Category Airline, Organisations & Operators

Virgin Atlantic has announced the launch of an accredited Autism Awareness training programme for its cabin crew, developed in partnership with autism travel specialists, Autism Double-Checked. The programme forms part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to inclusive travel and supporting customers with non-visible disabilities.

Launching this May, the mandatory digital training consists of two modules – one covering general autism awareness, and a second designed specifically for the cabin crew role with a focus on the inflight experience. All cabin crew will complete both as part of their annual recurrent learning, giving every crew member the confidence and practical tools to support autistic customers onboard, from recognising sensory sensitivities and signs of distress, to adapting how they communicate and providing reassurance throughout the journey. Virgin Atlantic also plans to extend the training to all customer-facing ground teams in 2026, ensuring consistent support at every stage of the travel experience.

Air Canada has taken delivery in Hamburg of its first Airbus A321XLR, a next-generation single-aisle aircraft designed to fly longer routes efficiently and with greater passenger comfort. The arrival of this aircraft, leased from SMBC Aviation Capital, marks an important milestone in Air Canada’s fleet renewal and growth strategy, with a total of 30 A321XLR aircraft (15 will be leased, 15 are being acquired directly from Airbus S.A.S.) expected to enter the fleet over the coming years.

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, announced that it intends to close its 7 a/c Berlin base on 24 Oct ’26, reducing the number of flights it operates to/from Berlin by 50% in its winter schedule. All 7 Berlin based aircraft will in this case be reallocated to lower cost airports in other EU states that have abolished aviation taxes like Sweden, Slovakia, Albania & Italy. This is a direct result of Berlin Airport’s recent notice that it will again raise fees by another 10% from 2027 to 2029 when its already high airport fees have increased by 50% since Covid even as Berlin’s traffic collapsed by 30% from 36m in 2019 to 26m in 2025. German aviation policy has failed its citizens as it relies on high aviation taxes and excessive airport costs to combat hopeless inefficiency, evidenced by the fact that since 2019:

American Airlines continues to invest in elevating the customer experience with plans for a new, expanded Admirals Club® lounge at Nashville International Airport®’s (BNA®) new Concourse A.

When complete, the approximately 17,400-square-foot lounge will be the largest airline lounge at BNA and nearly three times the size of the current lounge space, offering customers a more spacious and premium place to relax, work or recharge before their flight. The new location will feature sweeping views of the airfield and a design inspired by Nashville’s vibrant culture and the natural landscapes of Tennessee.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is accelerating its growth in the United States with two major enhancements to its North American network, increasing capacity and connectivity across key markets.

Chicago O’Hare will move to double-daily service, while Charlotte will increase to daily flights from 15 June, building on strong early performance following the launch of services on 20 March 2026.

Together, the enhancements significantly expand Etihad’s U.S. footprint, strengthening connectivity between North America and high-growth markets across India and Asia-Pacific, while improving access to the U.S. domestic network through partner airlines.

Qatar Airways announces resumption of flight operations between Doha and key destinations across the Middle East, reinstating daily services to the United Arab Emirates and Syria.

Starting 23 April 2026, Qatar Airways will resume daily flights to Dubai (DXB), and Sharjah (SHJ), with a daily service to Damascus (DAM) commencing on 1 May 2026.

oneworld® has welcomed Hawaiian Airlines as its newest member airline, becoming the third US-based carrier alongside Alaska Airlines and American Airlines and adding Honolulu as a global hub.

With Hawaiian Airlines on board, oneworld’s global network offers greater travel opportunities across the Hawaiian Islands and new destinations in the Pacific including Hilo, Hawai’i; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and Papeete, Tahiti.

Two new British Airways routes took to the skies this week, as the first flights to St. Louis, Missouri in the US, and Guernsey in the Channel Islands departed from London

St. Louis became the 27th US destination to join the British Airways network, as the inaugural flight to the ‘Gateway to the West’ landed. The airline offers more direct flights to the US than any other European airline. In a playful pun, the first flight was operated by an entire crew named Louis, Lewis or Louise.

Emirates, the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, has launched its “Travel Rehearsal” programme in the UK, hosting its first session in the country at London Stansted Airport (STN).

The Travel Rehearsal programme allows people with accessible travel requirements to experience a guided simulation of the complete air travel journey, familiarising them with airport procedures and onboard environments ahead of time – helping reduce anxiety and build confidence before an actual flight.

Virgin Atlantic today announces the appointment of Anthony Uphill as Vice President Sales joining the travel company on 5th May 2026.

In his new role, Anthony will be responsible for the airline’s sales performance, with direct accountability for corporate and agency sales. He will work closely with joint venture partners Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM, while exploring new revenue growth opportunities with SkyTeam and other partner airlines across Virgin Atlantic’s global portfolio.