Stories

Emirates Buys Eight More A350s

The carrier has ordered $41.4 billion worth of new aircraft at the Dubai Airshow so far.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Emirates A350-900 aircraft
An Emirates A350 aircraft (Photo: Airbus)

Emirates on Wednesday agreed to buy an additional eight Airbus A350-900 aircraft, bringing its total order for the type to 73.

The deal, announced at the Dubai Airshow, includes Rolls-Royce Trent XWB84 engines to power the new A350s. The entire purchase is valued at $3.4 billion.

The aircraft ordered Wednesday are expected to be delivered in 2031.

“The Emirates A350’s entry into service last November has given us welcome additional capacity,” Emirates Group Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said in a statement. “It has also enabled us to introduce Emirates’ latest inflight products to more customers, including our popular premium economy seats. We look forward to working closely with Airbus on the delivery of our remaining aircraft including the new units that we have ordered today.”

Emirates has received 13 A350-900s so far and is now waiting on 60 more.

Earlier this week, the carrier ordered 65 more Boeing 777X aircraft. Emirates now has a total of 375 new widebody jets on order across both Airbus and Boeing, Maktoum said.

Emirates’ current fleet is largely built around the A380 and the 777-300ER.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Qatar Airways Reaches Starlink Rollout Milestone

More than 50% of the carrier's widebody fleet is now equipped with satellite internet.

Lorne Philipot
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

Qatar Airways 777-300ER
A Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Qatar Airways announced this week that it has equipped over 100 of its widebody aircraft with Starlink satellite internet.

The airline said it has completed the Starlink rollout for its Boeing 777 aircraft and is now adding antennas to its Airbus A350s.

It launched the world’s first Starlink-equipped 777 in October 2024.

Installations are moving faster than expected, officials said, and more than 50% of the widebody fleet is now equipped with the industry-leading Wi-Fi service.

Qatar Airways has already operated over 30,000 flights equipped with Starlink.

“We now operate up to 200 daily Starlink-connected flights to key destinations to ensure our passengers stay seamlessly connected with speeds faster than many home Wi-Fi services,” Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said in a statement. “Whether working, streaming movies and sports, or staying in touch with friends and family, staying connected at 35,000 feet has never been more convenient.”

Qatar Airways is the only carrier in the Middle East and North Africa currently offering Starlink wireless internet on its flights.

Lorne Philipot

Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.

Air Senegal Orders Its First 737 MAX Aircraft

The deal is Air Senegal's first order placed with Boeing in over 20 years.

Lorne Philipot
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A rendering of an Air Senegal 737 MAX.
A rendering of an Air Senegal 737 MAX. (Photo: Boeing)

West African carrier Air Senegal has placed an order for nine Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

The deal is Air Senegal’s first order placed with Boeing in over 20 years. It is also the airline’s largest fleet purchase to date.

The carrier said the new 737 MAX 8s will allow it to expand regionally and internationally. It is looking at new destinations in Europe, as well as routes from Dakar to the Middle East and the Americas.

“This order is part of Air Sénégal’s strategy to strengthen and modernize its fleet in order to support the expansion of its regional and intercontinental network and reinforce Dakar’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa,” CEO Tidiane Ndiaye said in a statement.

The 737-8 can carry up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration. The aircraft type is popular in Africa and is helping carriers meet rising air travel demand.

Air Senegal will also benefit from the 737 MAX’s operational efficiencies. The aircraft uses less fuel and creates 20% less emissions than the aircraft it replaces. There is also a lower noise footprint.

Lorne Philipot

Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.

WestJet Leans on 737 Fleet for New Long-Haul Routes

The airline is expanding its 2026 schedule with new European and South American service.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

WestJet 737 MAX
A WestJet Boeing 737 MAX (Photo: Shutterstock | Vadim Rodnev)

WestJet announced several additions to its summer 2026 schedule on Tuesday, introducing new international routes from Toronto, Halifax, Edmonton, and Winnipeg. 

From Toronto, the airline will begin nonstop service to Medellín on April 28, 2026. WestJet said the route will operate four times per week and will use its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The carrier will also add new service from Toronto to Cardiff beginning May 22, and to Glasgow starting May 15. Both routes are scheduled to operate four times weekly with the same aircraft type. 

In addition, WestJet plans to launch flights from Toronto to Ponta Delgada on June 12, with service offered four times per week.

The airline is also expanding its presence in Halifax. New transatlantic service to Lisbon is scheduled to begin May 1, pending government approval, with flights operating four times weekly. Service to Madrid will follow on May 15, also with four flights per week. 

Copenhagen will join the airline’s network on May 28, with the same frequency. WestJet is further expanding its U.S. connectivity from Halifax with the introduction of new daily service to Detroit, starting May 18, 2026. 

New Transatlantic Service

In Western Canada, WestJet will launch weekly seasonal service from Edmonton to Reykjavik beginning June 26. The eastbound flight will operate once per week, with the westbound return also scheduled weekly. The airline confirmed that the service will also be flown with its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

WestJet is also reinstating transatlantic service from Winnipeg. Nonstop flights to Reykjavik will begin June 27, westbound, with eastbound service starting June 28, 2026. The carrier said the route will operate once weekly using its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Winnipeg last saw scheduled transatlantic flights in 2019, according to schedule data from Cirium. 

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Ethiopian Orders Six More A350s

The carrier is the largest operator of the type in Africa.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Ethiopian A350
An Ethiopian Airbus A350-900XWB. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Ethiopian Airlines this week placed an order for six more Airbus A350s in a deal signed at the Dubai Airshow.

“As the continent’s leading airline and the largest operator of the A350, this milestone order further supports our vision to grow sustainably while providing a world-class travel experience to our passengers and strengthening our position as the aviation leader in Africa,” Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said in a statement.

Financial details were not disclosed, and Airbus did not say when the six A350-900s are expected to be delivered.

The majority of Ethiopian’s fleet consists of Boeing aircraft like the 787 and 737-800. It received its first A350 in 2016 and now operates the -900 and -1000 types.

The agreement came one day after Ethiopian agreed to buy 11 more 737 MAX 8 jets.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Etihad Orders First A330neos, Buys More A350s

Airline officials said the new aircraft will strengthen medium- and long-haul operations.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Etihad A350
An Etihad A350 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

In the latest news from the Dubai Airshow, Etihad on Tuesday ordered its first Airbus A330neo aircraft while also upping its commitment for two A350 variants.

The Emirati carrier agreed to buy six A330-900s, together with seven additional A350-1000s and three more A350Fs. With the latest orders, Etihad’s total number of A350-1000s either delivered or on order grows to 27, while its commitment for the A350F rises to 10.

The A350F is the freighter variant of the A350-1000. It is expected to enter service in 2027.

According to Airbus, Etihad will also lease nine A330-900s from aircraft leasing company Avolon.

Airbus A330neo
An Airbus A330neo demonstrator aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

In a statement, Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the orders will strengthen the carrier’s medium- and long-haul and cargo operations.

“Our partnership with Airbus continues to play an important role in shaping our future fleet, and we are proud to be building one of the world’s most modern and efficient widebody operations,” he said.

The airline currently operates a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including the A320, A321, A380, 787, and 777-300ER.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Flydubai Becomes First-Time Airbus Customer

The Emirati carrier will add A321neos to its currently all-Boeing fleet.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Rendering of a Flydubai A321neo
Rendering of a Flydubai A321neo (Photo: Airbus)

Emirati airline flydubai has signed its first-ever deal with Airbus for 150 A321neo jets.

Announced on the second day of the Dubai Airshow, the agreement will see flydubai diversify its all-Boeing fleet while laying the groundwork for a planned network expansion.

Currently, the airline operates Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft.

Financial details of the A321neo deal were not disclosed.

Flydubai has its main operations hub at Dubai International Airport but will move to Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Center, after the completion of a major expansion project there.

In a statement, flydubai Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the addition of the more fuel-efficient A321neo will help the airline grow at its new home while building Dubai World Center into the “largest airport in the world.”

A flydubai 737 MAX 8 performing a test flight at Paine Field
A flydubai 737 MAX 8 performing a test flight at Paine Field. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Emirates, one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, also plans to shift operations from Dubai International to Al Maktoum.

Flydubai has not said which new markets it hopes to enter. It currently serves destinations in the Middle East, East Africa, Central and South Asia, and Europe.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Allegiant Adds Four New Cities

The carrier will expand its network with 30 routes starting next year.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

An Allegiant Airbus A319
An Allegiant Airbus A319 (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)

Allegiant announced a new network expansion on Tuesday, with plans to add 30 new nonstop routes and enter four new airports. 

The ultra-low-cost carrier will begin service to La Crosse, Wisconsin; Philadelphia; Trenton, New Jersey; and Columbia, Missouri in the first half of 2026. All of these cities are brand-new to Allegiant’s network, except for Trenton, which was last served in 2018, per Cirium Diio schedule data.

“We’re thrilled to continue Allegiant’s growth by adding these new routes,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer, in a news release. “Our mission has always been to connect travelers to world-class destinations at an affordable price. These additions provide convenient options for leisure travelers and reflect our commitment to expanding service where demand is strong.”

New Allegiant routes as of November 2025
New Allegiant routes as of November 2025 (Photo: gcmap.net)

New Markets

The carrier’s four new cities will launch with the following links:

La Crosse, Wisconsin

  • Mesa, Arizona: Begins Feb. 6, 2026
  • Sanford, Florida: Begins May 21, 2026

Philadelphia

  • Des Moines, Iowa: Begins May 21, 2026
  • Knoxville, Tennessee: Begins May 21, 2026
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan: Begins May 22, 2026

Trenton, New Jersey

  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Begins Feb. 19, 2026
  • Punta Gorda, Florida: Begins Feb. 20, 2026
  • St. Pete–Clearwater, Florida: Begins Feb. 20, 2026

Columbia, Missouri

  • Sanford, Florida: Begins June 3, 2026
  • Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida: Begins June 5, 2026
An Allegiant 737 MAX at Boeing Field (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Additional Routes

In addition to the new cities, Allegiant is expanding its footprint at existing bases, including significant growth in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and increased connectivity from California and Florida.

From Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • Omaha, Nebraska: Begins May 21, 2026
  • Huntsville, Alabama: Begins May 21, 2026
  • Oklahoma City: Begins May 22, 2026
  • Louisville, Kentucky: Begins May 22, 2026
  • Springfield, Missouri: Begins May 22, 2026

Allegiant began service to Gulf Shores in May.

From Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • Rockford, Illinois: Begins Feb. 12, 2026
  • Rochester, New York: Begins Feb. 12, 2026
  • Albany, New York: Begins Feb. 13, 2026

From Santa Ana, California

  • Mesa, Arizona: Begins Feb. 12, 2026
  • Pasco, Washington: Begins Feb. 12, 2026
  • Appleton, Wisconsin: Begins May 20, 2026
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan: Begins May 20, 2026
  • Cincinnati: Begins May 21, 2026

From Burbank, California

  • Des Moines, Iowa: Begins May 22, 2026
  • Indianapolis: Begins May 22, 2026

From Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

  • Elmira, New York: Begins May 22, 2026
  • Dayton, Ohio: Begins May 22, 2026

Other Network Adds

  • Bloomington, Illinois, to Mesa, Arizona: Begins Feb. 13, 2026
  • Key West, Florida, to Columbus, Ohio (Rickenbacker): Begins May 21, 2026
  • Denver to Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida: Begins May 21, 2026

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Iberia Adds New North America Route

Service will start in June 2026 with the A321XLR.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Airbus delivers the world's first A321XLR to Iberia
Airbus delivers the world's first A321XLR to Iberia. (Photo: Airbus)

Spanish flag carrier Iberia is adding a new destination in Canada.

Starting June 13, 2026, the airline will connect Madrid and Toronto with five nonstop flights per week. The service will operate with Airbus A321XLR aircraft.

Iberia previously announced Toronto as a new destination in June, but did not set a firm schedule or start date.

“This launch is part of our Flight Plan 2030, through which we continue to expand our long-haul network and strengthen our presence in North America,” María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s chief commercial, network development, and alliances officer, said in a news release. “Toronto will be our 49th in our destination network, marking a milestone in Iberia’s history. This connection will bring Canada closer to Spain and Europe, while offering Canadian travelers more options to discover our country and the European continent with the best experience.”

Iberia said its new flights will add approximately 37,000 seats between Madrid and Toronto through the summer travel season.

From its main hub at Madrid–Barajas Airport, Iberia serves North American destinations such as New York-JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Miami, Los Angeles, and Mexico City. As part of Flight Plan 2030, the carrier recently added service to Orlando, Florida, and Monterrey, Mexico.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Ethiopian Airlines to Order 11 More 737 MAXs

New aircraft will be added to the largest Boeing fleet in Africa.

Caleb Revill
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Ethiopian Boeing 737 MAX
An Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Ethiopian Airlines announced Monday that it will buy 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.

According to a news release from the carrier, Ethiopian signed a purchase agreement for the Boeing aircraft on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow.

Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in Africa and also has the largest backlog of 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner jets on the continent. The airline stated that the acquisition will expand the reliability, efficiency, and range of its 737 MAX fleet operating in Africa, the Middle East, India and Southern Europe.

“We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional 11 737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow,” said Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, in the release. “The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow over the years and we look forward to flying Boeing airplanes for years to come and that we will continue to serve our customers by bringing them high performance airplanes with passenger comfort.”

The carrier did not provide a timeline for when it expects to receive the aircraft.

In October, the Federal Aviation Administration permitted Boeing to raise its monthly 737 MAX production cap from 38 to 42 per month – a move that may boost the manufacturer’s output amid order backlogs.

Caleb Revill

Caleb Revill is a journalist, writer and lifelong learner working as a Junior Writer for Firecrown. When he isn't tackling breaking news, Caleb is on the lookout for fascinating feature stories.
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