SEPTEMBER 4, 2026. AUSTRALIA
Australian Government offers $25m for remote airstrip upgrades
The Australian Government has opened a new $25 million funding round to upgrade remote airstrips, while Western Australia is also offering grants for regional airports. The programmes will help fund safety and accessibility improvements across remote and regional communities.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026. AUSTRALIA
Virgin Australia’s long-running B737-8 order nears completion
Virgin Australia is nearing completion of its 14-year-old B737-8 order, with its twenty-fifth aircraft expected to land in Brisbane today and the final jet due later this month. The airline has used the new aircraft to replace older B737-800s, expand capacity and lower operating costs.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026. MICRONESIA
New pan-Micronesian airline proposed for Pacific Islands
A Guam-based consultancy has proposed a jointly owned pan-Micronesian airline to improve connectivity and lower fares across the region. The preliminary plan envisages jet and turboprop services linking Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Kiribati.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2026. SOLOMON ISLANDS
Solomon Airlines to reduce A320 fleet, shrinks int'l network
Solomon Airlines will reduce its jet fleet to a single A320-200 and scale back international flying as part of its 2027/28 fleet strategy. The carrier will suspend some recently launched routes while focusing on strengthening its domestic network and expanding its Twin Otter fleet.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2026. TONGA
Lulutai Saab 340 landing incident triggers investigation
An investigation is underway after a Saab 340B wet-leased to Tonga’s Lulutai Airlines experienced difficulties landing at Vava’u. A reweighing of onboard baggage revealed a significant weight discrepancy and revelations that undocumented baggage was loaded at the origin airport without the flight crew’s knowledge.
AUGUST 31, 2026. FRENCH POLYNESIA
Motu Link eyes mid-September restart, hunting for second ATR
French Polynesian start-up Motu Link Airline hopes to resume flights by mid-September after its sole ATR72-500F was damaged while being towed in June. The carrier is also seeking a second ATR72 freighter as it looks to expand its domestic network and launch international services.
AUGUST 31, 2026. NEW CALEDONIA
Prosecutor warns against renewed Lifou Airport blockade
New Caledonia’s top prosecutor has warned protesters they could face criminal charges if they resume blockading Lifou Island Airport this week. The warning comes as a local traditional leaders clash over the decision to restart the blockade and battle for control of the protesters.
September 2026 News Briefs
AUGUST 26, 2026. VANUATU
Air Vanuatu’s ATR72 back in the air after engine change
Air Vanuatu’s sole ATR72-600 is returning to service after an engine change in Cairns. The aircraft ferried back to Port Vila yesterday, August 25, and will shortly resume domestic flights. Its absence required Air Vanuatu to wet-lease a Twin Otter from Solomon Airlines to maintain its schedules.
AUGUST 26, 2026. NEW ZEALAND
Originair ending Westport flights without further support
Originair will end its twice-weekly Wellington - Westport flights this week as a three-month support package expires. CEO Robert Inglis says the airline cannot continue operating the loss-making route without government or regional assistance and is seeking changes to an existing aviation support scheme.
September 2026 Aircraft Movements
AUGUST 25 2026. NEW CALEDONIA
Aircalin brings in Wamos A330-300 after wave of disruptions
Aircalin has wet-leased a Wamos Air A330-300 after simultaneous technical problems with its two A330-900s caused chaos with cascading flight cancellations and delays. The Wamos A330 flew to Nouméa late last week and was operating Aircalin revenue flights with 24 hours of arrival.
AUGUST 24, 2026. FIJI
Contaminated fuel worsens Nadi Airport supply shortage
A fuel contamination issue at Nadi has deepened an existing jet fuel shortage at the airport, forcing airlines to tanker in extra fuel, deploy larger aircraft, and reroute or cancel flights. The Fiji Government has also released 1.3 million litres from its threadbare reserves while awaiting its next fuel shipment.
AUGUST 24, 2026. PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Papua New Guinea completes $17.3m Gurney Airport upgrade
Papua New Guinea has completed a USD17.3 million upgrade of Alotau/Gurney Airport (GUR), the first airport project finished under CADIP II. The improvements include a new terminal and an upgraded runway, with the government eyeing future international flights from Brisbane to boost tourism.