Livery of the Week: Lufthansa’s 100-Year Livery

Lufthansa on Friday gave a first look at the special livery it designed to mark its 100th anniversary next year, which will be featured on a 787.

Zach Vasile

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 04:05 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Lufthansa's 100th anniversary livery being applied to a 787. (Photo: Lufthansa)

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.

Lufthansa on Friday gave a first look at the special livery it designed to mark its 100th anniversary next year.

One of the carrier’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners now bears a white, gray, and blue color scheme, with Lufthansa’s well-recognized crane displayed on the fuselage and tail. The numerals “100” appear on the aircraft’s left side and underside, while “1926/2026” is painted on the right side.

Lufthansa's 100th anniversary livery. (Photo: Lufthansa) — Lufthansa’s 100th anniversary livery. (Photo: Lufthansa)

“We are proud of our tradition and our values, and we look forward to continuing our great history,” Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter said in a statement. “The special livery of the Boeing 787 honors our identity and also stands for a proud team of Lufthansa employees who give everything every day for the safety and well-being of our guests.”

The 787-9 had the new livery applied in North Charleston, South Carolina. The aircraft will be delivered to Lufthansa in Frankfurt in November and is expected to enter commercial service in December.

Lufthansa traces its founding back to the 1926 formation of predecessor airline Deutsche Luft Hansa. The modern Lufthansa was organized in 1953 and uses the same crane symbol, which was designed by architect and graphic designer Otto Firle in 1918.

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

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.

Spirit to Cut 40 More Routes

The carrier's chief commercial officer, Rana Ghosh, told employees on Friday that the carrier will suspend roughly 40 routes and exit two airports.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 03:24 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Spirit A320neo in Los Angeles. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Spirit’s chief commercial officer, Rana Ghosh, told employees Friday that the carrier will suspend roughly 40 routes and exit two airports as part of a previously announced 25% year-over-year capacity reduction.

In the internal note shared with AirlineGeeks, Ghosh said the ultra-low-cost carrier will end service at Hartford’s Bradley International Airport on Oct. 31 and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Dec. 1. He added that while routine schedule adjustments will continue, the airline does not anticipate additional airport exits in the near term.

“While we previously reduced our presence at these airports, these decisions were still difficult, and we are incredibly grateful for our Team Members and partners at both stations,” Ghosh added.

Its latest network shake-up comes just weeks after the airline announced plans to pull out of 11 U.S. cities, including recently launched service to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Columbia, South Carolina.

Spirit aircraft in Dallas/Fort Worth (Photo: Shutterstock | EQRoy)

The airline’s finalized November schedule also includes suspensions of multiple seasonal and less-frequent routes as the airline shifts focus toward its strongest-performing markets, Ghosh added.

New Network Planning Chief

He also introduced Andrea Lusso as Spirit’s new vice president of network planning. Lusso began his career as a Flight Operations and Safety intern at Spirit, later held senior planning roles at JetBlue, and most recently worked as principal of supply chain and network design at Amazon Air.

Spirit filed for Ch. 11 bankruptcy last month for the second time in less than a year. This week, it announced plans to furlough about 1,800 flight attendants.

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.

Two Airlines Place Boeing Orders

Turkish Airlines on Friday placed an order with Boeing that could amount to over 200 new aircraft, essentially doubling its Boeing-made passenger fleet.

Zach Vasile

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:13 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Turkish Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Turkish Airlines on Friday placed an order with Boeing that could amount to over 200 new aircraft, essentially doubling its Boeing-made passenger fleet.

In a statement, Boeing said the Istanbul-based carrier agreed to purchase up to 75 787 Dreamliners and up to 150 737 MAX aircraft. The Dreamliner order includes 35 787-9s and 15 787-10s.

Financial details were not disclosed.

Airline officials said the new 787-9s will help expand passenger and cargo capacity and improve fuel efficiency on high-demand long-haul routes between Turkey and the U.S., Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

“The addition of these advanced Boeing aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also become a significant element supporting Turkish Airlines’ 2033 Vision of expanding our fleet to 800 aircraft,” Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat said in a news release.

The deal was announced one day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where the prospect of aircraft sales was discussed.

Turkish Airlines currently operates over 200 Boeing aircraft, including the 787-9, 777, 737 MAX, 737NG, and 777 Freighter. It has around 400 passenger airplanes in total.

Turkish Airlines flies nonstop to 17 destinations in the U.S. and Canada, including New York-JFK, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Montreal, Los Angeles, and Toronto.

Norwegian Order

Boeing also announced Friday that low-cost airline Norwegian Air Shuttle has agreed to buy 30 737 MAX 8s. The commitment increases Norwegian’s order book for the 737 MAX to 80 airplanes.

A Norwegian 737 MAX 8 at Edinburgh Airport. (Photo: Norwegian)

“This milestone aircraft order is on attractive terms and secures our fleet growth in a way that supports our planned growth and sustainability targets,” said Norwegian CEO Geir Karlsen in a news release. “By exercising the options and adjusting the delivery profile, we maintain flexibility while reinforcing our commitment to operating one of the most modern and fuel-efficient fleets in Europe.”

Norwegian was the first airline in Europe to take delivery of the 737 MAX in 2017.

Zach Vasile

Air Tahiti Nui Axes U.S. Route

Air Tahiti Nui will discontinue one of its two routes to the United States early next year as part of a network shake-up.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 10:10 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Air Tahiti Nui Boeing 787-9 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Air Tahiti Nui will discontinue one of its U.S. routes early next year as part of a network shake-up. The carrier confirmed the service will cease operations after January 31, 2026.

The route, which currently connects Papeete with Seattle on a twice-weekly basis, will no longer operate beyond that date.

According to the airline, passengers holding bookings for travel after the suspension will be offered rebooking options through the airline’s Los Angeles service, which is scheduled to operate between seven and eleven times per week during the period, or a full refund.

Air Tahiti Nui began serving Seattle in October 2022. Los Angeles is its only other destination in the U.S.

In a statement, the airline thanked its Seattle-area customers and reiterated its commitment to maintaining connections between French Polynesia and the U.S. through Los Angeles.

Ryan Ewing

FAA Approves United’s First Starlink Mainline Aircraft

United announced Friday that the FAA has certified its first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, which is slated to enter service next month.

Zach Vasile

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 09:52 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A United Boeing 737-800 in Tokyo. (Photo: Shutterstock | viper-zero)

United announced Friday that the FAA has certified its first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft, clearing the way for the carrier to expand use of the satellite-connected technology throughout its passenger fleet.

In a statement, airline leaders said the FAA approved a supplemental type certificate for Starlink’s use on the Boeing 737-800. The first United 737-800 to use Starlink is scheduled to fly from Newark, New Jersey, on Oct. 15.

Starlink, which is owned by aerospace company SpaceX, provides wireless internet service from a constellation of more than 7,600 miniature satellites in low Earth orbit. It offers speeds of up to 250 megabits per second.

Starlink equipment installed on a United 737-800. (Photo: United)

United has already installed Starlink on some Embraer E175s flown under its United Express brand.

“Customers are loving the Starlink experience onboard our regional aircraft, and our first Starlink-equipped mainline aircraft will bring a superior inflight experience to even more people,” said Grant Milstead, United’s vice president of digital technology, in a news release. “We’re working to install Starlink and offer game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming, and more.”

The carrier plans to add the technology to over 16 mainline and regional aircraft models. It must secure additional supplemental type certificates from regulators to do so.

United makes Starlink-enabled wireless internet free for all MileagePlus customers.

Zach Vasile

Delta Adds New European Route

Delta will add another European destination to its New York–JFK schedule next summer. This route will be brand-new to the airline’s network.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Delta Boeing 767-300ER at London Heathrow. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Delta will add another European destination to its New York–JFK schedule next summer. This route will be brand-new to the airline’s network.

The new route will connect JFK with Porto, Portugal, representing Delta’s first-ever service to the city. Porto joins Lisbon as the airline’s second destination in the country, joining year-round flights from New York and seasonal flights from Boston.

Service is scheduled to begin on May 21, 2026, and will operate daily. A Boeing 767-300ER will serve this route.

“Delta’s new nonstop service from JFK to Porto is part of seven new European routes launching next summer, giving customers even more opportunities to experience Europe,” said Paul Baldoni, senior vice president of network planning at Delta, in a news release.

Competing With United

With this new route, Delta will join United as the only U.S. airlines serving Porto. United began flying to Porto in 2018.

Flights between its Newark, New Jersey, hub and Porto were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed in 2022.

TAP Air Portugal also links Porto with Newark, along with Boston, during the summer months.

Ryan Ewing

Air Austral to Retire All Airbus A220s

Air Austral, a French airline that serves as the flag carrier of the overseas department of Réunion, is reportedly giving up on the Airbus A220.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 03:34 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

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

Air Austral, a French airline that serves as the flag carrier of the overseas department of Réunion, is reportedly giving up on the Airbus A220.

According to French financial newspaper La Tribune, Air Austral has faced repeated technical issues stemming from the aircraft’s Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and is retiring all three of its A220s as a result.

“Given the technical problems we are experiencing with this medium-haul fleet, we believe we have no other choice – and it is a forced choice – than to try to evolve towards a new module in order to stabilize the company,” company chairman Hugues Marchessaux told the newspaper.

Engine troubles and the resulting downtime for aircraft threaten to undermine Air Austral’s routes linking Réunion, an island in the Indian Ocean, with Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa, and the French island territory Mayotte, Marchessaux added, making it all the more critical to find a suitable alternative.

The A320neo and Boeing’s 737 MAX are being looked at as potential replacements.

Air Austral introduced its first A220 in 2021. Its current fleet consists of the A220, the Boeing 787, and the 777-300ER.

Pratt recalled its GTF engines in 2023 after discovering that contaminated powdered metal was used in the manufacture of some parts, which can lead to corrosion and cracking. The company is in the process of testing and repairing the engines for airlines around the world.

Air Austral flies mainly to island destinations in the southern Indian Ocean, as well as to cities in continental Africa. It also offers nonstop service to Paris.

Zach Vasile

Qantas Debuts Airbus A321XLR

Qantas brought its first two A321XLRs into service this week, making the Australian flag carrier the first in the Asia-Pacific region to operate the type.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 12:52 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Qantas A321XLR. (Photo: Qantas)

Qantas brought its first two Airbus A321XLR aircraft into revenue service this week, making the Australian flag carrier the first in the Asia-Pacific region to operate the type.

The two airplanes, dubbed “Great Ocean Road” (VH-OGA) and “Outback Way” (VH-OGB), operated their inaugural flights on Thursday, with Great Ocean Road flying between Sydney and Melbourne and Outback Way flying between Sydney and Perth.

“Investing in next-generation aircraft is the most significant way we can elevate the travel experience for our customers and our people,” Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said in a statement. “The extended flight range enables us to operate these aircraft on both domestic and short-haul international routes, including destinations across South East Asia that are not viable with our current narrowbody fleet.”

As more A321XLRs arrive, they will take over certain existing domestic and international routes, Hudson added, while supporting the launch of new ones.

Qantas is using the A321XLR to replace the Boeing 737. The new aircraft uses less fuel per seat than the 737, airline leaders said, and offers wider seats, higher ceilings, larger windows, and space for 60% more bags.

Qantas in August increased its order of A321XLRs by 20 aircraft, bringing its total commitment to 48. Some of the new jets will have lie-flat business-class seats to accommodate longer flight times on planned transcontinental routes to and from Perth.

Qantas’ third A321XLR is expected to arrive in November. The fleet will grow to seven by June 2026.

Zach Vasile

United Adds 737 MAXs to Pacific Fleet

United announced Thursday that it will soon replace its entire Guam-based Boeing 737-800 fleet with new 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 11:34 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A United 737 MAX 8 (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)

United announced Thursday that it will soon replace its entire Guam-based Boeing 737-800 fleet with new 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

In a statement, the carrier said it will move 10 737 MAX 8s to Guam. The first of that group is expected to arrive in February 2026.

United’s narrowbody fleet in Guam currently serves 15 destinations, with 12 flights per day. These flights include island hopper service to Hawaii via Micronesia and the Marshall Islands and connections to Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Osaka.

The 737 MAX 8 will operate flights from Guam to Koror, Palau; Manila, Philippines; Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands; Yap, Micronesia; and Taipei, Taiwan, as well as from Tokyo Narita to Cebu, Philippines; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Saipan; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; and Palau.

United’s Guam-based 737 MAX 8s will have up to 166 passenger seats in total, including up to 16 United First seats. Each seat comes with a seatback entertainment screen – 13-inch for first-class, 10-inch for United Economy – and access to USB charge ports.

United 737 MAX — A United Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

United said the aircraft’s cabins will offer larger overhead bins for storage. They will also feature the carrier’s latest interior design scheme and LED lighting.

Wi-Fi will be available for purchase. The airline said it expects to roll out Starlink connectivity across its entire fleet “within the next few years.” Starlink access will be free for all MileagePlus customers.

Lobby Upgrades

United also said it is renovating its check-in lobby at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport near Hagåtña, Guam. The airline has already installed new, more modern check-in kiosks and is reconfiguring the lobby to make it more “customer-centric.”

“Guam is more than just a hub for us – it’s a gateway that connects communities across the Pacific and the United States,” said Sam Shinohara, United’s managing director of airport operations in the Asia-Pacific region, in a news release. “For our more than 1,000 employees based in Guam and Micronesia and the communities we serve, this investment reinforces United’s long-term commitment to supporting Guam and the region’s tourism economy.”

Zach Vasile

Delta Leaving European Airport

The carrier’s latest long-haul network shake-up comes just days after the airline axed service between New York-JFK and Brussels.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 11:13 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Delta 767-400. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Delta will drop another European route and subsequently exit a city. The carrier’s latest long-haul network shake-up comes just days after the airline axed service between New York-JFK and Brussels.

An airline spokesperson told AirlineGeeks on Thursday that it will no longer serve Geneva, Switzerland. Ishrion Aviation first flagged the news.

The New York-JFK to Geneva route will end next month.

“Delta will discontinue its nonstop service between New York-JFK and Geneva to better align with consumer demand,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “The final flight from JFK to Geneva will operate on October 19, and the return from Geneva to JFK on October 20. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are reaching out directly to affected customers.”

This route began in April 2023, operating on a seasonal basis. Delta does not currently serve Geneva from any of its other hubs.

Ryan Ewing