Jetstar will launch new transtasman routes in December and April and increase capacity on domestic routes as it adds another jet to its Christchurch base. The low-cost carrier will start flights between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast on a thrice weekly frequency from 13 December and has flagged more frequency on the Auckland-Christchurch and Auckland-Wellington routes. From 1 April 2025, it will also launch twice weekly flights between Christchurch and Cairns, rising to thrice weekly from 6 April. To operate the additional flights, Jetstar will base an additional Airbus A320 at Christchurch from December, taking its New Zealand fleet to eight aircraft. “Having another aircraft based in Christchurch, as well as the launch of new flights and capacity, will help establish the city as a major gateway for Jetstar in New Zealand, providing more choice and great low fares for South Island residents," says Jetstar Group chief executive Stephanie Tully. Jetstar adds that it will adjust its Christchurch to Melbourne flight times to improve connectivity to its long-haul network, offering better access to its flights between Melbourne and Asia, including Ho Chi Minh City, Phuket, Singapore and Bangkok.

Qantas will add 14 more De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s to its group fleet to allow for the gradual phase out of its smaller -300 and -200 turboprops that are used on regional routes. The airline says that the mid-life Dash 8-400s with a 78-seat configuration will start joining the fleet before the end of the year, eventually taking its fleet of the type to 45. Fleets data shows that the 16 Dash 8-300s that operate in QantasLink colours are between 19.6 and 24.3 years old, while the three -200s are 27-28.5 years old. In comparison, its 31 existing Dash 8-400s are between 9.9 and 18.5 years old. "By consolidating our turboprops into a single fleet type, we’ll be able to further improve our reliability and provide a better recovery for our customers during disruptions as well as reducing complexity and cost for our operation," says the airline's chief executive Vanessa Hudson. Qantas adds that the capital investment to acquire the aircraft will be spread across its 2025 and 2026 fiscal years and will be managed within its existing guidance of A$3.7-3.9 billion ($2.46-2.59 billion). Schedules data shows that the turboprop fleet mostly operates on regional services to Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, and several intrastate routes in Queensland.

Icelandair plans to add Lisbon to its route network this winter, with flights starting from 11 October. The carrier says it will serve the Portuguese capital at twice-weekly frequency. It has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Portuguese flag carrier TAP to work towards a codeshare agreement. "We are very excited to announce Lisbon as the latest addition to our extensive route network and at the same time, increase our partnership with TAP," states Icelandair chief Bogi Nils Bogason.