AAV News in Brief 25 October 2026

Air Astana’s first 787-9 Dreamliner undergoes flight testing:  The first of three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners scheduled to enter service with Air Astana in 2027 is currently undertaking flight-testing at the Boeing facility in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. The aircraft, with the registration number EI-KZA, completed its first test flight on 1st October 2026 and will be delivered upon completion of all certification procedures. The arrival of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will mark an important milestone in Air Astana’s fleet modernisation programme. The new long-haul aircraft will gradually replace the airline’s existing Boeing 767-300ER fleet, contributing to greater operational efficiency and creating new opportunities to expand its international route network, while maintaining high standards of passenger comfort. Akasa Air strengthens its network: Akasa Air announced a significant scale-up of its network with new connections and increased frequencies across key routes. Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said “When we launched Akasa Air four years ago, we saw a compelling opportunity to build a meaningful airline in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The scale and depth of our network today reflect the deliberate choices we have made by building greater frequency in markets where demand is deepening, strengthening links between major economic centres and emerging destinations, and progressively expanding our international footprint. Our approach goes beyond adding capacity; it is about making travel more relevant and rewarding through better schedules, greater choice, and a flying experience that is warm, dependable and distinctly Akasa. As we scale, we remain focused on combining disciplined growth with service excellence, while building an experience-led carrier that plays an integral role in India’s aviation growth story.” Wellington Airport releases half-year unaudited results: Wellington Airport has released its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 September 2026 showing an EBITDAF of $65.7 million. Revenue and costs have remained consistent, while flight schedule reductions in response to the fuel price spike produced a corresponding passenger variance versus the 2025 half year result. Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke comments: “It’s been a solid six months for Wellington Airport given the challenges facing global aviation. We are pleased that domestic fleet availability issues are resolving but the Middle East fuel crisis has been a persistent headwind over the period. In response to this, we’ve maintained our focus on costs and timed our investment plans to ensure the airport is ready for the return of the domestic jet fleet and future growth.  It is also pleasing to see the ongoing growth in our property portfolio, diversifying our earnings and creating further opportunities for development. Over the last year we’ve completed transformational upgrades to our terminal, continued to grow our property portfolio and implemented runway safety upgrades that provide operational benefits to existing and future airlines.” Christchurch Airport welcomes two new directors: Christchurch Airport has welcomed the appointment of Nick Astwick and Richard Thomson to its Board. Astwick has extensive executive and governance experience, including nearly a decade leading Southern Cross Health Society and previous senior leadership roles with Kiwibank.  His background spans strategy, financial services, customer-focused transformation, operations and governance. Thomson has considerable aviation, financial and commercial experience. He recently completed more than five years as Chief Financial Officer at Air New Zealand and has held senior roles across network planning, corporate finance and financial planning. Both directors have strong ties to Christchurch, having grown up in the city and attended university there. Board Chair Sarah Ottrey says the two appointments add complementary experience to the Board. “Nick brings a strong combination of commercial leadership, strategy and customer experience. He has led large and complex organisations through periods of change and growth, and that perspective will be valuable as we continue to invest and evolve. Richard offers deep aviation knowledge alongside strong financial and commercial expertise. His experience across airline networks, finance and investment will add another valuable perspective around the Board table.” Dnata enhances accessibility services at DXB: Dnata is expanding its accessibility capabilities at Dubai International airport (DXB) with new mobility equipment, enhanced frontline support and emerging assistive technology, strengthening the airport journey for customers with diverse accessibility needs. The enhancements include upgraded ambulifts, customised accessibility buggies and improved sets of battery-operated wheelchairs. dnata is also trialling autonomous wheelchair technology as it explores how emerging mobility solutions could complement existing assistance services. “Dubai’s ambition is to be a city where everyone can participate fully, and aviation has an important role to play in making that a reality,” said Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata. “At dnata, we are supporting that vision by investing in the people, equipment and technology that make airport journeys more accessible, while working closely with the wider airport community to deliver a more equitable and inclusive travel experience.” Air Charter Association welcomes new chairman: Global trade body The Air Charter Association (The ACA), formally announces Emily Williams as its new Chair, with the news having been shared with members at the recent Air Charter Excellence Awards ceremony in London. Williams is the Co-Founder and Director of IW Aviation and has served as an ACA board member since 2021. She succeeds outgoing Chair Kevin Ducksbury, who has held the role for the past seven years. Ducksbury has been a prominent figure, overseeing a period of significant growth for the Association and helping to firmly solidify its position as the leading voice in the air charter industry. Under Ducksbury’s tenure, The ACA has grown to 454 members across 64 countries and significantly expanded its executive team, allowing it to better deliver value for members and the wider industry. Williams says: “Having been an ACA board member, I am excited to now take on the responsibility of Chair and play a greater role in shaping the direction of the Association. There are so many outstanding initiatives, but I am particularly keen on supporting the ongoing progress of The ACA Internship, which has been so successful already in helping talented young people start their careers in air charter.” Jazeera Airways partners with BAA Training:  BAA Training has entered a partnership with Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC) Jazeera Airways, to provide Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) Integrated pilot training, helping the airline meet its pilot training demands. BAA Training is set to deliver an 18-month ATPL Integrated training course with Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC) for two groups of cadets. The first group began their training in August 2026 at BAA Training’s facilities in Lleida-Alguaire, Spain. The partnership comes as Jazeera Airways prepares for its next phase of growth, supported by an expanding fleet and network. With new narrowbody aircraft joining the fleet as part of the airline’s growth plan, demand for highly skilled and qualified pilots is expected to increase significantly in the years ahead. The ATPL Integrated program is designed to deliver competency-based pilot training, ensuring cadets master both technical skills and the core competencies required for safe and proficient operations. The training pathway includes theoretical instruction, single- and multi-engine flight training, and the MCC course on the Airbus A320 Level 2 Flight Training Device (FTD). It helps to bridge the gap between initial pilot training and advanced training, such as Type Rating. SITA agrees to acquire Collins Aerospace Airport Solutions: SITA has agreed to acquire Collins Aerospace Airport Solutions, which provides passenger processing, baggage, and airport operations technology capabilities, strengthening SITA’s ability to deliver more seamless and resilient operations across the air transport industry. Collins Aerospace Airport Solutions provides technology and operational expertise that moves passengers and bags through the terminal, from check-in and self-service touchpoints to bag drop and the mission-critical systems that keep airport operations running. The acquisition is expected to close over the course of H1 2027, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals. “Air transport is growing and so are expectations. Our industry increasingly needs technology, innovation and people working together to connect each part of the journey, so disruptions are prevented, or fixed fast when they happen,” said David Lavorel, Chief Executive Officer, SITA. “This acquisition extends SITA’s offerings and capabilities, reinforcing our commitment and role as the trusted technology partner our customers rely on.” London City Airport selects Amadeus for tech transformation: London City Airport has chosen Amadeus to provide technology to transform every aspect of its traveller services from check-in to boarding, delivering a faster experience that minimizes queues and improves operational efficiency. The technological transformation means London City Airport can increase capacity by serving more travellers from its existing terminal building thanks to a fully seamless check-in and bag drop experience. Amadeus’ tech portfolio of self-service kiosks and automated bag-drop units will be shared by all airlines operating from the airport. The biometrically enabled infrastructure means travellers can enrol for biometrics once for the trip, and then easily progress through their check-in and bag-drop experience. London City Airport has already taken the first steps towards delivering a seamless journey in line with its aspirations by moving to the cloud, with Amadeus Airport Cloud Use Service (ACUS) available throughout the terminal. ACUS enables airlines to run their passenger service applications from shared airport infrastructure, rather than relying on fixed, airline-specific desks. This allows staff to serve travellers from any location at the airport, improving flexibility, efficiency, and the overall experience. Daher Aircraft strengthens capabilities for multi-mission Kodiak aircraft: Daher Aircraft is reinforcing its presence in the multi-mission aviation market by stepping up the integration of specialised systems for operators of Kodiak 100s and Kodiak 900s. Recent major system integrations – including a Kodiak 900 for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation – validate Daher Aircraft’s ability to combine its expertise as the manufacturer of Kodiak airplanes with its integration of advanced communications and other mission-specific equipment.  “Multi-mission customers need more than a capable aircraft. They need a solution that brings together the airplane, its mission equipment and the support required to keep it performing in demanding operating environments,” said Nicolas Chabbert, the CEO of Daher Aircraft. “By continuing to develop our own integration capabilities, we provide customers with a more comprehensive offer while further developing the expertise needed to pursue additional opportunities in this market.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]