In a spectacular move, Hungary Airlines has signed a cooperation agreement with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing to acquire 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The airline, which was only founded in 2021 and is majority owned by Chinese entrepreneur Wu Jiang, aims to establish Budapest Airport as a strategic hub for passenger traffic between Central and Eastern Europe and China. The order, seen as a significant expansion of the fleet, is part of a comprehensive growth plan of the airline, which has its origins in the air cargo sector. The company plans to introduce passenger flights while expanding its cargo operations. It is considering integrating Airbus A330F freighters, currently operated by Wizz Air, into its fleet. The first delivery of the 737 MAX is expected to take place by the end of 2025, underlining Hungary Airlines' ambitious expansion goals. A strategic hub between East and West The choice of Budapest as the main base for Hungary Airlines is no coincidence. Hungary's geographical location, combined with the airport's infrastructure and the growing number of direct flights to China, makes Budapest an ideal hub. Budapest Airport already has regular connections to Chinese metropolises such as Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing, strengthening passenger and cargo traffic between Europe and Asia. The cooperation with Boeing is complemented by the close economic partnership between Hungary and China. Hungary Airlines plays a key role in the "Air Silk Road", an initiative to promote trade and connections between Europe and China. Criticism and challenges Although the move is seen as groundbreaking, critics have raised concerns about the sustainability of the

Norse Atlantic Airways, the young Norwegian airline, has announced a major strategic decision for 2025. Up to six of the fleet's seven Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are to be leased to another international airline under a wet lease agreement. This move, which is based on a letter of intent dated December 2, 2024, is intended to generate additional revenue for the airline and increase operational flexibility. With an estimated contract value of up to USD 462 million, including potential extensions, the agreement represents one of the largest financial transactions in Norse Atlantic Airways' short history. The details of the leasing agreement The agreement provides for two aircraft to be delivered in February 2025, followed by four more in September of the same year. Norse expects a monthly fee for each aircraft, based on a minimum usage of 350 block hours. Exceeding this threshold would result in additional payments. Although the identity of the customer airline has not yet been officially confirmed, many indications point to Riyadh Air, a new Saudi Arabian airline that will begin operations in early 2025. Riyadh Air, which is struggling with delays in the delivery of its own Boeing 787-9s, could use the leased aircraft to bridge this bottleneck. A strategy for seasonal challenges Norse Atlantic Airways has distinguished itself by skillfully adapting to market dynamics since its launch in June 2022. The airline combines regular scheduled and charter flights with wet-lease agreements that provide stable revenue during off-peak periods. This is particularly important during the northern winter, when demand for transatlantic flights is traditionally lower.

In a significant decision by the European Commission, Easyjet has been given the green light for an important expansion in Italy. As part of the remedies of the transaction between ITA Airways and Lufthansa, Easyjet will be able to station new aircraft at the key airports of Milan-Linate and Rome-Fiumicino from spring 2025. This decision underlines the central role of the British airline in the Italian market and will increase the number of aircraft based in Italy to a total of 38. This represents a clear expansion of air connections and ensures new jobs and greater competitiveness. The details of the decision The European Commission's approval allows Easyjet to station a total of eight aircraft at the two main Italian airports: five at Milan-Linate and three at Rome-Fiumicino. This will not only expand the airline's fleet in Italy, but will also contribute to the creation of around 300 jobs at the two sites. The airline is convinced that this move will bring an expansion of its market share in Italy, offering customers a greater choice of destinations and affordable fares. Lorenzo Lagorio, Country Manager of Easyjet in Italy, expressed his pride and emphasised the company's role in the "democratisation of air transport". The airline has already carried more than 210 million passengers to and from Italy, supporting access to Europe for the Italian population. With the stationing of new aircraft at the key transport hubs of Milan-Linate and Rome-Fiumicino, Easyjet will expand its service and offer Italian customers additional options and connections. Insights into the strategic importance The decision to