After 12 months of development involving various design iterations, refinements and customer testing, Qantas has launched Version 5.0.0 of its Qantas Entertainment App on iOS, which passengers use to stream content to their personal electronic devices during flight. The app was originally launched in 2018 and has been updated regularly since to improve the digital experience for passengers together with partners like Viasat, which provides the carrier’s in-flight connectivity service. 

Air Canada continues to raise the bar on the Economy travel experience with complimentary beer, wine, and exclusive Canadian-made snacks now available for all customers on all flights, including routes to Mexico and the Caribbean. These upgrades reflect the airline’s commitment to delivering award-winning service for all customers, and a sharpened focus on leisure travellers. “As part of our commitment to elevating the onboard experience, we’re delighted to introduce even more exciting new options to our menus,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty & Product, Air Canada. 

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Lufthansa. Lufthansa is taking this milestone anniversary as an opportunity to fundamentally redesign the onboard experience. FOX – short for Future Onboard Experience – is set to redefine flying on long-haul routes and underline Lufthansa’s premium claim. “We are investing over €70 million in our new Future Onboard Experience in the next 12 months alone,” said Jens Ritter, CEO, Lufthansa Airlines.

Members of the A++ transatlantic joint venture, which includes  United Airlines,  Lufthansa and  Air Canada, are seeking US regulatory approval to include ITA Airways. The three airlines have warned that ITA will face the same challenges that led to the downfall of its predecessor, Alitalia, if it is not able to join. The Italian flag carrier is in the process of joining  Star Alliance, a move expected to be completed next year. Lufthansa Group finalized a 41% stake in the airline earlier this year and is expected to increase its ownership to 90% next year.

While JetBlue might be New York's hometown airline, it also proudly operates as the largest carrier serving the US Territory of Puerto Rico. The airline, which operates a robust network of international and domestic services from the Caribbean archipelago, today unveiled a vibrant new aircraft livery designed by renowned Puerto Rican artist, Juan Gutiérrez Rovira. The design, which pays homage to Puerto Rico's affectionate nickname, Isla del Encanto, was chosen by a public vote in March.

Join us at APEX TECH 2026 as we return to Los Angeles with an evolved format built for deeper engagement and real-time collaboration. Expect interactive workshops, speed networking, and sessions that dig into the real-world applications of inflight connectivity, content, data, and emerging tech shaping passenger experience. Hear directly from airline leaders and tech innovators, and be part of the conversations shaping the future.

Riyadh Air, the new national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced a new partnership with Kayanee, a leading Saudi wellbeing brand, to bring a fresh sense of comfort and care to the skies.The collaboration will upscale in-flight comfort by offering Riyadh Air’s Business Elite, Business, and Premium Economy long-haul guests a specially designed collection of amenity kits and loungewear, aimed at refreshing and rejuvenating travelers from take-off to landing. 

IAG-owned Iberia has introduced another transatlantic service operated by its Airbus A321XLR narrowbody aircraft. The Spanish airline has debuted its regular transatlantic flight to Latin America using the long-range single-aisle jet. The flight connected Madrid (MAD) with Santo Domingo (SDQ) in the Dominican Republic, marking the airline’s regular entry into the Latin American market with the long-range single-aisle jet. It is worth noting that Iberia launched its flights to San Juan (SJU), Puerto Rico, two weeks before beginning regular service to Santo Domingo. 

Air Astana is expanding its international network for the 2025-2026 winter season, restoring routes and increasing capacity across the Middle East and Asia as regional travel demand continues to strengthen. The Kazakh flag carrier resumed flights from Almaty and Shymkent to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s gateway to Mecca, in September 2025. Services to Medina will follow later in October 2025. Flights from Astana and Aktau will alternate between Jeddah and Medina, broadening access to pilgrimage destinations for travelers across Kazakhstan. 

IndiGo is the largest airline within the fast-growing Indian market, but recently, all the headlines have focused on its international long-haul expansion. This week was no different, as the carrier announced that it will be launching two new routes to China later this month. This makes it the first airline to provide non-stop service between India and China since the pandemic and a deadly border clash brought air links to a halt in 2020. IndiGo is also expanding rapidly in the other direction, using wet-leased Boeing 787s to launch new long-haul routes to Europe. 

Avelo Airlines announces the launch of Avelo PLUS, a brand-new membership program designed to make traveling even more affordable and convenient. Travelers can join for just $49 for the first year* and enjoy exclusive perks all year long. With Avelo PLUS, members will gain access to: Exclusive Low Fares – Enjoy member-only pricing on flights, FREE Priority Boarding – Board early and settle in faster, Special Deals – Access member-only promotions and discounts all year, $50 Avelo Cash Bonus at Renewal – Earn rewards for loyalty every year.

Spirit Airlines is looking to cut its fleet by nearly 100 aircraft as it exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy for the second time this year. As reported by CNBC, the comments are coming from the company's CFO as the airline faces mounting pressure from rising operational costs, weak yields, and debt burdens. The decision is being framed as an essential move to survive. The reductions are expected to occur through lease returns, retirements, and accelerated phase-out of older or less efficient aircraft.