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SITA partnered (06-Jul-2026) with Qatar Airways to launch 'Fast Pass' at Doha Hamad International Airport, enabling departing passengers to "check in, drop their bags, clear security and board using their face instead of a boarding pass", supported by more than 700 biometric touchpoints installed throughout the airport. Passengers can enroll in Fast Pass by registering their facial recognition data via the Qatar Airways mobile check-in application or at a self-service kiosk in the terminal. Fast Pass will become available to Qatar Airways transit passengers and passengers travelling with other airlines via Doha in the near future. [more - original PR]

Air India, via its official Twitter account, announced (05-Jul-2026) it took delivery of its third line-fit Boeing 787-9 (VT-AWC). The aircraft is configured with 296 seats across three cabin classes. As previously reported by CAPA, Air India received its first line fit 787-9 (VT-AWA) in Jan-2026 and its second (VT-AWB) in May-2026.

LATAM Airlines Group reported (06-Jul-2026) the following fleet updates:

• LATAM will receive 41 next-generation aircraft in 2026, receiving another 28 aircraft before the end of 2026;
• In 1H2026, the group received seven A320neo, four A321neo and two Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Of this, five A320neos and four A321neos were allocated to operations in Brazil;
• By the end of 2026, LATAM projects to have 410 aircraft. In 2H2026, it will continue to receive A320neo, A321neo and 787-9 aircraft, to which will be added, for the first time, the Embraer E190-E2, which will strengthen the domestic network in Brazil;
• The fleet renewal plan will continue into 2027 with the addition of new aircraft, including the first A321XLR, operated by LATAM Airlines. The aircraft will allow for expanded range on medium-haul routes;
• By the end of the decade, LATAM plans to incorporate up to 130 additional aircraft from different manufacturers. With this, more than 50% of its fleet will consist of next-generation models by 2030.

VP of fleet and projects Sebastián Acuto stated: "Fleet renewal is one of the most important investments we are driving as a group, because it allows us to grow more efficiently and better respond to the connectivity needs of the region". Mr Acuto added: "South America has domestic markets with enormous development potential, and having a more flexible and diverse fleet allows us to reach these markets with the necessary reach". [more - original PR - Portuguese]

AirBorneo scheduled to commence daily Kuching-Kuala Lumpur service from 20-Jul-2026 and daily Kuching-Singapore service on 27-Jul-2026 with Boeing 737-800 aircraft, according to OAG and the CAPA Route Capacity Analyser. Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia X, AirAsia, Firefly and Batik Air (Malaysia) also operate Kuching-Kuala Lumpur service and Scoot and AirAsia also operate Kuching-Singapore service, according to OAG.

Euroairlines signed (02-Jul-2026) an agreement with fastjet to expand air connectivity across Southern and Eastern Africa. The agreement enables the marketing of fastjet services under the airline's FN code and ticketing through Euroairlines' Q4 code. This provides fastjet with access to major global distribution systems, including Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, Abacus, Sirena, TravelSky and Kiu, as well as to IATA's Billing and Settlement Plan covering more than 75 travel markets globally. [more - original PR - Spanish] [more - original PR]

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), via its official Facebook and Twitter accounts, announced (04-Jul-2026) the adoption of a regional implementation strategy and action plan, and a monitoring, accounting and evaluation framework regarding the ECOWAS common policy on civil aviation charges and tariffs. Côte d'Ivoire was the first state to fully implement the policy. As previously reported by CAPA, ECOWAS member states plan to abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25%.