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IATA reported (30-Jun-2026) global passenger demand, measured in RPKs, decreased 2.2% year-on-year in May-2026. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew 0.7% and total capacity - measured in ASKs - decreased 2.3%. IATA director general Willie Walsh stated demand "still appeared to be largely resilient in the face of high fuel prices and airfares". Mr Walsh said: "While the recent sharp drop in oil prices is an encouraging development, the challenges created by the war will likely persist for some time". He noted: "Oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain and it is likely to take time before the benefit of lower oil prices is reflected in 'normalised' jet fuel pricing". Mr Walsh concluded: "In the meantime, airlines who are operating on a 2.0% margin will have little choice but to continue testing demand resilience with higher fares that attempt to cover elevated fuel costs". Further details include:

• Passenger load factor (PLF) was 83.5%, +0.1pp and a "record high for May";
• International demand fell 1.6%. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 3.1% and capacity was down 2.4%. The PLF was 83.7%, +0.7pp;
• Domestic demand contracted 3.1% and capacity decreased 2.1%. The PLF was 83%, -0.8pp. [more - original PR]

SAS ordered (30-Jun-2026) 18 A330-900 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, as part of an ongoing fleet renewal strategy. The A330-900s will support SAS' international network expansion, allowing the airline to increase frequency on existing high capacity routes globally and introduce new routes. The entire investment comprises up to 40 widebody aircraft, combining new A330-900neo aircraft with additional A330-300 aircraft secured to support near term growth ahead of the arrival of the new fleet. The Airbus order represents the highest value aircraft order ever placed by SAS, with a total list price of over USD10 billion. Together with the ongoing renewal of the A320neo fleet and an order for 55 Embraer E195-E2s in 2025, these investments represent the "most significant modernisation of the SAS fleet in decades, delivering improvements in fuel efficiency, noise performance and customer experience". [more - original PR - Airbus] [more - original PR - SAS] [more - original PR - Rolls-Royce]

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport confirmed (01-Jul-2026) Texel Air Australasia plans to operate air cargo services from the airport's 24-hour Cargo Precinct - which is scheduled to handle commercial freighter services from 26-Jul-2026. Airport CEO Simon Hickey stated: "Texel Air will join our top-tier Cargo Terminal Operators including Qantas Freight, Menzies Aviation and dnata Cargo as another valued partner for the launch of the hub next month". He added: "Both exporters and importers will benefit from our integrated Cargo Precinct's 24-hour capacity, dedicated access via the recently upgraded Northern Road and proximity to key freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and developing industrial sites across the Aerotropolis". Mr Hickey concluded: "Texel Air's fleet of Boeing 737-800BCFs is well positioned to support those customers - thereby strengthening services for its anchor domestic partners that move freight around the nation each week while offering international charter capability to help drive more access to lucrative global markets". [more - original PR]

Airbus and the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed (29-Jun-2026) a EUR1 billion loan agreement to support the European aerospace sector. The funding will support Airbus' research and development in France, Germany and Spain through to 2030, covering technology and systems for commercial aviation, security and defence. The financing is the first tranche of a EUR3 billion commitment to Airbus, which is "the largest corporate loan ever authorised by the EIB". [more - original PR] [more - Aviation Week]

Air New Zealand announced (30-Jun-2026) the priorities of its 'Te Pae Hou - Our Future' strategy reset which are "now being implemented across the airline", including:

• Customer First: Delivering "world leading" reliability and punctuality with a "relentless focus on priority segments". The carrier reported it is already seeing positive outcomes including year-to-date on-time performance improvements in FY2026;
• Targeted Growth: Growing a profitable network and building presence in larger, resilient markets to generate returns and support New Zealand tourism. The airline stated it is "fine tuning" its premium service flow and product offering and "allocating more resources" to its "highest return-on-capital areas";
• Resilient and Future Fit: Transforming cost base and applying rigorous capital allocation discipline. Air New Zealand said it is delivering on its cost-out programme with approximately NZD100 million (USD56.5 million) of annualised benefits forecast to flow from FY2027, while creating momentum for ongoing cost transformation. The airline added it is working with aircraft manufacturers to re-profile aircraft deliveries to smooth capital expenditure. [more - original PR]

Malaysia Airports announced (29-Jun-2026) the following improvements across its airport network:

• At Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the Aerotrain has resumed full 24 hour operations following the completion of a comprehensive action plan. The Vehicle Access Management System has improved kerbside traffic management and safety, achieving over 99% compliance with the 10 minute stay limit;
• Passenger processing has improved through the proof-of-concept for centralised security screening at KLIA terminal 2, doubling screening throughput to 500 passengers per hour. At KLIA Terminal 1, the call-to-gate concept now displays boarding gate information closer to departure, reducing crowding at boarding gates. Passenger flow has also improved through predictive passenger forecasting and closer collaboration with border agencies to enhance immigration queue management. A Green Lane was introduced for arriving passengers at Terminal 1 in Jan-2026, while the mandatory customs check after immigration was removed for departing passengers;
• Across the wider airport network, passenger improvements include upgraded check-in halls, refurbished washrooms, enhanced flight information display systems, improved seating, family friendly facilities and clearer wayfinding. [more - original PR]