Cathay Pacific Adds Seventh U.S. Destination

Cathay Pacific will add to its U.S. operations next year with the introduction of five weekly nonstop flights beginning March 30, 2026.

Ryan Ewing

Monday, September 22, 2025 at 09:33 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Cathay Pacific A350. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ben Suskind)

Cathay Pacific will add to its U.S. operations next year with the introduction of five weekly nonstop flights beginning March 30, 2026. The new service will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which are configured with business class, premium economy, and economy cabins.

The carrier confirmed it will return to Seattle, marking its ninth passenger destination in North America and seventh in the U.S. Flights will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the initial launch period between March 30 and May 31, as well as from Sept. 16 through Oct. 24. Seasonal adjustments are planned in the summer months.

According to the airline, the additional flights are intended to meet growing demand for travel between Asia and North America, particularly from the Chinese mainland and India.

Alongside the Seattle launch, Cathay Pacific will expand its recently launched service to Dallas/Fort Worth to daily flights starting October 26, 2025.

A Cathay Pacific A350 in San Francisco (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The carrier last connected Seattle and Hong Kong in March 2020. This route was short-lived, operating since March 2019.

In an April interview with AirlineGeeks, Cathay’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau, hinted at more U.S. service.

“We continue to see very good potential in the U.S. market, and of course, we want to expand our network as well,” she shared.

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.

Uganda Airlines and Air India Sign Interline Agreement

Uganda Airlines has inked an interline agreement with Air India that will give passengers with both carriers greater access to international destinations.

Lorne Philipot

Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Uganda Airlines Bombardier CRJ-900. (Photo: AMISOM Public Information, via Wikimedia Creative Commons)

Uganda’s flag carrier, Uganda Airlines, has entered an interline partnership with India’s national carrier, Air India.

“This agreement significantly expands Uganda Airlines’ global footprint, offering its customers convenient access to Air India’s vast network,” said Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki in a news release.

Reaching Destinations in Asia

The strategic partnership will enable passengers traveling with Uganda Airlines to buy a single ticket for travel from Entebbe to numerous destinations in India, as well as to other destinations served from Air India’s hub in Mumbai. Travelers from Uganda can also now reach a number of international hubs including Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, London, and Singapore, with Air India.

Passengers traveling with Uganda Airlines can conveniently connect onto Air India flights to various destinations in India, including: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Nagpur, Patna, Thiruvananthapuram, Udaipur, Varanasi, Vadodara, and Visakhapatnam.

Connecting India with Africa

At the same time, the partnership opens up Uganda Airlines’ network to Air India’s passengers. They can travel to Mumbai with Air India and then fly with Uganda Airlines to Entebbe. Air India passengers are able to take onward connections from Entebbe to South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and other African countries.

Uganda Airlines offers three weekly rotations between Entebbe and Mumbai. Flights are operated with an Airbus A330-800neo aircraft.

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.

Livery of the Week: A ‘Thank You’ Card by Delta

The aircraft chosen for this unusual ceremony was an A321, registered as N391DN, which had been delivered less than three months earlier, on Dec. 20, 2019.

Vanni Gibertini

Friday, September 19, 2025 at 08:14 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Delta Air Lines Airbus A321-211 with "Thank you" livery (Photo: Delta)

Editor’s Note: AirlineGeeks is proud to present our ‘Livery of the Week’ series. Every Friday, a team member will share an airline livery, which can be from the past, present, or even a special scheme. Some airline liveries are works of art. The complexity associated with painting around critical flight components and the added weight requires outside-the-box thinking from designers. The average airliner can cost upwards of $200,000 to repaint, creating a separate aircraft repainting industry as a result.

Have an idea for a livery that we should highlight? Drop us a line.

Throughout the years, aircraft liveries have been used to deliver all kinds of messages to all types of audiences, but only on rare occasions have they been the vehicle for a very public gratitude message from the airline itself to its own employees.

In February 2020, on Valentine’s Day, just a month shy of what was going to be among the worst periods in commercial aviation’s history, Delta Air Lines made its largest employees’ profit-sharing announcement with the unveiling of a fuselage-long “Thank You” note on an Airbus A321 aircraft.

On that day, Delta Air Lines revealed its intention to distribute $1.6bn of its profits to its employees and did so, painting a large “Thank You” on the side of one of its aircraft.

Delta Air Lines Airbus A321 with “Thank you” livery (Photo: Delta)

A New Airbus

The aircraft chosen for this unusual ceremony was an Airbus A321, registered as N391DN, which had been delivered less than three months earlier, on Dec. 20, 2019. The aircraft was configured for domestic routes in a three-class layout with 20 First class seats, 29 Delta Comfort+ seats, and 143 Economy seats for a total capacity of 192 passengers.

Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.

Vanni Gibertini

Vanni fell in love with commercial aviation during his undergraduate studies in Statistics at the University of Bologna, when he prepared his thesis on the effects of deregulation on the U.S. and European aviation markets. Then he pursued his passion further by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Air Transport Management at Cranfield University in the U.K. followed by holding several management positions at various start-up carriers in Europe (Jet2, SkyEurope, Silverjet). After moving to Canada, he was Business Development Manager for IATA for nine years before turning to his other passion: sports writing.

JSX Adding More Turboprop Aircraft

The first two ATRs will enter service in October or November, Wilcox said, with the third and fourth scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of 2026.

Zach Vasile

Friday, September 19, 2025 at 04:16 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

JSX ATR aircraft rendering (Photo: ATR)

Public charter air carrier JSX is set to acquire two more used ATR 42-600 turboprop aircraft.

JSX CEO Alex Wilcox announced the additions at an event on Wednesday, according to a report from FlightGlobal. The operator has already leased two ATR 42-600s, bringing its total for the aircraft type to four.

The first two ATRs will enter service in October or November, Wilcox said, with the third and fourth scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of 2026.

The CEO told FlightGlobal that JSX will be gauging customers’ reactions to the turboprops.

“We have investors and we need to prove… that our customers are willing” to fly on turboprops, Wilcox said. “We don’t want to bet the company on this. We still need to prove it before we can put real money behind it.”

ATR Aircraft announced at the Paris Air Show in June that JSX had agreed to lease two ATR 42-600s and would bring them into service by the end of 2025.

The deal also included a letter of intent for a potential future order of up to 25 ATR aircraft, including 15 firm and 10 options. These would consist of either ATR 42-600s or ATR 72-600s.

JSX leaders have said the turboprops will allow for service to more private terminals and underserved airports across the country.

The carrier’s current fleet consists of nearly 50 Embraer E135 and E145 aircraft.

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.

FAA Tells Airlines to Reevaluate Evacuation Preparations

The FAA this week instructed airlines to emphasize to passengers that they should leave their carry-on bags behind in the event of an aircraft evacuation.

Zach Vasile

Friday, September 19, 2025 at 12:31 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787-9 economy class cabin (Photo: Hawaiian Airlines)

The FAA this week instructed U.S. airlines to emphasize to passengers that they should leave their carry-on bags behind in the event of an aircraft evacuation.

In a message to operators, the agency said passengers scrambling for their belongings during emergency situations remains a significant obstacle to air safety despite public education campaigns and pre-flight instructions.

“Operators should evaluate their emergency evacuation procedures, training, and emergency announcements and commands to address passenger non-compliance particularly in relation to carry-on item retrieval,” the FAA said. “A coordinated approach rooted in regulatory compliance, operational best practice, and clear public communication may contribute significantly to reducing evacuation times and preserving life in time-critical emergencies.”

The agency suggested carriers reexamine the safety briefings given to passengers, display signs and visual content stressing the importance of an orderly evacuation, and incorporate messaging that appeals to “collective responsibility.”

The issue came to greater public attention in July when passengers were seen sliding down inflatable evacuation slides with backpacks, bags, and even large pieces of luggage while evacuating an American Airlines flight that caught fire on a runway at Denver International Airport. Video of the incident was widely shared on social media, and aviation safety experts used the footage as an example of what not to do during an aircraft evacuation.

The FAA says that passengers who attempt to retrieve their belongings during an evacuation increase the risk of trips and falls and slow the movement of people out of an aircraft, which could contribute to injuries or fatalities in the event of a fire, smoke, or structural damage. Carry-on items can also damage evacuation slides.

Zach Vasile

JetBlue Unveils New York Jets-Themed Livery

JetBlue this week debuted an Airbus A320 aircraft painted green and white in honor of the New York Jets, its third livery collaboration with the football team.

Zach Vasile

Friday, September 19, 2025 at 08:08 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

JetBlue's latest New York Jets-inspired livery. (Photo: JetBlue)

JetBlue this week debuted an Airbus A320 aircraft painted green and white in honor of the New York Jets.

Nicknamed “J! E! T! B! L! U! E!,” the airplane was the centerpiece of an event at New York-JFK on Tuesday celebrating the airline’s longstanding relationship with the Jets. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert, linebacker Quincy Williams, and Jets veterans Marty Lyons and Erik Coleman made appearances and signed autographs for customers on the inaugural flight out of JFK.

Passengers were also given Jets gift bags with team-branded shirts and hats.

“JetBlue has always been proud to call New York home, and no team embodies the passion and spirit of this city quite like the New York Jets,” said Stephanie Evans Greene, senior vice president of marketing and brand at JetBlue. “This refreshed livery is more than a new design; it’s a symbol of hometown pride.”

“J! E! T! B! L! U! E!” is painted green with white stripes inspired by the team’s jerseys. Jets logos and branding were placed on the airplane’s belly, engines, tail, and doors.

JetBlue has been the Jets’ official airline since 2009. Its first Jets-inspired livery, which debuted in 2010, was known as “JetGreen.”

Zach Vasile

Qantas Signs Codeshare Agreement with Malaysia Airlines

Qantas and Malaysia Airlines have announced a new codeshare partnership, expanding travel options between Australia and Southeast Asia.

Lorne Philipot

Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 03:50 PM ET

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Zach Vasile

A Qantas A380 lands at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Australian flag carrier Qantas has entered a codeshare partnership with Malaysia Airlines.

The move strengthens connectivity for both carriers, who are already oneworld members. The agreement will come into effect later next month.

Under the partnership, Qantas will add its code to Malaysia Airlines-operated flights between Kuala Lumpur and various cities in Australia. These include Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Malaysia Airlines will codeshare on Qantas’ domestic services to destinations including Hobart, Darwin, and Canberra.

“As one of our oneworld partners in Asia, we’re pleased to deepen our relationship with Malaysia Airlines, making it easier for Qantas customers to travel to Malaysia while enjoying frequent flyer rewards and premium service,” said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.

Malaysia Airlines to Expand Capacity

Malaysia is set to increase frequencies on its Australian routes. The airline will resume service from Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane on Nov. 29, operating five flights a week, and expand service to Melbourne and Sydney to three daily flights from the end of October. Perth and Adelaide will also see enhanced frequencies, with Perth increasing from 12 to 14 weekly flights from Dec. 1 and Adelaide increasing from five to seven weekly flights from Feb. 1 2026.

“Our partnership with Qantas marks an important step forward as we strengthen Malaysia Airlines’ presence in Australia, a key market in our long-term strategy,” said Malaysia Aviation Group Managing Director Izham Ismail.

Qantas does not operate scheduled service between Australia and Kuala Lumpur. It will codeshare on Malaysia Airlines’ domestic flights to numerous cities including Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and Penang. The airline will also add its code on Malaysia Airlines’ service between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Lorne Philipot

Romanian Airline Revives Route to U.S. City After 24-Year Gap

Romanian low-cost carrier HiSky announced Wednesday that it will launch nonstop service between Chicago and Bucharest next year.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 02:55 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A HiSky A330 (Photo: HiSky)

Romanian low-cost carrier HiSky announced Wednesday that it will launch nonstop service to a major U.S. city.

Starting June 4, 2026, the airline will connect the Romanian capital of Bucharest with Chicago. Flights will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays.

Chicago will be the carrier’s second destination in the U.S. It currently serves New York-JFK from Bucharest.

No airline has flown nonstop between Bucharest and Chicago in 24 years.

HiSky said it has timed the service so that passengers from several cities in Romania and neighboring Moldova, as well as Tel Aviv, Israel, can fly first to Bucharest and then catch the connecting flight to Chicago.

In a statement, HiSky CEO Iulian Scorpan said the airline was encouraged by the success of its New York route and wanted to begin service to another U.S. city with special cultural ties to Eastern Europe.

“For this second transatlantic service, we chose a destination of great interest not only for tourists and the business community, but also for the diaspora,” Scorpan said. “The Romanian and Moldovan community in Chicago is one of the largest and most established in the United States and, considering that nearly 25 years have passed since the last direct flights, we realize that an entire generation has lacked the chance to maintain this direct link with the homeland.”

HiSky operates a fleet of eight Airbus A320-family aircraft. It flies mainly within Europe.

Zach Vasile

Alaska Retires Last 737-900

The airline sold them to aftermarket parts supplier Aventure Aviation, which will dismantle the aircraft at Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 11:53 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Alaska 737-900 in Phoenix. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Alaska retired its last 737-900 this week, having operated the aircraft type for over two decades. The Seattle-based carrier served as the aircraft’s launch customer in 2001.

N309AS was the last remaining 737-900 in Alaska’s fleet at 24 years old. On Wednesday, it ferried from Seattle to storage at Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona.

The airline had been phasing out its 12 737-900s over the last several months, planning to retire them by the end of 2025.

Alaska 737-900s in storage (Photo: Duncan Kirk)

These aircraft are different from the 737-900ER variant, of which Alaska has 79. The 737-900s are a rather rare type, too, with only 30 in service around the world, according to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data.

Alaska has no immediate plans to phase out its fleet of 737-900ERs (Extended Range). This type is a far more popular version of the 737-900, with nearly 500 in service worldwide.

The non-ER 737-900s are slated for scrapping in Arizona. The airline sold them to aftermarket parts supplier Aventure Aviation, which will dismantle the aircraft.

Key parts — such as landing gear, avionics, thrust reversers, control surfaces, and auxiliary power units — will be salvaged and shipped to a newly established, substantially larger warehouse near Atlanta to meet growing demand, the company said.

Ryan Ewing

Spirit to Slash Capacity By 25%

Spirit plans to slash capacity by about 25% this fall as part of its bankruptcy restructuring, a move that will likely trigger more layoffs at the struggling ultra-low-cost carrier.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 11:45 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Spirit A320neo in Los Angeles. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Spirit plans to slash capacity by about 25% this fall as part of its bankruptcy restructuring, a move that will likely trigger more layoffs at the struggling ultra-low-cost carrier.

In a memo to employees, President and CEO Dave Davis said the change will make Spirit’s operations more resilient and efficient.

“A key pillar of our restructuring is redesigning and strengthening our network,” Davis wrote. “With that in mind, later this afternoon, our operational leaders will receive our preliminary November schedule. As planning begins, you will see a reduction of about 25% in capacity, year over year, as we optimize our network to focus on our strongest markets.”

It was not immediately clear which routes will be affected. The airline’s November schedule will not be finalized until next week.

Davis suggested that the scheduling cuts will come with a reduction in personnel, though he did not offer specifics.

“These evaluations will inevitably affect the size of our teams as we become a more efficient airline,” the memo stated. “Unfortunately, these are the tough calls we must make to emerge stronger. We know this adds uncertainty, and we are committed to keeping you informed as these decisions are made.”

Spirit cut about 200 jobs across the company in January and has furloughed over 500 pilots in recent months. It is currently navigating its second bankruptcy, brought on by mounting debt and a lack of available cash. The carrier exited its first stint in bankruptcy in March.

Davis also said Spirit is working with vendors and suppliers to reduce costs and will be meeting with its labor groups to find “additional ways to become a more efficient competitor in the industry.”

Earlier this month, Spirit announced it will withdraw from 11 U.S. markets, including San Diego, Salt Lake City, Oakland, California, and Portland, Oregon. It will also not move forward with its planned entry into Macon, Georgia, which was supposed to take place in October.

Zach Vasile