Mexican carriers Volaris and VivaAerobus have agreed to merge as "equals" under a single holding company while retaining their individual brands and operating certificates. The carriers say the merger – which is subject to regulatory approvals in Mexico and other jurisdictions where they operate, and to shareholder approval – will produce "economies of scale" for the holding company and further "democratise" for travellers in Mexico. At the deal's closing, VivaAerobus shareholders will receive newly issued shares in the Volaris Holding Company, and Volaris shareholders will continue to hold their shares. Each shareholder group will own 50% of the new airline group on a fully diluted basis, say the carriers. "We expect the formation of the new airline group will allow us to realise significant growth opportunities for air travel in Mexico, in line with the low-fare and point-to-point approach that revolutionised the industry over the last two decades," states Volaris chief executive Enrique Beltranena. VivaAerobus counterpart Juan Carlos Zuazua observes that both carriers "share a similar low-cost DNA and mindset", adding that they "have always believed in the importance of making travel more accessible for everyone". In December, Volaris is set to account for the largest share of Mexican domestic capacity (41% share), followed by VivaAerobus (39%) and Aeromexico (19%).

Airbus has confirmed that China Airlines ordered another five A350-1000s, bringing its backlog of the type to 15. The Taiwanese carrier on 26 November disclosed its decision to order five A350-1000s, five Boeing 777-9s, four 777-8 Freighters and two 777Fs, while four 747-400Fs would exit its fleet. The additional aircraft come on the heel of orders by China Airlines of 10 A350-1000s, 10 777-9s and four 777-8 Freighters earlier this year. "Expanding our A350-1000 fleet marks another important step in our long-term growth strategy," states China Airlines chair Kao Shing-Hwang.

Alaska Air Group has joined with energy producer Par Hawaii to invest in the development of sustainable aviation fuel produced in Hawaii, using locally grown agriculture feedstock. The group's subsidiaries Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, together with Par Hawaii, will collaborate with Hawaii-based natural resource conservation firm Pono Pacific to research camelina as a multi-purpose crop that might be used as SAF feedstock. "Camelina represents a rare opportunity for Hawaii to build a true circular-economy model around renewable fuels," states Chris Bennett, Pono Pacific's vice-president of sustainable energy solutions. Hawaiian and Alaska are set to become Par Hawaii's launch SAF customers, with plans to take delivery of Hawaii's first locally produced SAF in early 2026. "As Hawaii's airline, we have a responsibility to reduce our environmental impact while continuing to provide essential air service that connects our communities and strengthens our economy," states Alanna James, sustainability innovation director for Hawaiian and Alaska. "Our company has a long-term strategy to reach net-zero carbon emissions, and sustainable aviation fuel is essential for us to get there."