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February 20, 2026

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February 20, 2026

AJet expands its route network with a direct connection between Sivas and Cologne/Bonn

Stephen Steiner February 20, 2026 19:03

Turkish Airlines (AJet), a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, is further expanding its services in the German-Turkish market. Starting July 8, 2026, the carrier will launch a new seasonal service between Sivas, the capital of the Anatolian province of Sivas, and Cologne/Bonn Airport. According to a report by Aeroroutes.com, the route will operate until September 9 to meet increased demand during the summer months. Flights will operate once a week, every Wednesday, using a Boeing 737-800, known for its reliability on medium-haul routes and configured by AJet primarily for efficient low-cost transport. This new route is part of a comprehensive expansion strategy for the airline, which emerged from the rebranding of AnadoluJet in 2024. Sivas is becoming increasingly important as a destination, particularly for families visiting relatives living in North Rhine-Westphalia who prefer direct travel options to their home regions. Previously, travelers from the Cologne/Bonn area often had to resort to connecting flights via Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen or Ankara for flights to Central Anatolia. The direct connection significantly reduces travel time and strengthens Cologne/Bonn Airport's position as a key hub for traffic to Turkey. Technically and operationally, AJet is committed to consistent fleet standardization. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft used offer a capacity of approximately 189 seats in an all-economy configuration. Flight times are scheduled so that the aircraft depart Sivas early Wednesday morning and return to Cologne/Bonn after a brief layover. In addition to Sivas, AJet already serves numerous destinations from German airports.

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Pegasus Airlines opens new maintenance center at Sabiha Gökçen Airport

Stephen Steiner February 20, 2026 18:04

Turkish airline Pegasus Airlines has opened a new aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). The first phase of construction, now complete, includes two maintenance hangars and a specialized paint shop. Spanning approximately 18.000 square meters, the complex has the capacity to service up to five narrow-body aircraft simultaneously. The investment for this initial phase totaled around US$40 million. The opening has created approximately 200 new jobs in engineering and logistics at the Istanbul location. The maintenance center holds the necessary certifications for most common short- and medium-haul aircraft, including the Boeing 737 NG and the entire Airbus A320 family, including the modern Neo variants powered by CFM Leap-1A and Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines. By managing its maintenance processes in-house, Pegasus Airlines aims to optimize fleet downtime and reduce its reliance on external service providers. Sabiha Gökçen Airport, the airline's main hub, is thus strengthening its position as a technical center within the regional aviation infrastructure. Expansion plans for the MRO center are already firmly scheduled. A second expansion phase is planned for completion by the end of 2026, doubling capacity by adding parking spaces for five more aircraft. Long-term, the strategy envisions a third phase in approximately four to five years to accommodate the airline's continued fleet growth. Pegasus currently operates one of the youngest fleets in Europe, consisting primarily of Airbus A321neo aircraft. The new capacity will enable the airline to

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The US House of Representatives is debating stricter aviation safety laws.

Jan Gruber February 20, 2026 17:08

Following the devastating plane crash in January 2025, the US House of Representatives is preparing for comprehensive deliberations next week on new airspace safety regulations. The legislative initiative stems from the collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter, which claimed 67 lives. The parliamentary review aims to close critical safety gaps uncovered by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. As a result of the collision, the NTSB issued numerous recommendations to fundamentally improve coordination between civil and military aviation in high-traffic airspace. At the heart of the debate is the widespread implementation of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system. While the US Senate already passed a law in December 2025 mandating the retrofitting of all aircraft operators by 2031, leading members of the House Transportation and Armed Services Committees are pursuing an even more comprehensive solution. The new bill not only calls for technical upgrades but also stricter monitoring of flight paths around commercial airports. In particular, the mixed traffic of fast jet aircraft and military helicopters is to be separated through new vertical and horizontal separation standards. The investigation into the 2025 crash revealed that insufficient transponder data and incomplete communication between military control centers and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) significantly contributed to the disaster. Experts are therefore calling for a standardization of technological standards so that military and civilian aircraft can be mutually visible in the cockpit. The current legislative initiative in the House of Representatives also aims to expand the FAA's authority to close flight paths at short notice for military training flights or to reroute them over a wide area if necessary.

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SunExpress and Eurowings deepen operational cooperation in European transport

Belinda Borg February 20, 2026 16:08

Effective February 3, 2026, SunExpress and Eurowings have significantly expanded their existing codeshare agreement. As part of this cooperation, the joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines will, for the first time, market Eurowings connecting flights under its own SunExpress flight number (XQ). The strategic alliance focuses on the German hubs of Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, and Berlin, which serve as key connections between Central Europe and Turkey. The aim of this measure is to increase flexibility for passengers and more efficiently link the route networks of both airlines. The current expansion includes a total of 13 routes, eight of which are new European cities added to the joint portfolio. From Düsseldorf Airport, destinations such as Bilbao, Bologna, London, Lisbon, Nice, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Valencia will be served under the SunExpress flight number. Connections to London, Lisbon, and Palma de Mallorca will be added in Stuttgart, while new options to Nice and Malaga will be available from Berlin Brandenburg Airport. By utilizing Eurowings' infrastructure, SunExpress can offer its customers destinations beyond Turkey in Western and Southern Europe without having to base its own aircraft on these routes. Parallel to this operational expansion, a coordinated change took place at the management level of both companies: Marcus Schnabel assumed the position of CEO at SunExpress on February 1, 2026, while the previous SunExpress CEO, Max Kownatzki, moved to the top of Eurowings. Industry observers interpret this personnel change and the simultaneous network expansion as a clear signal of closer integration of the leisure airlines within the Lufthansa Group. The new connections are already available through all common distribution channels, including global reservation systems.

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Lufthansa Group consolidates operations at Munich Airport: Eurowings moves into Terminal 2

Stephen Steiner February 20, 2026 15:08

At the start of the summer flight schedule on March 25, 2026, Eurowings will undergo a strategic relocation at Munich Airport. In the future, all check-in processes and departures will be handled exclusively via Terminal 2. Previously, parts of the operations were located in Terminal 1, which led to time-consuming terminal changes, particularly for connecting flights within the Lufthansa Group. This move will consolidate all airlines of the Lufthansa Group, including the core brand Lufthansa as well as Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and Brussels Airlines, at a central location within the Bavarian hub. The infrastructure realignment offers passengers a more modern check-in environment. The new Eurowings check-in area is located directly adjacent to the southern entrance (E04) of Terminal 2. A key component of the relocation is its integration into the terminal's existing self-service system. Passengers will thus be able to use the entire fleet of self-service kiosks for check-in and self-service bag drop. These measures aim to reduce waiting times at check-in counters and optimize passenger flow during peak hours, while significantly shortening transfer times to connecting flights operated by partner airlines. The relocation is part of a long-term efficiency strategy by the airport operator and Lufthansa to streamline operations at Munich Airport. Terminal 2, jointly operated by Flughafen München GmbH and Lufthansa, is specifically designed to meet the demands of a hub airport. By consolidating all group companies under one roof, shuttle services between terminals for transit passengers are eliminated, thus stabilizing minimum transfer times. Passengers with bookings will be informed in advance about the new terminal via the airline's digital information channels.

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Expansion in the Far East: Sun PhuQuoc Airways plans fleet expansion with Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Belinda Borg February 20, 2026 14:36

The Vietnamese aviation industry is facing a major turning point. The recently founded Sun PhuQuoc Airways signed a letter of intent in Washington, D.C., on February 18, 2026, for the purchase of up to forty Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This move not only marks the airline's first direct aircraft order but also represents the largest order for wide-body aircraft in the history of Vietnamese civil aviation. The contract, signed in the presence of high-ranking government officials from both nations, will enable the Sun Group subsidiary to offer intercontinental nonstop flights from its home hub on Phu Quoc Island to Europe, North America, and Northeast Asia. The strategic focus on the so-called resort aviation model aims to directly link Vietnam's tourism infrastructure with global markets. With the goal of operating a fleet of one hundred aircraft by 2030, the airline is positioning itself as a serious contender in the Asian market. The Sun Group's strategic vision: Behind this ambitious expansion is the Sun Group, one of Vietnam's largest real estate and tourism developers. Chairman Dang Minh Truong emphasized during the ceremony that the Boeing 787-9 was chosen because this model offers the optimal combination of operational performance and range. The aircraft will form the centerpiece of efforts to establish the resort island of Phu Quoc as a global travel destination. Direct connections to international metropolises will eliminate time-consuming layovers for travelers at the existing hubs of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. This resort aviation business model is closely linked to the Sun Group's extensive investments in hotel facilities,

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KM Malta Airlines is planning a record summer for 2026.

Amely Mizzi February 20, 2026 14:32

KM Malta Airlines, the Maltese national airline, has unveiled its flight schedule for the 2026 summer season, announcing its most extensive program since its founding. Between the end of March and the end of October, the company plans to operate a total of 7.948 flights on 19 different routes. With a total capacity of approximately 1,34 million seats and an average of 262 weekly flights, the airline is strengthening the island nation's connections to key European economic centers and tourist regions. Compared to the previous year, this represents a significant increase in available capacity to meet the steady demand in the Mediterranean region. A major addition to the route network is the launch of a direct connection to Tel Aviv, which will operate twice weekly starting May 27, 2026. This route will be served on Wednesdays and Sundays, underscoring the airline's strategic focus on the Eastern Mediterranean. Simultaneously, frequencies on existing core routes will be significantly increased. London Gatwick will be served up to 23 times per week, while connections to Brussels will also be increased. The seasonal resumption of the route to Catania complements the portfolio for short-haul flights to Italy. To achieve its ambitious growth targets, KM Malta Airlines is focusing on maximum efficiency with its fleet, which currently consists of eight modern Airbus aircraft. The aircraft are expected to achieve an average daily operating time of twelve hours during the summer months. Key European hubs such as Munich, Paris, Rome, and London will each be served twice daily. This high frequency is intended to create attractive connecting options, particularly for business travelers, and secure the airline's market position against international competitors. The airline is thus responding to the increasing demand.

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Uruguay's Air Force modernizes its fleet with its first Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.

Jan Gruber February 20, 2026 14:09

The Uruguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya – FAU) has taken delivery of its first two Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft as part of a comprehensive fleet modernization program. This move represents a significant technological turning point for the South American nation, as Uruguay replaces outdated models such as the A-37 Dragonfly. The contract, signed at the end of 2024, includes not only the delivery of the aircraft but also mission equipment, integrated logistics services, and a flight simulator for pilot training. Uruguay is thus renewing a partnership of over 50 years with the Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, of which it was the first international customer back in the 1970s. The A-29 Super Tucano is a turboprop aircraft specifically designed for use in asymmetric conflicts, border surveillance, and fighter pilot training. With over 600.000 flight hours worldwide, the model is considered extremely reliable and cost-effective. The Uruguayan Air Force plans to primarily use the new aircraft to secure national airspace and combat illegal activities in the border region. Thanks to modern avionics systems and an advanced human-machine interface, the A-29 offers precise target identification and aerial surveillance capabilities previously unavailable in the Uruguayan fleet. A key feature of the weapon system is its robustness. The aircraft can operate from unpaved runways and require minimal ground infrastructure, making them ideal for operations in remote regions. In addition to traditional close air support and reconnaissance, the Super Tucano is increasingly being used for drone defense—a role that is steadily gaining importance in modern security architecture. Through its integration into the

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Modernization of the Slovak Air Force: Negotiations on additional F-16s

Belinda Borg February 20, 2026 13:34

The Slovak government under Prime Minister Robert Fico has begun official talks with the United States to further expand its existing fleet of state-of-the-art F-16V fighter jets. Following a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Bratislava on February 15, 2026, it was announced that Slovakia intends to purchase four additional aircraft. This would increase the total number of ordered Viper jets from 14 to 18. The political leadership in Bratislava justifies this move as a necessary measure to strengthen national sovereignty over its airspace and end its dependence on NATO partners for air policing. Since phasing out its aging Soviet MiG-29 fleet, the country has relied on support from neighboring air forces. With this fleet expansion, the Slovak Ministry of Defense aims to ensure sustained operational readiness and regain full control of its airspace by late summer 2026. Historical Context and the Farewell to the MiG-29: The decision to fundamentally modernize the Slovak Air Force dates back to 2018. At that time, the government signed a contract for 14 F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets to replace the technically outdated Soviet-made MiG-29 aircraft. However, the transition process proved to be far more complex and protracted than initially anticipated. Global supply chain issues and production delays meant that Slovakia lacked its own operational interceptor capability for an extended period. This capability gap became particularly politically sensitive after the previous government decided in 2023 to transfer the entire remaining MiG-29 fleet to Ukraine. Since then

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Viennese gastronomy celebrates female professionals on International Women's Day

Jan Gruber February 20, 2026 13:10

Vienna's bar scene is preparing for a revival of the "Female & Flavorful" event, taking place on March 8, 2026, at the Hammond Bar. To mark International Women's Day, the event will highlight the expertise of women in cocktail culture. Hosts Sigrid Schot and Laura Peez are continuing a long-standing tradition initiated over 15 years ago by industry expert Konny Wunder. The initiative stems from the persistent underrepresentation of women at the bar and in leadership positions within fine dining establishments, despite their significant influence on modern concepts and innovations. During the event, eight renowned bar professionals from well-known Austrian establishments, including Dino's Apothecary Bar and Kleinod am Ring, will take turns running the bar. Each of the participating women will present two signature cocktails created especially for the occasion. The lineup includes experienced professionals such as Isabella Lombardo from Sbagliata Bar and Alexandra Hochegger from Truth & Dare Bar, who are working together with industry partners like Patrón Tequila, Roku Gin, and Bulleit Whiskey. The event serves as a platform for professional exchange and aims to increase the visibility of female role models in a traditionally male-dominated work environment. In addition to its professional focus, the event also pursues a charitable purpose. A portion of the revenue will be donated to an organization that supports women facing difficult circumstances. The selection of the beneficiary will once again be made by the initiator, Konny Wunder. The eight-hour event marathon will be accompanied by live music, with a focus on demonstrating technical precision and creative mixology. The organizers emphasize that equal opportunities and

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