Qantas has secured three Embraer 190-E1s that will start to replace its remaining Fokker 100 jets that are used on regional QantasLink-branded services in Western Australia. The Oneworld carrier says that the mid-life E190s will start arriving by the end of the year, as part of previously announced plans to acquire up to 14 of the type to replace the same number of F100s operated by its Network Aviation subsidiary, primarily on mining charter flights. Cirium fleets data shows that the unit also operates 19 Airbus A320ceos and nine A319s, which Qantas says will be fitted with in-flight wi-fi and new seats featuring USB charging ports and portable device holders. "The fleet upgrades complement the Qantas Group’s broader fleet renewal program, which includes firm orders for more than 200 new aircraft and cabin refurbishments of Qantas’ Boeing 737 and A330 aircraft, which will include new business and economy seats and larger overhead lockers," it adds. In addition to the E190s that will join the Network Aviation fleet, Qantas wet-leases 34 more of the type from Alliance Airlines which are used on east coast routes. Key rival in the Western Australia resource charter market Virgin Australia Regional Airlines has begun paring down its own Fokker jet fleet as it replaces them with new E190-E2s. It currently has two in service and six more on order.

United Airlines has taken a $250 million hit to its fourth-quarter earnings amid the shutdown of the US government that began on 1 October and ended 12 November. The US major declares that the shutdown "provided an opportunity to do the right thing by our customers and further build their trust". "United offered all customers a full refund – even if their flights weren't cancelled – and aggressively promoted that policy in customer communications," the Chicago-based carrier says. It adds that its "customer-first policies" and the shutdown's impact on bookings and costs "led to an approximately $250 million impact to pre-tax earnings in the quarter". United reported a fourth-quarter operating profit of $1.39 billion, down 7.8% year on year. Operating revenue was up 4.8%, reaching $15.4 billion. Expenses grew 6.2% to $14 billion. United raised fourth-quarter capacity 6.5% year on year. Load factor was level at 82%. It ended 2025 with $15.2 billion in liquidity, and total debt and finance lease obligations of $25 billion. The carrier says it will take delivery of "over 100 narrowbody aircraft and approximately 20 Boeing 787 aircraft" in 2026.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has warned carriers to avoid Iranian airspace given the "potential for US military action" in the country. In a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), EASA notes that Iranian air defence forces are on a "heightened state of alert", leading to an increased risk of misidentification. Civil air traffic therefore faces a “high risk” at all altitudes and flight levels, adds the agency. Should military action break out, it warns, retaliatory action could be launched across the region, affecting the airspaces of neighbouring countries. The CZIB, issued on 16 January, lasts until 16 February. EASA issued CZIBs relating to Iranian airspace last summer as conflict broke out between the USA, Israel and Iran.