Commercial Aviation
Delta Opens Second Largest Sky Club at Salt Lake City Airport
Delta expands Salt Lake City hub with a new large Sky Club offering enhanced amenities as part of The New SLC redevelopment project.
Delta Doubles Down in Salt Lake City with a Sprawling New Sky Club
Delta Air Lines has significantly expanded its presence at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with the opening of a massive new Delta Sky Club in Concourse B. This move signals the airlines strong commitment to its SLC hub, which is a critical connection point in its extensive network. The new lounge is not just an addition; it’s a statement piece, becoming the second-largest in Delta’s entire global network of Sky Clubs. This expansion is a key part of the broader “The New SLC” redevelopment program, a multi-phase initiative designed to modernize the airport, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the overall passenger experience.
The opening of this second Sky Club directly addresses the growing pains experienced at the airport, particularly the overcrowding at the existing Concourse A lounge, which opened in 2020. By more than doubling its lounge capacity at SLC, Delta aims to provide a more comfortable and premium experience for its customers. The new facility, which officially opened its doors on October 28, 2025, is strategically located in the newly expanded Concourse B, making it easily accessible to travelers. This investment underscores Salt Lake City’s importance as a hub, from which Delta operates up to 255 peak-day departures to nearly 100 destinations worldwide.
A Deep Dive into the Design and Amenities
Spanning nearly 34,000 square feet, the new Sky Club can accommodate up to 600 guests, offering ample space for relaxation and work. The design of the lounge is a deliberate homage to Utah’s stunning natural landscapes. The aesthetic incorporates elements that evoke the state’s majestic mountains, serene lakes, and even the shimmer of snow, with features like a geometric ceiling and rich wood tones. This connection to the local environment provides a unique sense of place, distinguishing it from other airport lounges.
One of the most talked-about features is the “Digital Immersion Wall,” a first for any Delta Sky Club. This innovative installation surrounds guests with panoramic visuals of Utah’s iconic landmarks, complemented by nature sounds, creating a calming, 4D experience. In addition to this unique feature, the lounge is adorned with artwork from local Utah artists, further strengthening its connection to the community. For travelers needing to stay productive, the club offers nine sound-proof telephone booths, providing quiet spaces for calls and focused work.
When it comes to refreshments, the new Sky Club does not disappoint. A large central buffet offers a variety of fresh food options, including salads and sandwiches. There are also two beverage stations, but the standout feature is a “dirty soda” bar, a nod to a popular local trend. While the lounge boasts a premium bar and spacious restrooms, it’s worth noting that it does not include showers or an outdoor Sky Deck, amenities that are available at the Concourse A location.
“This space was designed with direct input from our customers, what they love, what they need and how they want to feel when they travel. From the seating layout to the food and beverage offerings, every detail was crafted to deliver an elevated experience that makes the lounge feel like a home away from home.”
– Claude Roussel, Vice President – Delta Sky Club and Lounge Experience
Strategic Importance and the Broader Context
The opening of the new Sky Club is intricately linked to the ongoing “The New SLC” redevelopment program. A significant milestone in this project was the opening of a new central tunnel in October 2024, connecting Concourses A and B and drastically reducing walking times for passengers. The expansion of Concourse B also includes the addition of 10 new gates for Delta, further solidifying the airline’s operational capacity at the hub.
Delta’s investment in Salt Lake City extends beyond infrastructure. The airline has been actively expanding its international route network from SLC, recently launching a nonstop service to Seoul, South Korea, and with plans to begin flights to Lima, Peru. These new routes highlight SLC’s growing importance as a global gateway. The airline’s commitment to the region is also reflected in its community partnerships and the fact that over 4,800 Delta employees are based in Utah.
The competitive landscape at SLC is also heating up, with an American Express Centurion Lounge set to open on the same day as the new Sky Club. This increases the lounge options for travelers and signals the airport’s rising prominence. Looking ahead, Delta has also confirmed plans for a Delta One Lounge at SLC, though an official opening date has not yet been announced. This future addition will cater to premium cabin passengers, further enhancing the travel experience at the airport.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Delta at SLC
The new Delta Sky Club in Concourse B is more than just a lounge; it’s a cornerstone of Delta’s long-term strategy for its Salt Lake City hub. By addressing capacity issues and introducing innovative, locally-inspired amenities, Delta is significantly enhancing the customer experience. This investment, coupled with the broader airport redevelopment and route expansions, positions SLC for continued growth as a key player in Delta’s global network.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, the focus on ground services and the airport experience is becoming increasingly important. Delta’s new Sky Club at SLC is a prime example of this trend, demonstrating a commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable journey from curb to cloud. The combination of thoughtful design, unique amenities, and increased capacity sets a new standard for airport lounges and reinforces Delta’s position as a leader in the industry.
FAQ
Question: Where is the new Delta Sky Club located at Salt Lake City International Airport?
Answer: The new Delta Sky Club is located in Concourse B, right as you exit the central tunnel that connects the A and B concourses.
Question: What is the capacity of the new Sky Club?
Answer: The new Sky Club is nearly 34,000 square feet and has seating for up to 600 guests.
Question: What are some of the unique amenities of the new lounge?
Answer: The lounge features a first-of-its-kind “Digital Immersion Wall” with scenes of Utah, a “dirty soda” bar, and artwork from local artists.
Sources: Delta News Hub
Photo Credit: Delta Air Lines
Commercial Aviation
BOC Aviation Leases Eight A321neo Jets to STARLUX Airlines
BOC Aviation signs lease for eight CFM LEAP-1A-powered A321neo aircraft with STARLUX Airlines, deliveries from 2028.
BOC Aviation Limited has finalized a lease agreement with Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines for eight Airbus A321neo aircraft, a transaction that will expand the carrier’s narrowbody fleet to support regional network growth.
Announced in a press release on July 1, 2026, the aircraft will be sourced directly from the Singapore-based lessor’s existing orderbook. Deliveries to STARLUX Airlines are scheduled to commence in 2028, providing the airline with additional capacity as it continues to scale its international operations.
Fleet Expansion and Technical Specifications
The eight leased narrowbody jets will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines. The Airbus A321neo selection aligns with STARLUX Airlines’ strategy to operate modern, fuel-efficient aircraft across its regional routes.
Paul Kent, Chief Commercial Officer at BOC Aviation, highlighted the operational benefits of the aircraft type for the growing Taiwanese carrier.
“The A321NEOs that will be delivered to STARLUX from 2028 are amongst the most fuel-efficient aircraft in production and should demonstrate their versatility in supporting the airline’s regional network growth,” Kent stated.
Strategic Growth for STARLUX and BOC Aviation
The lease agreement supports STARLUX Airlines as it broadens its route network. The carrier currently serves 32 destinations and is actively expanding its international reach. This includes preparations to launch its first European route, with service to Prague scheduled to begin on August 1, 2026.
For BOC Aviation, the transaction reinforces its leasing footprint in the Asia-Pacific market. As of March 31, 2026, the lessor reported a portfolio of 813 aircraft and engines, encompassing owned, managed, and on-order assets. The company’s global customer base includes 88 airlines across 46 countries and regions.
“We are delighted to be supporting Taiwan’s newest international airline with this landmark transaction for eight latest technology aircraft,” Kent added in the July 1 announcement.
AirPro News analysis
We view this transaction as a mutually beneficial alignment of BOC Aviation’s robust orderbook and STARLUX Airlines’ aggressive expansion timeline. By securing delivery slots for 2028 through a major lessor, STARLUX Airlines bypasses the extended backlog currently facing direct orders from Airbus SE. The choice of the Airbus A321neo equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines provides the carrier with the range and economics necessary to deepen its regional footprint in Asia while it simultaneously deploys widebody aircraft on new long-haul routes to Europe and North America.
Sources: BOC Aviation
Photo Credit: STARLUX Airlines
Commercial Aviation
World Star Aviation Delivers Second 737-400SF to Skyway Airlines
World Star Aviation completes a two-aircraft lease with Skyway Airlines, delivering a second 737-400SF freighter to the Philippine cargo carrier.
World Star Aviation (WSA) has finalized a two-aircraft lease agreement with Philippine cargo operator Skyway Airlines Inc. through the delivery of a second Boeing 737-400SF freighter.
Announced in a company press release on June 26, 2026, the handover increases Skyway’s total fleet to three aircraft. The addition is intended to support the carrier’s network expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.
Completing the two-aircraft agreement
The delivery concludes an arrangement that began with a letter of intent signed in June 2025. World Star Aviation delivered the first Boeing 737-400SF of the pair on October 27, 2025. That initial handover marked the lessor’s first registered cargo-aircraft in the Philippines.
Skyway Airlines Inc. Chief Executive Officer José Peralta stated the new capacity will directly support regional operations.
“It is with great excitement that we welcome our third aircraft, the second one from WSA. This addition will further enhance Skyway’s network within the Asia-Pacific region. We are grateful to WSA for their professionalism and dedication in delivering this aircraft,” Peralta said.
Lessor strategy and regional growth
For World Star Aviation, the transaction reinforces its footprint in the Asia-Pacific cargo sector. The lessor has positioned itself to supply converted narrowbody freighters to growing regional operators.
André Abreu, Vice President Marketing & Sales at World Star Aviation, highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two companies.
“This second delivery reflects the strong relationship WSA has built with Skyway Airlines since its debut as a cargo airline. We are grateful for Skyway’s continued trust in our team and proud to support the airline’s growth with cost-effective freighter solutions,” Abreu said.
AirPro News analysis
We view the continued reliance on Boeing 737 Classic freighters, such as the 737-400SF, as a practical strategy for emerging cargo airlines in the Asia-Pacific market. While newer generation conversions like the Boeing 737-800BCF are becoming more prevalent, the 737-400SF offers a lower capital entry point for operators looking to scale capacity quickly. Skyway’s decision to triple its fleet over the past year indicates strong regional demand for dedicated narrowbody freight services.
Sources: World Star Aviation
Photo Credit: World Star Aviation
Commercial Aviation
Emirates SkyCargo Launches Boeing 777-300ERSF Operations
Emirates SkyCargo becomes the first combination carrier to operate the Boeing 777-300ERSF, flying Hong Kong to Dubai on June 30, 2026.
Emirates SkyCargo has commenced commercial operations with its first Boeing 777-300ERSF, completing an inaugural flight from Hong Kong to Dubai on June 30, 2026. The deployment makes the Dubai-based operator the first combination carrier to utilize the passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft, commonly known in the industry as the “Big Twin.”
In a press release issued on June 30, 2026, Emirates detailed the integration of the converted freighter, registered as A6-EBK, into its expanding logistics network. The aircraft introduces a 25 percent increase in cargo volume compared to the production Boeing 777-F, targeting the high-volume, low-density requirements of the global e-commerce sector.
Fleet expansion and capacity metrics
The introduction of the Boeing 777-300ERSF marks the sixth freighter inducted into the Emirates SkyCargo fleet since March 2026, following the delivery of five production Boeing 777-F aircraft. The converted airframe provides 811 cubic meters of cargo volume and a payload capacity of 100 tonnes.
The spatial design of the 777-300ERSF accommodates 47 total pallet positions, which is 10 more than the standard Boeing 777-F. This volumetric advantage aligns with shifting air freight demands, as e-commerce goods currently constitute approximately 20 percent of global air cargo tonnage.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, stated that the induction represents the next step in the expansion of the fleet and operational agility.
“We are optimising our fleet assets by converting older Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft to meet the growing demand for air cargo capacity to transport goods rapidly across the world,” Abbas said.
The Big Twin conversion program
The Boeing 777-300ERSF conversion program is a joint venture launched in 2019 by aircraft lessor AerCap and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The modification process engineers older passenger airframes into dedicated freighters, extending the operational lifecycle of the Boeing 777-300ER.
The specific aircraft deployed by Emirates, A6-EBK, was originally delivered to the airline as a passenger jet in 2006. The conversion program achieved regulatory clearance in September 2025, receiving its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the FAA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI).
Emirates plans to continue its fleet expansion through the end of the year. The carrier expects Delivery of five additional Boeing 777-F aircraft and one more converted Boeing 777-300ERSF by December 2026. Three additional converted Boeing 777-ERSFs are scheduled to join the fleet in 2027.
Network growth and strategic positioning
The rapid induction of new capacity has facilitated a significant expansion of the Emirates SkyCargo route map. The carrier’s global freighter network has grown from just over 40 destinations in February 2026 to 62 current destinations.
Abbas noted that the combination of the growing Boeing 777-F fleet and the new converted freighters allows the airline to provide scalable capacity and connectivity through its Dubai hub.
AirPro News analysis
We view the deployment of the Boeing 777-300ERSF by a major combination carrier like Emirates as a strong validation of the IAI and AerCap conversion program. While purpose-built freighters like the Boeing 777-F remain the backbone of heavy lift operations, the volumetric efficiency of the 777-300ERSF fills a specific and growing niche. With e-commerce driving demand for space over sheer weight, converting fully depreciated passenger airframes offers a capital-efficient method to capture market share. The aggressive delivery schedule through 2027 indicates Emirates is positioning itself to dominate the high-volume logistics corridors connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Sources: Emirates
Photo Credit: Emirates
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