Divers

✈️ Emirates is modernizing its fleet with upgraded interiors for older 777 models due to delays in receiving new Boeing 777X aircraft. Starting in mid-September, the first upgraded 777s will operate flights from Dubai to Madrid-Barajas, initially the sole destination until more planes are available. Emirates plans to eventually extend new first-class amenities, including 13-inch TVs and cream-colored decor, to all of its 191 aircraft, earning widespread praise from industry specialists.

✈ Iberia exclusively operates Airbus A321XLR flights to the Americas. By early 2026, they’ll have 8 such aircraft, already flying to Boston, Washington, Recife, and Fortaleza. In October, San Juan is added. Toronto and Philadelphia are potential next stops. Monterrey uses wide-body planes. Starting November 2024, the A321XLR carries 182 passengers over 8,700 km, saving 30% fuel per passenger compared to older models, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

✈️ Boeing estimates a need for 2.4 million new aviation professionals globally over the next 20 years, including 660,000 pilots, 710,000 maintenance technicians, and 1 million flight attendants. Eurasia, China, and North America will account for over half of hires, with 550,000, 426,000, and 435,000, respectively. Two-thirds of hires will replace retirements, while one-third will support fleet growth. Demand is driven by single-aisle aircraft.

✈️ Mahan Airlines, July 2025, Iran, acquired five Boeing 777s from NokScoot, previously of Singapore Airlines. Due to sanctions, the aircraft were initially registered in Madagascar before moving to Iran. In early July, they flew from Cambodia's Reap Angkor airport, their transponders off over Afghan or Pakistani airspace. Since 2019, Iran has acquired 33 Western-blocked planes, including an A340 from Iberia. More Boeing 777s may soon join their fleet.

🛫 Vueling, on July 23, 2025, at Valencia Airport, removed 52 Jewish French teenagers from a Valencia-Paris Orly flight. Vueling cited safety concerns due to "highly disruptive behavior" involving emergency equipment tampering. The Guardia Civil intervened, resulting in one arrest. Contradicting reports claim the group sang Hebrew songs, with allegations of antisemitism, including a crew member labeling Israel a "terrorist state," which Vueling denies. The airline maintains the decision was purely operational and security-driven.

✈ Un avión de pasajeros de Angara Airlines se estrelló en la región de Amur, Rusia, en julio 2025. La aeronave cubría la ruta entre Jabárovsk y Tinda. No hay supervivientes, según los servicios de emergencia en el lugar. El avión fue localizado en una zona montañosa por un helicóptero. El Ministerio de Emergencias informó que el avión desapareció de los radares. Entre los ocupantes, había cinco niños y seis tripulantes.

🗺 Catai aims to replicate its 44-year success in Spain within 5 years in Latin America, focusing on Mexico and Colombia. Partnering with local entities like Travel Shop, Catai emphasizes Africa and Asia, with Japan as the top destination for Mexican travelers. New niche products launched include "Un Mundo de Sabores" and "Pasaporte a lo Extraordinario." Over 3,000 passengers are expected to be transported to Lapland between December and January, with charter operations planned. AI is integrated into their customer interactions.

🛫 Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines secured the top two spots in the 2025 World Airline Awards organized by Skytrax, based on user surveys from September 2024 to May 2025, with input from 100+ nationalities. Iberia ranked 20th, the highest for a Spanish airline. Other notable mentions include AirAsia as the best low-cost airline since 2010, and Lufthansa as the most family-friendly airline. Turkish Airlines was named the best in Europe, while Air Canada topped North America.

🛫 Iberia Group (Iberia, Iberia Express, Air Nostrum) will operate 2,557 flights from Thursday, July 24 to Sunday, July 27, coinciding with the July 25 holiday in various autonomous communities. Over 342,000 passengers will travel on domestic, European, and transoceanic flights. Of these flights, 2,113 will be based at Madrid-Barajas Airport. Additionally, 15 special charter flights support cruise lines, connecting Madrid to key Mediterranean and European ports like Hamburg, Athens, and Venice.

🛫 Boeing has normalized B737Max production, leading to increased deliveries for Ryanair. Despite certification delays for the 737Max 10, Ryanair, which has ordered 300 of these aircraft, will start operating them from early 2027. Stephanie Pope of Boeing assured timely delivery to Ryanair, whose CEO, O'Leary, confirmed the order remains firm. Ryanair plans to transition to the Max 10, featuring 220 seats, enhancing their fleet alongside the 737 800 and 737Max 8.200 models.