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Thai Airways reported (14-May-2026) 80 aircraft in its fleet as of 31-Mar-2026, with an average aircraft utilisation of 13.8 hours per day. [more - original PR]

Air New Zealand announced (20-May-2026) plans to launch the following services from Christchurch with Boeing 787-9 equipment, as part of an agreement with Christchurch International Airport to grow international connectivity into the South Island of New Zealand:

• Singapore: 28-Oct-2026;
• Tokyo Narita: 28-Nov-2026;
• Perth: 30-Nov-2026.

The carrier is scheduled to operate the services on a three times weekly basis, as per a 19-May-2026 GDS inventory and timetable display. Air New Zealand and Christchurch International Airport also signed an MoU to develop a long term partnership, aligning long term planning and network development to support sustainable growth, improved customer experience and "stronger international connections". Airport CEO Justin Watson stated: "This is a landmark moment. Seeing multiple new international widebody services launch from Christchurch builds on the growth already happening across our international network and creates major opportunities for freight exporters, the tourism sector and our wider economy. It reflects our strong partnership with Air New Zealand and our shared focus on growing international connectivity for the South Island". [more - original PR - Air New Zealand] [more - original PR - Christchurch International Airport]

Ryanair reported (18-May-2026) a profit after tax (PAT) of EUR2.3 billion for the 12 months ended 31-Mar-2026, compared to a FY2025 PAT of EUR1.6 billion. The LCC recorded passenger traffic of 208.4 million, an increase of 4% year-on-year despite delivery delays impacting 29 Boeing 737-8200 aircraft. The carrier reported gross cash of EUR3.6 billion after a capital expenditure spend of EUR1.9 billion, EUR1.2 billion debt repayments and more than EUR900 million in shareholder distributions. Liquidity is further boosted by Ryanair Group's revolving credit facility, which has EUR1 billion undrawn. Net cash was EUR2.1 billion, enabling the group to repay its final EUR1.2 billion bond during the week ending 31-May-2026 and leaving it "effectively debt free", as it aims to rebuild its gross cash back up to EUR4 billion. The LCC added that whilst is "lawyers are confident" that an Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) fine of EUR256 million levied in Dec-2025 "will be overturned on appeal", an exceptional provision of EUR85 million - approximately 33% of the fine - is included as an exceptional charge in the FY2026 results. [more - original PR]

Austrian Airlines announced (18-May-2026) plans to launch a revamped brand in 2027, focusing on the new 'Feels like Flying' brand platform and a newly developed 'Austrian Touch' design strategy. The refined design adds deep dark red and rose accents to the airline's iconic red. Hand-drawn lines inspired by air currents serve as distinctive features across touchpoints, including new amenity kits and premium check-in areas. [more - original PR - German]

Australia's Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King announced (18-May-2026) the following new and updated air services agreements:

• A new agreement with the Maldives enabling airlines of both countries to operate international passenger and cargo services to all international airports in Australia;
• An arrangement with El Salvador enabling airlines to offer codeshare services;
• Updated air services arrangements with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates providing airlines from all three nations access to additional passenger capacity of seven passenger services per week through Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport as an international arrival and departure destination. [more - original PR]

Air Côte d'Ivoire is scheduled to commence twice weekly Abidjan-Lagos-Johannesburg service with A330-900 equipment on 14-Jul-2026, according to OAG and the CAPA Route Capacity Analyser. The airline is scheduled to increase frequency to three times weekly from 07-Aug-2026. The carrier currently operates daily Abidjan-Lagos service.