JetBlue Adds New Mint Route, Flights

The expansion will come into effect this winter.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11:55 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A JetBlue Airbus A321 with a Mint-themed livery. (Photo: JetBlue)

JetBlue is expanding its premium Mint offering at one of its busiest hubs.

On Nov. 19, the low-cost carrier will launch daily flights featuring Mint between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and San Diego. JetBlue does not currently connect the two cities.

Additional Mint flights between Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles and San Francisco will come online this winter. Exact start dates were not provided.

Mint is JetBlue’s business class product; cabins come with lie-flat seats, curated dining, and other amenities. The offering is mainly available on transatlantic and transcontinental routes operated with the Airbus A321 and A321neo.

“Customers in Fort Lauderdale continue to choose JetBlue for a better coast-to-coast experience, and these additions give them even more of what they value most: more flights, more premium options, and the comfort of Mint on key West Coast routes,” Daniel Shurz, JetBlue’s senior vice president of revenue, network, and enterprise planning, said in a news release.

JetBlue expects to operate around 150 daily flights from Fort Lauderdale this winter.

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.

Qantas Names First Ultra-Long-Haul ‘Project Sunrise’ Destination

Service will start next year, using the carrier’s custom-built Airbus A350-1000ULR.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 10:45 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

The first flight of the Airbus A350-1000ULR. (Photo: Airbus)

Qantas is inching closer to the operational phase of “Project Sunrise,” its yearslong effort to connect the east coast of Australia with far-flung destinations in North America and Europe.

The carrier announced Wednesday that it will launch the first-ever nonstop service between Sydney and London in October 2027. The roughly 20-hour flight will operate using Airbus’ A350-1000ULR, which Qantas custom ordered four years ago.

The airline plans to fly the route once daily.

Qantas currently serves London from Perth, on the west coast of Australia, and from Sydney with a stop in Singapore. Both of those routes will continue when the new nonstop connection comes online, officials said.

Nonstop flights to London have been a central objective of Project Sunrise since its launch in 2017, but with New York also a priority, it was unclear which city would lead Qantas’ ultra-long-haul expansion. The carrier said Wednesday that nonstop flights from Sydney to New York are next in line, with a launch date expected to be announced next year.

Tickets for the Sydney-London service will become available for purchase in February 2027.

“We made a commitment in 2017 that Qantas would conquer the final frontier of long-haul aviation and connect Australia’s east coast directly to London, something that has never before been possible,” Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said in a news release. “From October 2027, that promise becomes reality.”

Hudson said nonstop flights to London will save customers up to four hours of travel time. She also noted that the A350-1000ULR has been specially designed to help occupants stave off the effects of jetlag on long journeys.

Qantas’ first two -1000ULRs are currently undergoing testing in France. A total of 12 are on order with Airbus.

The type has been fitted with an extra fuel tank, allowing it to fly for up to 22 continuous hours.

Qantas is training some of its A330 pilots for the new aircraft with a simulator in Sydney, and on British Airways flights in the U.K. Some pilots will also fly with Cathay Pacific in the coming months.

Qantas first operated what it calls the “Kangaroo Route” between Australia and the U.K. in 1947. At the time, the service required seven stops.

Zach Vasile

American Chief Strategy Officer, Vice Chairman Steve Johnson to Retire

Officials credited Johnson with rebuilding the carrier’s sales and distribution strategy and strengthening its network.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 05:13 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

American Boeing 737 at O'Hare. (Photo: Shutterstock | Nate Hovee)

Steve Johnson, chief strategy officer and vice chairman at American Airlines, will retire at the end of the year, the carrier announced this week.

The airline notified the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of Johnson’s planned retirement in a filing on Sunday. The document does not say who will succeed Johnson in either of his roles.

In an internal memo, American leaders credited Johnson with rebuilding the carrier’s sales strategy, strengthening its network, and reaching a “groundbreaking” partnership agreement with Citi, the issuer of American’s co-branded AAdvantage credit cards.

“To say he has played an important role at our airline is an understatement,” CEO Robert Isom said in the message. “On a personal note, Steve has been a trusted counselor, and he will be missed by many throughout the airline, including me. We are excited to have Steve for another few months, and we will have more to say about his career and celebrate his contributions as we get closer to his retirement.”

Steve Johnson (Photo: American Airlines)

According to American, Johnson joined America West Airlines in 1995. He later went to work for private equity firm Indigo Partners, then joined US Airways in 2009. American acquired US Airways in 2013.

Johnson led American’s corporate affairs organization before being named to his current position. Later, while serving as vice chairman, he stepped in to lead the carrier’s commercial organization “during a critical period to stabilize and reinvigorate the airline’s commercial approach,” American said.

Zach Vasile

Contour Adds New Midwest Route

Service will start in August.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 03:55 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Contour Airlines ERJ-135. (Photo: Contour)

Contour Airlines is expanding service at an airport in northern Missouri.

Starting Aug. 1, the independent regional carrier will connect Kirksville, Missouri, with Dallas/Fort Worth. Flights will operate five times per week using a 30-seat regional jet.

Flights to Kirksville will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, while the return service to Dallas will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Contour currently connects Kirksville with Chicago O’Hare, with daily flights.

“This new route significantly expands travel opportunities for residents and businesses throughout the region by connecting Kirksville to one of the largest and most connected airports in the world,” Contour President Ben Munson said in a news release. “Combined with our continued daily Chicago O’Hare service, travelers now have even greater flexibility and access to destinations nationwide.”

Contour operates primarily in the South, Midwest, and Southwest, as well as the Caribbean. From Dallas/Fort Worth, it serves Fort Leonard Wood and Cape Girardeau in Missouri; Tupelo, Mississippi; and El Dorado, Arkansas.

Zach Vasile

El Al Opts For Starlink

The carrier will roll out high-speed satellite internet service starting next year.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 02:01 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An El Al 777-200 in London. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

El Al has signed a deal with SpaceX’s Starlink for in-flight wireless internet service.

The Israeli flag carrier announced Monday that complimentary Wi-Fi supported by Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation will become available to passengers starting in 2027.

The airline did not say which aircraft it will prioritize for installations.

Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency internet service comparable to what many consumers experience at home or at work, a significant improvement over most current in-flight wireless systems.

“The integration of Starlink technology into our aircraft represents a major leap forward in onboard connectivity,” El Al CEO Levy Halevy said in a news release. “Our customers will be able to stay connected in the air, enjoy live streaming, continue working, and communicate seamlessly throughout their journey.”

More details will be released closer to the service’s launch, officials said.

Starlink has secured several new airline customers over the past few months as it battles Amazon Leo and other satellite internet companies for market share.

Zach Vasile

Alaska Breaks Ground on New Hangar

The facility will allow maintenance technicians to work on up to three narrowbody aircraft or two widebody aircraft at a time.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 11:49 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800. (Photo: Shutterstock | Ryken Papy)

Alaska Airlines is expanding its maintenance capabilities at a hub in the Pacific Northwest.

The carrier on Tuesday marked the ceremonial groundbreaking of a new, $135 million maintenance hangar at Portland International Airport in Oregon.

Once permits are approved, the facility will be constructed adjacent to Alaska’s existing Horizon Air operations and maintenance center, adding about 125,000 square feet of space for indoor aircraft work and 60,000 square feet for offices, engine, machine, and sheet metal shops, and support areas.

The hangar will service Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines’ mainline fleets, officials said.

With the added capacity, technicians will be able to work on up to three narrowbody aircraft or two widebody aircraft at one time, quickening turnaround and relieving Alaska’s primary maintenance facilities in Seattle and other hubs.

A rendering of the planned hangar at Portland. (Credit: Alaska Airlines)

“A new maintenance hangar in Portland is both an investment in one of our critical hubs and a key that unlocks growth possibilities throughout our network,” Benjamin Brookman, Alaska’s vice president of real estate and airport affairs, said in a news release. “With more flexibility on where we can perform maintenance and the aircraft we can service, we can run our operation more efficiently.”

Construction is expected to wrap up in the second quarter of 2028.

Zach Vasile

Cape Air Flight Overshoots Provincetown Runway

No serious injuries were reported, but one person was transported to a hospital for an evaluation.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 09:18 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Cape Air Cessna 402 in Saranac Lake, New York. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)

A Cape Air aircraft was involved in a runway excursion while landing in Provincetown, Massachusetts, on Monday.

According to a statement released by the town, the airplane overshot the runway at Provincetown Municipal Airport around 8:12 a.m. local time and “came to rest beyond the runway area.”

Three people were on board the commuter flight from Boston – the pilot, a co-pilot, and one passenger. No serious injuries were reported, the town said, but one person was transported to a hospital for an evaluation.

“There was some smoke coming from the aircraft, but no fire was observed as a result of the incident,” the statement read. “Emergency responders arrived quickly, secured the scene, and addressed any potential hazards. There is no threat to public safety.”

The airport was temporarily closed while fire and police personnel, airport staff, and National Park Service Rangers evaluated the scene.

The municipality did not identify the aircraft’s type, but ADS-B data shows Cape Air’s Boston-Provincetown route is usually operated with a Cessna 402.

The FAA, NTSB, and Massachusetts State Police are expected to investigate the incident.

Provincetown Municipal Airport reopened and resumed normal operations around 6 p.m. Monday.

Zach Vasile

Report: Aer Lingus Plans Schedule, Staff Cuts

The airline is believed to be lagging behind IAG's profit targets.

Zach Vasile

Monday, June 15, 2026 at 03:19 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Aer Lingus A321neo aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock | Croatorum)

Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus is reportedly planning layoffs and adjustments to its schedule and network in the face of weakening profitability.

Ireland’s Business Post reported Monday that the airline will slash flights and senior employees in an effort to contain costs. Staff will be informed of the changes in the coming weeks, the outlet said.

It was not immediately which Aer Lingus routes and destinations could be targeted, or how many people could be dismissed.

Aer Lingus did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AirlineGeeks on Monday.

The Business Post reported that the airline is falling short of a required 12% profit margin imposed across International Airlines Group (IAG), the multinational holding company that owns Aer Lingus. IAG also owns British Airways, Iberia, and a number of other subsidiaries.

From Dublin, Aer Lingus serves 17 U.S. destinations, including New York-JFK, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, Las Vegas, and Chicago O’Hare.

Earlier this year, the carrier shut down its long-haul crew base in Manchester, England, citing underperformance. It formerly connected Manchester to JFK, Orlando, Florida, and Bridgetown, Barbados.

Zach Vasile

United Unveils New U.S. 250th Anniversary Livery

The design was applied to a Boeing 787 and a 737.

Zach Vasile

Monday, June 15, 2026 at 01:19 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

United's new "Stars and Stripes" livery. (Photo: United)

Just in time for the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations, United has debuted a special “Stars and Stripes” livery.

The red-white-and-blue design was recently applied to a Boeing 787-10 and a 737-800 in Amarillo, Texas. It features waving vertical red and white stripes and 50 white stars on the back third of the fuselage, extending toward the tail assembly. Both aircraft are carrying a commemorative plaque dedicated to United’s active-duty service members and veterans.

United did not say when the aircraft will enter service, or where they will fly.

United’s new “Stars and Stripes” livery. (Photo: United)

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and United CEO Scott Kirby appeared Monday at a ceremony at Washington Dulles marking the airline’s nearly 600 pilot hires from the U.S. military since 2024. The event also served as a debut for the “Stars and Stripes” aircraft.

“It’s great to see United join this administration’s call to celebrate America’s historic birthday,” Duffy said. “This patriotic design will remind the American people of the many freedoms we enjoy and how lucky we are to be part of the Great American Experiment.”

American Airlines is also readying a new patriotic livery for America’s 250th anniversary, while Delta has opted for a commemorative graphic on its aircraft.

Zach Vasile

LATAM Shows Off First Embraer E195-E2

Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter, officials said.

Zach Vasile

Monday, June 15, 2026 at 10:57 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

LATAM Airlines Brazil's first Embraer E195-E2. (Photo: LATAM Airlines Brazil)

LATAM Airlines Brazil gave a first look at its Embraer E195-E2 ahead of the aircraft’s planned delivery later this year.

The first of the narrowbody jets bound for LATAM Brazil recently had its brand livery applied at Embraer’s hangar in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, officials said. The airplane is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The airline said the E195-E2 will enable increased flight frequencies and schedule options, support the development of new markets, and strengthen integration among the different regions of Brazil.

“We are further enhancing the versatility of our fleet to unlock new markets, expand existing operations, and optimize capacity to serve even more destinations sustainably,” Jerome Cadier, CEO of LATAM Airlines Brazil, said in a news release.

The carrier has ordered 24 of the type and has options for 50 more. In April, it completed hiring for the first crew class dedicated exclusively to the E195-E2, and the pilots began training in simulators and on supervised flights.

Zach Vasile