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To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, United’s new specialty livery takes to the skies this summer on a U.S.-built Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (N91007) and a Boeing 737-800 (N7828). Painted in Amarillo, Texas, the bold red, white and blue design features 50 stars representing states across the country, while diagonal red and white stripes reflect the energy and momentum of a nation always moving forward. Both aircraft will include a commemorative plaque dedicated to United’s active-duty service members and veterans who have selflessly served our country.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and United CEO Scott Kirby were joined by United employees, including those from United’s Veterans’ Business Resource Group, and local dignitaries at Washington Dulles International Airport to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and the airline’s pilot hiring milestone.

Since 2024, nearly 600 military pilots have transitioned to United through the program, with 500 more expected by the end of 2027.

“America is the greatest country in the world, and we’re proud to play a role in celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Kirby. “For 100 years of that history, United has been a pioneering U.S. company, investing in people and communities across the country. Today, we proudly employ more than 8,300 military veterans, of which 1,500 are active members of the National Guard and Reserve forces. Our ‘Stars and Stripes’ livery pays tribute to their service to our country that continues to make America strong.”

“It’s great to see United join this administration’s call to celebrate America’s historic birthday,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “This patriotic design will remind the American people of the many freedoms we enjoy and how lucky we are to be part of the Great American Experiment!”

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Riyadh Air has operated daily flights to London Terminal 4 since 26 October 2025, utilizing the airline’s technical spare “Jamila” as part of its Pathway to Perfect operational readiness program, during which tickets have been available for booking. Jamila flights will continue to be available for booking through Riyadh Air’s approved travel partners until 30 June 2026.

Riyadh Air’s new 787-9 Dreamliners offer a 4-class configuration – Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. Passengers enjoy Bluetooth audio connectivity and traditional physical audio jacks available at every seat, across all classes. Business Elite and Business share a fully flat-bed 1-2-1 layout, with AC Power USB-C and USB-A charging and immersive high-fidelity sound delivered directly into the headrests.

Premium Economy’s 2-3-2 layout features privacy headrest wings, additional storage, expandable surfaces, four USB-C charging points, while Economy offers 6-way adjustable headrests and two USB-C charging points in a 3-3-3 configuration.

Guests on Riyadh Air’s Dreamliners will experience one of the world’s most modern in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, offering a rich selection of over 500 movies and 600 TV series from partners like Shahid, Disney+, HBO Max, and Warner Bros., complemented by 1,000 audio albums and playlists, via Panasonic Avionics’ innovative Astrova IFE system, which delivers pioneering technology including ‘mobile-first’ connectivity, cinema-quality visuals, wireless listening via Bluetooth and USB-C charging.

The new 787-9s deliveries are a step forward for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s aviation strategy, which aims to attract 150 million visitors and serve 330 million passengers annually by 2030. Riyadh Air’s fleet plan includes up to 72 Dreamliners that will play a central role in connecting the Kingdom to regional and long-haul markets, including Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.

“Riyadh Air is bringing to life a vision of modern world-class travel, and we are delighted to support them as they open new possibilities for the Kingdom and the world,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 787 Dreamliner gives Riyadh Air unmatched efficiency, flexibility across routes and a beautiful interior that will deliver a phenomenal travel experience.”

Riyadh Air plans to serve more than 100 destinations by 2030, deploying early 787 flights to cities including London, Cairo and Jeddah.

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The Airbus A350-900s and the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will replace older and therefore less efficient models starting in 2032. The decision regarding which airline and which hub the ordered aircraft will be deployed at will be made at a later date.

Including this latest order, Lufthansa Group currently has 232 aircraft on its order list, including 107 next-generation long-haul aircraft.

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Biman operates a fleet of 14 Boeing airplanes – 787-9s, 787-8s, 777s and Next-Generation 737s – on its long-haul and short-haul international networks. The airline will boost passenger and cargo capacity while improving fuel efficiency with the 787-10, which offers the lowest cost per seat of any widebody airplane.

The 737-8 will support Biman’s single-aisle fleet renewal and help the carrier meet growing regional demand. The 737 MAX and 787 families deliver 20-25% fuel-use improvement compared to the airplanes they replace.

Biman currently flies from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to 22 international destinations, including major hubs in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and Europe. The airline’s longest route is the service to Toronto via Istanbul on a 787-9.

Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook projects South Asia’s widebody fleet will more than triple over 20 years as the region’s carriers connect millions of travelers to international destinations across the Middle East, Europe and North America. With the region poised for significant air travel demand over the next two decades, Bangladesh will continue to contribute to this growth.

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The flight departs Seattle at 5:30 PM and arrives in Rome at 1:15 PM the next day, giving guests a full afternoon to begin exploring one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, from historic streets to rolling vineyards and iconic coastal views.

Westbound flights depart from Rome at 3:25 PM and arrive in Seattle at 5:45 PM (local time), inviting Italian guests to experience the Pacific Northwest’s renowned food and wine scene and breathtaking natural landscapes.

This new European service will also enable some of the best connectivity between Hawaii to and from Europe with just one stop through Seattle, benefiting Hawaii-based travelers and opening a new European visitor gateway to the Hawaiian Islands.

The new Rome service also advances Alaska Airlines’ growing global cargo business. Effective April 28th, Alaska becomes the first U.S. passenger airline to offer daily non-stop cargo service between Seattle and Rome, strengthening trade connections between the Pacific Northwest and Italy and expanding the airline’s cargo network to 109 destinations worldwide.

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Before boarding, Captain Majed joined Fraport Chief Technology Officer Dr. Pierre Dominique Prümm for a ribbon-cutting at the gate. The morning also held a surprise for one couple from Limburg, heading to Singapore for their holiday. Captain Majed greeted them at the gate with an upgrade to Business for the flight to Abu Dhabi.

Etihad currently operates 2 daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Frankfurt on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

For Etihad guests travelling through Frankfurt, Terminal 3 marks the start of a noticeably different airport experience. Check-in and security are housed in bright, open spaces flooded with natural daylight through floor-to-ceiling windows.

A central marketplace spanning 6,000 square metres brings together restaurants, shops and lounge seating with direct views over the apron –  giving guests more to enjoy before they board. Families travelling with children will find dedicated play areas, while business travellers can make use of quiet workstations before departure. A new Skyline rail link connects all three Frankfurt terminals.

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On some of the world’s longest commercial flights to and from New Zealand, Skynest is designed to make a real difference to the journey. Featuring 6 lie-flat pods in a bunk-style layout between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, it gives customers the opportunity to stretch out, lie flat and get a few hours’ proper rest in the air.

Developed over several years and tested with more than 200 customers, each Skynest pod provides a quiet, private space with a full-length mattress, bedding, ambient lighting, ventilation and charging ports.

Customers who book an Economy or Premium Economy seat will have the option of adding a 4-hour session. The sessions have been designed around natural sleep cycles to allow time to settle, sleep and wake gradually. Initially, two sessions will be offered on each flight.

Key facts: Economy Skynest

World-first lie-flat sleep pods in the sky for Economy and Premium Economy travellers
Six individual pods arranged in a bunk-style layout
Located between Economy and Premium Economy cabins on Boeing 787-9s
Four-hour sessions
Two sessions available per flight (initially)
Priced from $495 NZD per session
Available to book from 18 May 2026
Available on services from November 2026

Each Skynest session includes:

A lie-flat sleeping pod with full-length mattress
Fresh bedding including pillow, sheets and blanket, changed in between sessions
Privacy curtain
Ambient lighting designed for rest and wake
Personal stowage and charging (USB-A and USB-C)
Reading light and ventilation outlet
Crew call button and in-pod seatbelt
Nestcessities kit including eye mask, ear plugs, socks and Aotea skincare

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Upgrades across all cabins

Air Canada’s new Glowing Hearted design standard will deliver upgrades for every customer, including:

– All-new ergonomic seats designed to maximize personal space with built-in tablet holders, and larger overhead bins.
– Significantly larger 4K OLED screens and Bluetooth audio available for all customers.
– Access to high-powered USB-C and AC power outlets at every seat, ensuring laptops and all personal devices stay fully charged.
– Air Canada Premium Economy cabins will also feature new extended privacy wings for added comfort.

On the Airbus A321XLR

For the first time on a single-aisle aircraft, Air Canada will introduce 14 lie-flat Air Canada Signature Class seats.
4K OLED IFE screen (13-inch in Economy, 19-inch Premium Cabins) with Bluetooth audio.

On the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner

– Air Canada Signature Plus, a new and exclusive suite at the front of the aircraft, designed for customers seeking an elevated experience with extra space. The suites in the centre of the aircraft also offer companion seats for use while in cruise.
– All 4 suites include a larger (2-metre / 6’5”) bed, quartzite-topped table and a dedicated guest seat, with more space for personal items and a higher wall for additional privacy.
– The two centre suites feature a fully retractable sliding privacy panel, maximizing sociability for up to four customers travelling together.
– 4K OLED IFE screen (13-inch in Economy, 16-inch in Premium Economy, and up to 27-inch in premium cabins) with Bluetooth audio.

Key design features across both aircraft:

– Air Canada Signature red stitching and bespoke fabrics provide a subtle Canadian touch paired with a palette of greys and stone.
– Natural wood grain details are complemented by bronze metal accents.
– Leather-grain surfaces and metal finishes reflect deliberate investment in enduring quality, balancing refined aesthetics and durability.
– A refined and Glowing Hearted experience:

On the Airbus A321XLR, a backlit canopy of maple leaves for an unmistakably Canadian welcome for every customer as they board.
On the 787-10 Dreamliner, premium customers are greeted by a wave-like entrance monument, inspired by Canada’s waterways and anchored by the Air Canada rondelle cast in bronze.

North American fleet upgrade program underway

In addition to the Glowing Hearted cabins on the A321XLR and 787-10 Dreamliner, Air Canada is also upgrading the interiors on other fleets.

Air Canada’s Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, currently operated by Rouge, will move to the mainline fleet and be retrofitted to Air Canada’s latest design standard, while the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will transition to Air Canada Rouge in 2026. This will allow customers flying Rouge leisure and Sun routes across North America and the Caribbean to enjoy upgraded interiors, including personal seatback entertainment, reclining seats and complimentary Fast, Free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell.

Upgrades to the customer experience also extend to the Air Canada Express aircraft operated by Jazz Aviation, which will be fitted with new cabins, and are now flying with next generation fast, free Wi-Fi.

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The aircraft, which received comprehensive interior upgrades at Boeing’s Modification Center in Victorville, California, was subsequently painted in Air India’s striking new livery at AeroPro, an FAA Part-145 certified aircraft paint facility in San Bernardino, California.

Following the requisite regulatory certifications and clearances, the aircraft operated a non-stop ferry flight from San Bernardino to Delhi, flying over the Pacific and landing at 22:44 hrs Delhi local time on April 12th.

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Following the “Pathway to Perfect” operational readiness phase , Riyadh Air is set to accept delivery of its first aircraft in the coming weeks and poised to launch commercial service to London, Dubai and Cairo soon after. The Egyptian capital has been strategically chosen for its as a significant flight path due to immense demand. Flights between Riyadh and Cairo are among the busiest in the world with a recorded 2.7 m passengers last year.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, stated, “The launch of our commercial service to Cairo marks a true beginning of our journey to connect Riyadh to the world, and the world to Riyadh. This route has been carefully selected to serve a key market that aligns with our ambition to become a global destination and a significant contributor to Vision 2030. We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard our state-of-the-art Dreamliners to experience our distinctive Saudi hospitality and redefine the future of air travel.”

Riyadh Air’s network expansion will continue at an accelerated pace, with plans to reach over 100 destinations by 2030.