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Air India Axes U.S. Route

The Indian airline will end service to one of its five U.S. markets next month, citing airspace closures and planned interior upgrades for its 787-8 fleet.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Air India 777
Air India inaugural at Dulles in 2017 (Photo: J. David Buerk - Photography / jdavidbuerk.com)

Air India is suspending service to one of its newest U.S. markets. The carrier cited Pakistani airspace closures and planned 787 cabin upgrades for the route cut.

On Sept. 1, 2025, the Indian airline will no longer serve Washington Dulles, it said Monday. The carrier began flying to the U.S. capital in 2017.

Flights between Delhi and Washington operated five times per week.

Air India Washington Dulles
An Air India 777 at Washington Dulles (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

“The suspension is primarily driven by the planned shortfall in Air India’s fleet, as the airline commenced retrofitting 26 of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft last month,” Air India said in a statement. “This extensive retrofit programme, aimed at significantly enhancing customer experience, necessitates a prolonged unavailability of multiple aircraft at any given time until at least end of 2026. That, coupled with the continued closure of airspace over Pakistan, impacts the airline’s long-haul operations, leading to longer flight routings and increased operational complexity.”

The airline did not share a plan for resuming service to Washington, adding that impacted customers will be rebooked or refunded. In the U.S., Air India also serves San Francisco, New York-JFK, Chicago O’Hare, and Newark, New Jersey.

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.

Airlink Finalizes Lease for 10 New Embraer E195-E2s

South Africa's Airlink has signed a lease agreement with Azorra for 10 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with the first expected later this year.

Lorne Philipot
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Airlink Embraer E190.
An Airlink Embraer E190. (Photo: Airlink)

South African airline Airlink has finalized a lease agreement with Florida-based lease, finance, and asset management firm Azorra for 10 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with the first expected later this year.

The lease is part of a broader effort by Airlink to expand its fleet and route network following its partnership with Qatar Airways. The Doha-based airline took an equity stake in Airlink last year.

“It is an exciting and daunting moment for Airlink,” said CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht. “Exciting because it heralds the next phase of Airlink’s development and growth as the leading regional airline in Southern Africa and now possibly beyond. Daunting, as there is a lot to do in the weeks ahead before the first aircraft enters service, hopefully in December this year, but I have no doubt that the Airlink team will deliver, as they always do.”

Deliveries of the E195-E2s from Embraer’s facilities in Brazil will begin later this year and will be completed in 2027.

A rendering of Airlink’s Embraer E195-E2. (Image: Airlink)

“This is an exciting step forward in our partnership with Airlink. The addition of the E195-E2 to their fleet highlights our shared commitment to operational efficiency, sustainable growth, and increased capacity and service. We’re proud to work alongside Embraer and Pratt & Whitney to bring next-generation aircraft to Airlink, supporting enhanced connectivity across Africa,” said Azorra CEO John Evans.

Airlink Expansion Plans

The E2 aircraft will augment Airlink’s current 68-strong fleet. They will seat up to 136 passengers in a two-by-two cabin layout, providing the airline with additional capacity on high-density routes.

The aircraft will also help Airlink grow its network to more destinations across sub-Sahara Africa.

Airlink also expects to save money and improve operational stability thanks to operating, maintenance, training, and equipment commonalities between its existing E-Jets and the new E2s, including similar flight decks, operating procedures, and handling.

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.

Royal Air Maroc to Increase Service to Brazil

Morocco’s national carrier, Royal Air Maroc, is expanding service between Casablanca and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Lorne Philipot
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Royal Air Maroc's first 787-9 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Bailey)

Morocco’s national carrier, Royal Air Maroc, will expand service between Casablanca and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The airline currently operates three weekly rotations on this route. However, from Dec. 2, it will add an additional flight between Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport and Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo.

The OneWorld member operates nonstop flights from Casablanca on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The return flight departs Sao Paulo on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

The additional flight will depart Casablanca on Tuesdays and return from Sao Paulo on Wednesdays. Flights will be operated with a Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

A Royal Air Maroc Boeing 737-800. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The added service is expected to boost travel between the two countries. Moroccan nationals do not require visas for entry to Brazil for periods of up to three months. Brazilian passport holders do not require visas for entry to Morocco for stays of up to 90 days.

Royal Air Maroc operates flights to various destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. Its North American destinations include New York, Miami, Washington, Toronto, and Montreal.

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.

Livery of the Week: German Airways’ New Patriotic Color Scheme

ACMI operator German Airways, the second-oldest airline in Germany, last April announced the total rebranding of its fleet and showcased its new livery.

Vanni Gibertini
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

German Airways
German Airways Embraer E190-100LR operating for KLM Cityhopper (Photo: German Airways)

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. 

ACMI operator German Airways, the second-oldest airline in Germany, last April announced the total rebranding of its fleet and showcased its new livery on the first of its eight Embraer E190-100LR.

The new German Airways livery prominently displays the colors of the company logo, which are the same as the colors of the German flag, on the winglet and the tail fin. This new look “emphasizes the innovation of the carrier’s identity as a carrier from Germany and sends a visible signal of reliability and technical excellence,” said the carrier in a press release.

German Airways Embraer E190-100LR – tail fin and winglets color scheme (Photo: German Airways)

German Airways, is a brand of German Regional Airlines GmbH & Co. KG, and operates charter and wet-lease aircraft from its base at Cologne-Bonn Airport. The airline, initially named WDL Flugdienst, was set up in 1974 and was subsequently acquired by Berlin logistics company Zeitfracht in 2017.

In addition to its charter business – including for sports teams – the airline currently wet leases most of its aircraft to KLM Cityhopper.

The first aircraft to undergo the livery redesign is the Embraer 190-100LR, registered as D-AJHW, which was delivered on Dec. 22, 2006, to Aero Republica Colombia. It later turned into Copa Airlines Colombia. It entered WDL Aviation’s fleet on Apr. 25, 2019 leased from Azorra Aviation, and it started operating for KLM Cityhopper on March 28, 2024.

The aircraft is operating with a 98-seat configuration with 6 business class and 92 economy class seats and connects regional airports in Europe to KLM’s main hub at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

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.

OAG Ends Printed Guides

Travel data company OAG will no longer publish printed flight guides, once an indispensable source of information for the aviation world.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Multiple aircraft
Multiple aircraft parked in Moses Lake, Wash. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Travel data company OAG will no longer publish printed flight guides, once an indispensable source of information for the aviation world.

“As OAG approaches its 100-year milestone, we find ourselves reflecting not only on our legacy, but also on the profound transformation of the aviation industry and the world at large,” the company said in a statement. “With these changes, and after thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to retire all OAG Printed Guides, with the final edition being December 2025.”

The announcement was first reported by aviation news site Enilria.

OAG’s printed guides contain information on airline flight schedules, routes, and transfer times, and serve as a reference for airline and airport codes and aircraft data. In the pre-internet era, they were one of the few ways to find reliable information about flights and played a vital role in the airline and travel industries.

“Nearly every airline, every travel agent, and anyone involved in the airline industry would have a bookshelf full of reference books; the latest OAG flight guides, tariff books, visa and vaccine requirements, and hotel guides,” OAG wrote in a 2021 look back at aviation’s transition to digital technology. “In the 1970s OAG literally published thousands of monthly flight guides that were circulated around the world in a massive logistical exercise and with much of the typesetting still manual. It was no surprise that OAG had as many skilled typesetters as many national newspapers!”

OAG now provides its data and analytics services to customers using web-based tools.

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.

Delta to Fly E175s to Aspen

The carrier said Friday that Embraer jets will replace the Bombardier CRJ-700 on nonstop Delta Connection flights from Atlanta and Los Angeles to Aspen.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Delta E175
A Delta Connection Embraer E175. (Photo: Shutterstock | Wenjie Zheng)

Starting later this year, Delta will use Embraer aircraft to fly passengers to and from Aspen, Colorado.

The carrier said Friday that Embraer jets will replace the Bombardier CRJ-700 on nonstop Delta Connection flights from Atlanta and Los Angeles to Aspen. The routes are operated by SkyWest as part of a service agreement with Delta.

The change will take effect in November, in time for the winter skiing season. Delta said the Embraer aircraft have larger cargo holds that can accommodate bulky ski and snowboard equipment and clothing, as well as larger windows, more modern interiors, and more personal space for passengers.

Now, both United and Delta serve the Colorado city with E175 aircraft. Previously, the largest aircraft type the airport could accommodate was a CRJ-700.

“Aspen is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world, and we’re making sure your travel experience matches the magic of the mountains,” said Amy Martin, vice president of network planning at Delta. “This aircraft change isn’t just about a new look, it’s about solving real challenges for our customers and enhancing every leg of the journey.”

Delta flights to Aspen land at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, about three miles from the city’s downtown.

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.

Lufthansa Restores Lockheed Starliner With Original 1950s Design

Lufthansa recently had a Lockheed L-1649A Starliner repainted in its original 1950s colors and plans to display the aircraft at its visitor center.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A section of Lufthansa's repainted Lockheed "Super Star." (Photo: Heinz Müller/Lufthansa Group)
A section of Lufthansa's repainted Lockheed "Super Star." (Photo: Heinz Müller/Lufthansa Group)

Lufthansa is turning back the clock on one of its iconic flagship aircraft.

The German airline recently had a decommissioned Lockheed L-1649A Starliner repainted in its classic 1950s colors. The paint design was recreated by Lufthansa Technik’s graphic solutions department using historical documents from the carrier’s archives.

A section of Lufthansa’s repainted Lockheed “Super Star.” (Photo: Heinz Müller/Lufthansa Group)

The work was carried out by Altitude Paint Services, and Hamburg-based company Mankiewicz provided about 500 liters of special paint for the project free of charge.

Lufthansa marketed its Lockheed Starliners as “Super Stars,” and the name is now back on the aircraft’s fuselage alongside curving blue and yellow parabolas.

Sections of Lufthansa’s repainted Lockheed “Super Star.” (Photo: Heinz Müller/Lufthansa Group)

The first Super Star joined Lufthansa’s fleet in 1957. They were mainly used for transatlantic service between Hamburg and New York City.

A section of Lufthansa’s repainted Lockheed “Super Star.” (Photo: Heinz Müller/Lufthansa Group)

According to Lufthansa, the refurbished Super Star is 35.42 meters (116.2 feet) long, has a wingspan of 45.18 meters (148.2 feet), and stands 7.12 meters (23.3 feet) tall.

As early as next week, the aircraft will be transported by a heavy-duty vehicle from Münster/Osnabrück Airport to Frankfurt, where it will be displayed at Lufthansa Group’s conference and visitor center starting in 2026.

A section of Lufthansa’s repainted Lockheed “Super Star.” (Photo: Heinz Müller/Lufthansa Group)

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.

Fly Gabon Receives First ATR 42-600

Victor Shalton
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An ATR 42 for Fly Gabon
An ATR 42 for Fly Gabon (Photo: True Noord)

Fly Gabon is marking a major fleet milestone with the imminent arrival of its first ATR 42-600, as the young Central African carrier accelerates plans to modernize and expand its domestic and regional operations. The newly delivered ATR 42-600 (MSN 1801), registered TR-LKA, was delivered on July 30, 20265, by regional aircraft lessor TrueNoord on a long-term operating lease.

The factory-new turboprop, which rolled off the production line in May. It becomes the airline’s first ATR 42-600 and joins a growing fleet of ATR turboprops operated under the Fly Gabon brand.

Manufactured by Franco-Italian planemaker ATR, the aircraft is part of a firm order placed in September 2024. The agreement also includes an option for a second ATR 42-600, which could be delivered by 2026 if exercised.

For TrueNoord, Maarten Grift, Sales Director – Africa, Middle East & CIS says, “TrueNoord is delighted to welcome Afrijet Business Service as a new lessee and to support their fleet modernisation. We thank the experienced Afrijet Business Service team for the confidence they have placed in TrueNoord, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.”

“Leasing this latest technology, fuel-efficient turboprop to Afrijet Business Service is part of our strategy to support the continuous improvement of the regional fleet operating in Africa,” adds Grift. Afrijet Business Service (FLYGABON) becomes the fifth African airline to join TrueNoord’s customer base on the continent, increasing the lessor’s fleet across the region to ten aircraft.

The new turboprop replaces an older-generation ATR 42-500 (TR-AGB, MSN 633), which has now been retired.

A Growing Fleet

Originally established under the name Afrijet, the airline began operating as Fly Gabon in 2024 as part of a broader rebranding effort tied to new state ownership. The airline launched commercial services on August 31, 2024, and now serves several key cities across Gabon, including Port-Gentil, Oyem, and Franceville.

Fly Gabon’s expansion is backed by Fly Gabon Holding, a government-owned investment vehicle established by ministerial decree on February 7, 2024. The entity holds a 56% stake in Afrijet and was created to acquire strategic interests in national and international aviation companies. Afrijet Business Service, operates two distinct airlines: Afrijet and FlyGabon. Afrijet, established in 2004 and IOSA-certified since 2020, is a regional leader, serving 19 destinations across Central Africa.

With the arrival of the new ATR 42-600, Fly Gabon’s ATR fleet now includes seven aircraft: one ATR 42-600 and six ATR 72-600s (registrations: TR-LJT, TR-LJX, TR-ABW, TR-ABX, TR-ABJ, and TR-LJN), though two units are currently undergoing maintenance in Morocco.

But Fly Gabon’s ambitions are not limited to turboprops. The carrier on July 23, 2025, introduced its very first jet aircraft—an Airbus A320-200, registered ZS-GAB (MSN 2167)—which officially arrived in Libreville from Johannesburg on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The 21-year-old aircraft is wet-leased from South Africa-based Global Aviation Investments, the parent company of ACMI operator Global Airways and part-owner of Lift, a South African low-cost airline.

This A320 addition marks a pivotal turning point for Fly Gabon as it prepares to expand into international markets. A route to Johannesburg is under active consideration and would represent the airline’s first foray beyond Gabonese airspace. This international push is intended to complement the regional network of Afrijet, Fly Gabon’s sister airline.

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.

Airport Operator Sues BermudAir

Skyport, the operator of Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport, is suing BermudAir for allegedly failing to pay required airport charges.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

BermudAir E175
A BermudAir E175 aircraft. (Photo: Orlando International Airport)

Skyport, the operator of Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport, is suing BermudAir for allegedly failing to pay required airport charges.

Bermuda’s Royal Gazette reported that the fees add up to millions of dollars. Skyport told the newspaper that BermudAir is collecting the fees – which are assessed on passengers and airlines under Bermuda’s airport regulations – but not passing on the proceeds.

AirlineGeeks reached out to both companies for comment but had not received a reply by press time.

According to the Royal Gazette’s report, Skyport attempted to work with BermudAir on the problem for about a year before resorting to legal action.

A BermudAir spokesperson told the newspaper that the carrier is “in the process of resolving a number of commercial issues with Skyport.”

“We remain confident that a resolution will be reached in the coming weeks as we have been engaging constructively and in good faith with the Skyport team,” the spokesperson said.

BermudAir, which serves as the flag carrier of Bermuda, launched in 2023 with nonstop service from L.F. Wade to Boston and Westchester County, New York. It has since introduced flights to destinations including Orlando, Montreal, Toronto, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, among others.

In June, the carrier announced the launch of a new brand, AnguillAir, which will offer nonstop flights connecting Boston and Baltimore with the British Caribbean territory of Anguilla during the winter travel season.

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.

JetBlue Applies for More Federally-Subsidized Service

JetBlue has submitted a formal proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide more Essential Air Service (EAS) flights.

Ryan Ewing
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

JetBlue A220
A JetBlue Airways Airbus A220 prepares for landing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

JetBlue has submitted a formal proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at Watertown International Airport in Watertown, New York.

The carrier is seeking to launch once-daily, year-round service to New York-JFK using its 140-seat Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

According to the filing published Thursday, JetBlue is requesting a federal subsidy of $8.3 million for the first year and $8.5 million for the second year of service. The airline states that the proposed route would offer the only direct connection — by air, bus, or train — between Watertown and New York City.

If approved, JetBlue plans to operate morning departures from Watertown to JFK and evening returns. The airline notes this schedule is intended to provide convenience for both local residents and inbound travelers, including same-day round-trip options for business or leisure.

The airline points to its current EAS operation between Presque Isle, Maine, and Boston — launched in September 2024 — as evidence of its reliability, citing a 99% completion factor. The Watertown proposal would also increase daily seat capacity compared to the market’s current EAS offering.

American currently serves Watertown with Embraer E145 flights to Philadelphia.

Competing With American

American has also submitted a proposal to continue serving Watertown under the EAS program, offering 12 weekly roundtrips to Philadelphia using 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. American is seeking an annual subsidy of approximately $4.37 million in the first year and $4.59 million in the second year.

American Eagle E145
An American Eagle Embraer E145 aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

JetBlue currently serves eight airports in New York State. If selected, the Watertown route would expand its presence in upstate New York and increase its EAS footprint.

The U.S. Department of Transportation will evaluate both proposals and determine which carrier will be awarded the EAS contract for Watertown beginning next year.

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.
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