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Knicks Fever Takes Flight

As the New York Knicks continue their deepest playoff run in more than two decades, excitement is spreading far beyond Madison Square Garden. While fans are focused on the action on the court, the team’s success is also generating increased activity across New York’s transportation network, particularly within the aviation industry.

The Knicks’ return to championship contention has attracted fans from across the country, creating additional demand for flights, hotels, public transportation, and ride-share services. According to New York City officials, the Knicks’ postseason run has already generated hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity, benefiting businesses throughout the region.

Surge in Travel Demand Boosts Aviation Industry

Although the FAA does not track Knicks-related travel separately, aviation professionals are seeing many of the same trends that accompany major sporting events.

Fans traveling to road games, national media covering the team, corporate sponsors, and business travelers attending playoff events all contribute to increased airline bookings. Championship-caliber teams often create a surge in last-minute travel demand, especially on routes connecting New York with opposing playoff cities.

The New York metropolitan area is served by one of the world’s busiest airport systems, including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty. Together, these airports handle well over 140 million passengers annually and serve as major gateways for both domestic and international travelers.

Business aviation also benefits during championship runs. Charter operators frequently transport executives, sponsors, celebrities, media personnel, and high-net-worth fans who want the flexibility and convenience that private aircraft provide.

Every Mode of Transportation Affected by Widespread Disruptions

• Commercial Airlines

• Private Aviation

• Rail Transportation

• New York City Subway

• Buses

• Taxis and Ride Shares

• Walking Traffic

New York Airports Are Already Operating at High Levels

The Knicks’ playoff run comes during a period of strong passenger demand throughout New York’s airport system. Port Authority statistics show that JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark continue to experience passenger volumes near record levels.

For aviation professionals, major sporting events provide a reminder of how closely transportation and tourism are connected. Every sold-out arena creates additional travel demand that extends well beyond the game itself.

Beyond the Game: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

The Knicks’ success represents more than an exciting sports season. It is also an economic engine that benefits businesses across the transportation industry.

From commercial airlines and private aviation operators to rail systems and ride-share drivers, the impact of a successful New York sports franchise reaches every corner of the region’s transportation network.

For aviation professionals, the lesson is clear: when New York wins, New York travels.

June 5, 2026
American Airlines Launches FIFA World Cup 26 Experience 100 Stories Up
As anticipation builds for the FIFA World Cup 26^™, American Airlines is giving fans a new way to be part of the world’s biggest sporting event, from the streets of the Host Cities to 100 stories above New York City.

This summer, American is launching its Spot the Bag campaign, a dynamic, on-the-ground experience that brings the excitement of the tournament directly to fans. The campaign is further brought to life through creative featuring former U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Tim Howard, who helps kick off the journey of the campaign’s signature suitcase, representing fans traveling to the FIFA World Cup 26^™.

Throughout June and July, fans will spot American Airlines x FIFA World Cup 26^™-branded traveling suitcases at iconic landmarks across Host Cities, inviting AAdvantage members to scan, enter and unlock a chance at an unforgettable FIFA World Cup 26^TM Final Party in New York City.

“As the Official North American Airline Supplier of the FIFA World Cup 26^™, in partnership with Qatar Airways, and also the Official Airline of U.S. Soccer, we saw an opportunity to go beyond traditional sponsorship and bring the tournament to life in a way only American can,” said American’s Chief Marketing Officer Caroline Clayton. “Our Spot the Bag campaign brings the tournament directly to fans and creates immersive moments across iconic locations in Host Cities for fans to engage with — all leading to a once-in-a-lifetime Final Party in New York City showcasing the kind of access only the AAdvantage program delivers.”

“North America is absolutely ready to host FIFA World Cup 26^™ and American Airlines is making this once-in-a-lifetime experience even more memorable with its opportunity to ‘spot the bag’ for a chance to watch the final match at American’s Final Party in the clouds above New York City,” said Tim Howard, former USMNT Goalkeeper and sports broadcaster.

Bringing the FIFA World Cup 26 to fans

American’s Spot the Bag campaign is an immersive activation designed to meet fans where they are. The campaign kicks off in New York City at Vessel at Hudson Yards with a bold, oversized suitcase installation, followed by the rollout of additional permanent large-scale suitcase installations at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Miami International Airport (MIA).

Traveling branded suitcases will appear at iconic locations across Host Cities, giving fans more chances to win. The campaign invites fans to scan on-site QR codes, follow the campaign across American’s social channels and engage with the tournament in a completely new way.

Entries are open June 2 through July 3 for AAdvantage members. For additional details go to aa.com/fwc26perks.

Edge NYC, the highest outdoor sky deck and all-weather immersive indoor experience in the Western Hemisphere.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Final Experience

At the center of it all is an unforgettable grand prize experience in New York City to close out the biggest moment of the summer.

Winning AAdvantage^® members will experience the FIFA World Cup 26^™ Final in a way few ever will. The event, hosted in Hudson Yards at Edge NYC, the highest outdoor sky deck and all-weather immersive indoor experience in the Western Hemisphere, will bring live match viewing and premium entertainment in a high-energy, once-in-a-lifetime setting.

The grand prize includes:
- Tickets to the American Airlines x FIFA World Cup 26^™ Final Party at Edge NYC
- Surprise musical performance
- Round-trip airfare to New York City
- A four-night hotel stay
Bringing Fans Closer to the Moment

As the Official North American Airline Supplier of FIFA World Cup 26^™, in partnership with Qatar Airways, and Official Airline of U.S. Soccer, American continues to go beyond getting fans to the match, creating new ways to experience it. With more flights to Host Cities than any other airline and a summer full of activations, American is bringing fans closer to the action at every step of the journey.

American has been giving its customers an exclusive opportunity to redeem AAdvantage^® miles for World Cup match tickets. Throughout the tournament, American will be surprising fans with exclusive access and celebrations in airports and around game day matches.

This summer, the message is simple: don’t just watch history, be a part of it.
June 4, 2026
Landmark Status and Preservation

I recently received correspondence from Geoffrey Arend Sr., who commented on my April 2026 Editor’s Notebook article, ‘An Art Deco Icon at Newark Liberty International Airport’.

Geoffrey Arend Sr. is an aviation historian and author who led campaigns in the 1970s and 1980s to preserve Newark Airport’s historic 1934 Building One, an Art Deco masterpiece. As publisher of Air Cargo News and author of Great Airports: Newark International, he launched a massive 1979 public campaign that successfully prevented the structure from being demolished. Arend’s advocacy highlighted the building’s architectural and historical significance, including its status as the first commercial passenger terminal in the New York metropolitan area and the nation’s first municipal airport. His work laid the groundwork for the Port Authority’s eventual $8 million restoration of the building, which was rededicated in the early 2000s.

Beyond Newark, his preservation legacy includes spearheading the 1980 restoration of the famous “Flight” mural at LaGuardia Airport’s Marine Air Terminal.

Mr. Arend sent me a link to the Flying Talkers Broadcast – ‘Spotlight on a Newark Airport Landmark’ and wrote:

“Dear Ms. Blum, Saw your coverage at Newark. Thought you might like to give this a listen at some point”.
Kind regards, Geoffrey Arend

P.S. “Here is a picture I took of ‘The Eagle Terrazzo Floor 1934’ in the lobby of that building when I first saw it and decided to dedicate part of my life to saving the place”.

The Eagle Terrazzo Floor 1934, Newark. (Geoffrey Arend Sr.)

The Flying Talkers Broadcast – ‘Spotlight on a Newark Airport Landmark’ delves deeper into instances where elements of a landmark’s aesthetic core are often downgraded or edited for its reuse. When this is the case, the takeaway is that history doesn’t protect itself. Saving our history requires people to notice when adaptive reuse turns into quiet erasure and to do right by a landmark.

True preservation means actively safeguarding cultural, architectural, and environmental heritage for future generations. Committed networks and dedicated advocates across the country turn this mission into daily action through restoring historic buildings, advocating for policy changes, and volunteering for hands-on ecological stewardship; the careful, responsible, and ethical management of something entrusted to one’s care.

I want to thank Mr. Arend for sharing his valuable insights, for his decades of work to save and preserve our New York and New Jersey metropolitan airport landmarks, and for his continued fidelity to the features that define these treasured places.

June 4, 2026
LaGuardia Gateway Partners Awards Second Annual B-INSPIRED STEM Grant to Queens Zoo

LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), the manager and developer of LaGuardia Airport’s award-winning Terminal B, today announced Queens Zoo as the recipient of the second annual B-INSPIRED STEM Grant in collaboration with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The $15,000 grant will support the institution’s “STEM Starters,” an early childhood science education program that brings bilingual, experiential STEM learning to PreK-3 students in Queens communities near the Queens Zoo.

The funding will help expand the program to two additional PreK-3 schools in Corona, Queens, reaching more than 100 additional students through science-based classroom programming, teacher professional development workshops, and family STEM learning experiences at the Queens Zoo.

The Queens Zoo is one of five Wildlife Conservation Society parks (others being the Bronx Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Central Park Zoo and the New York Aquarium) in New York City. The Queens Zoo, inspiring thousands annually to care about nature, helps advance the WCS mission to save wildlife and wild places. A tribute to American animals, the 20-acre Zoo features pathways that lead visitors to pockets of wild habitats, from the Great Plains to a rocky California coast to a Northeast forest.

LGP and the Port Authority commend the Queens Zoo for its commitment to making science and conservation accessible to local communities, inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals, and providing meaningful learning resources to children, families, and educators.

“We are thrilled to support Queens Zoo and its innovative STEM Starters program,” said Suzette Noble, CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners. “By providing bilingual, hands-on science learning opportunities to young students in Queens, they are helping spark curiosity and build confidence in STEM from an early age. This program reflects exactly what the B-INSPIRED STEM Grant was created to achieve, expanding local access to meaningful educational experiences that inspire the next generation.”

“Since the transformation of LaGuardia Airport began nearly a decade ago, the Port Authority and our private partners, LaGuardia Gateway Partners and Delta Air Lines, have shared a commitment to provide educational opportunities in aviation and STEM for students in the surrounding communities,” said Hersh Parekh, Deputy Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “We thank LaGuardia Gateway Partners for continuing to invest in our host communities with this second annual $15,000 grant to support the early childhood science education program at the Queens Zoo.”

“STEM Starters reflects our belief that science belongs to everyone — especially our youngest New Yorkers,” said Karen Tingley, Vice President of Education at WCS. “At the Queens Zoo, we see every education program, every animal observation, and every question as a chance to deepen a child’s connection to the natural world. We’re proud to bring this program to Pre-K classrooms across Corona, Queens, where hands-on discovery lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning.”

The B-INSPIRED STEM Grant program underscores LGP’s and the Port Authority’s ongoing commitment to the Queens community and STEM education. By supporting local organizations, LGP and the Port Authority aim to create lasting positive impacts on the borough’s educational landscape and future workforce.

Last year, NYC FIRST, Inc. was selected as the inaugural recipient and used the funding to support robotics competitions and STEM opportunities for students at Queens high schools.

June 3, 2026
Newark Liberty Leads Northeast for On-Time Flights in 2026
Newark Liberty International (EWR) has led all major northeast airports so far this year with the most on-time flights in 2026. That’s a notable achievement given the airport’s ranking about a year ago.

United Airlines, EWR’s largest carrier, achieved its best-ever on-time rate in April and May at Newark, while flying nearly 5.8 million passengers.

The airline is off to a strong start this summer, flying a record three million passengers across its network over the Memorial Day holiday with nearly 70% of customers arriving on time.

The airline expects more than 53 million travelers this summer and continues to win brand-loyal customers by investing in onboard products and services as well as industry-leading technologies like Starlink and the United Mobile App.

Last Spring, EWR experienced a confluence of challenges – FAA radar and radio outages, Air Traffic Control staffing shortages and existing runway construction – that produced significant delays, diversions and cancellations. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stepped in by improving staffing, upgrading technology at the airport and, importantly, limiting flights to ensure that the schedules out of Newark match the actual capacity of the airport.

United CEO Scott Kirby was at Newark today to celebrate the turnaround story and thank local employees.

“Newark has operated better than it ever has and that’s a direct result of the actions taken by Secretary Duffy and the FAA as well as the professionalism, dedication and care of our nearly 15,000 local employees,” said Kirby. “Newark is the ‘crown jewel’ of our international network serving as a global gateway to dozens of international destinations – I’m proud of the work we’re doing here, and all across the country, to deliver a great experience and get our customers where they want to go safely and on time.”

Gateway for Global Travelers

Thousands of United employees help power the airline’s Newark operation that connects customers to nearly 320 cities across North, South, and Central America and the Caribbean, including 120 destinations with just one stop. Newark serves as a key gateway to United’s global network, offering nonstop service to 42 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and India – more Transatlantic destinations than any other carrier from the New York City area.

The hub connects United customers to 15 destinations no other U.S. airline serves including recently launched service to Split, Croatia; Bari, Italy; Glasgow, Scotland and Santiago De Compostela, Spain.

In addition to new routes launched this summer, United will become the only U.S. airline offering nonstop flights between Newark/New York and Seoul, South Korea beginning September 4. This October, the airline will also be the only airline in the New York area to offer service to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands as passengers seek a Caribbean getaway.

The Best Experience Across Every Cabin This Summer

As travelers gear up for a summer packed with global events from a total solar eclipse in Europe to international soccer matches and major worldwide concert tours, United is ready to deliver customers a best-in-class travel experience. Whether they are flying in United Polaris or United Economy, United continues to invest in onboard and in-app features that bring travelers more comfort, convenience and flexibility throughout their journey, including:
- Starlink Wi-Fi installed across United’s two-cabin regional fleet – more than 25% of United’s average daily flights – giving MileagePlus members reliable, high-speed connectivity to stream entertainment, watch live sports, shop, work or game online from gate to gate aboard their flight. Starlink installation is actively underway across United’s mainline fleet and expected to be available fleetwide by the end of 2027.
- More than 800 planes equipped with Bluetooth audio-enabled seatback screens – the most of any airline – where passengers can enjoy more than 2,200 hours of industry-leading inflight entertainment, including award-winning movies, TV shows, music and podcasts from premium content partners such as Apple TV, HBO Max, Peacock, A24 and Spotify.
- Larger overhead bins with more room for every passenger’s rollaboard bag.
- Complimentary snacks and pre-order options for fresh onboard dining choices like burgers, sandwiches, snack boxes and more on united.com and in the United app, so customers can plan their meals ahead.
- Live boarding updates, real-time bag tracking and TSA wait times at U.S. hub airports and personalized turn-by-turn directions to connecting gates, estimated walk times and real-time flight updates including if United’s ConnectionSaver technology has been activated to hold a flight for customers making tight connections are available in the award-winning United app.
June 3, 2026
Port Authority Approves $200M Upgrade for Newark Airport’s Terminal B
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners has authorized $75 million in near-term improvements at Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport, the first phase of a broader three-year, $200 million program included in the agency’s 2026-2035 Capital Plan to modernize and maintain the facility until the new Terminal B opens in the mid-2030s.

Interior of Current Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Terminal-B

Opened in 1973, Terminal B was designed to serve approximately 6.8 million annual passengers. In 2025, it served about 11.5 million passengers. While long-term redevelopment advances under the EWR Vision Plan, the Port Authority is prioritizing near-term upgrades to improve comfort, reliability, accessibility, and the overall passenger experience. Work is set to begin this year.

“I’m pleased the Port Authority is investing in upgrades at Newark Airport to better meet the needs of New Jersey’s travelers,” said New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill. “These immediate improvements at Terminal B are an important first step toward improving the passenger experience, building our economy, and delivering better results for New Jersey.”

Aerial photo of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

“These investments reflect what matters most: our customers,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “The Board’s authorization of this funding is a commitment that the experience of traveling through Newark Liberty today is just as important as the terminal we’re building for tomorrow. As these interim improvements are implemented, passengers should see and feel the difference: in the seats they wait in, the restrooms they use, and the systems that move them through the terminal.”

“Newark Liberty is undergoing a major transformation, but that cannot come at the expense of the passenger experience today,” said Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia. “This investment goes directly at the things customers encounter on every trip: the gate areas where they wait, the restrooms they rely on, the escalators and elevators that move them through the building. We’re replacing what’s worn, upgrading what’s outdated, and making targeted improvements that will be immediately noticeable to anyone who travels through Terminal B.”

To address aging infrastructure across worn passenger areas and outdated systems, the Port Authority included $200 million in its 2026-2035 Capital Plan approved last year to modernize passenger spaces, replace aging equipment, upgrade customer-facing technology, and improve operational reliability across the terminal and its three satellites.

The $200 million three-year program will refresh gate areas with new seating, flooring, and lighting; replace escalators and elevators; improve ADA accessibility; renovate restrooms; upgrade passenger boarding bridges; improve HVAC systems and controls; and refurbish baggage handling systems. The initial $75 million phase, launching this year, prioritizes the terminal’s most pressing needs: gate areas, restrooms, high-traffic circulation spaces, frontage and lighting, and the elevator, escalator, and boarding bridge systems that are most critical to daily operations.

A new Terminal B will serve as a centerpiece of Newark Liberty International Airport’s long-term transformation, replacing the aging existing facility with a world-class international gateway designed for the future of air travel. Building on the success of the award-winning Terminal A, the new terminal will deliver a modern, seamless passenger experience with expanded gate capacity, intuitive design, state-of-the-art technology, and elevated dining, retail, and public spaces. The redevelopment will strengthen Newark Liberty’s position as a premier global gateway for the New York and New Jersey region while improving operational efficiency and enhancing the reliability and resiliency of airport operations.

Redeveloping Newark Liberty International Airport

The Port Authority is in the midst of a complete redevelopment of Newark Liberty International Airport that began with the 2023 opening of Terminal A – the centerpiece of an airport-wide renaissance designed to establish the airport as a world-class gateway for the New Jersey and New York region. The airport’s redevelopment is outlined in the agency’s EWR Vision plan to accommodate future growth and deliver a world-class air travel experience from curb to gate. Major elements of the redevelopment of Newark Liberty include:
- Terminal development: A new world-class international terminal to replace the current Terminal B, while enhancing Terminal C to improve the customer experience. Both would complement the airport’s award-winning new Terminal A that opened in January 2023, which could also see further expansion. The spacious, streamlined terminals would allow the airport to accommodate continued growth in passenger volume, while leaving space for further expansion as needed.
- Airside development: Improving airport operations with a more efficient and resilient taxiway network, while accommodating the industry trend toward larger aircraft. The new network would increase parking capacity and flexibility for aircraft, while creating redundancies to minimize delays during irregular operations. It incorporates additional deicing facilities, allowing aircraft to push off from gates more quickly. It would also include the industry’s latest safety standards, increasing straight taxiway segments and minimizing the need for crossings.
- Landside development: Transformation of the airport’s vehicular and multi-modal access, prioritizing efficiency and convenience for all users. Alongside terminal buildings, frontages would be expanded to meet industry standards, providing ample space for passenger waiting, loading and unloading while minimizing walking distances. AirTrain access would be simplified, while connectivity and amenities for cyclists, pedestrians, and service vehicles would be improved. The roadway network would also be streamlined to reduce decision points and separate major flows with independent circulation for each terminal.
- AirTrain Newark: Replacing the outdated AirTrain Newark with a modern, 2.5-mile automated train system to accommodate a ridership forecasted to grow by 50 percent by 2040. A critical component of the airport, the system carries about 33,000 passengers and employees daily, or approximately 12 million passengers annually. It provides access to Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT’s Northeast Corridor lines via the Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station, and allows customers and employees to transfer between terminals, parking lots, and rental car facilities.
- Newark station access: The Port Authority is constructing a new entry point to Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT’s Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station on the Northeast Corridor line, enabling easier and faster mass transit options for residents of Newark and Elizabeth to get to the airport and New York City. The new entryway will give local residents direct access to the Airport Train station, providing the community with the ability to take mass transit either to the airport via AirTrain Newark or to New York City via NJ TRANSIT. The project will also improve connections to PATH train service from Newark-Penn Station for access to Jersey City and Manhattan.
June 2, 2026
Terminal 5 at JFK Airport Unveils Iconic NYC Dining Experiences
On Monday, June 1, 2026, airport officials, hospitality leaders, and local representatives gathered post-TSA security near Gate 25 at JFK International Airport Terminal 5 for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event marked the formal opening of three celebrated New York City culinary institutions: The Halal Guys, and Nom Wah Tea Parlor, and Melt Shop.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was preceded by a Lion Dance. This vibrant, traditional Chinese performance is often held during festive celebrations, cultural parades, and grand openings to bring good fortune and prosperity.

“We are excited to welcome The Halal Guys, Melt Shop, and Nom Wah to JFK Terminal 5,” said Jose Cuevas, Vice President of Operations for Fraport New York. “These are iconic New York brands that each bring bold flavors and a strong sense of identity to the terminal.”

Managed by OTG in partnership with JetBlue and Fraport USA, these highly anticipated dining establishments bring authentic, neighborhood-rooted flavors directly to millions of travelers passing through JetBlue’s flagship terminal. The expansion aligns directly with the Port Authority of NY & NJ’s ongoing $19 billion overhaul of JFK Airport.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to transforming the passenger journey from transactional to memorable,” said Matt King, CEO of OTG. “Partnering with Melt Shop, The Halal Guys, and Nom Wah allows us to offer authentic flavors that represent the rich cultural diversity of New York City’s neighborhoods right here at the gate.”

The newly inaugurated spaces offer a variety of dining formats tailored to modern travelers:
- The Halal Guys: What began as a legendary food cart at 53rd Street and 6th Avenue in 1990 brings its world-famous chicken, gyro over rice, and iconic white sauce to global travelers. “We’re excited to bring The Halal Guys to JFK Terminal 5 alongside other great dining options,” said Ahmed Abouelen, CEO at The Halal Guys. ‘’What started as a NYC food cart in 1990 has become a global brand, but New York remains our home.’’
- Nom Wah: A specialized sit-down restaurant and bar echoing the vintage charm of Manhattan’s Chinatown. It features black-and-white tile floors, red leather banquettes, and historic artwork.
  “Opening Nom Wah at JFK is an incredibly meaningful milestone for our family,” said Wilson Tang, CEO of Nom Wah. “As America’s oldest dim sum parlor, we have been part of New York’s history for over 100 years. We are proud to share our culinary heritage with international travelers as they embark on their journeys.”
- Melt Shop: A pioneer of the artisanal food movement, serving premium grilled cheese sandwiches, crispy chicken melts, burgers, comfort-food sides, and hand-spun milkshakes.
Passengers traveling through Terminal 5 can now experience all three new dining concepts starting today.

The openings represent the latest phase of an extensive Terminal 5 refreshment. The terminal will see over 40 new retail and dining concessions by the end of 2026 that reflect the spirit, flavors, and diversity of New York. Upcoming enhancements feature a center concourse redesign inspired by NYC’s iconic parks, incorporating lush greenery, concrete chess tables, and public spaces. The terminal will also feature a curated cultural art program showcasing over 30 works by local New York artists.
June 2, 2026
Qatar Airways Unveils FIFA Special Livery

Qatar Airways has officially unveiled its FIFA special livery aircraft on a Boeing 777 ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, celebrating the airline’s longstanding partnership with FIFA and its continued role in connecting fans, teams, and global football communities worldwide.

Building on the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the new livery reflects the next chapter in Qatar Airways’ journey with FIFA as the Official Airline Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The special livery aircraft will operate across key destinations in Europe, the United States and Asia, engaging fans around the world as excitement continues to build ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Inspired by the energy, passion, and global unity of football’s biggest tournament, the distinctive new livery captures the vibrant spirit of the FIFA World Cup 2026 through its bold and dynamic design that will travel throughout the airline’s global network.

n addition to the exterior design, the aircraft interior features bespoke cabin dressing inspired by FIFA World Cup 2026™. Designed exclusively for this special livery, it brings the ambiance and excitement of the tournament into the inflight experience. Following the tournament, the aircraft will continue to fly with both the special livery and cabin dressing to commemorate the event.

As the Official Airline Partner of FIFA, Qatar Airways continues to play a leading role in global sport, connecting fans, teams, and destinations through its growing international network and award-winning travel experience.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, bringing together the world’s best national teams in the largest edition of the tournament to date.

June 1, 2026
ANA and The Pokémon Company Unveil New Aircraft Designs
All Nippon Airways (ANA) and The Pokémon Company today unveiled the aircraft designs for “Pokémon Jet Red” and “Pokémon Jet Green,” the first two aircraft in a special three-plane collaboration celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.

“Pokémon Jet Red” will operate on domestic routes in Japan and is scheduled to enter service at the end of July 2026. The design features Pikachu alongside fire-type Pokémon that players choose as their first partner at the beginning of their adventures. “Pokémon Jet Green” will serve international routes, with its launch date to be announced at a later time. Its design features Pikachu alongside grass-type Pokémon chosen as the first partner Pokémon throughout the video game series.

Exclusive In-Flight Amenities
The immersive Pokémon experience will begin the moment passengers step on board, bringing the world of Pokémon to the skies with specially themed cabins featuring original artwork and ANA-designed amenities, including:
- Commemorative boarding stickers: Passengers will receive an exclusive promotional sticker featuring a special commemorative design. The design details will be revealed at a later date. Please note that distribution is limited to one sticker per passenger per flight, and availability may vary depending on route and operational conditions.
- Headrest covers: Vibrant designs showcasing the Pokémon featured on the aircraft exteriors, available on domestic flights in Economy Class and international flights in Economy and Premium Economy. Please note that headrest covers are for in-flight use only and cannot be removed from the seat.
- Limited-edition cups: Commemorative cups featuring Pokémon characters and the 30th anniversary logo, available on domestic flights in Economy Class and international flights in Economy and Premium Economy.
- Cocktail napkins: Custom napkins adorned with the collaboration and 30th anniversary logos, available on international flights in Economy, Premium Economy, and Business.
Details regarding future events and flight schedules will be announced on the ANA website and dedicated project pages. Fans can also look forward to upcoming announcements regarding the design of the third aircraft in the series, “Pokémon Jet Blue.”

The collaboration honors the longstanding relationship between ANA and Pokémon, which began following the release of the original Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Green Version games, released in Japan.

In partnership with Pokémon, the ANA Group remains committed to creating meaningful travel experiences that inspire connection, discovery and bring the joy of travel to passengers across the world.

Pokémon Jet Red (Domestic routes in Japan)
- Aircraft type: Boeing 787-8 (Registration: JA819A)
- Design concept: Features Pikachu alongside fire-type Pokémon that players choose as their first partner at the beginning of their adventures
- Scheduled launch: End of July 2026
“Pokémon Jet Green” (International routes)
- Aircraft type: Boeing 787-9 (Registration: JA923A)
- Design concept: Features Pikachu alongside grass-type Pokémon chosen as first partner Pokémon throughout the video game series
- Scheduled launch: To be announced
May 29, 2026
JFK Airport Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Scottish-born David Tait began his aviation career with the Thompson/Britannia group, working in Spain, Greece, the USSR and Cyprus. Tait then moved to Toronto to join Wardair Canada. Within two years the iconic Sir Freddie Laker hired him to help launch Laker Airways’ UK-bound charter flights in Canada, and later his ‘Skytrain Scheduled Service’ from the USA. Laker was forced to shut down in early 1882 – paradoxically largely due to its success –then, in December 1983, Freddie volunteered Tait’s name to one Richard Branson as someone who could assist the young British music industry entrepreneur with his “crazy notion” (Freddie’s description) of starting a new transatlantic airline.

It took a two-hour meeting on Branson’s London houseboat for Tait to be sufficiently intrigued to sign on and, as one of the first two employees, co-found what became Virgin Atlantic Airways. Incredibly it took just six months for the ‘notion’ to become a reality. Starting with a single Boeing 747- 200B, from its first flight in June of 1984, as EVP, and executive director, Tait would spend the next 20 years in New York City running the Americas and growing the ‘against all odds’ startup to a $3 billion, critically acclaimed, market-leading airline.

After 9-11 Tait left to pursue other interests that would include, co-founding Autism Double-Checked (autismchecked.com) an online training platform for autism awareness in the travel industry. Most recently he cofounded Bermuda-based BermudAir, a boutique carrier that commenced scheduled air services to the USA and Canada in September 2023.

In May 2001, at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Tait an OBE (Officer of the Order of The British Empire) in recognition of his, “Services to British aviation in the USA.”.

May 29, 2026