It has been decades since nonstop flights connected Anchorage and Tokyo. That dry spell will come to an end in 2027, however, as Alaska Airlines launches service on the route.
Airplanes and Airports
JetBlue’s LaGuardia Growth Approved by FAA
JetBlue’s acquisition of LaGuardia slots from Spirit Airlines’ debtors has been approved by the FAA. The agency, after considering comments from the public, agreed to the deal moving 22 slots to JetBlue for $58.5 million.
Fourteen Airports Score DoT Subsidies for Route Support
Fourteen airports will share just under $12 million in route launch and support subsidies as part of the 2026 Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP).
American Pushes A321XLRs for Summer 2027 European Expansion
American Airlines is ready to put its A321XLR fleet to work across the Atlantic with a strong Summer 2027 route network to take full advantage of the new planes.
Hot Summer 2027 Growth for United’s Transatlantic Network
United Airlines continues to bet on Europe as the hot summer destination for Americans, with plans for an expanded 2027 season adding nine destinations, most flown on the A321XLR.
Boston BlueHouse, Basic Business launch with JetBlue
JetBlue will let a whole lot more passengers into its BlueHouse lounges starting this week, news announced in conjunction with the grand opening of the Boston location.
Delta, Aeromexico Beat DOT in Antitrust Suit
Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico are free to continue their transborder joint operations, thanks to a ruling from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Delta Concierge Launches with Questionable Value-add
Delta Air Lines’ “Concierge” GenAI assistant is now generally available via the Fly Delta app. First teased at CES 2025 with sky-high conceptual utility, the initial deployment comes up well short of the promised use cases.
AirBaltic Slashes Fleet, Trading Growth for (Potential) Profitability
AirBaltic, once hyper-focused on growth at all costs, now recognizes that it cannot hit its projected targets. The carrier will slash its A220 fleet from the current 54 to just 36 as part of a massive reorganization.
Airbus Details Growth Potential, Challenges
Airbus has grand plans to increase aircraft production, but also faces continued supplier challenges, plus some difficult internal decisions on how to scale up effectively.