AAV News in Brief 28 April 2026

AerFin and National Air Cargo to support aircraft teardown: AerFin has entered into a new partnership with National Air Cargo to support the next phase of its aircraft teardown operations, further strengthening the movement of materials between Marana and Miami. The agreement is focused on delivering a more efficient and integrated logistics flow, ensuring that aircraft components are transferred quickly, securely, and with the operational oversight required to maximise value at every stage of the asset lifecycle. National Airlines has been supporting AerFin through materials purchasing, creating a strong operational foundation that has naturally expanded into the logistics domain. In addition to supporting teardown logistics, the partnership reflects a growing and reciprocal relationship. By combining AerFin’s operational expertise with National Air Cargo’s proven global logistics network, the partnership enables the seamless transition of assets through dismantling, transportation, and onward utilisation. AerFin will continue to collaborate with its existing partners across other areas of the programme, maintaining a flexible, multi-partner approach designed to deliver optimal outcomes for customers. Embraer adds Execaire Aviation to authorised service centre network: Embraer has added Execaire Aviation to its Authorised Service Centre Network to support executive jet customers in Canada. Execaire Aviation will provide line maintenance for the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 series, Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 series, and Legacy 450 and 500 aircraft in its base in Toronto. This becomes the third Embraer Authorised Service Centre in Canada. “We are pleased to partner with Execaire Aviation to serve our customers in Canada. They have a proven record of delivering best-in-class services for executive aviation in the country, and we are excited to move forward with this partnership. We will continue working hard to grow our capacity, capabilities, and footprint in North America and worldwide,” says Frank Stevens, Vice President MRO Services, Embraer Services & Support. Execaire Aviation is a leading provider of aviation solutions and operator of private jets, offering a complete range of services including aircraft management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft charter and sales, as well as FBO services. Travelport and Webjet extend multi-year agreement: Travelport announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with Webjet, one of Australia and New Zealand’s most recognised and trusted online travel agencies. The renewed agreement takes the partnership through to 2029 and confirms Travelport as Webjet’s GDS provider. The extension reflects a strong commitment to Travelport and builds on a long-standing commercial relationship that has supported Webjet’s growth into a leading online travel platform across Australia and New Zealand. As part of the renewed agreement, Webjet will continue to offer its New Distribution Capability (NDC) content, giving customers access to a broader range of airline fares, ancillaries, and personalised offers through the Travelport+ platform. The partnership will also see deeper technical collaboration, bringing automation and AI capabilities into Webjet’s booking experience to support more seamless, efficient, and modern travel retailing. Katrina Barry, CEO and Managing Director, Webjet Group said: “Travelport has been a trusted partner for Webjet for many years, and this renewal reflects both our confidence in the platform and the strength of our long-standing relationship. As we continue to evolve our offering, access to richer content through NDC, combined with Travelport+’s advanced automation and AI capabilities, will play a key role in enhancing the customer experience and supporting our next phase of growth.” Air India Express rejigs loyalty programme: Air India Express has enhanced its loyalty benefits for Tata NeuPass members by extending tier-linked discounts to international bookings and broadening benefits across the airline’s domestic and international network of over 60 destinations spanning South Asia, Southeast Asia and West Asia. As part of the refreshed proposition, tier‑based discounts earlier applicable on domestic bookings are now available on international routes as well, enabling members to unlock greater value across their travels. Members continue to enjoy benefits including up to 25% savings on domestic Business Class fares, with the programme now offering dynamic, percentage-based savings that allows value to increase with higher flying frequency. Commenting on the enhancement, Siddhartha Butalia, Chief Marketing Officer, Air India Express, said, “With over 20 million members, our loyalty programme is the largest airline frequent flyer programmes in the region and a founding pillar of the Tata NeuPass ecosystem – offering members a seamless and rewarding experience across a wide network of participating brands. We have reimagined loyalty in the travel and aviation landscape with our proposition to ‘Unlock the Unlimited’ – from milestone-based rewards to effortless recognition without the need for a separate frequent flyer ID, and easy tier movements, we have made loyalty more intuitive, accessible and rewarding at every step of the journey. In anticipation of upcoming enhancements and integrations, the extension of benefits to our international network is a natural progression in delivering greater value to our growing member base.” Fokker Services Group signs commercial agreement with KGB Aviation Solutions: Fokker Services Group has signed a commercial agreement with KGB Aviation Solutions for the integration of the SkyLog-25 flight data and cockpit voice recorder across multiple aircraft platforms. The agreement enables Fokker Services Group to offer a certified, next-generation 25-hour recorder solution as part of its aircraft modification and retrofit programs. The SkyLog-25 is designed to address increasing obsolescence challenges in legacy recorder systems, providing operators with a reliable and cost-effective upgrade path. With growing demand for modern, compliant recording solutions, the collaboration supports operators in maintaining regulatory compliance while improving operational efficiency and reducing lifecycle costs. The SkyLog-25 offers a lightweight, fully ED-112A compliant solution, with simplified data access and maintenance capabilities. Kevin Balys, President of KGB Aviation Solutions, said: “We are honored to collaborate with Fokker Services Group to expand access to SkyLog-25 across its global customer base. This partnership underscores our mutual focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and measurable cost savings for aircraft operators. SkyLog-25 represents the next evolution in recorder technology, and I am immensely proud of the dedicated team behind its success.” Aviomar Flight Academy adds ALSIM AL42 simulator: ALSIM announced Aviomar Flight Academy, based in Italy, has acquired an AL42 Diamond DA42 simulator, reinforcing the strategic development of its Parma Training Centre and its commitment to delivering professional, airline-oriented pilot training. The AL42 is an exact replica of the Diamond DA42-VI, built using genuine aircraft parts and equipped with the authentic Garmin G1000 NXI. It also features the latest-generation image generator (VFR-VS), a GFC 700 autopilot, and a force-feedback system that ensuring enhanced realism. The simulator can also be equipped with either analog or glass (EFIS) backup instruments. The AL42 model is designed for PPL, CPL and IR/ME training in compliance with current regulatory standards of EASA FNPT II, FAA AATD/FTD Level 5 and Transport Canada FTD Level 2 with IPC capability. “We are proud to introduce the Diamond DA42 simulator to our Parma Training Centre, reinforcing our vision of providing airline-focused training through advanced technology and strong industry partnerships,” said Capt. Michele Marano. “This investment supports the growth of the Ryanair Future Flyer Academy at Aviomar and confirms our commitment to preparing the next generation of professional pilots to the highest standards in Northern Italy.” Etihad beefs up flights to US: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is accelerating its growth in the United States with two major enhancements to its North American network, increasing capacity and connectivity across key markets. Chicago O’Hare will move to double-daily service, while Charlotte will increase to daily flights from 15 June, building on strong early performance following the launch of services on 20 March 2026. Together, the enhancements significantly expand Etihad’s U.S. footprint, strengthening connectivity between North America and high-growth markets across India and Asia-Pacific, while improving access to the U.S. domestic network through partner airlines. Chicago remains one of Etihad’s most established gateways in North America. Moving to double-daily service will deepen connectivity and unlock a broader range of one-stop journeys via Abu Dhabi to high-demand destinations across Etihad’s network. These include 11 gateways across India – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai – as well as key Asia-Pacific destinations such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Manila. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Chicago continues to be a cornerstone of our U.S. network. Moving to double-daily flights reflects the sustained performance of the route and enables us to offer guests greater flexibility while deepening connectivity through Abu Dhabi, strengthening links to key markets across India and Asia-Pacific.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]