As the global travel and aviation industries continue their post-pandemic resurgence, two recent announcements have put the spotlight on fleet modernization and the enduring appeal of world-class hospitality. TUI, one of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies, has made significant strides both in renewing its airline fleet and celebrating excellence across its hotel portfolio. Meanwhile, major players in aircraft investment and remarketing have helped shape the landscape for airlines and hospitality providers alike.
On February 25, 2026, ABL Aviation, a global independent aircraft investment management firm, completed the delivery of a second Boeing 737 MAX 8 to TUI Airline. This milestone marks the 50th and 55th Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft for TUI Airline, as reported by Asian Aviation. The first delivery in this recent partnership was finalized in December 2025, demonstrating a rapid and efficient transaction process between the two companies.
Ali Ben Lmadani, Founder and CEO of ABL Aviation, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “This second delivery builds on the successful execution of our first transaction with TUI Airline in December. Working with a group as prominent as TUI Airline reflects the confidence placed in our team, our execution standards, and our approach to relationship-driven asset management. We look forward to continuing to support TUI Airline as they modernise and strengthen their fleet with next-generation aircraft.”
For TUI Airline, these new aircraft are more than just additions to their fleet—they represent a commitment to sustainability, passenger comfort, and operational efficiency. Marco Ciomperlik, CEO of TUI Airline, commented, “The delivery of these two Boeing 737 MAX 8 – our 50th and 55th for TUI Airline – marks another important step in the continued modernisation of our fleet. The aircraft’s enhanced fuel efficiency and performance directly support our commitment to operating a younger, more eco-efficient fleet while maintaining the high levels of comfort and reliability our customers expect. We value our partnership with ABL Aviation and appreciate their collaborative approach in supporting our fleet strategy.”
ABL Aviation’s growing reputation for delivering tailored aircraft leasing solutions is further underscored by this transaction. According to Asian Aviation, the firm’s ability to manage cross-border aircraft transactions with precision has helped it expand its portfolio of airline partners, positioning it as a leader in structured financing and asset management strategies for airlines worldwide.
While TUI focuses on modernizing its fleet, the aircraft remarketing sector has also seen notable activity. ACC Aviation recently completed the remarketing of an ATR 72-600 aircraft on behalf of Air Calédonie, New Caledonia’s flag carrier. The aircraft was acquired by Federal Express Corporation, the world’s largest express transportation company. ACC Aviation, acting as exclusive advisor, structured and led the sale with a clear focus on maximizing asset value. The process involved asset valuation, pricing strategy, buyer outreach, and coordination of all commercial and technical workstreams through to closing.
Daniel Houmbouy, Chief Executive Officer of Air Calédonie, praised the transaction, stating, “Air Calédonie would like to express its full satisfaction regarding the services provided by ACC in support of the sale of one of our ATR 72 aircraft. Throughout the entire process, ACC demonstrated a high level of professionalism and proactivity. Thanks to their extensive industry network and market knowledge, we were able to identify a suitable buyer within a relatively short timeframe. Their structured approach and hands-on involvement were key factors in the successful completion of the transaction.”
While these fleet developments are shaping the future of air travel, TUI’s influence extends well beyond the skies. On February 26, 2026, TUI announced its much-anticipated Top 100 Hotels for 2026, a prestigious collection that highlights the top 1% of its global hotel portfolio, as detailed by Ai Türkiye. The list is based entirely on guest reviews, reflecting the real-world experiences and satisfaction of travelers across the globe.
This year’s Top 100 Hotels list is a testament to the diversity and excellence of TUI’s hospitality partners. From luxury beachfront resorts to charming boutique escapes, these hotels have been recognized for their unrivaled luxury, exceptional guest experiences, and world-class hospitality. The list serves as a prelude to the upcoming TUI Global Hotel Awards ceremony, scheduled for March 2, 2026, where the winners will be celebrated for their remarkable contributions to the tourism industry.
The Mediterranean region stands out as a dominant force in the 2026 Top 100, with destinations such as Mallorca—boasting over ten top-tier hotels—confirming its status as a jewel of European travel. Greece, with winners scattered across nine beloved regions including Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, and Zakynthos, showcases the enduring warmth and consistency of Greek hospitality. According to TUI, “The 2026 Top 100 showcases an impressive range from charming boutique hotels to large holiday resorts. It proves that excellence comes in many forms and that guest satisfaction can be achieved across all types of hotel concepts, sizes, and styles.”
Türkiye has also made a significant showing, joining the ranks of Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Mexico, and Portugal in dominating the list. Fourteen top-rated hotels across Antalya and Dalaman regions underscore Türkiye’s reputation for superb service and exceptional value. Egypt’s hotels in Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Sharm El Sheikh have similarly been praised for their genuine warmth and hospitality, offering guests memorable stays amidst the country’s timeless allure.
The Maldives continues to secure its place as a beacon of luxury, with eight resorts making the Top 100. This reinforces the islands’ status as the epitome of extraordinary luxury and tranquility. Other global favorites, including Mexico, Thailand, and Portugal, have also secured multiple spots on the list, reflecting the broad appeal and high standards of TUI’s global network.
One notable aspect of this year’s list is its diversity—not just in geography, but in hotel concepts and sizes. From small boutique hotels to expansive holiday resorts, the Top 100 highlights the fact that excellence in hospitality transcends scale. Many of the honourees are repeat winners, a testament to their long-standing commitment to quality and the strong relationships they have built with TUI guests.
The full list of TUI’s Top 100 Hotels for 2026 is organized by location, allowing travelers to discover the finest accommodations across multiple destinations. There is no specific ranking order, emphasizing that each honouree represents the pinnacle of guest satisfaction and service within its region.
As the countdown to the TUI Global Hotel Awards approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on those who continue to raise the bar for the global hospitality industry. With strategic investments in fleet modernization and a commitment to recognizing hospitality excellence, TUI is shaping the future of travel—on the ground and in the air.