Ryanair has dismissed fears that Europe could run out of jet fuel this summer, positing that the continent can be entirely supplied by producers in West Africa, North America and Norway. During a briefing on full-year results, group chief executive Michael O'Leary said the prospect of jet fuel shortages this summer "does not exist" and that Ryanair's fuel team had "zero concerns" about supply. Worries that Europe’s airlines could run out of jet fuel have abated in recent weeks as product has begun arriving from regions outside of the Middle East. This has helped to nudge down kerosene prices, which had surged through March and April following the outbreak of the Iran conflict and subsequent blockading of the Strait of Hormuz. Recent statements from Air France-KLM, Lufthansa and IAG indicate that airline leaders expect to be able to operate their summer schedules in full, albeit with significantly higher prices for fuel purchased outside of hedging programmes. Even if primary suppliers ran out of product, rival companies would readily step in, O'Leary suggests. He observes that, having adapted its sourcing arrangements, Kuwaiti oil company Q8 "remains reasonably confident they can supply us through the summer", adding: "Concerns of shortages have subsided… The challenge is now price." The airline is roughly 80% covered for its fuel needs until end-March 2027 at around $688 per metric tonne, against a current price of around $1,350 in northwest Europe, according to energy information provider ICIS. Before the war in Iran, the price was around $750. It hit a yearly peak of roughly $1,900 in early April. Ryanair believes its protection from higher prices will "widen the cost advantage over EU competitors for the remainder of [fiscal] 2027". Finance chief Neil Sorahan stresses that the carrier hedges against the jet fuel price and not crude oil. This covers it for "exactly what goes into the tank", he points out. O'Leary adds that he has been advised by several US politicians that the political consequences of the Strait remaining closed will encourage president Trump to ensure its reopening by end-May, as the US administration refocuses on November's mid-term elections and on the need to contain higher gas prices for drivers. If it does remain closed, some European airlines will face collapse by the autumn, he expects. For the year to end-March 2026, Ryanair Group has reported a 52% increase in operating profit to €2.4 billion ($2.8 billion), on revenue up 11% at €15.5 billion. Load factor stayed flat at 94% as passenger numbers rose 4% to 208 million. The airline adds that demand remains "robust" although bookings are taking place closer in than last year. Ryanair plans to maintain capacity growth of around 4%, and O'Leary says he expects pricing will be up slightly or "flattish" for the peak season. "We are being conservative in our guidance," he adds, citing firm demand and the likelihood that European travellers will avoid long-haul routes to Asia and the Middle East, instead holidaying closer to home. "We think the outlook will improve," says O'Leary.

South Korean low-cost carrier Jeju Air has agreed to sell three Boeing 737-800s to Nigerian carrier Air Peace in a deal valued at $96.5 million. The carrier confirmed the sale in a Korean stock exchange disclosure which shows that it was approved by its board on 13 May and is expected to be completed by the end of August. Previous disclosures confirmed media reports that it planned to sell three seven-year-old 737s as it progressively replaces them with Max 8s. While the airline did not confirm which aircraft it is selling, Cirium fleets data shows that it owns three 737-800s unencumbered – MSNs 64177, 64178 and 64179 – and one under finance lease (MSN 39009). Air Peace, meanwhile, has three 737-800s under wet lease from AirExplore and one stored unit which is owns unencumbered out of a total fleet of 28 aircraft in service and stored.

Long-serving Virgin Atlantic chair Peter Norris will stand down at the end of May. He will be replaced by Josh Bayliss, chief executive of Virgin Group, which owns a 51% stake in the UK carrier. Virgin Atlantic notes that Norris, who has been in post since 2012, was involved in forging strategic partnerships, including the establishment of a joint venture with 49% shareholder Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM, and its entry into the SkyTeam alliance. He also led the board through the "unprecedented impact" of the pandemic, overseeing restructuring and recapitalisation, notes the carrier. Incoming chair Bayliss has led Virgin Group since 2011. Norris's departure follows significant change in the management team at Virgin Atlantic, including the exit of Shai Weiss, who was succeeded as chief executive by former chief customer and operating officer Corneel Koster in January 2026. Former group treasurer Ansar Hussain has become the airline's interim finance chief; Suzanne Roddie its operating chief, having previously served as vice-president of airports, network operations and clubhouses; and Dave Greer its commercial chief.