Livery of the Week: Emirates Celebrates Its Courier Service

Emirates Airline enters the premium shipping market launching Emirates Express Courier.

Vanni Gibertini

Friday, October 17, 2025 at 01:55 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Emirates' Airbus A380 in Emirates Courier Express special livery (Photo: Emirates)

Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.

Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.

Last April, Dubai-based carrier Emirates announced the launch of its logistics service, Emirates Express Courier. This innovative shipping service is specifically designed for businesses and focuses on a quicker door-to-door delivery made possible by leveraging its extensive network connecting Dubai International Airport to over 100 destinations in every inhabited continent.

The service was initially available in seven markets (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE, and the United Kingdom) and has subsequently expanded to Australia.

In order to celebrate this milestone in Emirates’ expansion into the logistics supply chain market, the carrier decided to paint one of its Airbus A380 aircraft in a special livery showcasing the brand of this new enterprise.

A Paper-Wrapped A380

The nose and the rear section of the fuselage are painted as if they are “wrapped in kraft paper, torn to reveal the UAE flag on the tailfin and the Emirates Courier Express logo emblazoned on each side”, says Emirates in a press release. A “special delivery” stamp and tracking barcodes adorn the brown-paper section of the fuselage to complete the rendering.

Emirates’ Airbus A380-861 in Emirates Courier Express special livery (Photo: Emirates)

The aircraft chosen to display this special livery is an Airbus A380, registered as A6-EET, delivered to the carrier on Mar. 27, 2014, powered by four Engine Alliance GP 7270 turbofan engines and configured in a three-class configuration with 14 First Class seats, 76 Business Class seats and 399 Economy Class seats for a total of 489 passengers.

Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.

Vanni Gibertini

Vanni fell in love with commercial aviation during his undergraduate studies in Statistics at the University of Bologna, when he prepared his thesis on the effects of deregulation on the U.S. and European aviation markets. Then he pursued his passion further by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Air Transport Management at Cranfield University in the U.K. followed by holding several management positions at various start-up carriers in Europe (Jet2, SkyEurope, Silverjet). After moving to Canada, he was Business Development Manager for IATA for nine years before turning to his other passion: sports writing.

Delta Adding New Transcontinental Route

The airline is also expanding service in a handful of existing markets.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, October 17, 2025 at 01:44 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Delta A321neo in the airline's 100-year special livery (Photo: Shutterstock | Aurelia Blankenship)

Delta is set to expand its network from Seattle next spring, introducing new and increased service across several markets.

Beginning May 7, 2026, the airline will launch brand-new daily nonstop flights between Seattle and Philadelphia — a route the airline says has been highly requested by both corporate and leisure travelers. Flights will be operated by an Airbus A321neo.

American and Alaska currently link the two cities with non-stop flights.

On the same date, Delta will move up the start of its fourth daily Seattle–Boston flight, which was originally scheduled to begin in June.

An airline spokesperson confirmed the network additions to AirlineGeeks on Friday.

West Coast Service Boost

The airline will also add frequencies on two West Coast routes. Service from Seattle to Ontario, California, will increase to four times daily, while San Jose, California, will grow to five times daily.

“Seattle continues to be one of Delta’s most important coastal gateways, connecting customers to key business and leisure destinations across the country and around the world,” said Amy Martin, Delta’s network planning chief, in a statement. “Philadelphia has been a top-requested destination from our Seattle corporate customers, and this new service reflects our commitment to investing in the routes that matter most to them while building an even stronger network from the Pacific Northwest.”

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.

EVA Air Eyes U.S. Expansion

The carrier’s North America chief hints that new East Coast destinations could be next.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, October 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Water canon salute for EVA's first flight to Dallas/Fort Worth (Photo: EVA Air)

Following the launch of its newest route to Dallas/Fort Worth on Oct. 3, EVA Air is gearing up for more growth in the U.S. The Taiwanese airline currently offers passenger service to seven U.S. cities.

In addition to its recently launched Dallas/Fort Worth service, EVA flies to Houston, San Francisco, Chicago O’Hare, New York-JFK, Los Angeles, and Seattle. But more markets could be on the way.

Andrew Su, EVA’s North America Head Office executive vice president, told AirlineGeeks on the sidelines of the carrier’s Dallas/Fort Worth inaugural flight festivities that more options are on the table, especially as competition between Taiwan and the U.S. heats up.

“We already have very extensive service from the West Coast,” Su said. “We have 33 [flights] from Los Angeles and San Francisco, and 10 weekly from Seattle. And the rest of the gateways, we have daily service.”

In recent months, Phoenix has turned into a hotbed for U.S.-Taiwan service, with EVA rivals China Airlines and Starlux announcing new service. EVA has yet to announce service to the Arizona capital.

“I have to admit the competition is there, especially since we have three major carriers in Taiwan,” Su added in response to a question about growth in Phoenix. “But we have already run the business in North America for more than 30 years, so we are the leader.”

Unlike its competitors, EVA’s U.S. growth ambitions may be farther east, Su hinted.

“Now we are looking forward to a little bit to the East Coast,” he said.

Su’s comments come less than a month after Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport Corporation and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority – which operates Washington Dulles – inked a new partnership to promote nonstop service between Taiwan and Washington, D.C. Currently, there are no regular flights between the two cities.

Why Dallas/Fort Worth?

Most of EVA’s passenger destinations in the United States are Star Alliance hubs. Dallas/Fort Worth bucks this trend, being a oneworld stronghold.

Su said the airline has been looking to add passenger flights to Dallas/Fort Worth “for a long time,” noting the region’s continued population growth.

“And you’ve got a lot of leading industry here in Dallas,” he added. “So I think it’s the right time for us to come to this market.”

Ribbon cutting for EVA's first passenger flight to Dallas/Fort Worth — Ribbon cutting for EVA’s first passenger flight to Dallas/Fort Worth (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

EVA has operated cargo flights to Dallas/Fort Worth for several years. It is also the airline’s second destination in Texas after Houston.

Expansion is already planned on the Taipei-to-Dallas/Fort Worth route, too. After launching earlier this month with three times weekly service, the route will increase to five times weekly on Nov. 18.

Starting on Dec. 15, the new route will become a daily service.

Ryan Ewing

Southwest Using New Tech to Fill Seats

The platform offers travelers rewards to switch off of high-demand flights.

Zach Vasile

Friday, October 17, 2025 at 10:58 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Southwest Boeing 737-700. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Southwest is partnering with a tech company whose platform offers customers incentives to switch off of high-demand and overbooked flights.

The airline said this week that it is deploying Volantio’s artificial intelligence-powered “Re-Commerce Platform” to help fill more seats on existing flights. The technology is expected to deliver increased revenue in the post-booking period, improving the carrier’s overall profitability.

“Volantio’s innovative platform creates new ways to recognize and reward travelers, while also strengthening our revenue performance in the post-booking window,” Matt Louis, Southwest’s vice president of revenue management, said in a news release. “It’s a true win-win for both Southwest and our customers.”

The Re-Commerce Platform identifies peak flights up to seven days before departure and offers customers the chance to move to alternative confirmed flights in exchange for rewards. The service is free to use for all Southwest customers.

Volantio’s platform is already used by a number of airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, and Qantas. Alaska’s chief financial officer has said the tool drives “well over $20 million in impact per year.”

“Post-booking revenue management represents an exciting source of incremental value for airlines, and what makes it unique is that everyone wins,” Azim Barodawala, Volantio’s CEO and co-founder, said in a statement. “Travelers gain more choice and rewards, while airlines unlock greater efficiency and effectiveness.”

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.

Airlink Partners With Air Austral

The new deal is meant to improve connectivity between Reunion Island and Southern Africa.

Lorne Philipot

Friday, October 17, 2025 at 09:41 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Airlink Embraer E190. (Photo: Airlink)

South Africa’s Airlink has signed a special prorate agreement (SPA) with Reunion’s Air Austral.

Air Austral is a French airline based in Reunion Island. It is a major player in the Indian Ocean region, offering services to France as well as other regional destinations.

The carrier operates a modern fleet made up of two Boeing 787-8 dual-class aircraft, three 777-300 triple-class aircraft for long-haul flights, and three new Airbus A220 aircraft for regional flights.

Improved Indian Ocean Connectivity

The agreement improves connectivity for passengers, bringing the networks of both airlines closer together. Air Austral’s passengers will have access to Airlink’s network of 45 destinations across South Africa and the Southern Africa region.

These destinations will be offered as connections through Johannesburg, on Air Austral’s Reunion–Johannesburg services.

An Air Austral Airbus A220. (Photo: Shutterstock | Mario Hagen)

“This partnership represents a major milestone in the development of our network. By joining forces with Airlink, we are offering our customers more choice and flexibility to access Southern Africa,” said Air Austral CEO Hugues Marchessaux in a news release.

Bilateral SPA Agreement

Air Austral’s passengers will be able to book connecting trips on a single ticket, with baggage checked through to their final destination. From Reunion, they can connect to destinations such as Cape Town, Durban, Windhoek, Gaborone, Lusaka, Victoria Falls, and others.

Airlink is also now able to offer services beyond Reunion on Air Austral’s route network. This includes flights to Mauritius, Madagascar, Mayotte, the Comoros Islands, the Seychelles, and others with a single ticket.

“This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in strengthening connectivity between the Indian Ocean islands and the African continent — unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Together, we are building bridges that bring our regions closer and create lasting value for our customers,” Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht said in a statement.

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.

Southwest Introduces First 737 MAX With New Interior

The refreshed cabin design comes with new seats, updated carpets, and more charging ports.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 03:38 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Southwest's new cabin interior. (Photo: Southwest)

Southwest on Thursday launched its first jet featuring an updated cabin interior and new seats.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as N8972S, has a new lighting system, updated carpets, larger overhead bins, and seats made by premium aircraft seat maker Recaro. The seats come with USB-A and USB-C ports, as well as seatback device holders, which allow passengers to watch content on their phones or tablets.

Each new airplane that Southwest receives from Boeing will come with these features, the airline said.

Recaro seats Southwest — Recaro seats in Southwest’s new cabin layout. (Photo: Southwest)

Southwest has promoted the rollout of its new interior for over a year. It marks another departure from its traditional no-frills approach, which the carrier’s leadership has largely shed in hopes of attracting higher-spending travelers and competing more directly with United, Delta, and American.

The updated interiors include Southwest’s first-ever extra legroom seats, denoted by a sky blue sunray design visible from the front and back. The airline currently uses an open seating model, but starting Jan. 27, 2026, assigned seating will come into effect, and the extra legroom seats will become a premium option.

Customers who upgrade to extra legroom seats will also get to board earlier, and will have access to complimentary drink and snack options.

Recaro seatback device holders. (Photo: Southwest)

New Look for Older Aircraft

Southwest also said it will retrofit some of its 737-800s with Recaro seats later this year. It did not specify how many will get the new seats.

The carrier also plans to install seatback power on its existing 737-700s. That upgrade is expected to start in the second half of 2026.

Zach Vasile

10 Must-Read Books on Aviation History and Beyond

Explore these 10 essential books for every aviation enthusiast.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 03:11 PM ET

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Edited By:

Steve Spears

Aviation history is full of daring tales of courage and achievement. These books recount many of the most pivotal moments in flying history. [Pixabay]

Aviation is a captivating journey that transcends mere mechanics and machinery — it’s where human aspiration meets engineering marvels. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or new to the realm, the literary world offers a gateway into this exhilarating field. The following books encompass pioneering stories, breathtaking adventures, and innovative breakthroughs, each offering a unique perspective on aviation’s incredible evolution.

Early Aviation Pioneers

The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

David McCullough’s The W r ight Brothers brings to life the legendary tale of Wilbur and Orville Wright, who transformed aviation from a dream into reality. While their 1903 flight at Kitty Hawk is well-known, McCullough’s narrative delves deeper, offering insights into their upbringing, family ties, and relentless pursuit of flight.

Wind, Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, renowned for The Little Prince, captures the essence of early aviation in Wind, Sand and Stars. As a mail pilot navigating precarious landscapes, Saint-Exupéry’s poetic prose illuminates the highs and lows of open-cockpit flying, celebrating the courage and introspection intrinsic to aviation.

READ MORE: Aviation Deals of the Week

Tales of Courage in WWII and the Golden Age

Fate Is the Hunter by Ernest K. Gann

In Fate Is the Hunter, Ernest K. Gann recounts the harrowing unpredictability of aviation’s early days, from commercial airlines to perilous WWII missions. Through gripping memoir and reflection, Gann explores the interplay of skill and fate that defined an era before modern avionics.

Thunderbolt! by Robert S. Johnson and Martin Caidin

Thunderbolt! follows Robert S. Johnson, a WWII ace in the P-47 Thunderbolt. Co-authored with Martin Caidin, this account provides a vivid portrayal of aerial dogfights and wartime camaraderie, emphasizing aviation’s role in reshaping the largest conflict in history.

READ MORE: How to Choose Pilot Sunglasses

Fly Girls by Keith O’Brien

In Fly Girls, Keith O’Brien sheds light on the trailblazing women of early aviation. Beyond Amelia Earhart, the book chronicles the inspiring stories of Florence Klingensmith, Ruth Elder, and others who defied gender norms to soar through the skies during the 1920s and ’30s.

The Jet Age and Technological Marvels

Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed by Ben R. Rich and Leo Janos

Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years of Lockheed [Courtesy: Amazon]

Ben R. Rich’s Skunk Works offers a behind-the-scenes look at Lockheed’s top-secret projects like the U-2 and SR-71. This memoir reveals the challenges and triumphs of Cold War aerospace engineering, where innovation shaped the future of aerial reconnaissance and defense.

Yeager: An Autobiography by Chuck Yeager and Leo Janos

Yeager, the autobiography of Chuck Yeager, chronicles his journey from WWII combat to breaking the sound barrier. Co-written with Leo Janos, the book captures the spirit of test pilots who pushed boundaries during the “rocket age” of supersonic flight.

Civil Aviation and Personal Memoirs

Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying by Wolfgang Langewiesche

Stick and Rudder has remained a timeless guide for aviators, offering clear explanations of flight fundamentals. Though first published during WWII, its insights continue to inform pilots on aerodynamics and flight techniques.

Flight of Passage by Rinker Buck

Rinker Buck’s Flight of Passage recounts a 1966 cross-country journey in a Piper Cub with his brother. This memoir captures the spirit of 20th-century American aviation, highlighting youthful adventure and the enduring allure of flight.

A Comprehensive History of Aviation

Flight: The Complete History by R.G. Grant

Flight: The Complete History of Aviation [Courtesy: Amazon]

R.G. Grant’s Flight: The Complete History provides a sweeping overview from the first hot-air balloons to modern jets. Richly illustrated, it contextualizes aviation’s milestones, framing the visionary individuals who transformed the skies into a new frontier.

Engaging with these carefully curated titles not only deepens your understanding of aviation’s profound history but also revitalizes the wonder and zeal that have driven humans to conquer the skies.

AirlineGeeks may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.

United to Shrink Corporate Workforce

The airline says A.I. is making processes more efficient.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 02:34 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A United Boeing 737 MAX 9. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

United is planning to further shrink its corporate workforce next year, citing process improvements enabled by AI.

During a third-quarter earnings call on Thursday, the Chicago-based carrier said its corporate workforce was reduced by 4% this year. In 2026, this trend is slated to continue with a 4% reduction.

“We’re not just looking to make our operation more efficient,” United CFO Mike Leskinen said during the call. “We’re making process changes and using AI to make the work of our headquarters management team more efficient too.”

Leskinen noted other tech upgrades, including for operations and maintenance.

Other airlines have echoed United’s comments about A.I. By 2030, Lufthansa said it will cut 4,000 jobs as the airline looks to boost efficiency.

Ryan Ewing

Abra Group Orders 50 More A320 Aircraft

The company also signed leases for up to seven A330s.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 01:11 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Avianca Airbus A320. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The corporate parent of Colombia’s Avianca and Brazil’s GOL ordered 50 more Airbus A320neo aircraft this week.

In a statement, Abra Group said the expanded order will accelerate its fleet renewal plan and help support new medium- and long-haul routes across the Americas and into Europe. The company also said it has signed leases for up to seven A330neo aircraft.

Abra now has a total of 138 aircraft on order with Airbus.

“This announcement confirms that we continue to make the necessary investments aligned with our commitment to provide millions of people with greater access to air travel, consolidating our position as one of the largest and most competitive airline groups in Latin America,” Abra CEO Adrian Neuhauser said in a statement. “Our incremental A320neo order ensures the replacement and growth needs of our current narrowbody fleet. It also strengthens our international growth strategy to better connect Latin America with itself and the world through a more efficient fleet.”

Abra did not say how the 57 airplanes will be distributed among its airlines. The group, which is headquartered in the U.K., serves as the holding company for Avianca, GOL, and Spain’s Wamos Air, and has a minority stake in Chile’s Sky Airline.

Avianca flies mainly to destinations in North and South America, with a few long-haul routes to Europe. GOL’s route map is concentrated mainly in South America, though it also offers connections to Mexico, Florida, and the Dominican Republic.

Abra has 96 737 MAX jets on order with Boeing, expected to be delivered between now and 2030. The combined Airbus and Boeing orders will grow Abra’s narrowbody fleet by 234 aircraft.

Zach Vasile

Spirit to Cut Hundreds of Jobs, Close Maintenance Stations

The airline will furlough pilots, reduce corporate staff, and shutter some facilities early next year.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 11:47 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Spirit A320. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Spirit said it will carry out significant workforce reductions as part of its continuing restructuring, aligning staffing levels with a smaller fleet and reduced capacity heading into 2026.

An airline spokesperson confirmed to AirlineGeeks that the plan includes furloughing up to 365 more pilots and downgrading 170 captains to first officers during the first quarter of next year. The number of affected pilots is likely to decrease due to voluntary attrition, the spokesperson added.

Over the last year, Spirit has already furloughed nearly 800 pilots as it navigates back-to-back bankruptcy filing s.

Maintenance Station Closures

The ultra-low-cost carrier will also close its maintenance stations and warehouse operations in Baltimore, Maryland, and Chicago, with those changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2026.

The carrier said there will be “volume-based staffing adjustments” across other maintenance locations and additional reductions across its corporate teams.

Spirit did not specify how many corporate positions would be affected.

Spirit A320neo jet — A Spirit Airbus A321neo aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock | Kevin Hackert)

“As part of our ongoing restructuring, we are taking additional steps to align staffing across our organization with our previously announced capacity reduction and smaller operating fleet size,” the spokesperson said. “We recognize the impact these decisions have on our Team Members, and we are committed to treating all those affected with care and respect.”

The cost-cutting measures come as Spirit continues to restructure under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which the airline entered in August for the second time in less than a year.

Ryan Ewing