Airline News in Brief 29 October 2025

New Air India Express cabin: Air India Express unveiled the new cabin interiors and refreshed onboard ambience of its latest Boeing 737-8 aircraft at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The aircraft, registered as VT-BWD, features the regal Tsüngkotepsü-inspired tail art, celebrating the warrior heritage of the Ao Nagas from Nagaland. The unveiling marks another significant milestone in the airline’s transformation journey, which began with the launch of its refreshed brand identity in October 2023. What’s New Onboard: Best-in-class comfort within the segment: Ergonomically designed synthetic leather seats with superior padding, thicker armrests, and improved legroom; In-seat USB charging ports at every seat to support our guest’s digital lifestyles; Hot ‘Gourmair’ Meals: Ovens installed to serve delicious hot meals onboard; Refreshed Ambience: Brand-new carpets and advanced Boeing Sky Interior lighting for a modern, welcoming cabin environment. Air India Express also undertook a comprehensive network optimisation exercise beginning September 2025. The exercise aims to enhance connectivity, strengthen hub operations, and build frequency density across key markets. In April 2025, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru accounted for about 62% of the airline’s total domestic departures. By November 2025, this share is projected to increase significantly to around 74%, reflecting the growing focus on hub-based operations. From Bengaluru, Air India Express has further strengthened its short-haul international network with the addition of four new destinations – Bangkok, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh – as part of its Winter Schedule. Most of the realignment will be completed by the end of the Winter 2025 season. Etihad And Ethiopian launch frequent flyer partnership: As part of the landmark Joint Venture agreement between Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Guest and ShebaMiles have launched a frequent flyer partnership, allowing members of either carrier to earn and redeem miles across the networks in their respective loyalty programme. The partnership has launched following Etihad’s inaugural flight to Addis Ababa on 8 October. Etihad Guest members and ShebaMiles members can both now earn miles when travelling across either airline’s extensive global networks, unlocking greater travel opportunities for passengers of both airlines. Etihad Guest Miles can be redeemed on flights, worldwide hotel stays and holidays, or a huge variety of products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. ShebaMiles members can redeem their earned miles across a range of ShebaMiles programme benefits. Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said: “Etihad’s Joint Venture and Frequent Flyer Partnership with Ethiopian Airlines marks a historic moment for passengers of both airlines. This partnership is designed to deliver greater value to guests travelling across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, resulting in a more seamless and comprehensive combined network for both Etihad Guest members and ShebaMiles members to explore and be rewarded for. Thai Airways invests in digital loyalty with IBS Software: IBS Software, a global leader in SaaS solutions for the travel industry, announced that Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has selected IBS Software’s iLoyal platform to digitally transform and modernise the THAI’s Royal Orchid Plus Programme. At the heart of this digital transformation strategy is the deployment of IBS Software’s iLoyal platform, designed to deliver more personalised, connected and rewarding experience for Royal Orchid Plus members. The platform will provide Thai Airways with a future-ready loyalty foundation, ensuring members benefit from seamless digital touchpoints across their travel journey. With its advanced AI and data-driven capabilities, iLoyal will enable Thai Airways to accelerate member engagement across the customer lifecycle, design targeted promotions and expand opportunities beyond traditional rewards programmes. The platform’s open architecture also supports integration with partners in banking, retail, hospitality, and lifestyle, enhancing the overall value of Royal Orchid Plus. “Thai Airways understands the power of loyalty in driving meaningful customer relationships,” said Marcus Puffer, Head of Loyalty Solutions, IBS Software. “With iLoyal, we will help future-proof Royal Orchid Plus, enabling Thai Airways to deliver the digital-first experiences today’s travellers expect.” “As loyalty expectations evolve across the APAC region, Thai Airways’ selection of IBS Software reflects our commitment to helping airlines transform into digital retailers,” added Gautam Shekar, APAC Region Head, IBS Software, “Thai Airways is an iconic carrier, and we are proud to support their journey of innovation.” Air New Zealand expands trans-Tasman network: Air New Zealand is celebrating a new milestone in its trans-Tasman network with the launch of its first-ever Christchurch–Adelaide service returning to Christchurch. The inaugural flight departed Christchurch on 27 October, linking New Zealand’s South Island directly with South Australia. The seasonal service will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays through to 27 March 2026, with around 15,000 seats available for travellers across the season. Operated by a narrowbody Airbus jet, the new route gives South Islanders more choice and convenience when flying to Australia and opens the door for more Australian travellers to experience the South Island’s world-class destinations. Air New Zealand General Manager Short Haul, Lucy Hall, says: “This new service is about more than just connecting two cities – it’s about strengthening tourism and connections between South Australia and the South Island. We’re excited to welcome more Australians to explore our beautiful South Island, from its world-class food and wine to its adventure and nature experiences. At the same time, this route gives Cantabrians even more convenient access to Australia – our most popular international destination – for holidays, events, and reconnecting with friends and family across the Tasman.” American Airlines debuts new flagship Dreamliner: For the first time in Australia, American Airlines has unveiled its new premium Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking the start of a record season of flights connecting Brisbane with North America, including services to Dallas Fort Worth and soon Los Angeles. The first BNE-DFW service of the season departed Brisbane today (October 28) with the new Boeing 787-9 which provides more opportunities for customers to travel in premium classes than ever before, offering 51 Flagship Suite® seats and redesigned Premium Economy and Main cabins. From reconfigured seats to Bluetooth connectivity and a fresh new look, the new aircraft is steeped in comfort and functionality. The Brisbane to DFW service will operate six times per week and then daily in December until end of March 2026. The season will provide capacity of 69,296 seats across 284 flights and is the longest route in Brisbane Airport’s network, and the AA network by distance. American Airlines, in conjunction with partners Qantas, will also operate three weekly flights between Brisbane and Los Angeles from December to January. Vietjet expands regional connectivity: Vietjet has inaugurated its new direct service connecting Da Nang, Vietnam’s vibrant coastal tourism hub, Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of Malaysia. This marks Vietjet’s third route linking Vietnam and Malaysia, further strengthening tourism and trade ties between the two countries while enhancing connectivity across Southeast Asia. The Da Nang–Kuala Lumpur route complements Vietjet’s existing services from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur, increasing the airline’s total frequency between Vietnam and Malaysia to 42 flights per week. The new daily service offers travelers greater flexibility and convenience when exploring two of Asia’s most dynamic destinations. Renowned for its iconic Golden Bridge, pristine beaches, and distinctive local cuisine, Da Nang continues to attract international travelers as both a leisure haven and a gateway to Central Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient town of Hoi An, the former imperial capital of Hue, and the sacred My Son Sanctuary. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur delights visitors with its world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, vibrant street markets, and rich multicultural landscape that reflects Malaysia’s diverse heritage. With the latest addition, Vietjet continues to expand its international network, reinforcing its role as a bridge for global economic and cultural exchange. The airline maintains a strong and growing presence across the Asia-Pacific region and is preparing for further expansion into major markets in Europe and the Americas. Air Astana Switches to winter schedule: Air Astana switched to a winter schedule on 26th October 2025, which will remain effective until 28 March 2026.The updated flight schedule reflects seasonal travel demand by offering passengers enhanced connectivity across Kazakhstan and to international destinations. During the winter season, passenger demand traditionally shifts towards leisure destinations across Asia and the Middle East, with Air Astana’s revised schedule following these travel patterns. The airline is increasing flight frequencies to popular international leisure routes, including those to the Maldives, Phu Quoc, Dubai, Bangkok, and Phuket. Air Astana will continue to adjust its schedule according to market dynamics, maintaining its commitment to the highest standards of safety, reliability, and passenger comfort. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight schedules and status updates via the official Air Astana website and mobile app. Pegasus Airlines launches direct flights between Izmir and Barcelona: Pegasus Airlines, Türkiye’s leading low-cost carrier, is launching direct flights between Izmir and Barcelona on 24 October. This new connection between two important Mediterranean coastal cities will offer affordable and comfortable travel options while strengthening cultural and economic ties between Türkiye and Spain. Flights on the new Izmir–Barcelona route will operate twice weekly in both directions. Flights from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport will depart at 10:55 on Mondays and Fridays, while flights from Barcelona Airport will depart at 14:30 on the same days (changing to 13:30 after the switch to wintertime on October 27). As of 7 December 2025, the service will also operate on Sundays. Onur Dedeköylü, Deputy Commercial Director of Pegasus Airlines, commented on the new route: “We are delighted to launch these new direct flights connecting Izmir, which is both Türkiye’s gateway to the West and one of the region’s dynamic business and holiday destinations with its growing tourism potential, strong industrial infrastructure and modern lifestyle, with Barcelona, a world-renowned centre for culture, architecture and innovation. This route both expands our flight network and establishes a strong connection between Türkiye and Spain. We will further the relationship between these two dynamic cities on opposite sides of the Mediterranean, spanning tourism, trade, culture and education. As Pegasus, we will continue to offer our passengers more options and flexibility with our modern fleet and our low-cost, high-value service approach.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]