Analyst Sees Potential in JetBlue Acquisition

Investors were advised to watch developments in the rail sector for clues about future consolidation among airlines.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 10:30 AM ET

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Zach Vasile

A JetBlue A321 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Given the right partner, a potential acquisition of low-cost airline JetBlue would make financial sense and may have a better chance of clearing a government review under the current administration, an analyst with JPMorgan wrote this week.

In a note, Jamie Baker said JPMorgan believes JetBlue is more likely to be acquired than file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Baker advised watching merger and acquisition-related developments in the U.S. rail industry, which could elucidate the Trump administration’s position on large-scale mergers and consolidation in the transportation sector.

In July, Union Pacific announced plans to acquire Norfolk Southern in a cash and stock deal valued at over $250 billion. It is the largest tie-up of its kind in years, and could if approved reshape the ways goods are moved across the country.

The merger is being reviewed by the Surface Transportation Board.

“To summarize, we think there could be another round of airline consolidation under the current administration (or the next one, perhaps) depending on the outcome in the rail space,” Baker wrote.

His comments were first reported on by Seeking Alpha.

JetBlue has not been profitable on an annual basis since 2019. Its quarterly net losses and high debt load have prompted speculation that it will eventually merge with another airline to survive. A federal court blocked JetBlue’s pending acquisition of Spirit in 2024.

Earlier this year, JetBlue and United announced their “Blue Sky” partnership, which allows for reciprocity in loyalty points and rewards, revenue booking, and slot sharing at certain airports, among other forms of cooperation. Opponents of the alliance, including Spirit, have called it anticompetitive and worry that JetBlue will be reduced to a “de facto vassal of United.”

In his note, Baker said a potential United acquisition of JetBlue would give United market parity with rivals American and Delta at around 16%. A JetBlue merger with Alaska Airlines would deliver less, at 7% market share, he noted, while a linkup with Southwest would translate to 22%.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

American Adds First Long-Haul A321XLR Route

The long-range narrowbody will debut on transatlantic service next year.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET

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Zach Vasile

American's first A321XLR (Photo: DFW Airport)

American Airlines is preparing to introduce its new Airbus A321XLR on international flights for the first time, expanding its European network in 2026.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will launch new seasonal service between New York-JFK and Edinburgh, Scotland, beginning March 8, 2026. The route will operate through Oct. 24 and join American’s returning Philadelphia–Edinburgh flights next summer.

American’s Philadelphia-to-Edinburgh flights are slated to begin on March 28, and will be operated with a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

“After a successful summer in Edinburgh, American is excited to offer a second route to give travelers more access to one of their favorite destinations,” said Brian Znotins, American’s senior vice president of network and schedule planning, in a news release. “With the game-changing Airbus A321XLR now in our fleet, we could not be more excited to connect the Big Apple with Auld Reekie.”

American’s A321XLRs are configured with 20 Flagship Suite business class seats, 12 Premium Economy seats, and 123 economy seats.

Flagship Suite on American’s A321XLR (Photo: American Airlines)

The A321XLR will first enter domestic service between New York and Los Angeles in December before joining transatlantic operations next spring. American said additional long-range routes will follow as more aircraft are delivered.

Other carriers are already deploying the A321XLR on transatlantic routes. Iberia became the type’s launch customer last year, flying from Madrid to Boston and later Washington Dulles. Aer Lingus has also taken delivery of the aircraft and is preparing to use the type for similar-length transatlantic links.

The A321XLR is certified to operate non-stop up to 4,700 nautical miles. American is the type’s first U.S. operator.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Mexican Airlines Respond to DOT Route Cancellations

Viva Aerobus and Volaris said they will work to minimize disruptions for passengers.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

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Zach Vasile

Volaris flight crew deplane an A320neo jet at Guadalajara International Airport. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Albert Kuan)

Mexican airlines are responding after the U.S. Transportation Department on Tuesday blocked 13 planned or current routes to the U.S. over alleged violations of the two countries’ air transport agreement.

In comments submitted to the department, Monterrey-based low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus warned the cancellations will disrupt the travel of thousands of U.S. and Mexican passengers during the upcoming holiday season.

The airline said it is communicating with authorities in Mexico and the U.S. to understand the full scope of the order and will do all it can to help customers navigate the situation.

“We trust in the dialogue between the authorities of our government and their counterparts in the United States to find a reasonable and fair solution to this conflict and minimize its impact on passengers,” the carrier said.

Viva Aerobus A320 — A Viva Aerobus Airbus A320 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The DOT’s order disapproved planned Viva Aerobus service between Felipe Ángeles International Airport near Mexico City and Austin, Texas; New York-JFK; Chicago O’Hare; Dallas/Fort Worth; Denver; Houston; Los Angeles; Miami; and Orlando, Florida. The flights were scheduled to begin in November.

Volaris Comments

Fellow low-cost airline Volaris, which had its planned route between Mexico City and Newark, New Jersey, scrapped, made a similar statement acknowledging the Transportation Department’s decision and pledging to support travelers.

“Volaris is in contact with the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation, as well as with the aviation industry, to discuss and find a solution to this situation that prevents future impacts on its operations and the Mexican air transport sector,” the carrier wrote. “Volaris reaffirms its commitment to maintaining air connectivity between Mexico and the United States, offering accessible and safe options for its customers.”

Aeroméxico, Mexico’s flag carrier, had routes to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Houston and McAllen, Texas, canceled. The airline has not yet submitted comments on the cancellations.

On Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she opposes the DOT’s move and will seek a meeting between Mexico’s foreign minister and the U.S. Secretary of State to determine the grounds for the decision. She is expected to meet with representatives of the Mexican airline industry to hear their perspective on the issue, Reuters reported.

The Transportation Department maintains that Mexico has repeatedly violated the terms of a 2015 bilateral air transport agreement by canceling slots for U.S. carriers at Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City and relocating U.S. cargo operations to the more distant Felipe Ángeles.

These alleged violations also prompted the DOT to order the cancellation of Delta’s longstanding joint venture with Aeroméxico in September. The department said the partnership would only amplify “market distortions” that worked against the U.S. airline industry if allowed to continue.

Zach Vasile

Tel Aviv Airport Set for Major Revamp

The project will add space for passengers, commercial areas, and a dedicated entry for bus arrivals.

Lorne Philipot

Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 06:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Ben Gurion International Airport. (Photo: Shutterstock | Dmitry Pistrov)

Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, will see major upgrades to the tune of $83 million.

Terminal 3 is the airport’s international terminal, handling high volumes of arriving and departing passengers.

The upgrade, which is set to take over two and a half years to complete, will see new passenger areas, commercial space, and a dedicated entry terminal for bus arrivals at Terminal 3.

Israel Airports Authority awarded the project to Oron Infrastructure and Construction, which is a subsidiary of Oron Holdings.

“We are approaching this project with great commitment and pride, as part of our ongoing work to strengthen Israel’s core infrastructure nationwide,” Gili Azaria, co-owner of Oron Holdings, said in a statement.

Expanding Capacity

Construction is expected to take around 30 months. The work will be carried out within the existing terminal, with minimal disruption to operations. A start date has not yet been announced.

The project includes a 7,000-square-meter expansion across four floors, increasing service and retail space, enlarging dining areas, and adding new operational zones.

The project also includes a new 2,000-square-meter structure dubbed “Tel Aviv Gate.” This will be constructed as a dedicated entrance for passengers arriving by bus.

The new facility is expected to streamline security and baggage procedures, improving passenger flows and increasing Ben Gurion’s overall capacity.

Lorne Philipot

Lorne is a South Africa-based aviation journalist. He was captivated and fascinated by flying from the day he took his first airline flight. With a passion for aviation in his blood, he has flown to destinations in all corners of the globe. Lorne has traveled extensively and lived in various countries. Drawing on his travels and passion for aviation, Lorne enjoys writing about airlines, routes, networks, and new developments.

Riyadh Air Signs Its First 787 Lease

The carrier plans to take delivery of the aircraft later this year.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 11:56 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

The fuselage of a Riyadh Air Boeing 787 Dreamliner. (Photo: Riyadh Air)

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air has signed its first-ever aircraft lease for a single Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The airline announced a deal with AviLease on Monday that will bring a 787-9 into its fleet by the fourth quarter of this year.

“We are pleased to complete our first aircraft lease with AviLease as we continue building a young, fuel-efficient fleet ahead of our commercial launch,” Riyadh Air CFO Adam Boukadida said in a news release. “The Boeing 787 is a highly capable aircraft that will play an important role in delivering a world-class travel experience for our future guests. This agreement marks an important step in establishing Riyadh Air as a leading global airline.”

Riyadh Air, formed in 2023, is working toward the launch of full commercial service from its planned base at King Khalid International Airport near Riyadh. It will serve as the second flag carrier of the country, behind Jeddah-based Saudia.

Riyadh Air has ordered dozens of Dreamliners and Airbus A321s over the last two years. The carrier expects to serve about 100 destinations by 2030, but as of this month only two had been announced – Dubai and London.

The airline operated an inaugural flight between Riyadh and London Heathrow on Sunday. While technically a commercial flight, it carried only staff from Riyadh Air and the Public Investment Fund.

In an interview with CNBC this week, Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said tickets will go on sale for the general public once the airline has taken delivery of its first three production aircraft.

Zach Vasile

Qantas 787 Tackles Near-Record Flight With WWE Stars On Board

The charter service flew from Perth, Australia, to Los Angeles.

Joey Gerardi

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Qantas 787-9 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

A Qantas 787 Dreamliner came close to setting a record for the aircraft type earlier this month while carrying dozens of World Wrestling Entertainment personalities.

With about 50 WWE Superstars on board, including Damian Priest and Grayson Waller, the jet touched down in Los Angeles after the WWE SmackDown event in Perth, Australia. The journey clocked in at a staggering 9,320 miles (14,999 km), flirting with the record for the longest distance ever flown by a 787 Dreamliner.

Map of Perth to Los Angeles route (Photo: GCMap.com)

Qantas’ Dreamliners are built to seat 236 passengers comfortably, but a “light load” of only 50 larger-than-life wrestlers allowed the aircraft to stretch its wings to near-record distances.

“Special charters like the WWE flights aren’t part of our everyday operations, and when they happen, they bring a unique energy onboard,” said Capt. Richard Tobiano, chief pilot at Qantas.

He recalled flying the group from Sydney to Perth the previous week on an A380, noting that it had “all the excitement of a main event.” The flight from Perth to Los Angeles on the 787 was no less thrilling — a near 17-hour journey that “demonstrated our long-range capability and drew on the unique experience and expertise of our pilots and crew.”

Qantas 787-9 with special livery — A Qantas 787-9 Dreamliner with Yam Dreaming livery. (Photo: Qantas)

The transpacific flight echoes Qantas’ history of pushing the Dreamliner’s distance boundaries.

The airline’s Project Sunrise program previously tested the aircraft on ultra-long-haul journeys, including an 11,029-mile (17,750 km) nonstop flight from London to Sydney in 2019. Today, Qantas continues to push limits commercially with services like the Perth-to-London nonstop flight, currently the longest scheduled 787 route in operation.

Even though Air Tahiti Nui holds the record for the longest scheduled commercial passenger flight at 9,764 miles (15,715 km) — between Papeete, Tahiti, and Paris, France — the WWE charter reminds aviation enthusiasts that it’s not just about the miles — it’s about who or what takes to the skies. For fans of both aviation and wrestling, seeing a Dreamliner powered by jet fuel and superstars is proof that Qantas is still finding creative ways to stretch its wings.

And with Qantas less than two years away from its Project Sunrise flights, the carrier will probably continue to be in the news for pushing the boundaries of flight.

Joey Gerardi

Joey has always been interested in planes for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Central New York during the early 2000s when US Airways Express turboprops ruled the skies. Being from a non-aviation family made it harder for him to be around planes and would only spend about three hours a month at the airport. He was so excited when he could drive by himself, the first thing he did with his driver's license was get ice cream and go plane spotting for the entire day. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a B.S. in Aviation Management & Operations and a Minor in Business, and currently works for a major airline in his hometown.

Alaska, Hawaiian Secure Single Operating Certificate

All flights are now operating under the callsign “AS.”

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 09:14 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines aircraft. (Photo: Alaska Airlines)

Just over a year after closing their historic $1.9 billion merger, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have obtained a single operating certificate from the FAA, officially bringing the two entities together under Alaska’s operating authority.

Alaska and Hawaiian flights are now operating under a single callsign, “AS.” The FAA will cancel Hawaiian’s former callsign on Thursday.

Alaska has said it will maintain Hawaiian as a separate brand and reiterated that pledge on Wednesday. Several Honolulu-based leadership positions will take effect Wednesday in support of the Hawaiian brand, the carrier said.

Notably, Diana Birkett Rakow, executive vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska, will become CEO of Hawaiian, succeeding Joe Sprague, who is retiring.

While its brand identity will remain, the single operating certificate effectively ends Hawaiian’s 96-year run as an independent air carrier.

Alaska and Hawaiian employees — Employees of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. (Photo: Alaska Airlines)

“This was a year-long, multi-phase effort involving multiple departments and thousands of hours of work,” Alaska Air Group President and CEO Ben Minicucci said in a statement. “We also appreciate the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation for their guidance and support as we carefully reviewed and harmonized our processes with a shared focus on safety. This is an important step in our journey as a combined organization, and I’m excited about our future together.”

Alaska leaders said the single operating certificate clears the way for further integration efforts, including the launch of a single passenger service and booking system. As part of that transition, Alaska is standardizing cabin classes and offerings, though passengers will still be able to choose an Alaska or Hawaiian flight for their journey. The new system is expected to launch in April 2026.

Alaska and Hawaiian have already combined their rewards programs as Atmos Rewards. Alaska’s Mileage Plus members were automatically enrolled in Atmos in August, and Hawaiian’s HawaiianMiles customers joined earlier this month.

Zach Vasile

Air Force Veteran Says United Fired Him Over False Alcohol Claim

Federal lawsuit alleges airline regarded pilot as disabled and discriminated based on race and perceived alcoholism.

Ryan Ewing

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 06:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A United 737 MAX 9 aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

A former United pilot has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the carrier of discrimination, retaliation, and defamation following his termination last year.

In the complaint filed Oct. 13 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, John Paul Castillo III, a former C-130 combat pilot and United first officer, alleges the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by firing him because it “regarded him as disabled due to a perceived alcohol-use disorder” and because he is Hispanic.

Castillo, hired in January 2023, began flying passengers that March. The complaint states that after a July 2023 arrest for suspected DUI — later dismissed — United “began pressuring Mr. Castillo to enter the Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) Program,” which monitors pilots diagnosed with alcoholism. Castillo declined, pending an independent evaluation that later found “no alcohol-use disorder” and described the incident as “a one-off, aberrant event.”

Termination

According to the filing, United terminated him that November, citing a temporary lapse of his FAA medical certificate. Castillo contends that other pilots in similar situations were placed on unpaid leave.

“United’s decision to fire Mr. Castillo while allowing other pilots — including those actually diagnosed with alcohol-use disorder — to remain employed during FAA review demonstrates disparate treatment,” the lawsuit states.

United 737-700 — A United Airlines Boeing 737-700. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The complaint alleges the company’s actions reflected “racialized stereotypes about Hispanic men and alcohol use,” adding that the perception “was not a neutral medical judgment but reflected bias.”

Alleged Retaliation

Castillo also claims United retaliated after he hired a lawyer. In one passage, he cites Chief Pilot Ernie Aller as telling a union representative that Castillo was terminated for “lawyering up and not communicating.”

The lawsuit says that the comment is “direct evidence” of retaliation.

Additionally, the complaint accuses United of defamation for allegedly reporting to the FAA that his dismissal stemmed from “pilot-performance issues.” The entry, the filing says, was “false and defamatory,” and remained in FAA records for roughly 18 months before correction in May 2025.

Castillo seeks reinstatement or front pay, back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and attorney fees.

Ryan Ewing

Trump Administration Blocks 13 Mexican Routes

DOT cites Mexico’s violations of the U.S.–Mexico Air Transport Agreement and freezes new route growth.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 07:59 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Viva Aerobus A320 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The U.S. Department of Transportation has cancelled 13 current or planned routes operated by Mexican airlines to the United States and suspended all combination service between the two countries via Felipe Ángeles International Airport near Mexico City.

In an order issued Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the action was taken in response to Mexico’s “continued abuse” of the 2015 U.S.–Mexico Air Transport Agreement.

The move also freezes the growth of Mexican carriers’ passenger and cargo operations at Benito Juárez International Airport, Mexico City’s primary hub.

“Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg were too weak to stand up to Mexico when they walked all over our bilateral aviation agreement,” Duffy said in a statement. “These deals are binding, and like our trade agreements, President Trump is going to put America First and enforce them.”

Affected Routes

According to the DOT, the affected flights include Aeromexico’s routes between Mexico City and San Juan, Puerto Rico, and between Felipe Ángeles and both Houston and McAllen, Texas.

Volaris’s Mexico City–Newark, New Jersey, route and Viva Aerobus’ proposed flights from Felipe Ángeles to Austin, Texas; New York-JFK; Chicago O’Hare; Dallas/Fort Worth; Denver, Houston; Los Angeles; Miami; and Orlando, Florida, were also disapproved.

The department said the measures come after three years of alleged violations by Mexico, including the cancellation of U.S. carrier slots at Benito Juárez International Airport and the forced relocation of American cargo operations. U.S. officials say Mexico has failed to follow through on promised construction projects intended to reduce congestion at the capital’s main airport.

Aeromexico’s Boeing 737s lined up at the gates of Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Duffy also proposed banning Mexican passenger airlines from carrying belly cargo between Mexico City and the U.S. That restriction would take effect 108 business days after the order is finalized.

The DOT warned that the cancellations could affect travel plans for American citizens and advised passengers to contact their airlines for re-accommodation information. It added that additional enforcement actions could follow if Mexico does not restore fair access for U.S. carriers.

Ryan Ewing

Lufthansa Restores U.S. A380 Route

The superjumbo jet will return to this city next summer.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 02:29 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Lufthansa Airbus A380 (Photo: Denver International Airport)

Lufthansa announced Tuesday that it will once again operate its Munich-to-Denver route using the Airbus A380.

Airline leaders said the aircraft will return to the roughly 5,200-mile route on June 9, 2026. Lufthansa operated its Munich-Denver service with the A380 between April 20 and Oct. 24 of this year.

“We are grateful to Lufthansa for trusting Denver with the investment of their largest passenger aircraft,” Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington said in a statement. “DEN has never experienced such an overwhelmingly positive response to a specific aircraft type, and the A380 has engaged all passenger types — from aviation enthusiasts to families to business travelers — and also enhanced DEN’s operational profile.”

A380 Denver — A Lufthansa A380 at Denver International Airport. (Photo: Denver International Airport)

Airport officials said Lufthansa’s operation of the A380 at Denver in 2025 contributed to a 6% increase in international passengers through September.

Expanding Frankfurt-Raleigh Service

Ishrion Aviation reported Tuesday that Lufthansa will increase the number of flights per week between Frankfurt and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, from its current five to six starting March 29, 2026. A little more than two months later, on June 5, another flight will be added, bringing the total to seven per week.

Lufthansa launched nonstop service between Frankfurt and Raleigh-Durham in June 2024. It operates the route with an A330 aircraft.

Zach Vasile