The CEO of Air France-KLM, Ben Smith, said on Friday the airline was ready to present its project for the privatisation of Portugal's flag carrier TAP, and intended to invest in local economy and connect the country's secondary cities. The Franco-Dutch group, Lufthansa and British Airways owner IAG have already shown interest in TAP's privatisation, which the government wants to carry out this year. "Air France-KLM is ready to present its project as part of TAP's privatisation process, a topic we have been following for a long time," Smith said in a statement during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Portugal. Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, who had previously insisted on a total privatisation of TAP, has signalled that a partial sale was a possibility. The French president, speaking to Portuguese and French business leaders on Friday, said he "wants to find an innovative way to marry Air France and TAP". Smith said Portugal is "a strategic market for Air France-KLM" and TAP is an "emblematic airline that has built a powerful hub in Lisbon, open to the world." TAP's most attractive assets are its key slots to Brazil, Portuguese-speaking African countries and the U.S. from its Lisbon hub, which the Portuguese government wants to maintain. "We want to maintain and develop TAP's strong brand and highly valuable hub, drawing on the expertise of the company's staff." Smith said his groups wants "to strengthen the connectivity of the entire country, including secondary cities, and invest durably in the local economy".<br/>
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Turkish Airlines (TK) is set to expand its fleet to 500 aircraft by September, reinforcing its position as a leading global carrier. The airline’s long-term strategy includes further growth, with plans to reach 813 aircraft by 2033, marking its centennial anniversary. Turkish Airlines (TK) is progressing towards its ambitious goal of operating 500 aircraft by September. Currently, the airline has 492 aircraft, including both passenger and cargo planes. By 2033, this number is expected to rise to 813, coinciding with the airline’s 100th anniversary. The fleet expansion has been consistent over the years. The airline had 100 aircraft in 2006, doubled to 200 by 2012, and reached 300 in 2016. In 2023, the fleet size grew to 400, continuing its rapid upward trajectory. Currently, the airline has 492 aircraft, including both passenger and cargo planes. By 2033, this number is expected to rise to 813, coinciding with the airline’s 100th anniversary. The fleet expansion has been consistent over the years. The airline had 100 aircraft in 2006, doubled to 200 by 2012, and reached 300 in 2016. In 2023, the fleet size grew to 400, continuing its rapid upward trajectory.<br/>
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's leading carrier, has announced the launch of a new passenger flight service to Porto, Portugal. The airline said on Friday in a statement that the new service, operating four times a week with a single stop in Madrid, Spain, will begin on July 2. Ethiopian Airlines said the new route aims to expand travel options and enhance seamless connectivity for passengers, reinforcing the airline's regional growth across Europe. Mesfin Tasew, group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, emphasized the airline's commitment to broadening its network and improving connectivity. "We are thrilled to expand our network to Porto, Portugal, a vibrant city with rich cultural heritage and economic significance," Tasew said. With this new passenger service, Ethiopian Airlines strengthens its position in the region while fostering closer ties between the two countries and beyond, the statement said.<br/>
Air India resumed its flights to Israel on Sunday after a suspension of seven months. The operations resumed with a direct flight that took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and landed Sunday evening at Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv. Air India will now operate five weekly flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv, becoming the sole airline offering direct services between the two nations. Following the outbreak of Israel's multi-front conflict, most foreign airlines temporarily suspended their flights to Tel Aviv amid heightening tensions in the Middle East region.<br/>
The answer to “red or white” just got a whole lot more personal for Air New Zealand. The airline has launched its own wine label, Thirteen Forty Five, named in tribute to its inaugural flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940, which covered 1345 miles. Operated by Air New Zealand's predecessor, Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), the flight took off with nine passengers from Mechanics Bay in Auckland to Rose Bay in Sydney, landing in Sydney Harbour nine hours later. This flight ushered in a new era of air travel, connecting New Zealand to the world. The government bought TEAL in 1961 and the airline was renamed Air New Zealand in 1965. New Zealand's domestic airline, National Airways Corporation (NAC), was merged with Air New Zealand in 1978. In 1950, Air New Zealand became the first airline to boil water on board. In 2025, it now has its own wine label launching with two signature varietals: sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, made in collaboration with renowned New Zealand wine producer Villa Maria. The wines were now available in Air New Zealand lounges throughout New Zealand and in Premium Economy cabins on international flights. Bottles are also available to purchase on the Airpoints Store.<br/>