Delta Air Lines has selected Airbus's HBCplus satellite connectivity system for 20 on-order A350-1000s. The deal makes Delta the first North American customer for Airbus's satcom product. It was in January 2024 that Delta ordered the 20 A350-1000s, taking options on an additional 20. Cirium fleets data shows the widebodies are set to be delivered to the US major in 2027-28. Airbus says it will work with Delta and Hughes to equip the A350-1000s with HBCplus. Joseph Eddy, director of cabin programmes at Atlanta-based Delta, states: "Leveraging Airbus's industry-leading systems integration and engineering capabilities, to integrate our Hughes multi-orbit IFC solution, is a natural partnership." The European airframer's head of connected aircraft programme Tim Sommer, meanwhile, describes the project as "the epitome of our long-time relationship with Delta Air Lines, and a great example of industrial collaboration".

A special-purpose vehicle linked to Azorra has initiated legal action against Kenya Airways in the UK courts. Azorra Eagle 1 DAC, formerly NAC Aviation 33, is named as one of two claimants in a commercial-court claim lodged on 20 March, court records show. The other claimant is Wilmington Trust. Both are represented by Alius Law, while Clyde & Co is representing Kenya Airways. Azorra has declined to comment. Data shows that the US lessor leases six Embraer E190s to Kenya Airways. All six were formerly part of the Nordic Aviation Capital portfolio acquired by Azorra.

Ratings agency Fitch has downgraded Air Baltic's long-term default rating to 'CCC-' from 'CCC+', citing acute liquidity pressure and weak financial flexibility. The agency is warning that without external support, Air Baltic could face a liquidity crisis within the next six to 12 months. "In our view, the company will require a large equity injection to sustain operations through 2026," writes Fitch, adding that Air Baltic's near-term cash needs could be supported by a potential state loan and working-capital measures. The downgrade reflects what Fitch sees as "unsustainably high" leverage, driven by heavy lease-adjusted debt and weaker financial performance in 2025, which the agency expects to continue into 2026. It also sees a rising risk of debt restructuring later this year if funding support is not secured. Liquidity has been further pressured by higher fuel prices. Fitch estimates that Air Baltic has hedged only around 10% of its 2026 fuel needs, leaving it highly exposed to elevated oil and jet fuel prices. Fitch notes the airline is seeking a €30 million ($35 million) short-term loan from the Latvian state, which could provide a temporary liquidity bridge into the seasonally stronger summer period. However, external funding – through an equity injection from shareholders or a new investor – will be required to cover a forecast funding gap in 2026, the agency believes. Latvia's government approved a potential €30 million short-term loan for the carrier last month. However, the loan still requires endorsement by the national parliament. The state owns around 88% of Air Baltic, while Deutsche Lufthansa holds a 10% stake. Fitch observes that political considerations and EU state-aid rules could limit the scope for timely state support. The agency has also cut the senior secured long-term rating on Air Baltic's €380 million bonds to 'CCC-' from 'B-'.