Commercial Aviation
Air Serbia and airBaltic Expand Airbus A220 Partnership for Growth
Air Serbia and airBaltic deepen cooperation with a two-year Airbus A220 ACMI wet-lease, enhancing fleet modernization and efficiency across Europe.
Air Serbia and airBaltic Deepen Ties with Strategic A220 Partnership
In the dynamic world of European aviation, partnerships are crucial for growth, efficiency, and modernization. A prime example of this is the evolving relationship between Air Serbia, the flag carrier of Serbia, and airBaltic, its Latvian counterpart. What began over a decade ago as a straightforward codeshare agreement has now blossomed into a significant strategic alliance. This new chapter is marked by a comprehensive two-year wet-lease agreement, signaling a deeper integration of their operational strategies and a shared vision for the future of regional air travel.
This expanded cooperation is more than a simple capacity-sharing deal; it represents a pivotal moment for both airlines. For Air Serbia, it offers a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to test and evaluate one of the most modern and efficient narrow-body aircraft on the market, the Airbus A220-300. For airBaltic, it solidifies its position as a leading ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider in Europe, leveraging its expertise and all-A220 fleet to support other carriers. This agreement, therefore, sets the stage for significant operational enhancements and provides a blueprint for future fleet decisions, ultimately benefiting passengers with an improved travel experience.
Dissecting the Expanded Cooperation
The cornerstone of this enhanced partnership is a two-year ACMI wet-lease agreement, which officially commenced on November 1, 2025. This model is a comprehensive solution where one airline (airBaltic) provides the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance to another airline (Air Serbia), which then operates the flights under its own brand and flight numbers. This arrangement allows Air Serbia to quickly and efficiently expand its operational capacity without the immediate capital expenditure and logistical complexities associated with purchasing new aircraft and training crews.
The agreement is structured to scale with seasonal demand. During the winter 2025 season, two of airBaltic’s Airbus A220-300 aircraft will operate on behalf of Air Serbia. This number is set to double to four aircraft for the busier summer 2026 season, demonstrating a clear commitment to a long-term, flexible partnership. The initial phase will see these modern jets deployed on 19 of Air Serbia’s routes from its Belgrade hub, serving key European destinations such as Paris, Amsterdam, London, Zurich, and Madrid. The very first flight under this new arrangement was scheduled from Belgrade to Zurich, marking the official start of a new era of collaboration.
It is noteworthy that airBaltic secured this contract in a competitive environment, reportedly chosen over fourteen other European airlines. This underscores the strength of their offer and the quality of their all-A220 operational model. As a specific operational detail, it has been clarified by airBaltic that its aircraft and crews will not be utilized on Air Serbia’s routes to Russia, ensuring compliance with international aviation regulations and sanctions.
The Airbus A220-300: A Game-Changer for Passengers and Operations
The centerpiece of this agreement is the Airbus A220-300. With a seating capacity of 148, this aircraft is renowned for its superior operational efficiency and passenger-centric design. For travelers on Air Serbia flights, the introduction of the A220 represents a significant upgrade in comfort. The aircraft features a modern cabin with wider seats, larger windows that allow for more natural light, and more spacious overhead luggage bins. These elements combine to create a more pleasant and comfortable in-flight experience compared to older-generation narrow-body jets.
Beyond passenger comfort, the A220-300 delivers substantial environmental and operational benefits. It is recognized for its exceptional fuel efficiency, consuming significantly less fuel per seat than previous-generation aircraft. This efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also lowers carbon emissions. Furthermore, the A220 boasts a considerably smaller noise footprint, making it a more welcome neighbor at airports and contributing to a quieter cabin environment for passengers. These characteristics align with the broader aviation industry’s goals of achieving more sustainable operations.
“This partnership is of particular importance for Air Serbia, as on our flights, passengers will have the opportunity to travel comfortably and quickly to their destinations aboard modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft… This type of aircraft will be an important model and reference point for future decisions regarding the composition of Air Serbia’s fleet.” , Jiřà Marek, CEO of Air Serbia
A Strategic Win-Win for Both Carriers
This partnership is a masterclass in strategic alignment, offering distinct and complementary advantages to both Air Serbia and airBaltic. It moves far beyond a simple transactional lease, creating a symbiotic relationship that strengthens each airline’s respective market position and long-term strategy. The collaboration is built on a foundation of over a decade of cooperation, evolving from a simple codeshare to a deeply integrated operational alliance.
Air Serbia: A Live Testbed for Fleet Modernization
For Air Serbia, this agreement serves as a crucial “live evaluation platform.” The airline’s current narrow-body fleet is primarily composed of Airbus A319 and A320 family aircraft. While reliable, the carrier has been actively exploring options for fleet renewal. The two-year wet-lease provides an invaluable opportunity to introduce the A220-300 into its network and gather real-world data on its performance, fuel consumption, maintenance reliability, and, critically, passenger feedback. This hands-on experience will allow Air Serbia’s management to make a well-informed, data-driven decision about its future long-term fleet composition without the immediate financial burden of a multi-billion dollar aircraft order. It is a prudent, strategic step toward modernization.
airBaltic: Cementing Leadership in ACMI Services
For airBaltic, this deal reinforces its successful business strategy centered around the Airbus A220-300. As the global launch customer and the world’s largest operator of the type, airBaltic possesses unparalleled expertise in flying and maintaining this specific aircraft. Since transitioning to an all-A220 fleet in 2020, the airline has honed its operations to maximize efficiency. The ACMI model allows airBaltic to leverage this expertise, ensuring high utilization rates for its growing fleet,which it plans to expand from 50 to 100 aircraft by 2030. Providing wet-lease services to partners like Air Serbia creates a stable and predictable revenue stream, complementing its own scheduled passenger services and de-risking its ambitious expansion plans.
“Expanding this cooperation through the ACMI agreement supports efficient fleet use and reliable operations for both airlines. The ACMI model enables airBaltic to provide flexible capacity to partner airlines across Europe while maintaining consistent product quality and operational reliability with our modern Airbus A220-300 fleet and experienced crews.” , Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer at airBaltic
Conclusion: A Partnership Shaping Regional Aviation
The expanded agreement between Air Serbia and airBaltic is a forward-thinking move that highlights a growing trend of deeper, more strategic partnerships in the European airline industry. It transcends a standard lease arrangement, creating a mutually beneficial platform for growth, evaluation, and operational excellence. Air Serbia gains a modern, efficient aircraft to enhance its passenger experience and inform its future fleet strategy, while airBaltic capitalizes on its A220 expertise to strengthen its position as a premier ACMI provider.
Looking ahead, this collaboration could serve as a model for other regional carriers. It demonstrates how airlines can leverage each other’s strengths to navigate the complexities of fleet modernization, seasonal demand, and operational efficiency. For passengers in the Balkan and Baltic regions, this partnership translates directly into a better travel experience, with access to one of the most comfortable and sustainable aircraft in its class. The success of this two-year venture will undoubtedly be watched closely by the industry and will play a crucial role in shaping the future fleets and operational models of both Air Serbia and airBaltic.
FAQ
Question: What is an ACMI wet-lease agreement?
Answer: An ACMI agreement stands for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance. It is a type of leasing arrangement where the leasing airline (in this case, airBaltic) provides the aircraft, the flight and cabin crew, all necessary maintenance, and the insurance to the lessee airline (Air Serbia), which then operates the flight under its own brand.
Question: Which aircraft is being used in this partnership?
Answer: The agreement involves the use of modern and fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300 aircraft, each with a capacity of 148 seats. airBaltic is the world’s largest operator of this aircraft type.
Question: Why is this agreement important for Air Serbia’s future?
Answer: It allows Air Serbia to test the Airbus A220-300 in its own network without the immediate cost of purchasing the planes. This “live evaluation” will provide critical data on performance, costs, and passenger satisfaction to help the airline make a final decision on its future fleet modernization.
Question: How many aircraft are involved and for how long?
Answer: The agreement is for two years. It starts with two A220-300 aircraft during the winter 2025 season and will increase to four aircraft for the summer 2026 season.
Sources: Air Serbia
Photo Credit: Air Serbia
Commercial Aviation
ASL Airlines Australia Takes Delivery of Third Boeing 737-800BCF
ASL Airlines Australia received its third Boeing 737-800BCF, completing an 18,000-km ferry flight from Shannon to Brisbane.
This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.
ASL Airlines Australia has expanded its dedicated cargo fleet with the delivery of its third Boeing 737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter), which completed an 18,000-kilometer ferry flight from Ireland to Brisbane on September 19, 2026.
The aircraft, registered as VH-AZ4, departed Shannon, Ireland, on September 17, 2026. According to a company statement, the delivery flight required extensive international coordination and routed through Bulgaria, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia before reaching Australia.
Ferry flight and aircraft history
The delivery of VH-AZ4 involved a multi-day transit across several Flight Information Regions (FIR). The Boeing 737-800BCF departed Shannon and made stops in Sofia, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, and Lombok prior to its scheduled arrival in Brisbane. ASL Airlines Australia credited ASL Aviation Holdings, ASL Airlines Ireland, and Southern Cross International for managing the regulatory approvals and route planning required for the transfer.
The airframe, bearing Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 32686, is 19.6 years old. According to reporting by STAT Times, the aircraft previously operated in a passenger configuration for Shenzhen Airlines. It underwent freighter conversion in 2023 and subsequently operated for ASL Airlines Ireland under the registration EI-HRB. The aircraft was transferred to the Australian registry on August 28, 2026, according to registration data published by FlyingInIreland.
Regional cargo expansion
The arrival of VH-AZ4 marks the latest step in a broader fleet modernization effort by ASL Airlines Australia. The carrier, formerly known as Pionair before its acquisition by ASL Aviation Holdings in 2023, took delivery of its first Boeing 737-800BCF in early 2024.
A second aircraft followed in August 2025, enabling the airline to launch dedicated trans-Tasman cargo services for FedEx between Australia and New Zealand. STAT Times reports that the Sydney Bankstown-based operator intends to add up to four additional 737-800BCF aircraft to its regional network, drawing from the European fleet of ASL Aviation Holdings.
In its delivery announcement, ASL Airlines Australia described the new addition as another step in the continued growth of its Australian freighter operation.
AirPro News analysis
We view the steady transfer of Boeing 737-800BCF capacity from Europe to Australia as a clear indicator of ASL Aviation Holdings’ strategy to leverage its global fleet flexibility. By cascading converted freighters from ASL Airlines Ireland to its Australian subsidiary, the group can rapidly scale up capacity in the Asia-Pacific and trans-Tasman markets without waiting for new conversion slots. This internal fleet mobility provides a distinct competitive advantage in securing and expanding regional express cargo contracts.
Sources: ASL Airlines Australia
Photo Credit: ASL Airlines Australia
Route Development
Air France Moving to JFK New Terminal One in Early 2027
Air France relocates to JFK’s New Terminal One in early 2027, opening a 29,000 sq ft lounge for premium passengers.
Airlines Air France will relocate its New York operations to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) New Terminal One in early 2027, anchoring the move with a 2,700-square-meter premium lounge.
The transition, announced in a company press release on September 15, 2026, aligns with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion redevelopment of the airport. The new facility will become the largest lounge in the French flag carrier’s international network, designed to support its high-frequency transatlantic schedule.
Premium passenger experience and lounge specifications
The planned lounge will span approximately 29,000 square feet and accommodate up to 400 guests. The space is designed to serve passengers traveling in the airline’s La Première and Business class cabins, along with Flying Blue Elite Plus and Flying Blue Ultimate loyalty members.
Nicolas Henin, Senior Vice President for North America at Air France, highlighted the carrier’s history in the region and the strategic focus on high-yield traffic:
New York is one of Air France’s most important and iconic markets, and this year we are especially proud to celebrate 80 years of serving New York. With our move to New Terminal One and the opening of this new lounge, we are taking our premium travel experience to a new level, continuing to invest not only in the flight itself, but providing elegance in every moment of the journey.
Flight operations and terminal integration
Air France currently operates six daily flights to New York-JFK. Four of these services utilize Boeing 777-300ER aircraft equipped with the airline’s La Première cabin. Across the broader New York market, including Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the carrier operates 11 daily flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) during the summer season.
The New Terminal One is managed by a consortium led by Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle. Jennifer Aument, CEO of The New Terminal One, described the Air France-KLM Group as a key anchor carrier and valued long-term partner. She noted the new lounge will enhance the departure experience for Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and SkyTeam alliance customers.
The opening of the terminal is scheduled for early 2027. According to reporting by The Points Guy, this timeline represents a shift from an original 2026 target. Terminal officials indicated the adjusted schedule allows operators to thoroughly test systems and processes prior to commencing passenger operations.
AirPro News analysis
We view Air France’s commitment to The New Terminal One as a strategic consolidation of SkyTeam’s premium footprint at JFK. By dedicating 2,700 square meters to a single lounge, the carrier is aggressively defending its market share on the highly competitive New York-Paris route. The delayed opening to early 2027 is a prudent measure for a $19 billion infrastructure project, as early operational disruptions at new Airports can severely damage an airline’s brand reputation among premium passengers.
Sources: Air France Corporate
Photo Credit: Air France Corporate
Commercial Aviation
Harbour Air to Acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines in BC Merger
Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines merge to form a 59-aircraft regional group operating 300 daily flights across British Columbia.
Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines announced an acquisition agreement on September 15, 2026, to form a consolidated regional aviation group in Western Canada. The transaction merges Harbour Air’s extensive seaplane operations with Pacific Coastal Airlines’ wheeled turboprop network, creating a combined entity operating up to 300 daily flights across British Columbia.
In a joint press release, the companies confirmed that both airlines will remain under Canadian ownership and continue to operate as independent brands. The mergers aims to enhance year-round reliability during weather disruptions and expand connectivity for 25 communities through Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Fleet integration and operational independence
Despite the acquisition, the two carriers will maintain separate Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) and operating teams. According to the official announcement, Pacific Coastal Airlines will retain its name and brand identity while operating under the new joint ownership structure.
The combined fleet will total 59 aircraft. Harbour Air brings 40 floatplanes to the group, including de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beavers, DHC-3 Turbo Otters, and Twin Otters. Pacific Coastal Airlines contributes 19 wheeled turboprop aircraft. This mixed-fleet capability is designed to provide greater operational flexibility, particularly during the frequent weather disruptions common in the Pacific Northwest.
The new regional airline group will employ more than 900 people. Both airlines share historical roots, having been founded in Richmond, British Columbia, during the 1980s, with Pacific Coastal Airlines officially launching in 1987.
Leadership perspectives and future offerings
Executives from both airlines emphasized the complementary nature of the merger. Harbour Air Chief Executive Officer Bert van der Stege stated that the creation of the new group represents a significant step for the company and the communities it serves.
“We have a long standing and deep respect for Pacific Coastal Airlines, for their role as a B.C. regional airline and their employees who have powered the airline for 40 years,” van der Stege said in a statement provided to TravelPulse Canada. “We look forward to welcoming them into the new group and investing together in building the leading regional airline group in Western Canada.”
Pacific Coastal Airlines President Quentin Smith noted that joining forces with Harbour Air will allow the wheeled-aircraft operator to invest in growth while maintaining its established brand. The new ownership group plans to introduce a common loyalty program across both brands and expand low-fare offerings throughout the network.
Regulatory approval and market context
The transaction remains subject to general regulatory approval from Canadian authorities. Because both Harbour Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines are privately owned, the financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, and a specific closing date has not been announced.
The acquisition follows a period of network expansion for Harbour Air. The seaplane operator recently launched expanded service connecting Vancouver to Tofino and Victoria, and established a loyalty partnerships with Aeroplan in December 2025.
AirPro News analysis
We view this acquisition as a strategic consolidation of British Columbia’s regional aviation market. By combining floatplane and wheeled-aircraft operations under a single corporate umbrella, the new group can optimize route networks that were previously siloed by infrastructure requirements. The retention of separate AOCs mitigates the immediate regulatory and training complexities typically associated with merging distinct flight operations. The ability to route passengers seamlessly between coastal seaplane bases and the major hub at Vancouver International Airport positions the combined entity to capture a larger share of both local commuter traffic and international connecting passengers.
Sources: Pacific Coastal Airlines
Photo Credit: Pacific Coastal Airlines
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