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Gulf Air commenced (12-May-2026) deployment of its first aircraft equipped with Starlink inflight WiFi, available to passengers in all cabin classes for free. Gulf Air CEO Martin Gauss stated: "By introducing Starlink, we are delivering ground-quality internet at various cruising altitudes, enabling our passengers to stream, work, and stay connected throughout their journey in a way that was simply not possible before". As previously reported by CAPA, the airline plans to expand Starlink across its entire fleet. [more - original PR]

Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, via his official Twitter account, announced (14-May-2026) Pioneer Airlines received its air operator's certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority on 13-May-2026. Pioneer Airlines is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and Mr Keyamo commented on the rise of state owned airlines in Nigeria, stating: "We should look out for more of such in the immediate future". He added: "This would significantly assist air travellers to have more choices of airlines". According to its official website, Pioneer Airlines intends to operate from Yenagoa to destinations including Akure, Anambra, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Warri.

Kinetic and Melbourne Tullamarine Airport broke (12-May-2026) ground on "Australia's first" purpose-built electric double-decker bus depot for the city's SkyBus service. The project forms part of Kinetic's commitment to operate a 100% electric SkyBus fleet in Melbourne by 2031. Kinetic is investing AUD80 million (USD57.7 million) into fleet electrification in Melbourne as part of a contract with Victoria's Government through 2034. Melbourne Airport will deliver the depot construction and site works. The depot will have a 93-bus capacity and house 200 staff when it becomes operational in 1Q2027. Airport chief of property, retail and ground transport Jai McDermott stated: "SkyBus has been part of Melbourne Airport's landside transport story for more than four decades and we're proud to partner with them to deliver a lower-emissions future... Supporting the electrification of SkyBus' high frequency services is also about improving the airport experience, with new electric buses delivering smoother, more comfortable journeys for passengers and our workforce". [more - original PR]

Iridium Communications entered (14-May-2026) a definitive agreement to acquire full ownership of Aireon. Iridium will acquire the remaining 61% of equity interests of Aireon from NAV CANADA, AirNav Ireland, ENAV, NATS and Naviair for approximately USD366.7 million. The transaction is targeted to close in early Jul-2026. The acquisition will combine Aireon's surveillance and data services, including GPS jamming and spoofing detection, with Iridium's global satcom network and positioning, navigation and timing services. The Aireon system operates on the Iridium satellite constellation. NAV CANADA and NATS will sign extended data services agreements through to 2035 and beyond, with provisions for continued cooperative development of space based VHF communications and other new capabilities. Iridium CEO Matt Desch commented: "Bringing Aireon fully inside Iridium better positions us to build what's needed to support the future of aviation, including more innovations like the future introduction of space-based VHF communications". [more - original PR - Iridium] [more - original PR - NAV CANADA] [more - Aviation Week]

Singapore Airlines and Air India added (14-May-2026) one domestic and 20 international destinations to their codeshare arrangements from 04-May-2026. This brings the number of codeshare points between the airlines to 82 destinations across 27 countries and territories. [more - original PR]

China Southern Airlines scheduled to increase Guangzhou-London Gatwick frequency from three to 13 times weekly, effective 01-Jul-2026 to 31-Aug-2026, according to OAG and the CAPA Route Capacity Analyser. The airline is the sole scheduled operator on the route.