Brazilian carrier Azul has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350 aircraft. The aircraft, equipped with two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB turbofan engines, arrived at Confins International airport after completing last maintenance checks at Tarbes in France, the airline says. With capacity for up to 334 customers, the A350 is part of the carrier's fleet modernization plan and will replace its A330ceos, which currently fly on long-haul routes, chief executive John Rodgerson says. The two Trent XWB engines "guarantee 20% less fuel consumption per seat, resulting in much lower CO2 emissions per seat compared to the A330ceo, reinforcing Azul's commitment to sustainability and to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045," he adds. Azul expects to complete the certification process of the aircraft with the Brazilian regulatory agencies in the coming weeks. It also plans to add two new A350s to its fleet by the end of the year.

Horizon Air's pilots have ratified a new retention agreement with the carrier. The Alaska Air Group subsidiary says over 91% of its more than 700 pilots, who are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, voted to ratify the agreement, which was passed by 99%. The deal is aimed at supporting and retaining Horizon's pilots as "mainline airlines continue hiring pilots away from regional airlines at record levels," airline adds. The ratification comes after a tentative agreement was reached with Teamsters on 2 September. The agreement covers pay increases, enhancements to retirement benefits, as well as improved commuter policies and instructor benefits. The airline's president Joe Sprague states: "Horizon Air is proud to serve communities throughout the West – places that we call home. The ongoing industry pilot shortage has put a strain on this service, and it's more critical than ever that we attract and retain our talented pilots." The pilot shortage and the transition to a single fleet of Embraer 175 aircraft has resulted in a temporary reduction of Horizon's scheduled flying. The carrier says the new agreement with Horizon pilots complements other efforts that are expanding and diversifying the pilot pipeline through investments in the Ascend Pilot Academy and the pilot development programme. “This is a priority, as Alaska and Horizon estimate the need to hire 500 pilots each year through 2025,” it notes.

Wizz Air has reopened its base in Chisinau, Moldova, with three aircraft. The central European budget carrier says it is resuming 15 routes operated from Chisinau and increasing frequencies on three existing routes. Acting network officer Evelin Jeckel states: "Now passengers can travel with Wizz Air on 21 routes from Chisinau to 11 countries."