AAV News in Brief 20 April 2026

Cebu Pacific, Jettainer extend partnership: Cebu Pacific has renewed and expanded its partnership with Jettainer. The early renewal of the long-term contract provides for the continuation of comprehensive unit load device (ULD) management and maintenance services, as well as the introduction of Jettainer’s latest IoT tracking technology. The partnership, which began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and initially required fully remote onboarding, has developed successfully over the past years. Following the recovery of global air traffic, Cebu Pacific has achieved strong growth, operating one of the youngest fleets in the world with a fleet of 100 aircraft, including 14 Airbus A330neo, while continuously expanding its domestic and international network. The airline is also the preferred air cargo carrier in the Philippines. Under the contract extension, Jettainer will continue to provide a customized ULD fleet to ensure optimal equipment availability for all Cebu Pacific flights, managed via its intelligent IT platform, JettwareNG. The agreement also includes access to Jettainer’s latest IoT tracking solution, which combines LoRa and BLE technology with cellular-enabled units that function as mobile readers. Through meshing technology, the system creates a dynamic, self-expanding network that improves visibility, supports efficient asset utilisation, and helps reduce unnecessary repositioning, thereby contributing to sustainability objectives. In addition, Jettainer will deploy a dedicated Customer Service Manager to Cebu Pacific who will provide on-site operational support and further improve service quality. This role will further streamline processes and enhance service quality across Cebu Pacific’s growing network. Avolon closes new US$455 million credit facility: Avolon announced that it has raised a new dual tranche US$455 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the ‘Facility’) with a syndicate of five banks based primarily in the Middle East. The transaction further diversifies Avolon’s sources of capital, accessing new liquidity pools with significant appetite for high quality lending opportunities in the aviation sector. The facility, which comprises both a conventional and an Islamic tranche, has a five-year tenor. Emirates NBD Capital Limited acted as Coordinator, Initial Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner. Dubai Islamic Bank acted as Senior Islamic Mandated Lead Arranger, with Standard Chartered Bank acting as Mandated Lead Arranger. Emirates Islamic Bank and Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait acted as Lead Arrangers and Sharjah Islamic Bank acted as Arranger. Following the closing of this facility, Avolon has raised US$2.5 billion in new unsecured financing in 2026 across public and private markets. Ross O’Connor, Chief Financial Officer, Avolon commented “This facility marks another step forward in the continued expansion of Avolon’s global funding platform. Securing significant, long‑term unsecured capital from Middle Eastern banks underlines the strength of our credit proposition and the confidence lenders have in our strategy, balance sheet and execution capabilities. We see the region as a key partner in supporting Avolon’s next phase of disciplined growth.” AutoFlight completes first 2-ton-class eVTOL tea delivery in China: AUTOFLIGHT has successfully completed China’s first 2-ton-class eVTOL dedicated spring tea transport trial in Guizhou, a mountainous province in western China. The trial deployed AutoFlight’s CarryAll (V2000CG) – a fully autonomous, unmanned eVTOL aircraft – to transport fresh spring tea between Anshun and Guiyang, two Guizhou cities approximately 120km apart. The unmanned flight crossed rugged mountain terrain in just 37 minutes, a significant improvement over road transportation in the region, where winding mountain routes make timely delivery a persistent challenge. Following the eVTOL air transfer, the fresh tea was transported by a logistics company via high-speed rail for long‑haul delivery from Guiyang to Shanghai, covering a distance of nearly 2,000 kilometers. The integrated “eVTOL + high-speed rail” model enabled same-day delivery, bringing freshly picked tea from remote western mountain plantations to consumers in major eastern cities within 24 hours, preserving optimal freshness and flavour. Li Yun, CCO of AutoFlight, said: “This innovative ‘autonomous eVTOL air transfer + high-speed rail trunk line’ model breaks logistics bottlenecks in high-altitude mountainous areas. AutoFlight will join hands with more partners to extend this efficient, green autonomous cargo model to more specialty agricultural producing areas. This will help more high-quality local agricultural products reach national markets quickly, driving regional industrial upgrading and rural revitalisation.” AutoFlight’s cargo eVTOL models have conducted flight operations in real-world scenarios, including offshore oil platforms, intercity agricultural product transportation, and emergency fire-fighting, collaborating with global customers to advance the commercialization process of eVTOL. In addition, its 6-seat passenger eVTOL model V2000EM Prosperity is currently undergoing civil aviation airworthiness certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and has entered the Phase IV compliance verification stage. Milan Bergamo Airport expands network with FlyOne Armenia and Yerevan service: Milan Bergamo Airport will further expand its international network with the arrival of FlyOne Armenia, which will commence a twice-weekly service from the Armenian capital of Yerevan, a key gateway to the Caucasus region. Starting 1 May, flights are conveniently scheduled to operate on Fridays and Sundays, with evening departures from Milan Bergamo Airport and afternoon departures from Yerevan. The addition of FlyOne Armenia brings the total number of scheduled airlines operating at Milan Bergamo Airport to 23, while Yerevan becomes the airport’s 152nd scheduled destination this summer. The new service further consolidates Milan Bergamo Airport’s role as an expanding gateway to non-EU markets, enhancing access to fast-growing destinations beyond Europe. Through Yerevan, passengers will benefit from a wider range of onward connections to points across Central Asia and the CIS region, strengthening the airport’s global reach while supporting its continued focus on long-distance and underserved markets. Giacomo Cattaneo, Director of Commercial Aviation, Marketing & Communications at SACBO, said: “We are delighted to welcome FlyOne Armenia to Milan Bergamo Airport. The introduction of Yerevan adds a unique dimension to our network, opening the door to a destination that blends strong tourism appeal with important community links. It also reflects our ongoing efforts to identify and develop routes that respond to evolving passenger demand, particularly towards less-served markets. We are confident this service will perform well and further broaden the choice available to our passengers. We look forward to a successful partnership with FlyOne Armenia and to further strengthening our global network.” Glenorchy Air to operate New Zealand’s first Tecnam P2012 Traveller: Tecnam announced operator Glenorchy Air will be the launch customer for the Tecnam P2012 Traveller in New Zealand. Following the official validation of the P2012 by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) last month, the acquisition of this state-of-the-art, Continental-powered aircraft marks a major milestone in the Queenstown-based company’s fleet expansion. The introduction of the P2012 Traveller will allow Glenorchy Air to seamlessly access the IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) charter market and diversify its offerings, while still keeping the aircraft highly deployable on its existing scenic routes. Coinciding with this acquisition, the company is officially launching its new brand, Queenstown Air Charter (www.queenstownaircharter.com), which will offer nationwide VFR and IFR charter services across New Zealand. The P2012 Traveller, specifically the Continental-powered variant, was designed to meet the rigorous demands of regional airlines and charter operators. It offers unparalleled passenger comfort with a spacious cabin, premium seating, and large panoramic windows—perfect for the breathtaking scenic flights over Milford Sound and Mount Cook that Glenorchy Air is renowned for. Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 & Special Mission Platforms Sales Manager, commented on the milestone: “We are incredibly proud to see the P2012 Traveller making its debut in the spectacular skies of New Zealand. Glenorchy Air’s dedication to providing a premium, award-winning passenger experience aligns perfectly with the DNA of the P2012. Its versatility, twin-engine reliability, and exceptional cabin comfort will make it a tremendous asset for their scenic tours and the exciting launch of Queenstown Air Charter.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]