
Illustration: The Touch & Go
ProMedia Group acquires Dutch Reismedia to enhance aviation and travel media presence
ProMedia Group expands its aviation and travel media portfolio by acquiring Reismedia, strengthening its footprint in Dutch-speaking markets alongside FlightGlobal.
The gist
ProMedia Group broadens aviation media reach with Reismedia acquisition, solidifying position in European aviation and travel sectors.
ProMedia Group has expanded its footprint in the travel and aviation media landscape with the acquisition of Reismedia, a well-established Dutch publisher specializing in aviation and business travel sectors. This move follows ProMedia’s earlier 2026 acquisition of FlightGlobal, a globally recognized aviation news platform, further consolidating the group’s position in the international aviation media market. By integrating Reismedia’s portfolio, ProMedia strengthens its presence specifically in Dutch-speaking regions, broadening its reach to a wider audience within aviation and business travel industries.
Reismedia brings a strong portfolio of renowned brands, including Luchtvaartnieuws, Zakenreisnieuws, Reisbizz, and Triptalk, which have served the Dutch aviation and travel communities for over 25 years. These publications, supported by online platforms, newsletters, job boards, and events, cater to industry professionals and decision-makers as well as travelers. With 12 employees currently working at Reismedia, all are set to join ProMedia, reinforcing the group’s expertise and operational base in the Netherlands.
Arie van Dijk, CEO of ProMedia Group, emphasized that aviation and travel represent strategic growth markets for the company. He highlighted how the acquisition of FlightGlobal earlier this year laid the foundation for an international media platform recognized for its authoritative journalism in aviation. The addition of Reismedia complements this by providing localized content and networks in Dutch markets. Van Dijk noted the importance of combining strong brand portfolios and extensive industry networks to serve professionals and businesses more effectively across these sectors.
Rob Somsen, founder and managing director of Reismedia, viewed the acquisition as a natural progression for the company. He cited the complementary nature of the two organizations, both committed to delivering high-quality trade and consumer information alongside valuable networking opportunities. Through the partnership, Reismedia gains access to broader expertise and international resources, while contributing its market knowledge and specialist experience to the larger ProMedia Group.
Reismedia’s brands have built reputations for independence and authoritative reporting over its two and a half decades of operation. Publications like Luchtvaartnieuws target the Dutch aviation industry, while Zakenreisnieuws focuses on business travel news and trends. Reisbizz and Triptalk further address consumer travel and user engagement. This diversity within the portfolio allows ProMedia to leverage multiple touchpoints to reach a broad range of stakeholders within aviation and travel.
ProMedia Group itself operates across several specialized sectors including aviation, transport and logistics, maritime, and industry. Its holdings include trade media brands, data platforms, and events, supported by over 225 employees across offices in Rotterdam, Antwerp, and London. The acquisition of both FlightGlobal and now Reismedia signals the group’s intent to become a leading force in aviation and travel media on both international and regional levels.
The aviation and travel sectors have experienced significant digital transformation and market shifts in recent years. By acquiring Reismedia, ProMedia is positioning itself to capitalize on these trends through a broader, more integrated media offering. The enhanced portfolio balances global reach with strong local market specialization, reflecting evolving customer demands for industry news, data intelligence, and networking opportunities.
Combining Reismedia’s local expertise with FlightGlobal’s global platform could also facilitate cross-market collaboration, enrich content quality, and expand advertising and event opportunities. Industry professionals in the Dutch-speaking market will now access a more extensive range of aviation and travel information and services under one umbrella. This consolidation reflects a wider trend in trade media toward integrated, multimedia platforms that serve niche sectors at multiple levels.
With this acquisition, ProMedia Group solidifies a multi-national presence in aviation and business travel publishing, equipped to meet the informational and networking needs of industry leaders and decision-makers. The move strengthens media offerings as aviation and travel industries recover and adapt following a difficult period marked by pandemic disruptions, marking a notable strategic expansion in European aviation media.
Read more
All Airlines →
IndiGo Halts Leased Widebody Flights, Awaits Airbus A350 to Restart Long-Haul Service
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, will suspend its current wide-body flight operations from October 25, 2026, marking a temporary halt to its early long-haul experiments while it awaits delivery of its own Airbus A350-900 fleet. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); The decision, announced on July 31, also ends the airline’s damp-lease (ACMI) agreement with Norway’s Norse Atlantic Airways. Under this arrangement, six Boeing 787-9 aircraft had been operating selected India-Europe routes since early 2025. IndiGo entered the partnership to accelerate learning in long-haul operations, develop crew and network capabilities, and establish brand presence ahead of its A350 arrivals, originally expected from 2027. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); The leased Dreamliners enabled services to destinations including London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Manchester, and others. External Pressures Force ACMI Closure However, the operating environment deteriorated markedly. Airspace restrictions linked to Middle East geopolitical tensions forced longer routings, while elevated fuel prices, currency pressures, and rising costs eroded route efficiency, schedule reliability, and competitiveness. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); As a result, Mumbai–Amsterdam flights will switch to IndiGo’s Airbus A321XLR narrowbodies from October 25. London Heathrow services will be temporarily discontinued until the A350-900s arrive. Photo Credit: IndiGo The airline has stressed that its broader international expansion plans remain intact, with continued growth via the A321XLR and eventual deployment of its 60 ordered A350s. IndiGo has pledged to support affected passengers through alternative arrangements or refunds. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); From Norse Atlantic’s perspective, the parties mutually agreed to end the ACMI partnership effective November 1, 2026. One of the six 787-9s had already been scheduled for return at the end of August following IndiGo’s earlier closure of its Manchester route. The remaining five will now also be redelivered. Norse Atlantic Perspective Norse CEO Eivind Roald described the 18-month collaboration as valuable but noted that elevated fuel prices, airspace disruptions, and longer flight routings from the Middle East conflict had undermined commercial viability for both sides. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); “We have jointly concluded that alternative deployment of the aircraft will be more commercially beneficial to both parties,” Roald said. The returned aircraft will give Norse greater flexibility. The carrier is in discussions with multiple airlines for new ACMI placements covering up to five jets and plans to deploy part of the fleet on profitable winter routes, including services from Europe to Orlando and New York. This capacity boost also supports Norse’s ongoing strategic review. Following interest from potential counterparties, the board has launched a formal process that could lead to a sale, merger, or strategic partnership, aiming to enhance long-term shareholder value. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); Photo Credit: IndiGo Conclusion The episode highlights the challenges facing long-haul operators in a volatile geopolitical climate. For IndiGo, the pause represents a prudent short-term recalibration rather than a retreat from international ambitions. The airline built its success on a disciplined narrowbody model and views the A350 programme as the foundation for genuine long-haul growth. For Norse Atlantic, the end of a major ACMI contract that once covered half its fleet creates both near-term redeployment opportunities and strategic optionality. As IndiGo transitions its European network and prepares for its own widebodies, and as Norse seeks new partners or structural change, both carriers are adapting to an industry environment where flexibility and cost discipline have become essential. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); The temporary cessation of IndiGo’s leased widebody flying underscores how external shocks can reshape even carefully planned expansion strategies, while reinforcing the airline’s long-term commitment to connecting India with the world.

JetBlue Posts 14.5% Revenue Growth in Q2 2026, Reinstates Full-Year Outlook
JetBlue Airways reported robust second-quarter 2026 results on July 28, highlighting the early success of its JetForward transformation strategy despite elevated fuel prices. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); The airline posted operating revenue of $2.7 billion, marking a 14.5% increase from the prior year, driven by strong customer demand and targeted commercial initiatives. Revenue per available seat mile (RASM) rose 10.9% year-over-year, landing near the upper end of the company’s revised guidance. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); This performance reflects broad-based strength across premium and main cabin products. Premium RASM was up approximately 13% with main cabin RASM growing 11%. Capacity increased a modest 3.2% year-over-year, aligning with expectations. Fuel Costs Create Short-Term Pressure, But Recovery Exceeds Expectations Higher fuel prices significantly impacted profitability. JetBlue’s average fuel cost reached $4.23 per gallon in Q2, a 76% jump from the previous year. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); This drove operating expenses higher, resulting in an operating loss of $141 million and a net loss of $247 million, or $0.66 per share. Despite the surge, the airline recaptured nearly 50% of the higher fuel costs—well above initial expectations of 30-40%. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Cost per available seat mile excluding fuel (CASM ex-fuel) rose only 2.4% year-over-year, beating the midpoint of guidance by 1.6 points. This disciplined cost management underscores JetBlue’s operational focus. Photo Credit: JetBlue JetForward Strategy Showing Tangible Progress Two years into JetForward, JetBlue has generated $470 million in cumulative incremental EBIT through June 2026. The company remains on track to deliver $850–$950 million in annual incremental EBIT benefits by the end of 2027, with expectations building to approximately $1.2 billion by 2028. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Key highlights include improved operational reliability, with A14 performance up about one point and Net Promoter Score rising five points year-over-year. In Fort Lauderdale, JetBlue achieved 11% RASM growth despite nearly 40% capacity expansion, capitalizing on market opportunities. Loyalty revenue grew 13%, fueled by strong co-brand card performance and new initiatives like ClarityPay for flexible payments. Premium experiences continue to win acclaim. Mint ranked highest in customer satisfaction among first/business passengers in the J.D. Power 2026 North America Airline Satisfaction Study for the second year running. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); The BlueHouse lounge at JFK earned “Best Airport Lounge of 2026” honors, with Boston’s location opening soon. Upcoming enhancements include BlueFirst, the new domestic first-class product launching sales this fall, and expanded Blue Sky reciprocal loyalty benefits. Long-Term Confidence Reflecting momentum, JetBlue introduced a 2028 earnings per share target of at least $1.00, assuming sustained demand and average jet fuel prices of $3.00 per gallon. CEO Joanna Geraghty emphasized the strategy’s role in building a more profitable future. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); “We’re encouraged by the progress we’re making,” Geraghty said. “Strong customer demand and decisive actions enabled us to recover fuel costs more quickly than anticipated.” Photo Credit: JetBlue Reinstated 2026 Outlook JetBlue reinstated its full-year 2026 guidance, supported by better visibility into the second half: Capacity (ASMs): 1.5%–3.5% year-over-year for FY; 3.0%–6.0% for Q3 RASM: 10.0%–12.5% for FY; 12.5%–16.5% for Q3 CASM ex-Fuel: 2.0%–4.0% for FY; 2.5%–4.5% for Q3 Adjusted Operating Margin: (2.0%)–(5.0%) for the full year Fuel Price: Approximately $3.49 per gallon Capital Expenditures: ~$850 million for the year ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(133); }); CFO Ursula Hurley noted expectations for second-half operating margin improvement of about 3.5 points year-over-year, supporting the path to sustained profitability. Strategic Positioning for Future Growth JetBlue continues investing in its East Coast leisure network, technology modernization, fuel efficiency, and AI-driven operations. President Marty St. George highlighted traction in commercial initiatives and network enhancements, including additional slots in New York. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(134); }); As the airline advances JetForward, it aims to deliver greater value to customers and shareholders through reliable service, valued products, and a stronger financial foundation. With demand remaining resilient, JetBlue appears well-positioned to navigate near-term challenges and drive long-term earnings growth.

United Airlines CEO Claims Only Two Premium Airlines Will Last as Service Complaints Mount
United CEO Scott Kirby says only two premium airlines can exist, but passenger photos of broken tray tables, dirty seats, and a battered club sofa are not helping United's case. Also Avios devaluation risk, Singapore Airlines' new first class concierge trial, DFW's plan to buy the Hyatt Regency, and a useful Blacklane credit stack.

Lufthansa's A350 Premium Economy Becomes Top Choice for US-Europe Travelers
Over the past few years, cash prices for long-haul business class seats have surged across major US to Europe routes, driven by relentless premium demand and dynamic pricing algorithms. At the same time, standard economy cabins remain notoriously crammed on 8- to 11-hour transatlantic crossings. For travelers paying out of pocket or working within strict corporate travel policies, the decision is now to endure an uncomfortable overnight flight in economy, or fork over upwards of $4,000 for a lie-flat bed.
The Daily Touch & Go
The day's best aviation news in your inbox. Free, no spam.

