NOVEMBER 6, 2026. FIJI
Fiji Airways CEO flags an FY2026 loss as fuel costs soar
Fiji Airways expects an annual loss for FY26 as soaring fuel prices add pressure to its finances. CEO Paul Scurrah says the airline is pursuing a five-year pathway to profitability, focusing on higher-performing routes, improved fleet utilisation and stronger demand from key markets.
NOVEMBER 6, 2026. FRENCH POLYNESIA
Motu Link ATR still out of service amid insurance uncertainty
Motu Link Airline’s only ATR72 freighter remains grounded more than four months after being damaged in a towing incident at Papeete. Parts delays, insurance disputes and additional maintenance have delayed its expected return to service to at least the end of 2026.
NOVEMBER 5, 2026. AUSTRALIA
Qantas sells forty-four B737NGs and CFM engines to AerFin
AerFin will acquire forty-four Qantas B737-800s and eighty-eight CFM56-7B engines in a major fleet transaction. The deal will see the aircraft transferred over seven years as Qantas plans to retire older jets and introduce newer-generation aircraft.
NOVEMBER 5, 2026. NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
US Air Force eyes expanded operations in Northern Marianas
The US Air Force is proposing expanded aircraft training and exercises across four airports in the Northern Mariana Islands, potentially adding 1,520 annual aircraft movements at each airfield. The plans include bringing Tinian North Field back into active use and have drawn concerns from local community groups.
NOVEMBER 4, 2026. SAMOA
Samoa Gov’t flags tapping everyday investors to fund jet ops
EXCLUSIVE: The Samoan Government is canvassing its citizens about their willingness to invest money in Samoa Airways to help fund the resumption of jet services between Samoa, Australia and New Zealand. This is despite the airline’s costly history of poorly performing jet operations.
NOVEMBER 4, 2026. SOLOMON ISLANDS
Solomon Islands’ Santa Cruz Airport upgrade complete
The Solomon Islands has completed a $15.5 million upgrade of Santa Cruz Airport. It included runway sealing, airfield lighting and a new terminal building. The Government has also announced plans to begin construction of a new airport on Vanikoro in 2027, further boosting connectivity across Temotu Province.
NOVEMBER 3, 2026. COOK ISLANDS
UN funding to help Cook Islands upgrade Southern Group airports
The Cook Islands will upgrade at least four Southern Group airports after locking in funding from a major UN-backed climate programme. The MD of local airline, Air Rarotonga, says the news is timely and will help the airline better serve island communities.
NOVEMBER 3, 2026. NEW ZEALAND
Kāpiti Coast Airport faces uncertain future as sale talks advance
New Zealand’s Kāpiti Coast Airport faces an uncertain future as its owner advances sale negotiations with two potential buyers. One wants to redevelop the site for housing, while the other is open to retaining airport operations. Meanwhile, local residents and politicians are campaigning to keep the airport open.
NOVEMBER 2, 2026. FRENCH POLYNESIA
Unions take Air Tahiti to court over strike-breaking claims
Air Tahiti is facing legal action from two labour unions accusing the airline of breaching French Polynesian labour laws by using foreign ground crew during an ongoing strike. The airline denies wrongdoing, while negotiations over pay and working conditions remain deadlocked.
NOVEMBER 2, 2026. PAPUA NEW GUINEA/TONGA
PNG and Tonga ink aviation safety cooperation MOU
Papua New Guinea and Tonga have signed an MOU to strengthen regional cooperation in aviation safety investigations, sharing expertise, training and resources. The PNGAIC hopes the agreement will help build investigative capability across the Pacific and encourage similar partnerships with other island nations.
OCTOBER 28, 2026. PAPUA NEW GUINEA
PNG report details Twin Otter’s loss of nose wheel during take-off
Papua New Guinea investigators found that a wet, slippery runway, inadequate drainage and perimeter fence entanglement caused a Tropicair DHC-6 300 Twin Otter to lose directional control and its nose wheel during take-off at Tapini in January 2026. The aircraft went on to make an emergency landing at Port Moresby.
November 2026 News Briefs
OCTOBER 28, 2026. VANUATU
Air Vanuatu issues RFP for second ATR, government eyes jets ow
Air Vanuatu has issued an RFP for a pre-owned ATR72-600, seeking delivery by March 2027. The aircraft will be used to bolster domestic flights and support planned regional services. It comes as the government weighs further Twin Otter acquisitions and targets a return to jet operations around 2030.
OCTOBER 27, 2026. AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND
Air New Zealand reports strong Australian demand as WSI flights start
Air New Zealand says Australian demand remains strong despite local economic pressures, as it launches flights to Western Sydney Airport. The airline is targeting expatriate New Zealanders and leisure travellers, with COO Kate Boyer reporting buoyant bookings and strong demand for upcoming Christchurch – Perth services.
November 2026 Aircraft Movements
OCTOBER 27, 2026. FRENCH POLYNESIA
Air Tahiti says most passengers flying despite strike action
Air Tahiti says 95% of passengers travelled on October 23, the most disruptive day of its ongoing strike, despite around 25% all flights been cancelled on the day. Unions are maintaining industrial action into this week, demanding the state-owned airline address pay, working conditions, staffing and safety concerns.
OCTOBER 26, 2026. AUSTRALIA
CEO says Qatar Airways would fly to WSI, even if no incentives offered
The CEO of Qatar Airways says his airline would have launched flights to Western Sydney Airport even if government hadn’t offered incentives. Hamad Al-Khater says the airport’s large catchment population is a big drawcard. The airline intends to begin thrice-weekly services to WSI in December 2027.