Air New Zealand has stated that it is not in any merger talks, contrary to media speculation. "Air New Zealand confirms that it has not been approached, and is not in discussions with any parties, regarding a potential merger transaction," chairman Therese Walsh said in a stock exchange disclosure today. She adds that the company remains in compliance of its continuous disclosure obligations to stock exchanges. While the statement indicates that Air New Zealand was responding to media speculation, it did not go into details. This likely refers to a recent article by The Australian, which citing sources reports that Virgin Australia held merger talks with Air New Zealand and Regional Express. According to a Radio New Zealand report citing the article by The Australian, talks between Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia were held in recent weeks but a deal had not been reached. A potential merger between the airlines would involve a back-door dual listing in Australia and in New Zealand of Virgin Australia into Air New Zealand.

France's aviation regulator has instructed airlines to halve services to and from the country on 15 September, as a strike by air traffic controllers threatens widespread disruption. Industrial action by the SNCTA union is expected to lead to "cancellations and significant delays" throughout France, according to the country’s civil aviation authority DGAC. As a knock-on impact, the walk out could cause significant disruption to air traffic across Europe. Air France says it plans to operate around 90% of its long-haul flights but just 45% of short and medium-haul services. "Delays and last minute cancellations cannot be ruled out," the carrier warns.

Austrian Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320neo from the airframer's Toulouse assembly line. The Pratt & Whitney PW1124G-powered twinjet, registered OE-LZN, arrived at Vienna airport on 13 September and was handed over to Austrian Technik for cabin interior work and painting over coming weeks, the Lufthansa group carrier says. Its first commercial flight is planned for mid-October. Delivery of Austrian's second A320neo is scheduled for October and of two additional units by spring 2023. The aircraft are part of a Lufthansa order, Austrian notes. It will operate the aircraft primarily on continental routes. Chief operating officer Francesco Sciortino describes the delivery as "an important step towards more climate-friendly air traffic". Data show that Austrian has 29 CFM International CFM56-powered A320s, six A321s, and one A319 listed as being in storage. Its fleet additionally includes 17 Embraer 195s, six Boeing 777-200ERs and three 767-300ERs.