Stories

Mauritania Airlines Turns to MRO Provider for Diverse Fleet

Carrier operates Boeing and Embraer aircraft.

Victor Shalton
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Mauritania Airlines Embraer E175
Mauritania Airlines Embraer E175 (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)

Mauritania Airlines has turned to StandardAero for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support on its CFM56-7B and LEAP-1B engines — a move that underscores the growing dependence of African carriers on global MRO networks to ensure fleet reliability.

The Nouakchott-based carrier operates a small but diverse fleet that includes six aircraft, with only two currently operational: a 737-800 and a 737 MAX 8. The airline’s 737-700, two Embraer E175s, and ERJ-145 are currently out of service.

Under the agreement, StandardAero will provide full MRO support for Mauritania Airlines’ CFM56-7B and LEAP-1B engines. Work has already begun, with the first CFM56-7B inducted at StandardAero’s Winnipeg, Manitoba, facility and a LEAP-1B engine at its San Antonio, Texas, location.

“We are truly honored to have been selected by Mauritania Airlines for its CFM56-7B and LEAP-1B engine support requirements,” said Guillaume Limouzy, Airline Sales Director for StandardAero’s Airlines and Fleet business unit. “For smaller fleet operators, responsive and timely support is critical, and we are grateful for the trust Mauritania Airlines has placed in us to meet their MRO needs.”

This partnership builds on an existing relationship, as StandardAero has previously supported Mauritania Airlines’ Embraer E175 fleet with APS 2300 auxiliary power unit (APU) repairs at its Maryville, Tennessee facility.

StandardAero, an authorized CFM International MRO provider, has serviced CFM56-7B engines since 2010 and recently expanded these capabilities to its Dallas, Texas site at DFW International Airport. For the newer LEAP family, its 810,000-square-foot San Antonio facility operates as a CFM LEAP Premier MRO center and was the first non-airline in the Americas to sign a CFM Branded Service Agreement (CBSA).

Founded in 2010, Mauritania Airlines has struggled to maintain consistent fleet operations. With only two active out of six aircraft, the airline has been forced to rely on a rotating series of short-term wet leases from European and African operators.

Since the start of the year, Mauritania Airlines has relied multiple times on leased A320s and 737-800s from operators including MedAir, AirExplore, BH Air, and Danish Air — though none remained in service for more than a few weeks. On July 14, the carrier operated a 17-year-old Airbus A321 (YL-LDY) wet-leased from SmartLynx, just days after returning another SmartLynx A320 (9H-SLJ) that flew for the airline from mid-June to early July, according to NewsAero.

The A321 was deployed on key routes linking Nouakchott with Dakar, Abidjan, Nouadhibou, Casablanca, Conakry, and Las Palmas — a skeleton network made possible only through leased capacity.

This instability has forced the airline to narrow its focus to a few core destinations. On May 1, Transport Minister Ely Ould El-Feïrik publicly acknowledged the crisis, announcing the creation of a technical task force to evaluate the airline’s condition and develop recovery measures.

Based at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport, the airline serves destinations including Bamako (Mali), Dakar (Senegal), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Tunis (Tunisia), Casablanca (Morocco), Conakry (Guinea), Gran Canaria (Spain), and domestic routes to Nouadhibou, Nema, and Zouerat.

Victor Shalton

Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.

‘Drop in Altitude’ Prompts JetBlue Diversion

Some individuals were taken to local hospitals.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

JetBlue A320
A JetBlue A320. (Photo: Shutterstock | CarterAerial)

JetBlue flight 1230 diverted to Tampa, Florida, on Thursday after the aircraft “experienced a drop in altitude,” the airline said.

The A320, registered as N605JB, was scheduled to operate from Cancun to Newark, New Jersey. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also confirmed the incident, Reuters reported.

“JetBlue Flight 1230 diverted to Tampa International Airport around 2:00 p.m. local time on Oct. 30 after the crew experienced a flight control issue,” the agency stated. “The Airbus 320 left Cancun International Airport and was headed to Newark Liberty International Airport. The FAA is investigating.”

According to JetBlue, the flight was “met by medical personnel who evaluated customers and crewmembers, and those needing additional care were transported to a local hospital.” The airline did not specify how many individuals were hospitalized.

The aircraft has been taken out of service. Both JetBlue and the FAA are investigating the incident.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

American Marks O’Hare Milestone With Special Livery Aircraft

The carrier flew in a 737 with a TWA logo and its retro-inspired Astrojet.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

American special livery
An American Airlines 737-800 with a special TWA livery. (Photo: American Airlines)

American Airlines marked its 70th anniversary at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Wednesday with the appearance of two special livery aircraft.

American Flight 2743 from Salt Lake City operated on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a vintage Trans World Airlines livery. Upon landing in Chicago, the passengers and crew got a water cannon salute, followed by a celebration at the gate.

TWA operated the first flight from O’Hare when scheduled commercial service started there in 1955. The airline was later acquired by American.

American’s Astrojet – a 737-800 adorned with a unique, retro-inspired livery – also passed through the airport on Wednesday.

American Airlines’ Astrojet at Chicago O’Hare. (Photo: American Airlines)

“For 70 years, American has grown alongside O’Hare, helping shape it into one of the world’s leading aviation hubs,” said Julie Rath, American’s senior vice president of global airports, contact centers, and inflight dining operations. “Fueled by our unwavering commitment to our Chicago team and customers, as well as the vibrant communities that keep the city thriving, we look forward to our future as the airline that sets the standard at ORD.”

A throwback American Airlines postcard. (Photo: American Airlines)

Like TWA, American debuted at Chicago O’Hare in 1955, operating the first scheduled arrival. The carrier expanded its presence there in the following years and set up a hub in 1982. Chicago O’Hare is now the airline’s third-largest hub location and its Midwest connecting point, serving 160 destinations in 17 countries.

American will observe its 100th anniversary in 2026.

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.

Southwest to Open Airport Lounge in Hawaii

State officials approved a lease for the site earlier this month.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Southwest 737-800
A Southwest Boeing 737-800. (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)

Southwest has won approval to develop and open a lounge at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

State officials signed off on Southwest’s application for a lease of airport property earlier this month. The Dallas-based carrier has not publicly announced or confirmed the location.

Southwest does not currently operate any airport lounges, and when the planned site in Hawaii comes online, it will likely be the first. Under pressure from activist investors, the airline’s leaders have largely dropped their former no-frills business model and set up new revenue streams, including checked bag fees and extra-legroom seats. The debut of lounges would be another significant step in that direction.

According to a draft of plans made public by Hawaii’s Department of Transportation, Southwest will get about 12,000 square feet of space to construct its lounge. The area being set aside for development is the airport’s former Garden Conference Center.

A Southwest Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Few details about the lounge’s configuration or appearance were available, but a map included in the state’s documents shows it will be put in on the south side of the airport near Terminal 2.

The DOT estimates costs for the construction work will total at least $20 million.

In a positive recommendation to Hawaii’s director of transportation, department officials said they “recognize Southwest’s commitment” to the airport and believe “that the new airline lounge is in the best interest of the State.”

Southwest will pay $156.14 per square foot per year in rent, the documents state, plus a performance bond equal to one quarter of the annual rent. The term of the lease is five years.

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.

ANA to End AirJapan Brand in 2026

The subsidiary's workers and assets will be absorbed by All Nippon.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

AirJapan
An AirJapan Boeing 787-8. (Photo: Mitchul Hope, made available through Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/])

All Nippon Airways is doing away with its low-cost AirJapan brand.

In a statement released Thursday, ANA said it will suspend AirJapan flights early next year and fold the subsidiary’s personnel and assets into the mainline business. It cited pressures from the ongoing war in Ukraine, delayed aircraft deliveries, and aircraft-on-ground issues with the Boeing 787, which forced officials to reallocate resources.

Going forward, ANA will operate only two brands – its mainline service and low-cost carrier Peach Aviation – instead of three, the statement said. Peach will not be affected by the restructuring.

AirJapan will operate its final flights on March 28 and 29, 2026.

The most recent incarnation of AirJapan was launched in 2022 as ANA’s low-cost international service. It currently connects Tokyo-Narita with Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore. ANA said it will continue to operate those routes.

ANA is Japan’s largest airline by fleet size and passenger volume and serves destinations within Japan and in the continental U.S., Hawaii, Europe, Australia, India, and East Asia. Peach primarily flies domestic routes within Japan but also offers connections to South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Singapore.

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.

Analyst Sees Potential in JetBlue Acquisition

Investors were advised to watch developments in the rail sector for clues about future consolidation among airlines.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

JetBlue A321
A JetBlue A321 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Given the right partner, a potential acquisition of low-cost airline JetBlue would make financial sense and may have a better chance of clearing a government review under the current administration, an analyst with JPMorgan wrote this week.

In a note, Jamie Baker said JPMorgan believes JetBlue is more likely to be acquired than file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Baker advised watching merger and acquisition-related developments in the U.S. rail industry, which could elucidate the Trump administration’s position on large-scale mergers and consolidation in the transportation sector.

In July, Union Pacific announced plans to acquire Norfolk Southern in a cash and stock deal valued at over $250 billion. It is the largest tie-up of its kind in years, and could if approved reshape the ways goods are moved across the country.

The merger is being reviewed by the Surface Transportation Board.

“To summarize, we think there could be another round of airline consolidation under the current administration (or the next one, perhaps) depending on the outcome in the rail space,” Baker wrote.

His comments were first reported on by Seeking Alpha.

JetBlue has not been profitable on an annual basis since 2019. Its quarterly net losses and high debt load have prompted speculation that it will eventually merge with another airline to survive. A federal court blocked JetBlue’s pending acquisition of Spirit in 2024.

Earlier this year, JetBlue and United announced their “Blue Sky” partnership, which allows for reciprocity in loyalty points and rewards, revenue booking, and slot sharing at certain airports, among other forms of cooperation. Opponents of the alliance, including Spirit, have called it anticompetitive and worry that JetBlue will be reduced to a “de facto vassal of United.”

In his note, Baker said a potential United acquisition of JetBlue would give United market parity with rivals American and Delta at around 16%. A JetBlue merger with Alaska Airlines would deliver less, at 7% market share, he noted, while a linkup with Southwest would translate to 22%.

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.

American Adds First Long-Haul A321XLR Route

The long-range narrowbody will debut on transatlantic service next year.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

American's first A321XLR
American's first A321XLR (Photo: DFW Airport)

American Airlines is preparing to introduce its new Airbus A321XLR on international flights for the first time, expanding its European network in 2026.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will launch new seasonal service between New York-JFK and Edinburgh, Scotland, beginning March 8, 2026. The route will operate through Oct. 24 and join American’s returning Philadelphia–Edinburgh flights next summer.

American’s Philadelphia-to-Edinburgh flights are slated to begin on March 28, and will be operated with a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

“After a successful summer in Edinburgh, American is excited to offer a second route to give travelers more access to one of their favorite destinations,” said Brian Znotins, American’s senior vice president of network and schedule planning, in a news release. “With the game-changing Airbus A321XLR now in our fleet, we could not be more excited to connect the Big Apple with Auld Reekie.”

American’s A321XLRs are configured with 20 Flagship Suite business class seats, 12 Premium Economy seats, and 123 economy seats.

Flagship Suite on American’s A321XLR (Photo: American Airlines)

The A321XLR will first enter domestic service between New York and Los Angeles in December before joining transatlantic operations next spring. American said additional long-range routes will follow as more aircraft are delivered.

Other carriers are already deploying the A321XLR on transatlantic routes. Iberia became the type’s launch customer last year, flying from Madrid to Boston and later Washington Dulles. Aer Lingus has also taken delivery of the aircraft and is preparing to use the type for similar-length transatlantic links.

The A321XLR is certified to operate non-stop up to 4,700 nautical miles. American is the type’s first U.S. operator.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Mexican Airlines Respond to DOT Route Cancellations

Viva Aerobus and Volaris said they will work to minimize disruptions for passengers.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

Volaris A320neo
Volaris flight crew deplane an A320neo jet at Guadalajara International Airport. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Albert Kuan)

Mexican airlines are responding after the U.S. Transportation Department on Tuesday blocked 13 planned or current routes to the U.S. over alleged violations of the two countries’ air transport agreement.

In comments submitted to the department, Monterrey-based low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus warned the cancellations will disrupt the travel of thousands of U.S. and Mexican passengers during the upcoming holiday season.

The airline said it is communicating with authorities in Mexico and the U.S. to understand the full scope of the order and will do all it can to help customers navigate the situation.

“We trust in the dialogue between the authorities of our government and their counterparts in the United States to find a reasonable and fair solution to this conflict and minimize its impact on passengers,” the carrier said.

Viva Aerobus A320
A Viva Aerobus Airbus A320 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The DOT’s order disapproved planned Viva Aerobus service between Felipe Ángeles International Airport near Mexico City and Austin, Texas; New York-JFK; Chicago O’Hare; Dallas/Fort Worth; Denver; Houston; Los Angeles; Miami; and Orlando, Florida. The flights were scheduled to begin in November.

Volaris Comments

Fellow low-cost airline Volaris, which had its planned route between Mexico City and Newark, New Jersey, scrapped, made a similar statement acknowledging the Transportation Department’s decision and pledging to support travelers.

“Volaris is in contact with the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation, as well as with the aviation industry, to discuss and find a solution to this situation that prevents future impacts on its operations and the Mexican air transport sector,” the carrier wrote. “Volaris reaffirms its commitment to maintaining air connectivity between Mexico and the United States, offering accessible and safe options for its customers.”

Aeroméxico, Mexico’s flag carrier, had routes to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Houston and McAllen, Texas, canceled. The airline has not yet submitted comments on the cancellations.

On Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she opposes the DOT’s move and will seek a meeting between Mexico’s foreign minister and the U.S. Secretary of State to determine the grounds for the decision. She is expected to meet with representatives of the Mexican airline industry to hear their perspective on the issue, Reuters reported.

The Transportation Department maintains that Mexico has repeatedly violated the terms of a 2015 bilateral air transport agreement by canceling slots for U.S. carriers at Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City and relocating U.S. cargo operations to the more distant Felipe Ángeles.

These alleged violations also prompted the DOT to order the cancellation of Delta’s longstanding joint venture with Aeroméxico in September. The department said the partnership would only amplify “market distortions” that worked against the U.S. airline industry if allowed to continue.

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.

Tel Aviv Airport Set for Major Revamp

The project will add space for passengers, commercial areas, and a dedicated entry for bus arrivals.

Lorne Philipot
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Ben Gurion International Airport
Ben Gurion International Airport. (Photo: Shutterstock | Dmitry Pistrov)

Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, will see major upgrades to the tune of $83 million.

Terminal 3 is the airport’s international terminal, handling high volumes of arriving and departing passengers.

The upgrade, which is set to take over two and a half years to complete, will see new passenger areas, commercial space, and a dedicated entry terminal for bus arrivals at Terminal 3.

Israel Airports Authority awarded the project to Oron Infrastructure and Construction, which is a subsidiary of Oron Holdings.

“We are approaching this project with great commitment and pride, as part of our ongoing work to strengthen Israel’s core infrastructure nationwide,” Gili Azaria, co-owner of Oron Holdings, said in a statement.

Expanding Capacity

Construction is expected to take around 30 months. The work will be carried out within the existing terminal, with minimal disruption to operations. A start date has not yet been announced.

The project includes a 7,000-square-meter expansion across four floors, increasing service and retail space, enlarging dining areas, and adding new operational zones.

The project also includes a new 2,000-square-meter structure dubbed “Tel Aviv Gate.” This will be constructed as a dedicated entrance for passengers arriving by bus.

The new facility is expected to streamline security and baggage procedures, improving passenger flows and increasing Ben Gurion’s overall capacity.

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.

Riyadh Air Signs Its First 787 Lease

The carrier plans to take delivery of the aircraft later this year.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Riyadh Air 787
The fuselage of a Riyadh Air Boeing 787 Dreamliner. (Photo: Riyadh Air)

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air has signed its first-ever aircraft lease for a single Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The airline announced a deal with AviLease on Monday that will bring a 787-9 into its fleet by the fourth quarter of this year.

“We are pleased to complete our first aircraft lease with AviLease as we continue building a young, fuel-efficient fleet ahead of our commercial launch,” Riyadh Air CFO Adam Boukadida said in a news release. “The Boeing 787 is a highly capable aircraft that will play an important role in delivering a world-class travel experience for our future guests. This agreement marks an important step in establishing Riyadh Air as a leading global airline.”

Riyadh Air, formed in 2023, is working toward the launch of full commercial service from its planned base at King Khalid International Airport near Riyadh. It will serve as the second flag carrier of the country, behind Jeddah-based Saudia.

Riyadh Air has ordered dozens of Dreamliners and Airbus A321s over the last two years. The carrier expects to serve about 100 destinations by 2030, but as of this month only two had been announced – Dubai and London.

The airline operated an inaugural flight between Riyadh and London Heathrow on Sunday. While technically a commercial flight, it carried only staff from Riyadh Air and the Public Investment Fund.

In an interview with CNBC this week, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said tickets will go on sale for the general public once the airline has taken delivery of its first three production aircraft.

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.
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