Flight Buzz
Alaska Airlines To Launch New Flights to London and Reykjavik
Travelers in the Pacific Northwest will have plenty of new options to fly to Europe in 2026, thanks to Alaska Airlines’ ongoing route expansion.
The carrier just announced it’s adding two more transatlantic routes out of its Seattle hub to London and Reykjavik, launching next spring. The new international flights are part of Alaska’s larger initiative to transform its base in Seattle into a global gateway. The airline plans to launch at least 12 nonstop international flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) by 2030, with London and Reykjavik as the fourth and fifth destinations in its lineup.
Alaska will offer daily nonstop service to London all year round with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. “The Seattle-London route is popular with both corporate and leisure travelers who are eager for premium onboard amenities and services,” the carrier says. As such, it will offer a business-class cabin outfitted with 34 enclosed suites with lie-flat beds. The British capital is the largest intercontinental market for travelers from Seattle, according to Alaska, with more than 400 passengers transiting between the two destinations every day.
The airline will also begin a seasonal summer flight to Reykjavik, Iceland, on board its single-aisle Boeing 737-8 Max planes. Exact flight schedules for the Reykjavik and London routes haven’t been published yet, as both flights are still awaiting final government approval. Fares for both routes are scheduled to go on sale this fall.
Previously, Alaska announced new service from Seattle to Tokyo Narita (which launched in May), Seoul Incheon, and Rome, which will be its first-ever European destination. “With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. “We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And we’re doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance that’s always defined us. I’m so proud of how our people continue to step up and deliver as we push ahead on these initiatives, with even more to come.”
To mark the transition into its global era, Alaska Airlines is also rolling out a brand-new livery for its Dreamliner aircraft. The new design is inspired by the northern lights, with vibrant blues and greens as well as “flowing aura lines. It will adorn the airline’s growing fleet of up to 17 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft” as part of its new global experience. Alaska currently has four Dreamliners in its fleet.
“Our new 787 exterior embodies Alaska’s transition to a global airline with beauty, grace and a nod to our heritage,” said Andrew Harrison, Alaska’s chief commercial officer. “As we significantly expand to new destinations around the globe, we’re eager for more and more travelers to recognize our new livery as being Alaska Airlines and appreciate the outstanding service we’ve long been known for.”
The airline’s iconic emblem featuring an image of an Alaska Native will remain on its narrow-body aircraft. Alaska Airlines’ long-haul Dreamliner experience will be available from Seattle starting on September 12, when the carrier launches its route to Seoul, South Korea.
The carrier is also upgrading the long-haul experience on its Airbus A330 fleet, “making substantial investments to the onboard experience over the next few years,” according to the airline. Every cabin on those jets will see improvements, including updated lie-flat seats in business class, a new premium economy cabin, and upgraded seats in the main cabin.
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Flight Buzz
Royal Air Maroc Sets New Milestone In Global Aviation With Major Expansion Of Its Network, Introducing New Direct Flights To Key European And African Destinations
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is setting a new milestone in global aviation with a bold expansion of its network, launching direct flights to several key European and African destinations. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening the airline’s position as a major player in the international travel market. By introducing new routes starting in September, RAM is not only enhancing its connectivity from its Casablanca hub but also responding to growing demand for seamless travel between continents. These additions will significantly improve access to key cities in Europe and Africa, offering more convenient options for both business and leisure travelers while reinforcing Royal Air Maroc’s commitment to delivering world-class service and connectivity.
Royal Air Maroc Expands Global Network with New Routes and Increased Frequencies
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is set to significantly enhance its global network by expanding its operations from its Casablanca hub. With the launch of four new destinations starting in September, RAM is positioning itself as a key player in global air travel, with a focus on connecting key cities across Europe, Africa, and beyond. These strategic moves reflect the airline’s commitment to meeting growing demand while strengthening its connectivity for passengers traveling across continents.
New International Routes from Casablanca
Starting September 17, Royal Air Maroc will begin flights to Zurich, marking the first of its four new destinations. The airline will offer two flights per week on this route, providing convenient connections between Morocco and Switzerland. Zurich, known for its global financial sector and tourism attractions, will now be more accessible to Moroccan travelers and vice versa.
On the same day, RAM will also launch a new route to Ndjamena, the capital of Chad, expanding its African network. With two weekly departures, this new service is particularly tailored for business travelers and those looking to explore the region. The evening departures from Casablanca will help passengers traveling from Europe or North Africa to connect smoothly. On the return, flights will depart from Ndjamena early in the morning, ensuring that passengers can catch onward connections to Europe through Casablanca, thus maximizing convenience.
The expansion continues on September 18, with RAM offering two weekly flights to Sal Island, Cape Verde. This destination promises to cater to both leisure and business travelers, with late-night departures from Casablanca, ensuring ease of transfer to connecting flights. The return flights will take off in the early morning hours, again designed to optimize passenger connections with European flights.
Finally, starting on October 20, Royal Air Maroc will introduce a new service to Munich, Germany. This city is a key destination for business and tourism, and RAM will offer two weekly flights, further enhancing the airline’s European presence. Munich’s central location in Europe makes it an attractive hub for international travelers looking to connect to other parts of the continent.
Strengthening Connections to France
As part of its ongoing efforts to improve its services, Royal Air Maroc is also focusing on bolstering its connectivity between Morocco and France, one of its largest international markets. France remains the leading European source of visitors to Morocco, contributing 27.5% of all international arrivals in the past year. Recognizing the importance of this market, RAM is reintroducing several routes that were suspended in recent years.
On October 10, RAM will resume flights from Marrakech to Lyon and Toulouse. This marks a significant return to these French cities, which have long been popular with Moroccan travelers. Following this, on October 11, the airline will re-launch its Marrakech-Nantes route, and on October 12, services to Bordeaux will also be reinstated. These routes were previously suspended in 2017 and 2022, but RAM’s renewed commitment to France underscores the growing demand for direct connections between Morocco and France.
Each of these routes will operate two weekly flights, with RAM using its Boeing 737-800 aircraft to serve them. These flights will provide reliable and comfortable connections for travelers between Morocco and some of France’s most sought-after regions.
Increased Frequencies and Daily Paris Flights
In addition to the reintroduced routes, Royal Air Maroc will further enhance its service to France by increasing the frequency of flights to Marseilles. Starting October 27, RAM will add a third weekly flight between Marrakech and Marseilles, providing even more flexibility for travelers looking to visit southern France.
To further bolster its ties with France, RAM will offer a daily service between Marrakech and Paris Charles de Gaulle airport during the peak winter season. From December 16 to January 18, 2026, the airline will provide daily flights between the two cities, ensuring that passengers can travel between Morocco and France with ease. This increased frequency will undoubtedly appeal to both tourists and business travelers, as well as the Moroccan diaspora in France.
Conclusion
Royal Air Maroc is reaching a major milestone in global aviation by expanding its network with new direct flights to key European and African destinations. Starting in September, the airline will introduce four new routes from Casablanca, enhancing global connectivity and offering more convenient travel options between continents.
Flight Buzz
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Flight Buzz
Cathay Pacific Joins Emirates and Qatar to Boost European Connectivity, Resumes Hong Kong-Brussels Flights: Here’s What You Need To Know
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Cathay Pacific has made a significant return to Europe by resuming flights between Hong Kong and Brussels. The Hong Kong-based airline has reintroduced the route after a hiatus since 2020. This move is part of Cathay Pacific’s broader strategy to expand its European network and strengthen its position in the international aviation market.
The airline has resumed operations on the Hong Kong to Brussels route four times a week using the latest Airbus A350-900 aircraft. These modern planes feature a business, premium economy, and economy class, catering to all travelers. This isn’t just a win for the airline—this flight is a key link for travelers connecting these important global centers.
Increased European Flights: Connecting Key Destinations
The restart of the Hong Kong-Brussels flights comes as part of Cathay Pacific’s plan to expand its services across Europe. The airline is operating nearly 100 weekly flights to various European destinations this summer. Cities like Rome and Munich have already been added to the airline’s flight map, increasing the airline’s ability to cater to growing demand from both business and leisure travelers.
The Rebuilding of Cathay Pacific’s Long-Haul Network
As a result of the global pandemic, the aviation industry suffered a major setback. Cathay pacific has been fervently focused on restoring services in their long-haul network. During the pandemic, travel demand decreased, but now the airline has new routes to offer. With the resuming of flights to Brussels, Cathay pacific is able to gain access back to one of the major cities in Europe which is also a political hub and historical site.
The airline’s efforts are part of a larger strategy to offer greater choice to European travelers, whether for business or tourism. As Lavinia Lau, Cathay Pacific’s chief customer and commercial officer, highlighted, the airline’s return to Brussels helps connect Hong Kong directly to one of Europe’s key political and cultural centers.
New Airbus A350-900 Aircraft Enhances Travel Experience
Traveling from Hong Kong to Brussels? You’ll be flying in style on the sleek Airbus A350-900. Cathay Pacific’s A350-900 model is equipped with modern features that ensure both business and premium economy as well as economy class travelers experience enhanced comfort during the flight. Passengers benefit from the aircraft’s fuel-efficient features and quieter engines as well as A350-900’s advanced technology which ensures a smooth journey.
The business class offers spacious seating with direct aisle access, ensuring a relaxing long-haul experience. Premium economy and economy passengers will also find more room and better in-flight entertainment options. This is part of Cathay Pacific’s commitment to enhancing its passengers’ travel experiences, ensuring each flight is as pleasant and convenient as possible.
Cathay Pacific’s Commitment to European Connectivity
Cathay Pacific’s decision to resume the Hong Kong-Brussels route highlights the airline’s commitment to improving European connectivity. The airline’s European offerings have grown substantially, with daily flights from major cities like London, Amsterdam, and Paris. The new flights to Brussels are expected to attract both business travelers and tourists seeking easy access to the European continent’s political and cultural heart.
In addition to the Hong Kong-Brussels flights, Cathay Pacific has also introduced new routes to other European destinations such as Munich and Rome. The airline’s goal is to increase its reach in key markets, offering customers more flight options to and from Europe.
Key Cities in Europe Now Linked Directly to Hong Kong
The resumption of the Hong Kong-Brussels flights is a significant milestone for Cathay Pacific. Brussels is now added to the airline’s growing list of direct European connections. Travelers from Brussels will now be able to enjoy direct flights to Hong Kong, making it easier to connect with Asia and beyond.
Besides Brussels, Cathay Pacific has established daily services to major cities like London, Frankfurt, and Milan. It also operates multiple weekly flights to cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, and Zurich. With these options, travelers have more flexibility when planning their journeys between Europe and Asia.
Cathay Pacific’s Continued Expansion Across Europe
The expansion of Cathay Pacific’s long-haul routes is not restricted to Brussels. The airline is always focused on network expansion throughout Europe. It now has five daily flights operating from London which gives he frequent travelers a direct connection to two of the most important financial centers in the world. Also, the airline’s services from Milan, Paris, and Zurich make Hong Kong and many other destinations easily accessible to leisure and business travelers.
With these moves, Cathay Pacific aims to strengthen its role as one of the top airlines for European connections, offering convenience, comfort, and flexibility to its passengers.
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