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.
Airplanes and Airports
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.
Southwest shifts with Hawaii redeyes, Atlanta cuts
Southwest Airlines’ long-expected redeye service from Hawaii is set to fly. The carrier will launch five routes from the islands to the mainland beginning on 8 April 2025.
Cathay taps into DFW
Cathay Pacific will serve Dallas-Fort Worth beginning next summer, part of a shifting rebuild in its North American network.
A new potential option for NYC heli-transfer service
A very experienced operator is looking to change its approach to the New York City market, selling direct to consumers and bypassing BLADE’s middleman play.
Breeze adds Dulles in EAS play
Breeze Airways is headed to the Washington, DC area, thanks to $9 million in annual subsidies for Essential Air Service operations.
Alaska Airlines receives DOT approval for Hawaiian acquisition
The US DOT approved Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines while establishing a six year compliance program mandating capacity levels and frequent flyer program value.
American ends the Austin focus experiment
Scratch another of the COVID-era experiments from American’s operations. The carrier’s not a hub, not a focus city, but definitely occasionally a connection point for passengers in Austin, Texas is no more.