Airline News in Brief 08 September 2026

Air India Express rolls out new uniforms: Air India Express has rolled out new uniforms for its cabin crew and frontline staff across its network, introducing a fresh new look for the teams who welcome, assist and engage with guests every day. Launched from 1 September, the uniforms are being introduced across cabin crew, airport services, aviation security, and flight operations teams, reflecting the airline’s evolving identity and its ongoing transformation of the guest experience. The refreshed uniforms extend Air India Express’ Tales of India initiative beyond its aircraft and into everyday guest interactions. Through the initiative, the airline has introduced distinctive aircraft tail art inspired by India’s indigenous art forms, crafts and cultural heritage. Drawing from the same inspiration, the uniforms incorporate design elements influenced by Tamil Nadu’s Kanjeevaram, Himachal Pradesh’s Pattu, Gujarat’s Patola, Assam’s Gamosa and Madhya Pradesh’s Bagh. The design reflects the meaningful connections Air India Express creates across regions, cultures and communities, while contemporary silhouettes inspired by the traditional kurti, complemented by tailored jackets, scarves and pocket squares, bring together Indian sensibilities and modern design. AirAsia embarks signs codeshare with Pegasus: AirAsia has launched its first codeshare partnership with Türkiye’s largest low-cost carrier (LCC), Pegasus Airlines, opening up seamless connections between Southeast Asia and Europe via Istanbul. The partnership brings together two LCC powerhouses from Asean and Europe, connecting AirAsia’s extensive network across Asean and Asia with Pegasus’ broad European network through its Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen hub. This also marks another milestone in AirAsia’s mission in becoming the world’s first low-cost network carrier, as the airline makes international travel more accessible and affordable, while strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s position as a key gateway between Asia and the world. To further strengthen the Asia-Europe connection, AirAsia will increase its Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul (KUL-SAW) frequency from four times to seven times weekly by February 2027, providing travellers with greater flexibility and more convenient connectivity between the two regions. AirAsia X’s Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul route has provided a direct link between Southeast Asia and the gateway city of Istanbul since November 2025. Air India launches ‘Easy Connect’ from Ahmedabad: Air India announced the launch of ‘Easy Connect’ services from Ahmedabad, marking a significant milestone in the Government of India’s transformative hub-and-spoke initiative. Ahmedabad joins Amritsar and Varanasi in the growing Easy Connect network, extending seamless international connectivity to travellers across Gujarat while supporting India’s ambition of becoming a leading global aviation hub. Air India has designated the following two daily flights from Ahmedabad to Delhi as ‘Easy Connect’ services: AI1121, departing Ahmedabad at 08:15 PM and arriving in Delhi at 10:00 PM (starting 1 September); AI1117, departing Ahmedabad at 08:25 AM and arriving in Delhi at 10:15 AM (starting 2 September). Air India also said it was partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts enabling Air India’s Maharaja Club members to earn reward points during stays at IHG Hotels & Resorts, while giving IHG One Rewards members the flexibility to exchange their points for Maharaja Points. Through the partnership, Air India’s Maharaja Club members can earn Maharaja Points when staying at IHG Hotels & Resorts worldwide. Members will earn 2 Maharaja Points for every US$1 spent at most IHG Hotels and Resorts, while stays at Candlewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, IHG Residences and IHG Army Hotels will earn 1 Maharaja Point for every US$1 spent. Hong Kong Airlines celebrates inaugural flight to Urumqi: Hong Kong Airlines successfully inaugurated its first direct service between Hong Kong and Urumqi on 29 August. Operated by an Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, the twice-weekly service will further strengthen connectivity between Hong Kong and Northwest China. Inaugural celebrations were held at both Hong Kong International Airport and Urumqi Tianshan International Airport to mark the new route launch. Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines, said: “Hong Kong Airlines is committed to developing more new destinations and offering travellers a wider range of travel options. The launch of this new destination also responds to the nation’s policy of expanding Individual Visit Scheme for mainland residents travelling to Hong Kong and Macao. It will help attract more visitors from Xinjiang and Northwest China to Hong Kong, while also enabling them to connect more conveniently through Hong Kong to popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia and North America. Through Urumqi, travellers can also connect readily to key destinations across Central Asia, which in line with the HKSAR Government’s policy of fostering closer cooperation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Central Asia.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]