50 SKY SHADES - World aviation news

Essential news for 26 Oct 2025

Airbus predicts world freighter fleet to grow 45 percent by 2044

Airbus’ 2025 Cargo Global Market Forecast shows the worldwide fleet of dedicated freighter aircraft rising to 3,420 in the next 20 years, equivalent to a 45% increase. This will be made up of 815 existing freighters and 2,605 additional ones. Of these additional 2,605 freighters, 1,530 will be replacements and 1,075 will be for growth. The additional 2,605 will be split between 1,120 small a...

Sunday`s summary

From regional reliability to global flexibility: SmartLynx Australia’s growth path

When SmartLynx Australia started providing services between Sydney and Lord Howe Island on behalf of Qantas in April 2025, it marked more than just a new operation for SmartLynx Australia. It represents a commitment to regional connectivity that defines its mission – providing capacity to regional communities, to continuously improving operational performance, to building the flexibility tha...

Diamond Aircraft reintroduces DA20i Katana to European production

Back by popular demand, Diamond Aircraft announces the return of the iconic DA20i Katana to its European production line in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The order books are officially open. Responding to a surge in demand from flight schools, flying clubs, and private owners, Diamond Aircraft is resuming production of the two-seater, single-engine piston aircraft—long celebrated for its pe...

MTU Maintenance Zhuhai completes 5,000 shop visits

MTU Maintenance completed its 5,000th shop visit at its Zhuhai location. MTU Maintenance Zhuhai is a 50/50 joint venture between China Southern Airlines Ltd. and MTU Aero Engines. The location celebrated it with the entire staff.MTU’s team in China was able to reduce the time interval for an additional thousand shop visits yet again. It took the MRO facility less than two years to...

Munich Airport offers flights to 184 destinations worldwide

Parallel to the time change at the end of October, the new winter flight schedule will take effect. From October 26, 2025, to March 28, 2026, travelers will have a total of 184 destinations in 68 countries to choose from. Eleven of these destinations are in Germany, 119 are medium-haul destinations, and 54 are long-haul destinations. A total of 81 airlines will operate these routes during the wint...

Neste extends partnership with United Airlines to bring sustainable aviation fuel to three major US airports

Neste and United Airlines have expanded their existing partnership to supply sustainable aviation fuel to three new major airports in the United States. The new agreement makes United the first commercial airline to purchase SAF for use on flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, and Dulles International Airport (...