Industry stalwart Willie Walsh has been appointed to lead Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo after his current term as director general of IATA expires at end-July. In a stock-exchange filing, IndiGo notes that, subject to security clearance by the Indian authorities, Walsh will join the airline as chief executive no later than 3 August. His appointment was approved by IndiGo's board on 31 March. "I am thrilled that Willie will be at the helm of IndiGo," states the airline's chair Vikram Singh Mehta. "He is an exceptional global aviation leader with a stellar track record of outstanding leadership across several airlines." Walsh served as chief executive of European airline group IAG prior to taking up his role at IATA, having headed up subsidiary British Airways before that. IndiGo credits him with being "widely considered as one of the most successful, respected, influential and long-lasting leaders in modern aviation history", one "admired for his pragmatic and resolute management, effective complex restructuring, and successful mergers and acquisitions". For his part, Walsh declares himself "delighted to have the opportunity to lead IndiGo" and describes the airline as having a "strong foundation, a compelling vision and an exceptional reputation". He adds: "What stands out most to me are its people, their passion, professionalism and commitment. The aviation landscape is evolving rapidly, and IndiGo is extremely well positioned to be at the forefront of this change." IndiGo's previous chief executive, Peter Elbers, stepped down abruptly on 10 March, citing personal reasons. Under his tenure, IndiGo underwent a significant expansion, including a 40% growth of its fleet to around 400 aircraft, as well as a move into long-haul flights and the signing of a codeshare partnership with Delta Air Lines. However, the airline was hit by widespread groundings last December, forcing the cancellation of over 2,500 flights, blamed on changes to flightcrew duty limitations. That incident forced regulators to step in and temporarily instruct the carrier to slash services. Profit before tax for the quarter fell 78%. IndiGo highlights that in his new role, Walsh will be responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the airline, "with a focus on transformational initiatives to strengthen the operational performance, advance the company's network and commercial strategy while enhancing customer experience".

Five weeks after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Azul has reported a fourth-quarter operating profit of R1.42 billion ($271 million), up 15% versus the same period in 2024. The Brazilian carrier's chief executive John Rodgerson states that "revenue reached an all-time record, supported by healthy demand, effective pricing actions, and solid contributions from our beyond-the-metal business units". Fourth-quarter revenue increased 4.6% to R5.8 billion while expenses grew 1.7%, to R4.38 billion. Azul raised fourth-quarter capacity 1.1% compared with the prior-year period. Load factor was up one percentage point, to 85%. Rodgerson notes that Azul's post-Chapter 11 "improved balance sheet" and "disciplined capacity growth" provide the carrier with "a meaningful ability to react to macroeconomic challenges such as the recent increase in fuel prices". Azul intends to reduce second-quarter 2026 domestic capacity by 1% under what it says is "a disciplined approach to capacity growth to maximise profitability and cash generation." It adds that it expects a one-third reduction in recurring aircraft leasing expenses in 2026 versus pre-restructuring estimates. "This improvement is primarily driven by the renegotiation of lease terms and the optimisation of the company’s fleet composition," Azul says.

Air New Zealand and Air China have had their alliance reauthorised until 2031 by New Zealand's transport ministry. The carriers have operated their China-New Zealand services through the alliance since 2015, primarily through opening domestic connections on each other's networks. "The alliance continues to improve access between New Zealand and key destinations across China, while supporting inbound tourism and business links with one of our largest trading partners," states Air New Zealand chief transformation and alliances officer Mike Williams. Cirium schedules data shows that Air China flies thrice weekly between Auckland and Beijing Capital, while Air New Zealand flies six times a week from Auckland to Shanghai Pudong.