Commercial Aviation
Discover Airlines Expands Fleet with Airbus A350 for Growth
Discover Airlines plans to grow its fleet to 40 aircraft by 2028, adding Airbus A350s to enhance long-haul leisure travel and expand destinations.
In the competitive landscape of leisure travel, staying ahead requires a clear vision and the right tools for the job. For an airline, this means a modern, efficient, and capable fleet. Discover Airlines, the leisure carrier of the Lufthansa Group, has recently outlined a significant strategic move that signals its ambitious growth plans. The airline is set to substantially expand its fleet, a decision that not only enhances its operational capacity but also reinforces its commitment to providing a premium experience for travelers heading to the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations. This expansion is not merely about adding more aircraft; it’s a calculated step towards future-proofing its operations and broadening its global reach.
The core of this strategic expansion is the planned integration of the Airbus A350-900, a long-haul aircraft renowned for its efficiency and passenger comfort. This move is a clear indicator of Discover Airlines’ intent to compete at the highest level of the leisure travel market. By investing in state-of-the-art technology, the airline is positioning itself to offer new, long-range destinations that were previously beyond its grasp. This development is significant for both the airline and its passengers, promising new travel possibilities and an elevated in-flight experience. The ripple effects of this expansion will likely be felt across the industry, as competitors take note of the Lufthansa Group’s strengthened focus on the burgeoning leisure travel segment.
The numbers behind Discover Airlines’ fleet expansion are impressive and paint a clear picture of its growth trajectory. The airline plans to increase its total fleet size to 40 aircraft by mid-2028. This represents a substantial increase from its current fleet of 30 aircraft, which is composed of 14 Airbus A330s for long-haul routes and 16 Airbus A320s for short- and medium-haul flights. The expansion is carefully phased, ensuring a smooth and sustainable integration of new assets into its existing operations. This methodical approach underscores a commitment to maintaining operational stability while pursuing ambitious growth targets.
The long-haul fleet will see the most significant transformation. Starting from mid-2027, Discover Airlines plans to gradually introduce four Airbus A350-900s. These aircraft will become the new flagships of the fleet, opening up possibilities for new routes to destinations in South and Central America, southern Africa, and Southeast Asia. In the interim, the A330 fleet will also be modernized. While three A330-200s are scheduled for retirement in 2026, they will be replaced by five A330-300s, bringing the total long-haul fleet to 16 aircraft of this type by the end of that year. This standardization to the A330-300 model is a strategic move to enhance efficiency and streamline operations within the long-haul segment.
On the short- and medium-haul front, the growth is just as deliberate. The Airbus A320 fleet is set to expand with the addition of two new aircraft in 2026, followed by two more by mid-2028. This will bring the total number of A320s to 20, strengthening the airline’s capacity to serve popular European holiday destinations from its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. This balanced approach to fleet expansion, covering both long-haul and short-haul operations, ensures that Discover Airlines can offer a comprehensive and competitive network for leisure travelers.
“With the further development and expansion of our fleet, including the planned deployment of the Airbus A350, we are further strengthening our existing offering, with even more comfort and attractive options for our guests.”, Bernd Bauer, CEO of Discover Airlines
The decision to incorporate the Airbus A350-900 into its fleet is a game-changer for Discover Airlines. This aircraft is widely regarded as one of the most advanced and efficient wide-body planes in the world. Its introduction will allow the airline to take a significant leap forward in terms of both operational performance and passenger experience. The A350’s superior fuel efficiency will not only reduce operational costs but also contribute to a more sustainable aviation footprint, a factor of increasing importance for both airlines and travelers. The aircraft’s construction, which largely consists of lightweight composite materials, is a key contributor to its efficiency.
For passengers, the A350 offers a noticeably improved travel experience. The cabin is designed to be quieter, and it features improved humidity and lower cabin pressure, which can help reduce the effects of jet lag on long-haul flights. These features, combined with a modern cabin interior, will elevate the level of comfort for travelers. Furthermore, Discover Airlines has announced that all its A330s will be equipped with a next-generation cabin in all three travel classes starting in 2027, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product across its entire long-haul fleet. This focus on passenger comfort is a clear indication of the airline’s commitment to its “quality leisure” proposition.
The extended range of the A350 is another crucial advantage. It opens up a world of new possibilities for Discover Airlines’ route network. While the aircraft may initially be deployed on existing popular routes such as Windhoek or Orlando, its true potential lies in its ability to connect Germany with far-flung leisure destinations that are currently underserved or not served at all. This expansion of the route map will not only provide more choices for travelers but also strengthen the Lufthansa Group’s overall position in the global leisure travel market. The ability to offer direct flights to exotic destinations is a powerful competitive advantage in the holiday travel sector. Discover Airlines’ fleet expansion plan is a bold and strategic move that sets a clear course for the future. By investing in modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly aircraft like the Airbus A350, the airline is not just growing its fleet; it is enhancing its capabilities and solidifying its position as a leading leisure carrier. This expansion is a testament to the Lufthansa Group’s confidence in the long-term growth of the leisure travel market and its commitment to providing a high-quality product for this segment. The carefully planned, phased approach to fleet modernization and expansion ensures that this growth is both sustainable and operational. Strategy sound.
Looking ahead, the implications of this expansion are far-reaching. For travelers, it means more destinations, greater comfort, and a more enjoyable travel experience. For the airline, it means increased efficiency, a stronger competitive position, and the ability to tap into new markets. As Discover Airlines continues on this growth trajectory, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of leisure travel, offering a compelling blend of quality, comfort, and adventure for holidaymakers around the world.
Question: What are the key highlights of Discover Airlines’ fleet expansion? Question: What new destinations might Discover Airlines fly to with the Airbus A350? Question: How will the new aircraft improve the passenger experience?
Discover Airlines Charts a New Course with Major Fleet Expansion
A Fleet for the Future: Growth by the Numbers
The A350 Advantage: A New Era of Long-Haul Travel
Conclusion: A Clear Trajectory for Growth and Quality
FAQ
Answer: Discover Airlines plans to grow its fleet to 40 aircraft by mid-2028. This includes the introduction of four Airbus A350-900s for long-haul routes starting in mid-2027, and an increase in its Airbus A320 fleet to 20 aircraft for short- and medium-haul flights.
Answer: The long range of the Airbus A350 opens up the possibility of flying to new leisure destinations in South and Central America, southern Africa, and Southeast Asia, which are not reachable with the current fleet.
Answer: The Airbus A350 is known for its passenger comfort, with a quieter cabin, improved humidity, and lower cabin pressure. Additionally, all A330s will be retrofitted with a next-generation cabin by 2027, ensuring a modern and comfortable experience across the long-haul fleet.
Sources
Photo Credit: Discover Airlines
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Qanot Sharq Receives First Airbus A321XLR in Central Asia
Qanot Sharq becomes Central Asia’s first operator of the Airbus A321XLR, expanding long-haul routes to North America and Asia from Tashkent.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and Qanot Sharq.
On December 19, 2025, Qanot Sharq, Uzbekistan’s first private airline, officially took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft. The delivery, facilitated through a lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC), marks a historic milestone for aviation in the region, as Qanot Sharq becomes the launch operator of the A321XLR in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
This aircraft is the first of four confirmed A321XLR units destined for the carrier. According to the official announcement, the airline intends to utilize the aircraft’s extended range to open new long-haul markets that were previously inaccessible to single-aisle jets, including planned services to North America and East Asia.
The newly delivered A321XLR is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines and features a two-class layout designed to balance capacity with passenger comfort on longer sectors. The aircraft accommodates a total of 190 passengers.
In addition to the seating configuration, the aircraft is fitted with Airbus’ “Airspace” cabin interior. Key features include customizable LED lighting, lower cabin altitude settings to reduce jet lag, and XL overhead bins that provide 60% more storage capacity compared to previous generation aircraft.
Nosir Abdugafarov, the owner of Qanot Sharq, emphasized the strategic importance of the delivery in a statement regarding the fleet expansion.
“The A321XLR’s exceptional range and efficiency will allow us to offer greater comfort and convenience while maintaining highly competitive operating economics.”
, Nosir Abdugafarov, Owner of Qanot Sharq
The introduction of the A321XLR allows Qanot Sharq to deploy a narrowbody aircraft on routes typically reserved for widebody jets. With a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), the airline plans to connect Tashkent with destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America.
According to the airline’s strategic roadmap, the new fleet will support route expansion to Sanya (China) and Busan (South Korea). Furthermore, the airline has explicitly outlined plans to serve New York (JFK) via Budapest. While the A321XLR has impressive range, the distance between Tashkent and New York (approximately 5,500 nm) necessitates a technical stop. Budapest will serve as this intermediate point, potentially allowing the airline to tap into passenger demand between Central Europe and the United States, subject to regulatory approvals. AJ Abedin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Air Lease Corporation, noted the geographical advantages available to the airline.
“Qanot Sharq is uniquely positioned to unlock the full potential of the A321XLR due to its strategic location in Uzbekistan, bridging Europe and Asia.”
, AJ Abedin, SVP Marketing, Air Lease Corporation
The delivery of the A321XLR signals a distinct shift in the competitive landscape of Uzbek aviation. Until now, long-haul flights from Tashkent,specifically to the United States,have been the exclusive domain of the state-owned flag carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, which utilizes Boeing 787 Dreamliners for non-stop service.
By adopting the A321XLR, Qanot Sharq appears to be pursuing a “long-haul low-cost” hybrid model. The A321XLR burns approximately 30% less fuel per seat than previous-generation aircraft, allowing the private carrier to operate long routes with significantly lower trip costs than its state-owned competitor. While the one-stop service via Budapest will result in a longer total travel time compared to Uzbekistan Airways’ direct flights, the lower operating costs could allow Qanot Sharq to offer more competitive fares, appealing to price-sensitive travelers and labor migrants.
Furthermore, the choice of Budapest as a stopover is strategic. If Qanot Sharq secures “Fifth Freedom” rights,which are currently a subject of regulatory negotiation,it could monetize the empty seats on the Budapest-New York sector, effectively competing in the transatlantic market while serving its primary base in Central Asia.
Sources: Airbus Press Release, Air Lease Corporation
Qanot Sharq Becomes First Central Asian Operator of Airbus A321XLR
Aircraft Configuration and Capabilities
Strategic Network Expansion
AirPro News Analysis: The Long-Haul Low-Cost Shift
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Airlines Strategy
Kenya Airways Plans Secondary Hub in Accra with Project Kifaru
Kenya Airways advances plans for a secondary hub at Accra’s Kotoka Airport, leveraging partnerships and regional aircraft to boost intra-African connectivity.
This article summarizes reporting by AFRAA and official statements from Kenya Airways.
Kenya Airways (KQ) is moving forward with strategic plans to establish a secondary operational hub at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana. According to reporting by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and recent company statements, this initiative represents a critical pillar of “Project Kifaru,” the airlines‘s three-year recovery and growth roadmap.
The proposed expansion aims to deepen intra-African connectivity by positioning Accra as a pivotal node for West African operations. Rather than launching a wholly-owned subsidiary, a model that requires heavy capital expenditure, Kenya Airways intends to utilize a partnership-driven approach, leveraging existing relationships with regional carriers to feed long-haul networks.
While the Kenyan government formally requested permission for the hub in May 2025, Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka confirmed in December 2025 that the plan remains under active study. A final decision on the full execution of the project is expected in 2026.
The core of the Accra strategy involves basing aircraft directly in West Africa to serve high-demand regional routes. According to details emerging from the planning phase, Kenya Airways intends to deploy three Embraer E190-E1 aircraft to Kotoka International Airport. These aircraft will facilitate regional connections, feeding passengers into the carrier’s long-haul network and supporting the logistics needs of the region.
This operational shift marks a departure from the traditional “hub-and-spoke” model centered exclusively on Nairobi. By establishing a presence in Ghana, KQ aims to capture traffic in a market currently dominated by competitors such as Ethiopian Airlines (via its ASKY partner in Lomé) and Air Côte d’Ivoire.
A key component of this strategy is the airline’s collaboration with Ghana-based Africa World Airlines (AWA). Kenya Airways signed a codeshare agreement with AWA in May 2022. This partnership allows KQ to connect passengers from its Nairobi-Accra service to AWA’s domestic and regional network, covering destinations like Kumasi, Takoradi, Lagos, and Abuja.
Industry observers note that this “capital-light” model reduces the financial risks associated with starting a new airline from scratch. Instead of competing directly on every thin route, KQ can rely on AWA to provide feed traffic while focusing its own metal on key trunk routes. The push for a West African hub comes as Kenya Airways navigates a complex financial recovery. The airline reported a significant milestone in the 2024 full financial year, posting an operating profit of Ksh 10.5 billion and a net profit of Ksh 5.4 billion, its first profit in 11 years. This resurgence provided the initial confidence to pursue the growth phase of Project Kifaru.
However, the first half of 2025 presented renewed challenges. The airline reported a Ksh 12.2 billion loss for the period, attributed largely to currency volatility and the grounding of its Boeing 787 fleet due to global spare parts shortages. These financial realities underscore the necessity of the proposed low-capital expansion model in Accra.
The strategy focuses on collaboration with existing African carriers rather than creating a new airline from scratch.
, Summary of Kenya Airways’ strategic approach
The viability of the Accra hub relies heavily on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and “Fifth Freedom” rights, which allow an airline to fly between two foreign countries. West Africa has been a leader in implementing these protocols, making Accra a legally feasible location for a secondary hub.
Furthermore, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat is headquartered in Accra. Kenya Airways is positioning itself to support the trade bloc by facilitating the movement of people and cargo between East and West Africa. The airline has already introduced Boeing 737-800 freighters to serve key destinations including Lagos, Dakar, Freetown, and Monrovia.
The decision to delay a final “go/no-go” confirmation until 2026 suggests a prudent approach by Kenya Airways management. While the West African market is lucrative, it is also saturated with aggressive competitors like Air Peace and the well-entrenched ASKY/Ethiopian Airlines alliance. By opting for a partnership model with Africa World Airlines rather than a full subsidiary, KQ avoids the “cash burn” trap that led to the collapse of previous pan-African airline ventures. If successful, this could serve as a blueprint for other mid-sized African carriers looking to expand without overleveraging their balance sheets.
What aircraft will be based in Accra? When will the hub become operational? How does this affect the Nairobi hub?
Kenya Airways Advances Plans for Secondary Hub in Accra Under ‘Project Kifaru’
Operational Strategy: The ‘Mini-Hub’ Model
Partnership with Africa World Airlines
Financial Context and ‘Project Kifaru’
Regulatory Landscape and Competition
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Current plans indicate that Kenya Airways intends to base three Embraer E190-E1 aircraft at Kotoka International Airport.
While planning is underway and government requests have been filed, a final decision on full execution is not expected until 2026.
Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) remains the primary hub. The Accra facility is designed as a secondary node to improve regional connectivity and feed traffic back into the global network.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer – E190
Commercial Aviation
Derazona Helicopters Receives First H160 for Energy Missions in Southeast Asia
Airbus delivers the first H160 to Derazona Helicopters in Indonesia, enhancing offshore oil and gas transport with advanced fuel-efficient technology.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus Helicopters.
On December 19, 2025, Airbus Helicopters officially delivered the first H160 rotorcraft to Derazona Helicopters (PT. Derazona Air Service) in Jakarta, Indonesia. According to the manufacturer’s announcement, this delivery represents a significant regional milestone, as Derazona becomes the first operator in Southeast Asia to utilize the H160 specifically for energy sector missions, including offshore oil and gas transport.
The handover marks the culmination of a strategic acquisition process that began with an initial order in April 2021. Derazona, a historic Indonesian aviation company established in 1971, intends to deploy the medium-class helicopter for a variety of critical missions, ranging from offshore transport to utility operations and commercial passenger services.
The introduction of the H160 into the Indonesian market signals a shift toward modernizing aging fleets in the archipelago. Derazona Helicopters stated that the aircraft will play a pivotal role in their expansion within the oil and gas sector, a primary economic driver for the region.
In a statement regarding the delivery, Ramadi Widyardiono, Director of Production at Derazona Helicopters, emphasized the operational advantages of the new airframe:
“The arrival of our first H160 marks an exciting chapter for Derazona Helicopters. As the pioneer operator of this aircraft for energy missions in Southeast Asia, we are eager to deploy its unique capabilities to serve our various clients with the highest levels of safety and efficiency. The H160’s proven performance will be key to reinforcing our position as a leader in helicopter services in Southeast Asia.”
Airbus executives echoed this sentiment, highlighting the aircraft’s suitability for the demanding geography of Indonesia. Regis Magnac, Vice President Head of Energy, Leasing and Global Accounts at Airbus Helicopters, noted the importance of this partnership:
“We are proud to see the H160 enter service in Southeast Asia, cementing our relationship with Derazona as they become the region’s launch customer for energy missions. The H160 represents a true generational leap, built to be an efficient, reliable, and comfortable workhorse, perfectly suited for the demanding operational requirements of the Indonesian energy sector.”
According to technical data provided by Airbus, the H160 is designed to replace previous-generation medium helicopters such as the AS365 Dauphin and H155. The aircraft incorporates several proprietary technologies aimed at improving safety and reducing environmental impact.
Key technical features cited in the release include: Airbus claims the H160 delivers a 15% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous generation engines, aligning with the energy sector’s increasing focus on reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions in their logistics supply chains.
The delivery of the H160 to Derazona Helicopters reflects a broader trend we are observing across the Asia-Pacific aviation market: the prioritization of “eco-efficient” logistics. As oil and gas majors face stricter carbon reporting requirements, the pressure cascades down to their logistics providers.
By adopting the H160, Derazona is not merely upgrading its fleet age; it is positioning itself competitively to bid for contracts with energy multinationals that now weigh carbon footprint heavily in their tender processes. The move away from legacy airframes like the Bell 412 or Sikorsky S-76 toward next-generation composite aircraft suggests that fuel efficiency is becoming as critical a metric as payload capacity in the offshore sector.
Who is the operator of the new H160? What is the primary use of this aircraft? How does the H160 improve upon older helicopters? When was this specific aircraft ordered? Sources: Airbus Helicopters Press Release
Derazona Helicopters Becomes Southeast Asia’s First H160 Energy Operator
Modernizing Indonesia’s Energy Fleet
Technical Profile: The H160
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The operator is PT. Derazona Air Service (Derazona Helicopters), an Indonesian aviation company headquartered at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Jakarta.
It will be used primarily for offshore energy transport (supporting oil rigs), as well as utility missions and VIP transport.
The H160 offers a 15% reduction in fuel consumption, significantly lower noise levels due to Blue Edge™ blades, and advanced Helionix® avionics for improved safety.
Derazona originally placed the order for this H160 in April 2021.
Photo Credit: Airbus
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