South African Airways has signed a co-operation agreement with Kenya Airways that envisages the establishment of a pan-African airline. Having recently restarted its services after a process of business reconstruction and the Covid-19 crisis, SAA foresees that such an initiative could "seek to enhance mutual growth potential by taking advantage of strengths of the two airlines' busy hubs." The broader agreement between the companies includes steps towards expanding their passenger and cargo networks, standardising products, and enabling the exchange of expertise, innovation, and best practices. "As well as being a strong local carrier, part of our broader growth strategy is to become a major player in regional travel, and this joint memorandum with Kenya Airways, one of the continent's strongest and most respected carriers, will do just that," states SAA interim chief executive Thomas Kgokolo. "Part of SAA's core remit is to be a significant enabler of business and trade in Africa, and it's through a strategic understanding like this that real progress will be made in advancing South Africa and the continent's growth." SAA says the airlines will now establish a joint working group to further the memorandum of co-operation's objectives. The agreement does not mandate exclusivity that would prevent either carrier from pursuing commercial co-operation with other airlines.

Lessor Air Lease (ALC) has delivered one new Boeing 737 Max 9 on long-term lease to Alaska Airlines. The aircraft, which is equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines, is the first of 13 new 737-9 jets confirmed to deliver to the airline from ALC's orderbook with Boeing, ALC says in a 27 September press release. The latest delivery joins six 737-9s flying in Alaska Airlines' fleet. "Our 737-9 experience has been terrific to date. The aircraft is fuel efficient, environmentally friendly, and our guests and teammates love flying it," says Nat Pieper, Alaska Airlines' senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances.

Jetstar Asia is preparing for a possible travel corridor between Singapore and Australia, and plans to resume Singapore-Darwin services as early as mid-December. "With Singapore’s strong vaccination rate and Australia on track to see 80% of the population vaccinated by the end of the year, we’re starting to plan the restart of our international flights between these Covid-safe destinations," chief executive Bara Pasupathi says in a statement today. He adds: "And with the Qantas Group planning to recommence services into Singapore as soon as a travel bubble is formed, we are also looking forward to being able to connect customers to our fantastic Southeast Asian network once again while helping restore Singapore’s position as a leading global air hub." The airline will remain flexible, Pasupathi says, but "based on the pace of the vaccine rollout" wants to make sure it is operationally ready. Subject to regulatory and government approval, the Changi airport-based budget carrier plans to operate thrice-weekly services between Singapore and Darwin, starting 20 December. Jetstar Asia says this is in line with Qantas Group's international restart plan, which sees Australia-based Jetstar Airways resume Melbourne-Singapore services from 19 December, pending government and regulatory approvals. Data shows Jetstar Asia operated up to seven Singapore-Darwin flights per week in 2019, with Airbus A320 aircraft. The sector was also served by Singapore Airlines Group's SilkAir, with Boeing 737-800 or 737 Max 8 jets, also up to seven flights per week. SilkAir is being integrated into mainline carrier SIA and data shows SIA has pencilled in a daily Singapore-Darwin service from January 2022. In March this year, the Singapore and Australian governments confirmed they were discussing a quarantine-free air travel bubble. In a 15 March television interview, Australia's then-deputy prime minister Michael McCormack provided a highly tentative July start date while emphasising that discussions were at an early stage.