This article is based on an official press release from ANA Holdings.

ANA Holdings Unveils Aggressive FY2026-2028 Strategy Targeting Narita Expansion

On January 30, 2026, ANA Holdings (ANAHD) announced its new Medium-term Corporate Strategy for fiscal years 2026 through 2028. Under the theme “Soaring to New Heights towards 2030,” the group has outlined a roadmap shifting from post-pandemic recovery to a phase of aggressive growth, underpinned by a record 2.7 trillion yen investment plan over the next five years.

The strategy identifies the planned expansion of Narita International Airport in 2029 as a critical business opportunity. According to the company, this infrastructure upgrade will serve as a catalyst for expanding its global footprint. Financially, the group is targeting record-breaking performance, aiming for 250 billion yen in operating income by FY2028 and 310 billion yen by FY2030.

Strategic Pivot: The “2029 Catalyst”

A central pillar of the new strategy is the preparation for the massive infrastructure upgrade at Narita International Airport, scheduled for completion in March 2029. This expansion includes the construction of a new third runway (Runway C) and the extension of Runway B, which is expected to increase the airport’s annual slot capacity from 300,000 to 500,000 movements.

ANAHD views this development as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity. The group’s network strategy is divided into two distinct phases:

• FY2026-2028: The Airlines will prioritize expanding flights at Haneda Airport to capture high-yield business demand during the immediate term.
• Post-2029: The focus will shift to Narita Airport to leverage the new capacity. The group targets 1.7x growth in Narita-based flights, specifically strengthening connections to North-America and Asia.

Fleet and Product Upgrades

To support this expansion, ANAHD plans to introduce new Boeing 787-9 aircraft starting in August 2026. These aircraft will feature upgraded seats in all classes, a move designed to enhance the airline’s premium appeal in the competitive international market. The total fleet is expected to expand to approximately 330 aircraft, exceeding pre-COVID levels.

Cargo and LCC Integration

Following the acquisition of Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) in August 2025, ANAHD is positioning itself as a “combination carrier” powerhouse. The strategy outlines a goal to integrate ANA’s passenger belly-hold capacity with NCA’s large freighter fleet, which includes Boeing 747-8Fs.

“The group aims to realize 30 billion yen in synergies, positioning the group as a global logistics powerhouse.”

, ANA Holdings Press Release

By combining these assets, the group intends to expand its Cargo-Aircraft scale (Available Ton-Kilometers) by 1.3 times, targeting leadership in the Asia-North America and Asia-Europe trade lanes.

Peach Aviation Growth

The group’s low-cost carrier, Peach, is also targeted for 1.3x growth in scale. The strategy emphasizes capturing inbound tourism demand through Kansai International Airport and expanding international medium-haul routes.

Financial Targets and Digital Transformation

The financial roadmap set forth by ANAHD is ambitious. The group aims to achieve an operating margin of 9% by FY2028 and 10% by FY2030. To achieve these figures, the company has committed to a 2.7 trillion yen investment over five years, with 50% allocated to international passenger and cargo growth.

AI is another significant investment area, with 270 billion yen allocated to digital initiatives. The group aims to increase value-added productivity by 30% by FY2030 compared to pre-COVID levels. This includes a focus on “Empowerment of All Employees,” training staff as digital talent to combat Japan’s shrinking workforce.

AirPro News Analysis

The strategic distinction between ANA and its primary domestic competitor, Japan Airlines (JAL), is becoming increasingly defined by hub strategy and cargo volume. While both carriers are modernizing fleets and targeting North American traffic, ANA’s explicit “dual-hub” timeline, banking heavily on the 2029 Narita expansion, suggests a long-term volume play that complements its high-yield Haneda operations.

Furthermore, the integration of NCA provides ANA with a diversified revenue stream that acts as a hedge against passenger market volatility. By securing dedicated freighter capacity via NCA, ANA is less reliant on passenger belly space than competitors who lack a dedicated heavy-freighter subsidiary, potentially giving them an edge in the logistics sector.

Shareholder Returns and Sustainability

In response to market demands for capital efficiency, ANAHD has signaled a commitment to Total Shareholder Return (TSR). The policy includes maintaining a dividend payout ratio of approximately 20% and introducing a new interim dividend system starting next fiscal year. The group also noted it would execute flexible share buybacks.

On the Sustainability front, the group reiterated its goal of Net-Zero CO2 emissions by 2050, focusing on operational improvements and the accelerated adoption of SAF.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new strategy go into effect?

The Medium-term Corporate Strategy covers the fiscal years 2026 through 2028, beginning April 1, 2026.

What is the “2029 Catalyst”?

This refers to the completion of the Narita Airport expansion in March 2029, which includes a new third runway and will increase slot capacity to 500,000 movements annually.

How much is ANA investing in this plan?

ANA Holdings plans a total investment of 2.7 trillion yen over five years.

What is the target for operating income?

The group targets 250 billion yen in operating income by FY2028 and 310 billion yen by FY2030.

Sources

• ANA Holdings

This article summarizes reporting by CBS News and Megan Cerullo.

United Airlines Systems Upgrade to Pause Bookings and Check-Ins Early Wednesday

Airlines is scheduled to perform a major technology upgrade to its reservation system in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 4, 2026. According to reporting by CBS News, the maintenance window will temporarily disable key customer services, including the ability to book flights, check in, and manage reservations.

The outage is expected to last approximately three and a half to four and a half hours, beginning around 1:30 a.m. CT (2:30 a.m. ET). During this time, the airline will migrate its “Shares” reservation system from a legacy data center in North Carolina to a modern facility in Chicago. United Airlines has described this move as a critical step toward improving long-term system reliability and performance.

Impact on Travelers and Services

Passengers traveling early Wednesday morning or attempting to use United’s digital tools during the outage window will face significant service disruptions. As detailed in reports regarding the upgrade, the following services will be unavailable:

• Booking: Customers will be unable to purchase new tickets via the website, mobile app, or call centers.
• Check-In: Online and app-based check-in will be disabled. Airport kiosks may also be non-functional during the migration.
• Reservation Management: Passengers will not be able to change or cancel existing bookings.
• Flight Status: Real-time updates on the app may be interrupted.

Traveler Advice: Check In Early

To mitigate potential disruptions, United Airlines has strongly urged customers flying on Wednesday morning to check in up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers should complete their check-in process on Tuesday and download mobile boarding passes before the system goes offline.

Additionally, the airline recommends carrying a printed boarding pass as a precaution. Passengers checking bags for early morning flights are advised to arrive at the airport with extra time, as manual processing may be required while systems are brought back online.

Modernization and Infrastructure Strategy

This upgrade represents a significant shift in United’s digital infrastructure strategy. The airline is moving its legacy “Shares” mainframe, a system inherited during its merger with Continental Airlines, to a new, high-tech data center. According to industry reports, this transition is designed to reduce the frequency of system crashes and enable faster data processing.

The move also supports broader technological improvements, including the integration of cloud-based infrastructure. By modernizing the backend, United aims to support advanced tools such as “Connection Saver,” which helps hold flights for connecting passengers without disrupting the wider schedule, and to facilitate the rollout of Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet.

“Starting early Wednesday, United customers won’t be able to book flights and access other services as the airline upgrades its reservation system.”

, CBS News

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AirPro News Analysis

The decision to migrate a legacy mainframe system like “Shares” is a high-stakes operation for any major carrier. In the aviation industry, these reservation systems are the central nervous system of operations, handling everything from ticketing to weight and balance calculations. While the temporary outage is inconvenient, the shift from a legacy data center in North-America to a modern facility in Chicago suggests United is prioritizing long-term stability over short-term uptime.

Recent years have seen various carriers suffer from “system meltdowns” due to aging IT infrastructure. By proactively scheduling this downtime for a migration, United appears to be taking a preventative approach to avoid the kind of catastrophic, unplanned failures that have grounded fleets in the past. If successful, this modernization could serve as a benchmark for how legacy carriers can update aging tech stacks without crippling operations for days.

Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly is the outage?

The upgrade is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from approximately 1:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. CT.

Can I still fly if I have a ticket?

Yes, flights are expected to operate. However, you must check in before the outage begins (ideally on Tuesday) and should bring a printed boarding pass.

Will my frequent flyer data be safe?

Access to MileagePlus accounts will be paused during the maintenance, but data is being migrated to the new secure facility.

Sources

• CBS News

This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and Air Cambodia.

Air Cambodia Selects Boeing for Historic Fleet Expansion with Order for up to 20 737 MAX Jets

In a landmark announcement at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2026, Air Cambodia and The Boeing Company revealed a significant agreement for the airline to purchase up to 20 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. This order represents a major strategic pivot for the carrier, formerly known as Cambodia Angkor Air, as it commits to its first-ever purchase of Boeing jets.

According to the official press release, the deal supports Air Cambodia’s aggressive international expansion strategy following its rebranding earlier this year. The agreement includes 10 firm orders, which were finalized in December 2025 and previously listed as unidentified on Boeing’s orders and deliveries website, alongside 10 options for future purchase. At list prices, the deal is valued at approximately $2.4 billion, though airlines typically receive undisclosed discounts for orders of this magnitude.

The selection of the 737-8 MAX marks a departure from the airline’s historical reliance on Airbus and ATR aircraft, signaling a new era of fleet diversification for the Southeast Asian carrier.

Deal Structure and Delivery Timeline

The agreement outlines a long-term partnership between the Phnom Penh-based carrier and the U.S. manufacturer. While the financial commitment is substantial, the delivery timeline reflects the current realities of the global aerospace supply chain. The first Boeing 737-8 is scheduled to join Air Cambodia’s fleet in 2031.

Dr. David Zhan, CEO of Air Cambodia, emphasized the operational benefits of the new airframe in the company’s statement:

“The 737-8 gives Air Cambodia the ideal combination of range, capacity and fuel efficiency to support our next phase of growth. This investment, Air Cambodia’s largest narrowbody purchase, will let us launch direct services to important markets across North and Southeast Asia, and offer competitively priced travel for passengers.”

Strategic Rebranding and Market Expansion

This order comes shortly after the airline officially rebranded from “Cambodia Angkor Air” to “Air Cambodia” on January 1, 2025. The name change reflects a broader mandate to serve as a primary connector for the nation, moving beyond a focus on tourism to Angkor Wat to becoming a key player in regional business travel.

Historically, the airline operated a mixed fleet of Airbus A320/A321s for international routes and ATR 72 turboprops for domestic connections. The introduction of the 737 MAX is intended to facilitate new direct routes to high-demand markets that were previously underserved or economically unviable. Specifically, the airline is targeting expansion into North Asia, including Tokyo, Seoul, and Beijing, and major Indian hubs like New Delhi and Mumbai.

AirPro News Analysis: A Multi-Source Fleet Strategy

The following section is analysis by AirPro News.

The decision to introduce Boeing aircraft into an all-Airbus jet fleet is a calculated move toward diversification. By operating a mixed fleet, Air Cambodia mitigates the risk of relying on a single manufacturer, a strategy that has become increasingly relevant amidst global supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, reports indicate the airline has also engaged with Chinese manufacturer COMAC regarding C909/C919 aircraft. This “multi-source” approach suggests the airline is leveraging political and economic ties across the U.S., Europe, and China to secure delivery slots and favorable financing.

The 2031 delivery start date is also notable. It highlights the significant backlog facing Boeing and the long lead times required for new aircraft orders in the current market. For Air Cambodia, this timeline aligns with national infrastructure projects, including the development of new international airports expected to be fully operational and scaling up by the next decade.

Technical Capabilities of the 737-8

The Boeing 737-8 was selected for its specific performance metrics, which align with Air Cambodia’s route planning. The aircraft offers a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), sufficient to connect Cambodia to virtually any major city in Asia without refueling.

According to Boeing, the 737-8 reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 20% compared to the older aircraft it replaces, driven by the efficiency of its CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced technology winglets. Air Cambodia has confirmed the aircraft will be outfitted with a two-class configuration (Business and Economy), accommodating between 162 and 178 passengers.

Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), noted the broader economic impact of the deal:

“The deployment of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in Cambodia will contribute to strengthening the aviation sector, which is playing an important role in promoting the economy, tourism, and culture for sustainable development in Cambodia.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Air Cambodia receive the new Boeing jets?

The first Boeing 737-8 MAX is scheduled for delivery in 2031.

How many aircraft did Air Cambodia order?

The order consists of 10 firm orders and 10 options, totaling up to 20 aircraft.

Is this Air Cambodia’s first Boeing aircraft?

Yes. The airline has historically operated Airbus and ATR aircraft. This is their first direct order with Boeing.

What routes will these planes fly?

The aircraft are intended for medium-haul international routes, specifically targeting North Asia (Japan, Korea, China) and India.

Sources: Boeing Mediaroom