The Best New Airliners to See in January 2026

The start of the new year leaves us with a wealth of new airliners and special liveries to whet our appetite for the year to come.

What are you looking forward to most in your plane spotting this year?

To start with, keep an eye out for these new airliners and schemes:

Air India’s New Retro Jet

Spotted in the paint hangar, and soon to be flying around Air India’s network, is Airbus A320 VT-TNS wearing a retro livery inspired by the scheme used by the airline in the 1970s and 80s.

AirZeta’s First 747

AirZeta is a South Korean cargo airline, previously known as Air Incheon, and now incorporating the former cargo division of Asiana Airlines. The fleet is slowing being repainted in this new livery, and this is the first Boeing 747-400 freighter to wear it. It is HL7419.

Alaska’s New Livery Revealed

Following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, the first Boeing 787 has appeared in the new Alaska Airlines livery ahead of new long-haul services commencing. It is N784HA.

Cathay Goes Retro

To mark its 80th anniversary this year, Cathay Pacific is painting some of its aircraft in a retro livery inspired by its 1970s and 80s ‘lettuce leaf’ scheme. The first is Airbus A350-900 B-LRJ.

Emirates Grand Slam Tennis

Another Emirates Airbus A380 special livery has appeared. This time, A6-EUH is promoting the airline’s sponsorship of Grand Slam Tennis.

Hungary Airlines 777

Air Atlanta Icelandic is working with newcomer Hungary Airlines to provide Boeing 777-300 converted freighters. The first is this on, 9H-JJB.

JetBlue’s New Boston Jet

Photo © JetBlue

Another special scheme for JetBlue Airways, with a revamped ‘Boston Jet’ on Airbus A320 N537JT.

Qanot Sharq A321XLR

Another new Airbus A321XLR operator is Uzbekistan’s Qanot Sharq Airlines, which has taken delivery of UK32112.

Rise Air’s First ATR 72

Canadian regional carrier Rise Air has taken delivery of its first ATR 72-600 aircraft. This is, in fact, the first example to be operated commercially in Canada. It is C-GTNG.

Spirit’s Christmas Livery

A little late to be mentioned, but we presume it is still flying this month. Spirit Airlines added this special Christmas scheme to Airbus A320 N628NK.

STARLUX’s First Long A350

The first Airbus A350-1000 variant has been delivered to STARLUX Airlines in Taiwan. It is B-58551, and joins the existing -900 models in the fleet. There are 17 more examples on order.

Thai’s First A321neo

Thai Airways has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo model. It wears special titles, and is HS-TOA.

Titan Airways World Cup Livery

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup this summer, it has painted one of its Airbus A320 aircraft, G-POWK, in a special livery marking its collaboration with Coca-Cola who are sponsoring the tournament. The aircraft will visit all 48 participating countries.

Which is your favourite? Leave a comment below!