Air Nostrum has made an early repayment of €21 million ($25 million) in state loans provided to it amid the pandemic. The Spanish carrier says that the advanced payment to SEPI includes almost €900,000 in interest and reduces the principal of a €111 million equity loan that was granted to it amid Covid-19. Air Nostrum says that under a restructuring of the repayment terms in December 2024, it was agreed that all the principal and the remaining interest would be amortised in a single payment in 2028. Following the early repayment that was just completed, the airline says the outstanding principal amount has been reduced to €91 million.

Cathay Group's incoming chair Guy Bradley will take up the position on 13 May 2026. He replaces Patrick Healy, who is stepping down on 13 May and will retire from parent Swire Group on 31 May, Cathay Pacific confirmed on 23 December. Healy has chaired Cathay for six years, navigating the Hong Kong airline group through the Covid crisis. Bradley, meanwhile, currently chairs Swire Pacific and is a director of Cathay Pacific. He has been with Swire Group since 1987.

Chinese carriers Spring Airlines and Juneyao Air have disclosed deals with Airbus for a total of 55 A320neo-family aircraft. In a statement to the Shanghai stock exchange, Spring says that on 29 December it signed a purchase agreement with the European airframer for 30 jets for delivery in 2028-32. The Shanghai-based low-cost carrier says it will "use its own funds, commercial bank loans, or other financing methods to support this transaction". It foresees that the jets will enable it to optimise its fleet structure, build capacity for the long term and "improve operational efficiency and market competitiveness". Cirium data lists Spring as having an all-Airbus fleet of 134 aircraft, comprising 75 A320ceos, 47 A320neos (including two in storage) and 12 A321neos. The carrier already had 13 A320neo-family jets on order: nine A320neos and four A321neos. Juneyao has meanwhile revealed a purchase agreement that covers 25 A320neo-family aircraft, for delivery in the same timeframe. "This aircraft purchase is to ensure the company's future normal production and operation needs," says Juneyao in its disclosure to the Shanghai stock exchange. The transaction will be funded with bank loans, it adds. Operating as a full-service carrier out of Shanghai, Juneyao has a fleet of 103 aircraft, comprising 93 Airbus narrowbodies and 10 787-9s. The narrowbodies are made up of 30 A320ceos, 27 A321ceos, 22 A320neos and 14 A321neos. Both of the new purchase agreements are subject to shareholder approval. Neither airline has confirmed an engine selection. CFM International Leap-1As were selected for all of the A320neo-family jets that Spring Airlines already had in service, in storage or on order, while Juneyao's are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100Gs.