Airline News in Brief 15 October 2025

Air New Zealand and Air Chathams interline partnership takes off: Air New Zealand and Air Chathams have signed a new interline partnership set to launch this December. The new partnership allows customers to book a single ticket for journeys that combine domestic flights on both airlines, beginning with services to or from Whakatāne. Checked baggage will be transferred through to the customer’s final destination, making for a smoother, more seamless travel experience. Associate Transport Minister James Meager says the interline agreement is a potential industry gamechanger. “The Government has been focused on strengthening the foundations of regional connectivity, and this partnership is another step in achieving this goal. These connections are vital for local economies, by ensuring access to tourism, business, education and healthcare. This is about supporting regional New Zealand and keeping it connected.” Air New Zealand’s incoming CEO, Nikhil Ravishankar, says Air New Zealand exists to connect New Zealanders to each other and the world, and partnerships like this one with Air Chathams will help both airlines to strengthen connectivity. “By working together, we’re making it easier for customers in more parts of the country to stay connected. For example, someone travelling from Whakatāne to Kerikeri can now book a single journey, connecting onto an Air New Zealand service.” Turkish Airlines and Air Algérie expand codeshare: Turkish Airlines and Air Algérie have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation and broaden the scope of their codeshare agreement. The MoU establishes a framework for enriched cooperation, including an expanded codeshare agreement. In addition to increased connectivity, the two carriers will explore joint initiatives in cargo interline services, aircraft leasing, catering, lounge access, maintenance and ground handling operations. Turkish Airlines and Air Algérie also plan to cooperate on environmental projects, sustainability initiatives, and training programs. The partnership aims to support business growth while fostering cultural, social, and economic exchange between Türkiye and Algeria. Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi stated: “Our continuing partnership with Air Algérie reflects our commitment to long-term, sustainable collaboration. This agreement marks a key step in deepening ties between both airlines. As the airline flying to more countries than any other, we remain committed to expanding cooperation across multiple areas to provide greater benefits and options for our guests. We are confident this partnership will enrich cultural and economic connections between Türkiye and Algeria and drive mutual growth.” Air India, Air India Express add flights for Diwali and Chhath Puja: Air India and Air India Express today announced the addition of 166 weekly flights to and from Patna to meet the surging festive demand around Diwali and Chhath Puja. From 15 October to 2 November 2025, Air India will operate: 38 additional flights between Delhi and Patna; 38 additional flights between Mumbai and Patna; 38 additional flights between Bengaluru and Patna. From 22 October to 3 November 2025, Air India Express will operate: 26 additional flights between Delhi and Patna; 26 additional flights between Bengaluru and Patna. These additional flights supplement Air India’s current schedule of 42 weekly flights to Patna from Delhi and Mumbai, alongside 14 weekly flights operated by Air India Express to Patna from Delhi and Bengaluru, significantly enhancing connectivity for travellers during this peak period. The additional flights significantly boost connectivity to Patna, facilitating more convenient travel for travellers visiting their loved ones during the festive season. AirExplore adds an additional B737-800 to its fleet: AirExplore, a full-service provider of ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) and Slovakia’s largest airline, has added a B737-800 aircraft to its passenger fleet. The company, part of Avia Solutions Group, now operates a fleet of 9 B737-800 passenger aircraft and 2 B737-800 freighters. AirExplore’s new B737-800, registration OM-PEX, comes in a single-class 189Y seat configuration. The aircraft, which is leased from Aviation Capital Group (ACG), has now officially joined the airline’s fleet. With demand for its services increasing, AirExplore is now weighing up different options to deploy this new aircraft, including possibilities in Europe, the Middle East or Africa. The acquired B737-800 has successfully completed all required inspections and maintenance checks before joining the AirExplore fleet. With crews fully trained on this aircraft type, AirExplore is prepared to deliver comprehensive ACMI services immediately. AerSale delivers B757-200 PCF to SkyGuard Cargo Airlines: AerSale has delivered a second Boeing 757-200 Passenger-to-Freighter (PCF) aircraft to SkyGuard Cargo Airlines, an Uzbek cargo airline specialising in e-commerce, postal, and courier transportation. The aircraft delivery builds on the successful partnership between AerSale and SkyGuard and supports SkyGuard’s strategy to transform Uzbekistan into a key regional aviation hub, connecting global marketplaces with Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Known for its optimal combination of payload capacity, range, and fuel efficiency, the Boeing 757-200PCF is ideally suited for SkyGuard’s medium-haul operations. The aircraft can serve diverse airports including those with shorter runways, which is particularly important for fast and flexible delivery of parcels and postal shipments. With the addition of the new aircraft, SkyGuard will be able to increase flight frequencies and expand to new destinations, ensuring stable and rapid air deliveries for the e-commerce and postal market in the region. This additional aircraft strengthens SkyGuard’s growing fleet and enhances its ability to serve the expanding cargo market across Central Asia and beyond. Known for its versatility and efficiency, the Boeing 757 freighter is ideally suited for medium-haul routes, providing operators with the right balance of payload capacity, range, and fuel economy. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]