JUNE 26, 2026. NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand airports get set for winter holiday peak
New Zealand’s airports are preparing for a busy winter holiday period despite widespread economic gloom and domestic capacity cuts. Demand for international flights, particularly trans-Tasman services, is strong and, in many cases, is outperforming demand in 2025.
JUNE 26, 206. TIMOR-LESTE
Aero Dili marks eight years of flying, launches new route
Aero Dili has notched up eight years of flying and marked the anniversary with the inaugural flight to its newest destination. Timor-Leste’s only airline was founded on June 21, 2018. Eight years later to the day, it has landed in Darwin.
JUNE 25, 2026. AUSTRALIA
Sharp Airlines to resume Melbourne – King Island route
Sharp Airlines will resume Melbourne Essendon – King Island passenger flights in October after securing Tasmanian Government support and a new Australia Post contract. The airline says the services will help reconnect the Bass Strait island while longer-term solutions for the route are explored
JUNE 25, 2026. AUSTRALIA
ATSB flags possible cause of DA42 Parafield Airport crash
A fractured nose landing gear actuator rod may have contributed to the Diamond DA42 crash at Parafield Airport in April 2026. ATSB investigators found evidence of fatigue cracking and are examining whether the failed part interfered with the rudder controls.
JUNE24, 2026. SOLOMON ISLANDS
Solomon Airlines CEO accepts PM’s reform challenge
The CEO of Solomon Airlines has welcomed calls from Prime Minister Matthew Wale to accelerate reform and fast track a strategic roadmap. The CEO says the airline faces significant challenges but is committed to restructuring and pursuing new partnerships.
JUNE 24, 2026: NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS
Saipan welcomes first international flight since Sinlaku
Scheduled international flights have resumed at Saipan Airport for the first time since a typhoon damaged the airport in April, with Jeju Air restarting services on the weekend. The airport's reopening can't come soon enough for the US territory, which is experiencing a long term decline in tourist numbers.
JUNE 23, 2026. AMERICAN SAMOA
Pacific Air Charters targets late 2026 American Samoa launch
Hawaii-based Pacific Air Charters says it plans to launch scheduled passenger flights in American Samoa later this year. The move could end Samoa Airways’ long-running monopoly on inter-island services and threaten a key part of the airline’s existing business.
JUNE 23, 2026. FRENCH POLYNESIA
Revenue rises but Air Tahiti Nui posts loss for FY2025
Air Tahiti Nui has reported a CFP2.413 billion loss in 2025 despite higher revenue. Increased competition, lower load factors, legal costs and a weaker charter business weighed on results. Meanwhile, the airline warned of a tougher operating environment in 2026.
JUNE 22, 2026. VANUATU
Philippe Busson appointed new CEO of Air Vanuatu
The board of Air Vanuatu has appointed Philippe Busson as the airline’s new chief executive officer. Busson most recently worked as chief strategy officer at Air Calédonie and will take up his new role on August 1, 2026.
JUNE 22, 2026. NEW ZEALAND
TAIC report reveals inspection lapses before helicopter crash
New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has released its final report into a July 2024 incident involving an Airbus AS350 BA helicopter that collided with terrain and came to rest on its left-hand side near the Paringa River mouth on the west coast of the country’s South Island.
JUNE 16, 2026. NORTHERN MARIANAS
Fire erupts in wheel bay of STAR Marianas aircraft
An overheated brake sparked a fire in the left wheel bay of a STAR Marianas Piper PA-32-300 Cherokee Six that was preparing to depart Tinian (TIQ) on June 15, 2026. Passengers and crew safely evacuated the 51-year-old aircraft.
JUNE 16, 2026. AUSTRALIA
New RFDS WA aircraft gifted by Gina Rinehart
Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, has funded a new Pilatus PC-12 PRO for RFDS WA. The aircraft, VH-AW2, is the first of a new generation fleet that will improve range, reliability and patient transport capabilities across Western Australia’s remote regions.
June 2026 Aircraft Movements
JUNE 15, 2026. AUSTRALIA
Late 2027 delivery date for first Virgin Australia B737-10
Virgin Australia expects to take delivery of the first of ten B737-10s in late 2027. The yet-to-be-certified aircraft were first ordered in 2018, but the airline says Boeing is now making “positive progress with US regulatory approvals” and is confident enough to publicise delivery timelines.
JUNE 12, 2026. AUSTRALIA
ATSB issues preliminary report on fatal R22 helicopter crash
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its preliminary report following the in-flight break-up of a Robinson R22 helicopter in central Queensland on 20 April 2026.