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Air New Zealand and BETA Technologies completed (17-Feb-2026) their four-month Next Generation Aircraft Technical Demonstrator Programme. BETA's ALIA CX300 electric aircraft completed more than 100 frequencies across 12 airports and aerodromes in the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The aircraft also completed New Zealand's first low-emissions instrument flight rules operation in Dec-2025, enabling pilots to operate using flight deck instruments rather than visual cues. The programme also included Wellington-Blenheim crossings, demonstrating how the aircraft operated across Cook Strait in real-world conditions. Air New Zealand GM strategy, networks and fleet Baden Smith stated: "Flying the aircraft in real conditions, across real routes, with our people and partners involved has given us a much deeper understanding of what next-generation aircraft could mean for New Zealand aviation in the future". [more - original PR]

EirTrade Aviation acquired (16-Feb-2026) two A320neo aircraft, in partnership with RESIDCO. The aircraft are being disassembled in Goodyear, Arizona and the parts will be available through EirTrade's hub in Dallas by the end of 1Q2026. The aircraft (MSNs 10769 and 10921) were previously operated by Spirit Airlines and are four and 3.5 years old, making them "the youngest Airbus A320neo airframes ever to be torn down", according to EirTrade. EirTrade VP origination and trading for the Americas Bill Thompson stated: "We are focused on newer vintage aircraft to ensure that our inventory contains the highest quality rotables which ensure that our customers can be supported with the latest modification standard components". [more - original PR]

London Heathrow Airport CEO Thomas Woldbye commented (12-Feb-2026) on the prospects for the airport's third runway proposal, stating: "I'm not confident of anything - especially when it comes to politics. All I can say is that we have a government right now that supports [the project] for the right reasons". Mr Woldbye also commented on the lack of domestic services from the airport, adding: "I can't force airlines to fly domestically. The charge for domestic passengers is much, much lower for domestic than international passengers". [more - Aviation Week]

Uiltrasporti general secretary Marco Verzari confirmed (13-Feb-2026) national air transport strikes in Italy are planned for 16-Feb-2026 and 07-Mar-2026 will proceed as scheduled. Mr Verzari said: "We want to demonstrate responsibility towards the workers who have been waiting for a legitimate contract renewal for too long". He added: "For us, the strike is the last resort to resolve conflicts, we hope that this right will not be denied to workers". [more - original PR]

TAAG Angola Airlines received (13-Feb-2026) its fifth A220-300 aircraft (D2-TAK) at Luanda António Agostinho Neto International Airport on 13-Feb-2026. The aircraft is configured with 12 business class and 125 economy class seats. The airline stated it expects to receive six new A220-300s in 2026, "under an optimistic delivery schedule". [more - original PR]

Emirates announced (13-Feb-2026) plans to suspend services to Algeria from 03-Feb-2027. As previously reported by CAPA, Algeria's Government recently commenced procedures to terminate its air services agreement (ASA) with the UAE. [more - original PR]