The airline said it has completed the Starlink rollout for its Boeing 777 aircraft and is now adding antennas to its Airbus A350s.
It launched the world’s first Starlink-equipped 777 in October 2024.
Installations are moving faster than expected, officials said, and more than 50% of the widebody fleet is now equipped with the industry-leading Wi-Fi service.
Qatar Airways has already operated over 30,000 flights equipped with Starlink.
“We now operate up to 200 daily Starlink-connected flights to key destinations to ensure our passengers stay seamlessly connected with speeds faster than many home Wi-Fi services,” Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said in a statement. “Whether working, streaming movies and sports, or staying in touch with friends and family, staying connected at 35,000 feet has never been more convenient.”
Qatar Airways is the only carrier in the Middle East and North Africa currently offering Starlink wireless internet on its flights.
Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.
Air Senegal Orders Its First 737 MAX Aircraft
The deal is Air Senegal's first order placed with Boeing in over 20 years.
The deal is Air Senegal’s first order placed with Boeing in over 20 years. It is also the airline’s largest fleet purchase to date.
The carrier said the new 737 MAX 8s will allow it to expand regionally and internationally. It is looking at new destinations in Europe, as well as routes from Dakar to the Middle East and the Americas.
“This order is part of Air Sénégal’s strategy to strengthen and modernize its fleet in order to support the expansion of its regional and intercontinental network and reinforce Dakar’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa,” CEO Tidiane Ndiaye said in a statement.
The 737-8 can carry up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration. The aircraft type is popular in Africa and is helping carriers meet rising air travel demand.
Air Senegal will also benefit from the 737 MAX’s operational efficiencies. The aircraft uses less fuel and creates 20% less emissions than the aircraft it replaces. There is also a lower noise footprint.
Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.
WestJet Leans on 737 Fleet for New Long-Haul Routes
The airline is expanding its 2026 schedule with new European and South American service.
A WestJet Boeing 737 MAX. (Photo: Shutterstock | Vadim Rodnev)
WestJet announced several additions to its summer 2026 schedule on Tuesday, introducing new international routes from Toronto, Halifax, Edmonton, and Winnipeg.
From Toronto, the airline will begin nonstop service to Medellín on April 28, 2026. WestJet said the route will operate four times per week and will use its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The carrier will also add new service from Toronto to Cardiff beginning May 22, and to Glasgow starting May 15. Both routes are scheduled to operate four times weekly with the same aircraft type.
In addition, WestJet plans to launch flights from Toronto to Ponta Delgada on June 12, with service offered four times per week.
The airline is also expanding its presence in Halifax. New transatlantic service to Lisbon is scheduled to begin May 1, pending government approval, with flights operating four times weekly. Service to Madrid will follow on May 15, also with four flights per week.
Copenhagen will join the airline’s network on May 28, with the same frequency. WestJet is further expanding its U.S. connectivity from Halifax with the introduction of new daily service to Detroit, starting May 18, 2026.
New Transatlantic Service
In Western Canada, WestJet will launch weekly seasonal service from Edmonton to Reykjavik beginning June 26. The eastbound flight will operate once per week, with the westbound return also scheduled weekly. The airline confirmed that the service will also be flown with its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
WestJet is also reinstating transatlantic service from Winnipeg. Nonstop flights to Reykjavik will begin June 27, westbound, with eastbound service starting June 28, 2026. The carrier said the route will operate once weekly using its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
Winnipeg last saw scheduled transatlantic flights in 2019, according to schedule data from Cirium.
Ryan 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.
“As the continent’s leading airline and the largest operator of the A350, this milestone order further supports our vision to grow sustainably while providing a world-class travel experience to our passengers and strengthening our position as the aviation leader in Africa,” Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said in a statement.
Financial details were not disclosed, and Airbus did not say when the six A350-900s are expected to be delivered.
The majority of Ethiopian’s fleet consists of Boeing aircraft like the 787 and 737-800. It received its first A350 in 2016 and now operates the -900 and -1000 types.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Etihad Orders First A330neos, Buys More A350s
Airline officials said the new aircraft will strengthen medium- and long-haul operations.
The Emirati carrier agreed to buy six A330-900s, together with seven additional A350-1000s and three more A350Fs. With the latest orders, Etihad’s total number of A350-1000s either delivered or on order grows to 27, while its commitment for the A350F rises to 10.
The A350F is the freighter variant of the A350-1000. It is expected to enter service in 2027.
According to Airbus, Etihad will also lease nine A330-900s from aircraft leasing company Avolon.
An Airbus A330neo demonstrator aircraft.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
In a statement, Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the orders will strengthen the carrier’s medium- and long-haul and cargo operations.
“Our partnership with Airbus continues to play an important role in shaping our future fleet, and we are proud to be building one of the world’s most modern and efficient widebody operations,” he said.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Flydubai Becomes First-Time Airbus Customer
The Emirati carrier will add A321neos to its currently all-Boeing fleet.
Announced on the second day of the Dubai Airshow, the agreement will see flydubai diversify its all-Boeing fleet while laying the groundwork for a planned network expansion.
Currently, the airline operates Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft.
Financial details of the A321neo deal were not disclosed.
Flydubai has its main operations hub at Dubai International Airport but will move to Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Center, after the completion of a major expansion project there.
In a statement, flydubai Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the addition of the more fuel-efficient A321neo will help the airline grow at its new home while building Dubai World Center into the “largest airport in the world.”
A flydubai 737 MAX 8 performing a test flight at Paine Field. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Emirates, one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, also plans to shift operations from Dubai International to Al Maktoum.
Flydubai has not said which new markets it hopes to enter. It currently serves destinations in the Middle East, East Africa, Central and South Asia, and Europe.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Allegiant Adds Four New Cities
The carrier will expand its network with 30 routes starting next year.
An Allegiant Airbus A319 (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)
Allegiant announced a new network expansion on Tuesday, with plans to add 30 new nonstop routes and enter four new airports.
The ultra-low-cost carrier will begin service to La Crosse, Wisconsin; Philadelphia; Trenton, New Jersey; and Columbia, Missouri in the first half of 2026. All of these cities are brand-new to Allegiant’s network, except for Trenton, which was last served in 2018, per Cirium Diio schedule data.
“We’re thrilled to continue Allegiant’s growth by adding these new routes,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer, in a news release. “Our mission has always been to connect travelers to world-class destinations at an affordable price. These additions provide convenient options for leisure travelers and reflect our commitment to expanding service where demand is strong.”
New Allegiant routes as of November 2025 (Photo: gcmap.net)
New Markets
The carrier’s four new cities will launch with the following links:
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Mesa, Arizona: Begins Feb. 6, 2026
Sanford, Florida: Begins May 21, 2026
Philadelphia
Des Moines, Iowa: Begins May 21, 2026
Knoxville, Tennessee: Begins May 21, 2026
Grand Rapids, Michigan: Begins May 22, 2026
Trenton, New Jersey
Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Begins Feb. 19, 2026
Punta Gorda, Florida: Begins Feb. 20, 2026
St. Pete–Clearwater, Florida: Begins Feb. 20, 2026
Columbia, Missouri
Sanford, Florida: Begins June 3, 2026
Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida: Begins June 5, 2026
An Allegiant 737 MAX at Boeing Field (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Additional Routes
In addition to the new cities, Allegiant is expanding its footprint at existing bases, including significant growth in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and increased connectivity from California and Florida.
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.
Airbus delivers the world's first A321XLR to Iberia. (Photo: Airbus)
Spanish flag carrier Iberia is adding a new destination in Canada.
Starting June 13, 2026, the airline will connect Madrid and Toronto with five nonstop flights per week. The service will operate with Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
“This launch is part of our Flight Plan 2030, through which we continue to expand our long-haul network and strengthen our presence in North America,” María Jesús López Solás, Iberia’s chief commercial, network development, and alliances officer, said in a news release. “Toronto will be our 49th in our destination network, marking a milestone in Iberia’s history. This connection will bring Canada closer to Spain and Europe, while offering Canadian travelers more options to discover our country and the European continent with the best experience.”
Iberia said its new flights will add approximately 37,000 seats between Madrid and Toronto through the summer travel season.
From its main hub at Madrid–Barajas Airport, Iberia serves North American destinations such as New York-JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Miami, Los Angeles, and Mexico City. As part of Flight Plan 2030, the carrier recently added service to Orlando, Florida, and Monterrey, Mexico.
Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
Ethiopian Airlines to Order 11 More 737 MAXs
New aircraft will be added to the largest Boeing fleet in Africa.
An Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Ethiopian Airlines announced Monday that it will buy 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets.
According to a news release from the carrier, Ethiopian signed a purchase agreement for the Boeing aircraft on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow.
Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in Africa and also has the largest backlog of 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner jets on the continent. The airline stated that the acquisition will expand the reliability, efficiency, and range of its 737 MAX fleet operating in Africa, the Middle East, India and Southern Europe.
“We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional 11 737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow,” said Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, in the release. “The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow over the years and we look forward to flying Boeing airplanes for years to come and that we will continue to serve our customers by bringing them high performance airplanes with passenger comfort.”
The carrier did not provide a timeline for when it expects to receive the aircraft.
Caleb Revill is a journalist, writer and lifelong learner working as a Junior Writer for Firecrown. When he isn't tackling breaking news, Caleb is on the lookout for fascinating feature stories.
Mexico Cedes Airport Slots to U.S. Carriers
The concession comes after the USDOT canceled crossborder routes operated by Mexican carriers.
A Viva Aerobus A320 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Mexico signaled it will return some slots at bustling Benito Juárez Mexico City International Airport to U.S. carriers following a months-long trade war with the Trump administration.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that Mexican airlines had agreed to give up some slots to their U.S. counterparts after “taking competitiveness into account,” according to a report from Reuters.
Sheinbaum did not say how many slots would be turned over to U.S. airlines but noted that, in 2026, a new digital flight distribution system will be implemented across Mexico. U.S. and international carriers have already endorsed the system, she added.
The apparent concession comes after the U.S. Department of Transportation moved to dissolve a partnership between Delta and Mexican flag carrier Aeroméxico and then canceled several existing and planned crossborder routes operated by Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris.
The department said it was taking a harder line with Mexican airlines in response to Mexico’s government reducing foreign slots at Benito Juárez – allegedly hurting carriers like United, Delta, and American – and pushing U.S. cargo operators like FedEx and UPS to the recently opened Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Zumpango.
An Aeromexico Boeing 737 MAX 8. (Photo: Boeing)
Felipe Ángeles is considered a less desirable landing point for freight carriers because it is further away from Mexico City and increases logistical hurdles.
Mexico maintains that it was working to relieve congestion at Benito Juárez.
The slot confiscations and relocation of U.S. cargo operators took place in 2022 and 2023. With the change in presidential administration, the DOT zeroed in on what it termed an unfair “market distortion” and announced plans to unwind the Delta-Aeroméxico partnership in retaliation. That decision was finalized in September.
One month later, the department increased the pressure by canceling 13 U.S.-Mexico routes, including Aeromexico’s routes between Felipe Ángeles and Houston and McAllen, Texas, and Volaris’s Mexico City-Newark, New Jersey, route.
Sheinbaum denounced the cancellations as unfair and likely politically motivated. She spoke with President Donald Trump about the matter earlier this month, but until Monday it was not clear if the two countries were moving toward a new agreement.
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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