A potential deal could transform the U.S. airline industry, but only if approved by regulators.

Scott Kirby reportedly brought the idea to senior government officials, but it is not clear if the two carriers are in talks.

Accidents like these typically fade out of the news cycle after a week or so, but the feelings will remain strong for the industry and the victims’ loved ones.

As air travel continued to creep toward – or in some cases exceeded – pre-pandemic levels, the industry was faced with new challenges.