Airline News in Brief 23 June 2026

National Jet Express grows passenger fleet: National Jet Express (NJE) announced the arrival in country of its 13th De Havilland Q400, with entry into service planned for the end of June. This follows the entry into service earlier this year of another Q400 aircraft VH-8QD. With this aircraft, NJE’s FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) fleet will increase to 21 comprising 13 Q400 and 8 Embraer E190 jets. This new aircraft will help to partially satisfy the ever-increasing demand for NJE’s services across WA, SA and QLD. NJE plans to have 2 more E190 jets in service by July and August to continue meeting the needs of its resource customers. “Reaching 21 passenger aircraft reflects the strength of demand across the resources sector and the trust our clients place in NJE. Operating and maintaining our own Q400 and E190 fleet in-house gives us the control and the capacity to keep growing alongside our clients well into the future,” said Robin Furber, Executive Director, National Jet Express. National Jet Express (NJE) was founded in 1994 and is one of Australia’s mining and resources FIFO charter operators. The company employs more than 600 staff and operates aircraft, crew and engineering bases supporting the construction, mining and resources industries in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. NJE conducts its own aircraft maintenance onshore, with a heavy maintenance facility and FBO in Adelaide supporting its entire fleet, as well as third-party engineering work. Air India and Booking.com sign partnership: Air India and Booking.com announced a strategic partnership to deliver a more seamless and rewarding travel booking experience. Customers can now access a vast array of global accommodations via a dedicated co-branded platform on the Air India website and mobile app, powered by Booking.com, along with exclusive benefits and loyalty rewards for Maharaja Club members. The co-branded platform offers Air India customers access to Booking.com’s extensive global inventory of over 31 million reported listings in 45 languages, including 8.6 million listings in homes, villas and other unique places to stay, backed by its 24/7 customer support. Air India’s Maharaja Club members can earn 5 Maharaja Points for every INR 100 spent on stays booked through the dedicated platform. These points can be redeemed for award flights and cabin upgrades. Customers will also benefit from exclusive discounts of up to 15% on participating properties for a limited period, from June 22 to July 21, 2026. Malaysia Airline and Singapore Airlines launch business partnership: Malaysia Airlines (MAB) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have launched their strategic joint business partnership, formalised in January 2026 following the regulatory approvals, with the introduction of joint fare products for travel between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The new joint fare offerings build on the airlines’ existing codeshare partnership, enabling MAB and SIA to provide customers with a greater variety of fare options between the two capital cities, as well as enhanced connectivity across the combined network of both carriers. MAB and SIA are also working towards the progressive introduction of additional customer benefits, including reciprocal lounge access, coordinated flight schedules, and joint corporate travel arrangements. These initiatives reflect the airlines’ deepening commercial collaboration and shared commitment to improving connectivity between Malaysia, Singapore, and the wider region. Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business, Malaysia Aviation Group, said: “This joint business partnership with Singapore Airlines marks a significant milestone in the expansion of our commercial collaboration. By introducing joint fare products, we are giving our customers greater choice, improved flexibility, and a more seamless travel experience. This collaboration also lays the foundation for deeper integration across our networks, ultimately benefiting both leisure and business travellers.” Since signing their commercial cooperation framework agreement in October 2019, MAB and SIA have progressively expanded their collaboration, offering customers greater connectivity and more travel options. The airlines currently codeshare on services across Malaysia, Singapore, Europe, and South Africa. In addition, both carriers introduced reciprocal accrual and redemption between the Enrich and KrisFlyer frequent flyer programmes in February 2024, allowing members to earn and redeem miles or points on selected flights operated by both carriers. Akasa Air welcomes 39th aircraft: Akasa Air has received delivery of its 39th aircraft.  The aircraft marks the airline’s eighth induction in CY2026 and will support its continued network expansion and operational strength. The first leg of the aircraft’s delivery flight commenced from Seattle, USA, to Reykjavik, Iceland and concluded with the final leg from Cairo, Egypt, to Bengaluru, India. Bearing registration number VT-YBP, the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft arrived at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on 22nd June 2026. The aircraft is purpose-built to Akasa’s specifications and equipped with Safran Z200 seats, a next-generation seating solution designed to elevate the in-flight experience. The seats feature a generous four-inch recline, an ergonomically contoured backrest, and enhanced cushioning for superior sitting comfort, alongside thoughtfully positioned additional conveniences such as USB-C and USB-A ports to support the needs of today’s hyper-connected travellers. Akasa Air has placed a firm order for 226 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with a pipeline of 187 additional aircraft scheduled for delivery over the next six years. As India’s aviation sector continues to witness sustained growth, the airline remains committed to contributing meaningfully to the country’s evolving air travel ecosystem. Asiana Airlines to exit Star Alliance: Asiana Airlines, headquartered in Seoul, will formally leave Star Alliance on December 16, 2026, 23:59 Korea Standard Time. Since joining Star Alliance in 2003, Asiana Airlines has played a valued role in delivering seamless customer experiences across the network. On behalf of all member airlines, Star Alliance thanks Asiana Airlines and its employees for contributing to the exceptional customer experience that the Alliance is known for worldwide. Star Alliance and Asiana Airlines will work closely together to ensure a seamless and coordinated experience for customers in the lead-up to the airline’s departure from the Alliance. Customers enrolled in any Star Alliance member airlines’ frequent flyer program may continue to earn miles on Asiana Airlines-operated flights departing on or before October 15, 2026. Customers may also continue to redeem miles for Star Alliance award tickets and upgrades on Asiana Airlines for travel completed on or before December 16, 2026, subject to the redemption policies and timelines of their respective frequent flyer programme. Customers are encouraged to consult their respective frequent flyer programme for details. Additionally, Star Alliance Gold and Silver status customers may continue to enjoy alliance status benefits, including priority services, when travelling on Asiana Airlines until December 16, 2026. Star Alliance Gold customers may also continue to enjoy lounge access, including at eligible Asiana Airlines lounges when travelling on the Star Alliance network. Following Asiana Airlines’ departure from Star Alliance, 14 Star Alliance member airlines will continue to operate to and from Incheon International Airport, including Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, EVA Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, SWISS, Singapore Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and United. Today, these member airlines operate more than 1,900 direct flights each month from Incheon International Airport to 29 destinations worldwide. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]