Questions about Artificial Intelligence were at the forefront of APEX EXPO. Impressions of what GenAI can actually deliver, however, appeared disconnected from reality.
Airplanes and Airports
Small airport subsidy winners announced
Fourteen smallish airports will share $12 million in federal funding over the next five years to support growth of their commercial air service. The awards were announced on Thursday as part of the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP).
Final objections filed on DCA slot allocation
Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue lodged objections with the US Department of Transportation over the assignment of new long-distance slots at DCA. The three carriers were the losers in the recent allocation proceedings.
Spirit sheds 10% of its fleet, sees success with new premium offerings
Spirit Airlines will shed 23 aircraft over the next 6 months, more than 10% of its fleet, as it cuts capacity and raises capital to stabilize its finances.
PLAY pivots to Iceland focus, plans cuts in North America
Iceland’s PLAY Airlines saw lower than expected revenue over the summer and will cut several North American destinations as a result.
Big five win big in DCA slot awards
The five largest airlines in the United States (tentatively) won in their efforts to secure additional long-haul slots at Washington, DC’s Reagan National Airport.
United adds eight destinations with summer 2025 expansion
United Airlines has big plans for Summer 2025. The carrier will add eight new destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa, part of 800 daily international flights to and from nearly 150 unique destinations.
No search, just vibes: Alaska Airlines plans "Vibe Quiz" destination recommendation engine
Are passengers ready to swipe left or right to narrow the search for their next vacation destination? Alaska Airlines aims to find out with the launch later this year of an AI-powered “Vibe Quiz” search.
Neeleman, Walsh get testy over SAFs
At the World Aviation Festival in Amsterdam this week Sustainable Aviation Fuels were in David Neeleman’s crosshairs, and he made sure his view was heard, including a contentious exchange with IATA CEO Willie Walsh.
More (paid) legroom, bags still fly free: Southwest details transformation program
Bags will continue to fly free on Southwest Airlines, even as the company moves to offer a paid extra legroom option on board its planes from 2026.