC NG. As the authorised dealer for Tecnam, the introduction of these state-of-the-art models is intended to enhance both the flight training and private aviation sectors. GM Aviation will utilise both the P2010 Gran Lusso TDI and the P2008JC NG as dedicated demonstrators, providing potential customers across Germany and Austria with the opportunity to experience Tecnam’s hallmark Italian design, advanced aerodynamics, and superior efficiency firsthand. Beyond fleet expansion, the collaboration between the two companies reached a new milestone during the industry show, AERO Friedrichshafen 2026. Tecnam and GM Aviation successfully consolidated a joint training strategy specifically designed to support and serve both Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) and private owners alike. To provide Tecnam customers with an even better ownership experience, a new integrated after-sales strategy has been implemented, including the spare parts distribution services of Global Aviation Parts and the appointment of additional Tecnam authorized service centres. This focused approach to technical assistance and spare parts distribution ensures that local operators, particularly FTOs, will receive unparalleled, continuous support and minimal operational downtime. Lufthansa Technik keeps growing, but external challenges are increasing: Lufthansa Technik continued its growth course in the first quarter of 2026, but had a somewhat more moderate than expected start of the fiscal year with regard to its earnings performance. Revenue rose to 2.3 billion euros in the first three months (+12 percent compared to the same period last year), underscoring the high global demand for technical aircraft services. The share of revenue from customers outside the Lufthansa Group grew from 73 to 78 percent. However, the global market leader in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) continues to face challenges concerning its margin development. Adjusted EBIT for the first quarter was 158 million euros (-2 percent), the margin declined accordingly from 8.0 to 7.0 percent. The main reasons for the ongoing challenges are the continuing material shortages, particularly for engine maintenance, increased material costs, and a U.S. dollar exchange rate that is less favourable for Lufthansa Technik than in the previous year. “We are sticking to our long-term plan and are once again investing hundreds of million euros this year in our future. We therefore have corresponding high expectations for our earnings. However, industry-wide material shortages and price increases pose a daily challenge for us,” says Dr. Christian Leifeld, Chief Financial Officer of Lufthansa Technik. In addition, the company – like the entire aviation industry – is closely monitoring the crisis in the Middle East. “The extent to which this will affect our MRO business obviously depends largely on how long the conflict lasts and how it impacts our customers. So far, the crisis has not had a significant impact on our results. However, we are seeing the first airlines reduce their flight capacity. This, in turn, could dampen our growth and profit momentum, at least temporarily,” says Christian Leifeld. “We are therefore considering various scenarios and taking precautions for the factors we can control. Internal cost discipline is at the top of our agenda, with our strong customer focus remaining unchanged.” Meanwhile, Lufthansa Technik continues to drive forward the planned development and expansion of new and existing locations. The opening of a new state-of-the-art production facility for the repair and overhaul of aircraft components in Tulsa (Oklahoma, USA) was celebrated a few weeks ago. At the new location in Santa Maria da Feira, south of Porto (Portugal), groundbreaking for the 55,000-square-meter facility – which will service aircraft components and engine parts – is set to take place shortly. 700 jobs are expected to be created there. Preparations for the construction of a new facility are also underway in Calgary, Canada, where a new engine shop is being built for Mobile Engine Services. Initial work is already being performed at interim sites in both Portugal and Canada. Akasa Air creates leasing unit: Akasa Air announced the establishment of Akasa Air Leasing IFSC Private Limited (AALI), at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar. This marks a strategic milestone in strengthening the airline’s aircraft financing and leasing capabilities. The AALI office at GIFT City will serve as a dedicated platform to support Akasa Air’s fleet expansion and long-term growth plans. It will play a pivotal role in advancing the airline’s aircraft financing strategy, enabling greater flexibility, cost efficiency, and enhanced access to global capital markets. Aligned with the Government of India’s vision to create a world-class ecosystem for aircraft leasing and financing through GIFT City, AALI, upon commencement of operations, will provide aircraft leasing and financing solutions to Akasa Air. Leveraging the benefits of the GIFT City framework, AALI is expected to finance a majority of the airline’s aircraft over time while strengthening onshore leasing capabilities. Leon Software signs Bay Air Aviation as client: Leon Software announced that Bay Air Aviation has joined its growing global client community, marking another step in expanding its footprint across Africa’s dynamic aviation sector. Based in Windhoek, Bay Air Aviation is a premier charter operator licensed to serve all airports throughout Namibia, with an operational reach extending across the African continent. The company offers a diverse portfolio of aviation services, including medical evacuation (medevac), oil and gas logistics support, cargo transportation, and other specialized air operations. Bay Air operates a versatile fleet featuring aircraft such as the Mitsubishi MU-2B-60, Cessna 500 Citation, and Cessna 208 Caravan, enabling it to deliver reliable and flexible solutions tailored to a wide range of client needs. By implementing Leon Software’s advanced cloud-based aviation management platform, Bay Air aims to enhance operational efficiency across its entire business. Singapore Airlines adds services to Europe: Singapore Airlines (SIA) will progressively increase the frequencies on flights between Singapore and Manchester, Milan, Munich, and London Gatwick in the coming months to meet the strong demand on these routes, and enhance connectivity options at its Singapore hub. The airline will also launch five-times-weekly services to Madrid via Barcelona on 26 October 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. It will restructure its current twice-weekly Singapore-Barcelona services, SQ388 and SQ387, to operate on the route, making Madrid SIA’s 15th destination in Europe and its second in Spain. From 13 July 2026, SIA’s Singapore-Manchester services, SQ302 and SQ301, will increase from five-times weekly to daily. SIA’s current three-times-weekly Singapore-London Gatwick services, SQ314 and SQ313, will increase to daily from 25 October 2026. This will give SIA two daily services to the airport, and six flights a day to London after including the four daily services to London Heathrow. The Airline’s Singapore-Milan services, SQ356 and SQ355, will increase from four-times weekly to daily from 25 October 2026. The three-times weekly Singapore-Milan-Barcelona services, SQ378 and SQ377, will be cancelled from 27 October 2026 following the launch of the new Singapore-Barcelona-Madrid service. SIA will launch a new three-times weekly Singapore-Munich service, SQ340 and SQ339, from 26 October 2026, bringing its total to 10 weekly services to the German city. All flights are subject to regulatory approvals and aircraft deployment may vary due to operational reasons. Wellington Airport releases financial results: Wellington Airport has released its financial results for the 12 months to 31 March 2026, highlighted by solid earnings and the completion of major airfield and terminal upgrades. Strong commercial performance alongside a 4% increase in international passengers has helped achieve an EBITDAF of $133.4 million, up from last year’s $130.2 million. In this period the airport hosted 5.1 million travellers, down slightly from 5.3 million last year, and achieved a net profit after tax of $15.7 million. Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said: “It’s been a year of delivery for Wellington Airport with significant upgrades completed to our runway and terminal. The EMAS runway system is an important safety project that also opens opportunities to connect Wellington directly to long-haul destinations. We’ve completed our new Airport Fire Station and the terminal has a stunning new look with the Manu Muramura centrepiece and the new multi-level venue Good Day. The financial results are pleasing and reflect a strong year of performance, particularly from the commercial side of the business. This has been achieved despite pressure on regional connectivity and Air New Zealand’s well-known fleet availability issues. We’ve kept a focus on controlling costs and have worked closely with our airline partners on the timing of infrastructure projects. This has put us in a solid position to manage the current challenges facing the aviation industry and the wider economy.” FACC increases earnings and revenue in Q1 2026: FACC continued its growth course in the 2026 financial year and was able to significantly increase both revenue and earnings in the first quarter. Revenue increased by 11.8% to EUR 258.2 million (prior-year period: EUR 231 million). The operating result (EBIT) more than doubled to EUR 9.7 million (Q1 2025: EUR 4.3 million | +125.6%). All divisions developed positively. The number of employees grew to 4,017 FTE (Q1 2025: 3,896 FTE). Despite this positive development, the market environment remains dynamic. Disruptions in international supply chains as well as high material and personnel costs remain challenging. The conflict in Iran, which has been ongoing since the end of February, also led to an increased need for coordination with global customers in the first quarter – necessary adjustments were, however, in line with FACC management’s expectations for the company’s development in the 2026 financial year. FACC sets strategic milestones: In addition to its successful operational performance, FACC achieved several strategic milestones in the first quarter of 2026. These include, in particular, the decision to expand production capacity in Upper Austria by building a new plant. The investment volume amounts to around EUR 120 million and represents an important step towards securing the long-term growth course. Furthermore, FACC secured a new cabin contract from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, thereby further expanding the existing partnership. FACC was also named “Supplier of the Year” by Embraer for the third consecutive year – a confirmation of FACC’s high performance and quality along the entire value chain. Civil aviation industry remains on growth path: The global aviation industry shows overall robustness as well in 2026. Continued high demand, with a global order backlog of over 17,700 aircraft, is leading to rising production rates at manufacturers and supporting the positive development across all major programs. In particular, the short- and medium-haul segment as well as rising rates for long-haul platforms are driving growth in the entire industry. With its international customer network and diversified product portfolio, FACC is benefiting from these developments. Etihad strengthens UAE supply chains and cargo capability: Etihad Airways signed three strategic agreements, expanding its role in UAE trade, cargo logistics and industrial growth through partnerships focused on supply chains, local procurement and SME development. The first agreement, signed on Monday 4 May, is a Global Air Carrier Services Agreement between Etihad Cargo and EDGE Group, the UAE’s advanced technology and defence conglomerate. Under the agreement, EDGE will consolidate airfreight operations across its portfolio of 35 entities through Etihad’s cargo network, strengthening local logistics capability while supporting EDGE’s global expansion. On Wednesday 6 May, Etihad signed two further agreements. The first renews Etihad’s participation in the UAE’s In-Country Value (ICV) Programme with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT); the second brings Etihad into partnership with Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development to support the Abu Dhabi SME Champion Programme. The Khalifa Fund agreement supports growth-stage UAE businesses in developing the capabilities required to compete for Etihad supply-chain opportunities and meet aviation industry standards. Embraer reports best first quarter in its history: Embraer reached revenues of US$1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2026, the highest level the company has ever achieved in a first quarter. The result represents a 31% year-over-year (yoy) increase, driven mainly by Defense & Security and Commercial Aviation. The company also reported adjusted EBIT of US$94 million for the period, with a margin of 6.5% (versus 5.6% a year earlier), reflecting a continued strong focus on efficiency. Adjusted net income totalled US$27.7 million, compared with US$50 million in the same quarter of 2025. Net income attributable to shareholders and net income per ADS (American Depositary Shares) were US$33.4 million and US$0.1856, respectively, versus US$73.4 million and US$0.3997 a year earlier. Regarding investments, Embraer reported US$98.8 million in the period, up from US$88.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. Including investments in Eve, the total reached US$148.6 million, also above the US$124.5 million reported in the same quarter of 2025. Commercial Aviation had quarterly revenues of US$293 million, a 45% increase yoy, mainly reflecting higher volumes and pricing. In Executive Jets, revenues totalled US$418 million in the quarter, 30% higher than in the same period of 2025, driven by higher volumes and product mix. Meanwhile, Services & Support recorded revenues of US$490 million in the quarter, representing 15% growth compared with last year, supported by higher volumes across all segments, particularly Defense & Security. Embraer delivered 44 aircraft in the first quarter of 2026, a 47% increase compared with 30 aircraft delivered in the opening quarter of 2025, reflecting progress in production levelling efforts. The company’s backlog reached US$32.1 billion, up 22% yoy, marking its sixth consecutive all‑time high. Air Astana reports Q1 results: Air Astana announced its results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2026. Ibrahim Canliel, CEO of Air Astana, said: “These are my first quarterly results as CEO of Air Astana and I am pleased to report that we have seen continued growth in revenue and in traffic despite the market environment and ongoing cost challenges. With a modest increase in traffic (RPK +3.0%) we have seen revenue up 13.2% for the quarter, and unit revenues (RASK) +12.4%. The first quarter of 2026 has posed challenges for the entire aviation industry but has also given Air Astana a further opportunity to demonstrate our agility and resilience in the face of aversion. Within 48 hours of the Gulf conflict starting, we had already begun reallocating our aircraft to support the rapidly evolving demand conditions which have become a new norm. I am immensely proud of my colleagues’ response: from flying repatriation flights, to providing the increased transit opportunities for our business and leisure passengers. Alongside this operational response, we continued to advance our long-term network strategy. In Q1 we launched our first flight to Shanghai, a city with a greater population than our home nation. This adds both additional destinations and frequencies to our existing routes into China and capitalises on the huge growth opportunity within our nearby megamarkets. We have also boosted capacity to India, Central Asia and the Caucasus providing a robust substitute for the Gulf destinations.” Vietjet expands South Asia network: Vietjet has announced a new international route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo, marking the carrier’s entry into the Sri Lankan market and further expanding its presence in South Asia. The announcement came during the state visit of Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam to Sri Lanka. The Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo service will commence in August 2026 with four round-trip flights per week. This new air link is expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, while enhancing connectivity across South and Southeast Asia. Dinh Viet Phuong, First Vice Chairman of Vietjet, said: “The Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo route opens a new air connection between the two countries, creating new opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.” Colombo, a key economic and trading hub in the Indian Ocean, and Ho Chi Minh City, one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic metropolitan centres, are expected to form a new bridge for regional growth and cooperation. With its modern fleet and continuously expanding international network, Vietjet continues to affirm its role as a bridge connecting Vietnam to the world, contributing to greater integration, trade, and the country’s growing presence on the international stage. Air Charter Service reports record Q1: Aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has reported an excellent first financial quarter of the year, with charter numbers up, and revenue growth of more than 35% year-on-year; up to $380 million. Chris Leach, ACS’s Founder and Chairman, commented: “Our financial year begins on February 1st, so the end of April closed our first quarter. We are our delighted with our performance, with record results for a first quarter, in all divisions, with overall charters up by 19%, and revenue by 37%. Removing some of our larger on-going contracts – which are low value / high volume and have remained at the same level as last year –  our underlying growth is a healthy 13% in private jet charter flights, with revenues up 27%. Part of this revenue growth was as a result of securing some higher value contracts – both on larger aircraft and with longer sectors. We also arranged evacuations from the Middle East on private jets. The higher aviation fuel prices across the globe have also affected revenue. Our group charter division has performed very well, with both charters and revenue up by 40%. This was buoyed by evacuation flights out of the Middle East, for various governments and large multinational companies. Underlying growth, however, is still very strong. The strongest growth in terms of charter numbers, out of our three main divisions, came from our cargo department, which saw over 70% more charters than the same period last year, and revenue up by 41%. In part, these increases were due to supply chain disruptions caused by the conflict in Iran, as well as the repercussions of Storm Marta and the port closures that it caused in Morocco…Outlook for the rest of the year is uncertain, as the fallout from the Iran conflict and other geo-political situations means that we are probably in the most uncertain period since Covid, making it impossible to foresee what effects these situations will have on the charter market going forward. Our global footprint, diverse businesses and portfolio of clients does, however, mean that we are well-placed to deal with whatever happens in the coming months.” Veovo to acquire Dubai Technology Partners:  Veovo has entered into an agreement to acquire Dubai Technology Partners (DTP), a Dubai based airport technology and services provider with deep roots across the Middle East. The acquisition strengthens Veovo’s regional presence and brings new operational and AI enabled capabilities into its Intelligent Airport Platform. DTP brings a team of around 60 highly experienced airport specialists, with hands on expertise across some of the world’s busiest and most complex airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and major hubs across Saudi Arabia. These are environments where systems are pushed to their limits, and operational credibility and experience matters as much as software design. “Joining Veovo feels like the right next chapter for what we’ve built at DTP. We’ve spent the last few years working alongside the Veovo team, and there’s a real shared belief in where airport technology is heading. Nothing about our commitment to customers in the region changes — if anything, we now have more behind us to deliver on it. For me, staying on to lead this means continuing to back the people who made DTP what it is, and helping them grow into something bigger,” says Abdul Razzak Mikati, Managing Director of DTP. The acquisition also adds complementary technology to Veovo’s portfolio, including DTP’s AirportView App, tNexus’ strong integration and messaging framework and machine learning models, providing opportunities to bring new, intelligent automation to Veovo’s global network of more than 150 airports. “This is a people led acquisition,” said James Williamson, CEO of Veovo. “We’ve worked alongside DTP in complex environments and seen first-hand the value of their operational knowledge, capabilities and strong airport relationships in the region. Bringing our teams and technology together strengthens how we can continue to raise the bar and support more airports globally as complexity continues to rise.” DAS supports AZANS launch of training centre in Azerbaijan: Through the cooperation with Azeraeronavigation (AZANS), DFS Aviation Services brings its proven Initial Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Training Franchise Model to the new centre — enabling standardized, high-quality training based on DAS concept and standards. Under this franchise cooperation, DAS provides the training content, course design, instructor qualification approach, and quality framework. In April, DAS Aviation Academy welcomes the official opening of the International Training Centre at the National Aviation Academy in Azerbaijan, attended by the President of Azerbaijan. ATC training at the new centre will be delivered by AZANS in cooperation with DAS and based on their products and training programs, supporting consistent delivery and quality assurance. “We are proud to bring our Initial ATC Training Franchise Model to Azerbaijan—transferring DAS content and quality standards,” says Andreas Pötzsch, Managing Director of DAS. “This is a milestone for us—together with DAS and based on their programmes, we will train controllers to internationally recognised standards and further strengthen safety,” adds Farhan Guliyev, Director of AZANS. DAS’ Initial Training Franchise Model helps partners establish or expand ATC training capabilities aligned with international requirements, including Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/340 and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) framework. The centre includes advanced ATC simulation capabilities, including a 360-degree tower simulator and a radar simulator complex. It is planned that around 30 air traffic controllers will be trained annually, alongside additional flight crew training activities. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]