UK Aviation News

Turkish Airlines unveils special livery 500th aircraft as fleet passes major milestone Turkish Airlines has marked a significant milestone in its long history with the unveiling of its 500th aircraft, a landmark moment for the carrier that began operations in 1933 with just five aircraft. The new addition to the fleet, an Airbus A350 named TK Family, joined the airline at the end of 2025 and was formally presented during a special ceremony at Istanbul Airport.

Turkish Airlines unveils special livery 500th aircraft as fleet passes major milestone

Turkish Airlines has marked a significant milestone in its long history with the unveiling of its 500th aircraft, a landmark moment for the carrier that began operations in 1933 with just five aircraft. The new…

Loganair Expands Jersey Hub with Four New Direct Routes, Including Paris Debut Regional carrier expands island network with new UK, Irish and French services for summer 2026 Loganair has unveiled plans to strengthen connectivity from Jersey with the launch of four new direct routes to Norwich, East Midlands Airport, Dublin and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The services, which go on sale today, represent a significant expansion of the airline’s presence on the island and will provide enhanced access to key regional, business and leisure destinations across the UK and Europe.

Loganair Expands Jersey Hub with Four New Direct Routes, Including Paris Debut

Regional carrier expands island network with new UK, Irish and French services for summer 2026 Loganair has unveiled plans to strengthen connectivity from Jersey with the launch of four new direct routes to Norwich,…

Air Canada becomes latest A350 customer as it upgrades long-haul fleet Canadian flag carrier, Air Canada has disclosed a form order for eight Airbus A350-1000 wide body airlines making it the latest customer for the popular long range aircraft. Air Canada's current long haul fleet is primarily made up of rBoeing 777 and 787 aircraft but the new order marks a pivotal moment in the airlines fleet upgrade plans. The lower operating costs of the A350-1000 will give Air Canada a competitive advantage on long-haul routes, especially transatlantic routes between Canada and Europe and with a range of up to 9,000 nautical miles it will also be central to the airlines route expansion plans.

Air Canada becomes latest A350 customer as it upgrades long-haul fleet

Canadian flag carrier, Air Canada has disclosed a form order for eight Airbus A350-1000 wide body airlines making it the latest customer for the popular long range aircraft. Air Canada's current long haul fleet is primarily…

Airbus kicks off 2026 with 19 aircraft deliveries European OEM Airbus has made a strong start to 2026 delivering 19 aircraft to 15 customers in Janurary and gained orders for 49 aircraft. As usual, single-aisle aircraft dominated the deliveries with 15 A320neo family aircraft delivered, including 10 A321neos and five A320neos going to customers including Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air and Aer Lingus. Three Airbus A220-300s were also delivered to Air France, Air Canada and Breeze Airways.

Airbus kicks off 2026 with 19 aircraft deliveries

European OEM Airbus has made a strong start to 2026 delivering 19 aircraft to 15 customers in Janurary and gained orders for 49 aircraft. As usual, single-aisle aircraft dominated the deliveries with 15 A320neo family aircraft delivered, including…

New Chief Inspector of Air Accidents appointed at AAIB The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), Britains air accident investigators, has appointed Robert Balls as the new Chief of Air Accidents. He takes over the role with immediate effect replacing Crispin Orr, who had been in the role for nine years. Rob joined the AAIB as an inspector specialising in Engineering in 2020 before becoming a principal investigator in 2024. Before his role at the AAIB he was in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an officer.

New Chief Inspector of Air Accidents appointed at AAIB

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), Britains air accident investigators, has appointed Robert Balls as the new Chief of Air Accidents. He takes over the role with immediate effect replacing Crispin Orr, who had been in the role for…

British Airways Helicopters: A Pioneering Chapter in UK Rotary Aviation British Airways Helicopters occupies a unique place in the annals of UK aviation history. Although the company ceased operations nearly four decades ago, its role in shaping helicopter services — from scheduled passenger flights to offshore oil support — remains a fascinating chapter in British civil aviation. Origins and Early Evolution The story begins with British European Airways (BEA), which experimented with rotary-wing aircraft shortly after the Second World War.

British Airways Helicopters: A Pioneering Chapter in UK Rotary Aviation

British Airways Helicopters occupies a unique place in the annals of UK aviation history. Although the company ceased operations nearly four decades ago, its role in shaping helicopter services — from scheduled passenger…

Cardiff Airport in court over £205m Welsh Government Subsidy Welsh Government owned Cardiff Airport (CWL/EGFF) is locked in a Tribunal, which started today, where it must defend the £205.2 million subsidy it received from the Welsh Labour Government in April 2025. The case has been brought by regional rival Bristol Airport (BRS/EGGD) which says the size of the subsidy amounts to a breach of competition laws resulting in carriers potentially being tempted away from Bristol.

Cardiff Airport in court over £205m Welsh Government Subsidy

Welsh Government owned Cardiff Airport (CWL/EGFF) is locked in a Tribunal, which started today, where it must defend the £205.2 million subsidy it received from the Welsh Labour Government in April 2025. The case has been brought by…

CAA Data shows most complained about UK airlines Data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has unveiled the most complained about airlines operating from the UK and top of the list may, or may not surprise you. In the months from Mid 2024 to Spring 2025 the CAA says that it received over 43,000 complaints about UK airlines ranging from denied boarding and late operations through to lost luggage.

CAA Data shows most complained about UK airlines

Data from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has unveiled the most complained about airlines operating from the UK and top of the list may, or may not surprise you. In the months from Mid 2024 to Spring 2025 the CAA says that it received over 43,000…

Boeing and Airbus in line for large order from Saudia According to a report in Bloomberg, Saudia Airlines is in talks with both Boeing and Airbus about future aircraft purchases which could result in an order totaling 150 aircraft. Boeing is likely to be the recipient of the widebody orders while the single-aisle A320neo family is likely to be the Airbus component, probably A321neos. Talks are said to be at an early stage but will include both passenger and cargo aircraft to support Saudia Arabia's ambitious 

Boeing and Airbus in line for large order from Saudia

According to a report in Bloomberg, Saudia Airlines is in talks with both Boeing and Airbus about future aircraft purchases which could result in an order totaling 150 aircraft. Boeing is likely to be the recipient of the widebody orders while…

Air Cambodia places their largest ever Single-aisle order Southeast Asian carrier Air Cambodia has placed its largest ever single-aisle airliner order with US OEM Boeing for up to 20 737 Max airliners. The deal was announced at the Singapore Airshow and consisted of a firm order for 737 Max8 jets and options for a further 10. Air Cambodia will utilise the performance of the 737 Max 8 to expand its route network as well as improving passenger comfort and service.

Air Cambodia places their largest ever Single-aisle order

Southeast Asian carrier Air Cambodia has placed its largest ever single-aisle airliner order with US OEM Boeing for up to 20 737 Max airliners. The deal was announced at the Singapore Airshow and consisted of a firm order for 737 Max8 jets…

Police on scene of Cirrus crash near Rochdale Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they attending the scene of a light aircraft crash in Littleborough near Rochdale. The Cirrus SR20 is understood to have departed Birmingham earlier this morning before coming down around 11am this morning. The aircraft carries a ballistic recovery system known as CAPS and that appears to have been deployed in the incident but images on social media show the parachute caught in power lines.

Police on scene of Cirrus crash near Rochdale

AGS Airports secures £745 million refinancing as AIB joins lending syndicate AGS Airports has completed a £745 million refinancing package, strengthening its long-term financial position and supporting continued investment across its UK airport portfolio. The refinancing, finalised in December 2025, sees AIB join the banking syndicate following a series of primary and secondary market transactions. The operator of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports collectively handles more than 11 million passengers a year and plays a key role in regional connectivity across Scotland and southern England.

AGS Airports secures £745 million refinancing as AIB joins lending syndicate

AGS Airports has completed a £745 million refinancing package, strengthening its long-term financial position and supporting continued investment across its UK airport portfolio. The refinancing, finalised in December…

New Travel Trends Revealed in The Great British Holiday Audit 2026 The annual Great British Holiday Audit for 2026, recently released by easyJet and easyJet Holidays, has revealed a fascinating shift in how British travellers will plan and experience their holidays over the coming year. The latest findings, based on a survey of 2,000 British holidaymakers, show that the future of travel is being shaped by cultural, technological, and generational changes.

New Travel Trends Revealed in The Great British Holiday Audit 2026

The annual Great British Holiday Audit for 2026, recently released by easyJet and easyJet Holidays, has revealed a fascinating shift in how British travellers will plan and experience their holidays over the coming year. The latest…

Aer Lingus confirms it is ceasing long-haul operations at Manchester Airport Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus (EI/EIN) has confirmed it is ceasing long-haul operations from Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC)from the 31st of March 2026, with the New York service ending earlier in late February. The transatlantic flights to New York, Orlando and Barbados are operated by Aer Lingus UK (EH/EUK), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aer Lingus which was set up specifically for the Manchester long-haul operations.

Aer Lingus confirms it is ceasing long-haul operations at Manchester Airport

Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus (EI/EIN) has confirmed it is ceasing long-haul operations from Manchester Airport (MAN/EGCC)from the 31st of March 2026, with the New York service ending earlier in late February. The…

The wheels are falling off British Airways, literally!

A British Airways (BA/BAW) flight from Las Vegas to London Heathrow suffered a bizarre event yesterday when one of the main wheels separated from the aircraft after departing Las Vegas and whilst the gear was retracting. In video, widely…

Eurowings and Wizz Air Bolster Gatwick Presence in Strategic Shift London Gatwick (LGW/EGKK) has seen a significant boost to its European and medium-haul network this week as airlines finalise their summer 2026 schedules. The announcements, led by the Lufthansa Group and Wizz Air, underscore a growing trend of carriers pivoting towards Gatwick to secure growth that remains elusive at a slot-constrained Heathrow. Eurowings Moves Operations South In the most notable move of the week, German carrier Eurowings has confirmed it will relocate a substantial portion of its London flying from Heathrow to Gatwick starting 29 March 2026.

Eurowings and Wizz Air Bolster Gatwick Presence in Strategic Shift

London Gatwick (LGW/EGKK) has seen a significant boost to its European and medium-haul network this week as airlines finalise their summer 2026 schedules. The announcements, led by the Lufthansa Group and Wizz Air, underscore a…

Delta Airlines orders 31 additional Airbus widebody airliners US carrier Delta Airlines has placed an order with Airbus for 31 additional widebody airlines as it looks to grow its fleet. The order consists of 16 A330-900s and 15 A360-900s which will serve Delta's expanding long-haul markets. Delta's fleet of all Airbus aircraft ranges from the single aisle A220 and A320 family of aircraft through to the A350-1000 and it has a backlog with the European OEM of 200 aircraft.

Delta Airlines orders 31 additional Airbus widebody airliners

US carrier Delta Airlines has placed an order with Airbus for 31 additional widebody airlines as it looks to grow its fleet. The order consists of 16 A330-900s and 15 A360-900s which will serve Delta's expanding long-haul markets.…

UPS brings forward retirement of its MD11 fleet in light of Louisville crash Global parcel and logistics giant UPS has confirmed it will retire all of its entire 27 strong fleet of McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) MD11s replacing them with the incoming Boeing 767 Freighters, 15 of which they expect to have delivered this year. All MD11s have been grounded since the 8th November following a fatal crash in Louisville, Kentucky last November which saw the No1 engine detach from the aircraft due to structural failure of the pylon.

UPS brings forward retirement of its MD11 fleet in light of Louisville crash

Global parcel and logistics giant UPS has confirmed it will retire all of its entire 27 strong fleet of McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) MD11s replacing them with the incoming Boeing 767 Freighters, 15 of which they expect to…

Storm Chandra causes flight disruption across UK with over 40 flights cancelled The latest named storm to hit the UK, Storm Chandra, was causing significant disruption at UK airports this morning with strong winds and flooding affecting many areas. According to data from viation analytics firm Cirium, as of 9am this morning 43 flights had been cancelled from UK airports, including 4 that were due to depart across the Atlantic to the US.

Storm Chandra causes flight disruption across UK with over 40 flights cancelled

The latest named storm to hit the UK, Storm Chandra, was causing significant disruption at UK airports this morning with strong winds and flooding affecting many areas. According to data from viation analytics…

Airbus Helicopters posts strong order growth and market gains in 2025 Airbus Helicopters recorded a robust performance in 2025, securing 544 gross orders (536 net) from 205 customers across 50 countries, underlining continued growth across its civil, parapublic and military portfolios. The manufacturer delivered 392 helicopters during the year and captured a 51% share of the global civil and parapublic market, while its military market share rose to 28%. Order intake in unit terms increased by nearly 20% year-on-year, reflecting strong demand across all weight categories.

Airbus Helicopters posts strong order growth and market gains in 2025

Airbus Helicopters recorded a robust performance in 2025, securing 544 gross orders (536 net) from 205 customers across 50 countries, underlining continued growth across its civil, parapublic and military portfolios. The…

Newbow Aerospace opens new GSE factory in West Midlands Ground Support Equipment (GSE) manufacturer, Newbow Aerospace has opened a new fabrication facility in the West Midlands. The 4,000sq ft fabrication unit doubles the current production capacity and will allow Newbow to scale up production of GSE trailers and carts to meet the new airline contracts it won last year. Those contracts include British Airways’ Line Maintenance operation at London Gatwick with will see Newbow deliver a number of trailers in support of the airline’s Airbus A320 and Boeing 777 fleet.

Newbow Aerospace opens new GSE factory in West Midlands

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) manufacturer, Newbow Aerospace has opened a new fabrication facility in the West Midlands. The 4,000sq ft fabrication unit doubles the current production capacity and will allow Newbow to scale up production of…

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IBA forecasts 1,800 aircraft deliveries in 2026 as airline outlook stabilises Global aircraft deliveries are expected to reach around 1,800 units in 2026, according to new forecasts from aviation consultancy IBA, as easing inflation, lower fuel prices and improving manufacturer production rates support a more stable outlook for airlines. The prediction was outlined by IBA’s Chief Economist and Chief Data Officer, Dr Stuart Hatcher, who said macroeconomic conditions next year are likely to resemble those seen in 2025, characterised by market volatility but underpinned by gradually improving fundamentals.

IBA forecasts 1,800 aircraft deliveries in 2026 as airline outlook stabilises

Global aircraft deliveries are expected to reach around 1,800 units in 2026, according to new forecasts from aviation consultancy IBA, as easing inflation, lower fuel prices and improving manufacturer production rates…

Farnborough International Airshow adds Defence SME zone as tickets go on sale Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 is set to go ahead in July and with exhibition halls and chalets selling out 12 months in advance the show is set to welcome more international participation than ever. Making its debut this year is the Defence SME Zone which is part of FIA's commitment to nurturing new talent and innovation and will showcase high-potential international organisations, with a turnover under £10 million, specialising in defence and security technologies.

Farnborough International Airshow adds Defence SME zone as tickets go on sale

Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 is set to go ahead in July and with exhibition halls and chalets selling out 12 months in advance the show is set to welcome more international participation than ever. Making…

Former SCIE boss Kathryn Marsden OBE named new Yorkshire Air Ambulance Chief Executive Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has announced the appointment of Kathryn Marsden OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the life-saving charity. Ms Marsden, who currently leads the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), will formally take up the position on 9 March 2026. Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the charity, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound infrastructure expansion.

Former SCIE boss Kathryn Marsden OBE named new Yorkshire Air Ambulance Chief Executive

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has announced the appointment of Kathryn Marsden OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the life-saving charity. Ms Marsden, who…

Airbourne Colours secures Austrian Airlines A320 painting contract UK-based aircraft painting specialist Airbourne Colours has been selected by Austrian Airlines to carry out a major repainting programme for the carrier’s Airbus A320 fleet. Under the agreement, ten aircraft will be repainted at Airbourne Colours’ facility at East Midlands Airport, providing a strong start to 2026 for the company’s aircraft painting and refinishing operations. The programme is already in progress, with a series of consecutive aircraft inputs scheduled during the opening months of the year.

Airbourne Colours secures Austrian Airlines A320 painting contract

UK-based aircraft painting specialist Airbourne Colours has been selected by Austrian Airlines to carry out a major repainting programme for the carrier’s Airbus A320 fleet. Under the agreement, ten aircraft will be repainted at…

UK Government Announces £43 Million Boost for Green Aviation Projects The UK aviation industry is set to receive a significant boost after the Government announced up to £43 million in funding for green aviation projects, aimed at accelerating decarbonisation while supporting airport expansion and highly skilled jobs. Unveiled today the investment will support research and development into zero-emission aircraft, clean aviation technologies and sustainable fuels, while also exploring ways to reduce the climate impact of aviation, including studies into avoiding warming contrails formed by aircraft exhausts.

UK Government Announces £43 Million Boost for Green Aviation Projects

The UK aviation industry is set to receive a significant boost after the Government announced up to £43 million in funding for green aviation projects, aimed at accelerating decarbonisation while supporting airport expansion and…

Revealed: the UK’s most expensive airports to drop a passenger off Airport parking charges have long been a bone of contention for passengers with many airports charging inflated fees to park your family wagon up for that week in Lanzarote but what about if you get someone to drop you off, surely that isn't penalised right? Wrong. but to understand why that's ok you have to think about how airports make money.

Revealed: the UK’s most expensive airports to drop a passenger off

Airport parking charges have long been a bone of contention for passengers with many airports charging inflated fees to park your family wagon up for that week in Lanzarote but what about if you get someone to drop you off, surely…

Aviation disability charity Aerobility appoints new Chair Aerobility, a Leading UK aviation charity which specialises in access to aviation for those with disabilities, has appointed Neil Tucker as its new Chair of the Trustee board. Neil takes over from outgoing Chair Shona Bowman who has been in the role for the last 14 years, and with the charity since 2005. His association with Aerobility began in September 2018, following a life-changing motorcycle accident that left him having lost a leg and the use of his left arm.

Aviation disability charity Aerobility appoints new Chair

Aerobility, a Leading UK aviation charity which specialises in access to aviation for those with disabilities, has appointed Neil Tucker as its new Chair of the Trustee board. Neil takes over from outgoing Chair Shona Bowman who has been in…

Boeing delivers 600 aircraft in 2025 falling short of Airbus Seattle, Washington based OEM Boeing delivered 600 aircraft in 2025, almost 200 less than its European rival, Airbus. Boeing's final tally consisted of 447 single-aisle airliners and 153 wide-body aircraft, including freighters. Thanks to a late rally in the 4th Quarter, 447 Boeing 737s were delivered which is currently Boeing's only single-aisle product range. On the wide-body range, Boeing delivered 30 767s, 35 777s and 88 898s.

Boeing delivers 600 aircraft in 2025 falling short of Airbus

Seattle, Washington based OEM Boeing delivered 600 aircraft in 2025, almost 200 less than its European rival, Airbus. Boeing's final tally consisted of 447 single-aisle airliners and 153 wide-body aircraft, including freighters. Thanks…