American’s New A321s to Feature Tech for Smoother, Safer Operations

American Airlines will fit new Airbus A321s with the same ADS-B In platform as its current A321 fleet, supplier Acron Aviation announced on Wednesday.

Zach Vasile

Friday, July 04, 2025 at 07:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

N925VA - a former Alaska A321neo destined for American - in Roswell, N.M. on March 2, 2024. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

American Airlines will fit new Airbus A321s with the same ADS-B In platform as its current A321 fleet, supplier Acron Aviation announced on Wednesday.

The avionics and training company, formerly known as L3Harris Commercial Aviation Solutions, said American will line-fit all A321s currently on order with SafeRoute+, which was developed by Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems, a joint venture between Acron Aviation and Thales.

SafeRoute+ has been installed across American’s current A321 fleet, which consists of 302 aircraft.

A brand new American Airlines A321neo parked in Pittsburgh (Photo:AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Acron Aviation said the platform has proven its value in trials carried out by the FAA at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport over the last two years. The system improved runway throughput, fuel efficiency, situation awareness, and safety, the company said, and showed the potential for four to five additional landings per hour on each runway at DFW.

“Our experience with SafeRoute+ on the A321 fleet has shown clear benefits,” said Capt. David Surridge, American’s director of air traffic management. “It has enabled more efficient aircraft spacing, increased runway throughput, and aided in additional pilot situational awareness, further enhancing safety. We’re excited to expand the use of this important technology.”

Acron Aviation also said it secured a supplemental type certification that will allow American to equip new A321XLRs with SafeRoute+.

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.

Etihad Starts Route to Its Newest U.S. Airport

The airline, one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, is now flying four times a week between Atlanta and Zayed International Airport.

Zach Vasile

Friday, July 04, 2025 at 06:30 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Etihad Airways Airbus A350. (Photo: Etihad)

Etihad Airways completed its inaugural nonstop flight to Atlanta on Wednesday.

The airline, one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, is now flying four times a week between Atlanta and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi using an Airbus A350-1000. Etihad officials said the route was launched to meet growing demand from business and leisure travelers.

Service will move to once daily in November.

Touchdown from Abu Dhabi ??✈️ Welcome, Etihad Airways!
ATL just got even more global with new nonstop service to the UAE.
From ribbon cuttings to water salutes, we rolled out the red carpet for this historic first flight!
?ATL ➡️ Abu Dhabi | ? 4x weekly | ✈️ A350-1000 pic.twitter.com/BChsQIf09g

— Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) July 3, 2025

The flight features 44 business class seats with sliding doors, fully flat beds, wireless charging, and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as 327 economy seats. Travelers departing Abu Dhabi can also take advantage of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport, the only one of its kind in the region, which lets passengers clear immigration and customs before departure.

“Atlanta is a dynamic city with deep cultural, economic, and aviation significance,” said Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves. “This new service enhances access to the southeastern United States while offering seamless connections across the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and Asia.”

Etihad now flies nonstop to five destinations in the U.S. – Atlanta, Boston, Chicago-O’Hare, New York-JFK, and Washington Dulles. The airline will add a sixth city, Charlotte, North Carolina, in May 2026.

Zach Vasile

Norse Atlantic Introduces New Service to Thailand

Norse will offer nonstop flights from Oslo and Stockholm to the popular island getaway of Phuket starting in December, the airline said.

Lorne Philipot

Friday, July 04, 2025 at 05:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Norse Atlantic Airways 787-9. (Photo: Norse Atlantic Airways | Malcolm Nason)

Norse Atlantic will launch two new seasonal services to Thailand later this year. It will offer nonstop flights from Oslo and Stockholm to the popular island getaway of Phuket starting in December.

Each route will operate once per week, the carrier said.

“We are honored by the trust so many passengers have placed in Norse Atlantic for their journeys to Thailand,” said Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways. “The launch of direct services from Oslo and Stockholm to Phuket is a testament to that trust—and to our promise of making long-haul travel more accessible, more comfortable, and more inspiring. With these new routes, we continue our mission to connect continents with the spirit of exploration that has always been part of our Norse DNA.”

Norse Atlantic launched seasonal services between London Gatwick and Cape Town, South Africa, in October last year. This was the carrier’s first foray into Africa. The popularity of the Cape Town service resulted in Norse deciding to resume the service for the European winter of 2025, while also adding frequency and extending the period of operation.

New Thailand Routes

Norse Atlantic already operates seasonal services between London and Bangkok. The launch of these services comes as a result of strong demand from Scandinavian travelers wishing to holiday in Thailand or to visit friends and family in Thailand during the European winter season, the carrier stated.

Service from Oslo to Phuket launches on Dec. 8, 2025. Flights from Stockholm to Phuket will commence on Dec. 4, 2025. Both routes will be operated with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, seating up to 338 passengers in Premium Economy and Economy Class.

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.

FAA Completes Fiber Optic Network Upgrade in Newark

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has completed the activation of a new fiber optic communications network supporting air traffic control in Newark.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, July 03, 2025 at 06:09 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Runway at Newark Liberty International Airport. (Photo: Shutterstock | EQRoy)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has completed the activation of a new fiber optic communications network supporting air traffic control at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The upgrade was announced Thursday by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.

The new network replaces aging infrastructure that had been associated with multiple telecommunications failures in recent months. These failures contributed to air traffic delays and temporary reductions in the airport’s operational capacity, prompting calls from airline and industry groups for federal action.

The FAA laid the fiber optic cables in June and conducted system testing throughout the past month before transitioning to the new network early Thursday morning. Officials say the fiber optic system is expected to reduce the risk of future disruptions and improve the overall reliability of air traffic communications at Newark.

BIG NEWARK AIRPORT UPDATE:

We did it! After Biden and Buttigieg ignored the telecom breakdowns with air traffic control for Newark Airport, we vowed to fix the problems.

Early this morning, @FAANews completed the transition to a brand-new fiber optic communications network… https://t.co/dYUvAecgqT

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) July 3, 2025

“This marks a critical milestone in our work to make flying safer and more efficient at Newark Airport,” Duffy said in a social media statement.

The airport has experienced a series of operational challenges in recent months, including airspace congestion and staffing shortages, in addition to the recent telecommunications breakdowns.

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.

Ryanair Cancels 170 Flights

The airline said the work stoppage, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, will not just impact flights to and from France but flights passing over the country.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, July 03, 2025 at 02:19 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Ryanair 737 taxiing in London. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair said it has canceled 170 flights due to a strike by French air traffic controllers this week.

In a statement, the airline said the work stoppage, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, will not just impact flights to and from France but flights passing over the country. About 30,000 Ryanair passengers will be affected.

The airline called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to reform European Union ATC regulations.

“Once again European families are held to ransom by French air traffic controllers going on strike,” said Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary. “It is not acceptable that overflights over French airspace en route to their destination are being cancelled/delayed as a result of yet another French ATC strike. It makes no sense and is abundantly unfair on EU passengers and families going on holidays.”

France’s civil aviation authority, the DGAC, has asked airlines to temporarily reduce flights in and out of several key airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, to reduce congestion. A report from the BBC said the situation is expected to worsen Friday, when about 40% of flights at Paris-CDG, Paris-Orly, and Beauvais–Tillé Airport will be cut.

Airlines for Europe, a trade group whose members include Ryanair, Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, EasyJet, and British Airways parent IAG, called the strike “intolerable” for disrupting air traffic during the busy summer travel season.

The French air traffic controllers union, the UNSA-ICNA, said it is protesting understaffing and aging equipment.

“The DGAC is failing to modernise the tools that are essential to air traffic controllers, even though it continues to promise that all necessary resources are being made available,” the group said in a statement.

Zach Vasile

JSX Ending Flights at Two Airports

Public charter air carrier JSX will shift its operations in both Colorado and Florida later this year, relocating flights to new airports.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, July 03, 2025 at 12:27 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A JSX E145 prepares for its return flight to Dallas after landing in Austin. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Mateen Kontoravdis)

Public charter air carrier JSX will shift its operations in both Colorado and Florida later this year, relocating flights to new airports “to better meet Customer demand and maximize choice in air travel for all,” it said.

In South Florida, JSX will begin flights at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport on Aug. 28, offering nonstop service to Westchester County five days per week. As a result of this move, all JSX flights to and from Boca Raton Airport will end on July 31, 2025, following the planned demolition of its facility at Atlantic Aviation.

The carrier also serves West Palm Beach and Opa-Locka in South Florida.

Colorado Changes

In Colorado, JSX will begin service at Centennial Airport near Denver on Sept. 10, offering flights to Las Vegas and Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as seasonal service to Dallas and Burbank.

Current operations at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport – located about 30 miles from Centennial – will conclude on Sept. 9.

“Relocating our public charter flights to Denver/Centennial Airport and Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport will strengthen the unique JSX experience our customers know and love, with beautiful facilities closer to the heart of the Western Rockies and the vibrant coastal communities of South Florida,” said David Drabinsky, JSX’s chief commercial officer, in a statement.

The carrier has shifted operations between other airports in the past. In 2024, it moved from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport to Scottsdale.

Ryan Ewing

China’s C909 Completes First International Service

A C909 operated by Air China departed from Hohhot in northern China and landed in the Mongolian capital city of Ulaanbaatar about 90 minutes later.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, July 03, 2025 at 12:03 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

The Comac C909, formerly known as the ARJ21. (Photo: COMAC)

Comac’s C909 regional jet made its first international flight on Tuesday, nine years after it entered service.

A C909 operated by Air China departed from Hohhot in northern China and landed in the Mongolian capital city of Ulaanbaatar about 90 minutes later. The flight received a water cannon salute shortly after arrival.

Air China will continue to operate the Hohhot-Ulaanbaatar route using a C909.

Comac, which is owned by the Chinese government, is building a line of commercial jets meant to compete with aircraft made by Boeing and Airbus. Its first project was the single-aisle C909, which can seat between 78 and 97 passengers and has a range between 1,382 and 2,300 miles. The C909 entered service with Chengdu Airlines in 2016 and is now used across China for domestic flights.

Outside China, the C909 is flown by Lao Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Indonesia’s TransNusa Aviation.

Comac also makes the narrowbody C919 and is developing the widebody C929, the long-range C939, and the supersonic C949.

Zach Vasile

Alaska, Hawaiian to Open New 787 Base

Alaska Airlines is taking additional steps to support its growing long-haul network as it prepares for future international expansion.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, July 03, 2025 at 11:02 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787-9 (Photo: Shutterstock | Ian Dewar Photography)

Alaska Airlines is taking additional steps to support its growing long-haul network as it prepares for future international expansion. The airline is making moves to shift some widebody flying to Seattle following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines.

The carrier plans to open a new Boeing 787 pilot base in Seattle. The base, aimed at supporting expanded international service, is scheduled to open on March 2, 2026, according to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

The pilot union said the initial bid vacancy for the base will post on July 9, with 15 captain and 30 first officer positions available for the 787. Union leaders said the decision was driven by operational requirements associated with Alaska’s new long-haul routes — including service to Rome — and competitive factors in Seattle.

Alaska is also adding five more 787s to its order with Boeing, the union shared.

The move follows Delta’s recent announcement that it will open an A350 pilot base in Seattle. It will also begin linking the city with Rome and Barcelona next summer.

“I think overall, this is the first phase in what we’re seeing with the company executing on their promise of growth as a result of the merger,” said Larry Payne, chair of the Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC), during a joint ALPA podcast. “There’ll be growth on the Hawaiian side of the house as they staff some of these upcoming 787 deliveries out of Seattle.”

Hawaiian currently maintains its 787 base in Honolulu. The two pilot groups are in the process of negotiating a joint collective bargaining agreement.

In a statement, an airline spokesperson confirmed the new base, along with an additional Dreamliner simulator at its Washington training facility.

“We’re excited to announce the opening of a new Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787 base in Seattle, launching in March 2026 to support our growing international network,” the spokesperson said. “This investment, including a second 787 simulator at our global training center in Renton, reflects our commitment to building Seattle into a global gateway. As we expand to destinations like Tokyo, Seoul, and Rome, we’re ensuring our people and infrastructure are ready to support this next chapter.”

Ryan Ewing

Alaska Adding More Widebody Jets

Alaska plans to utilize the 787s to support long-haul flying, including newly announced service from its Seattle hub to Rome.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, July 03, 2025 at 10:16 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Alaska Airlines will add more aircraft to expand its fleet as part of its growth strategy following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines.

According to a podcast by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents both airlines’ pilot groups, the airline has firmed up orders for five more Boeing 787 Dreamliners and exercised options for 12 737 MAX 10 aircraft.

The announcement was shared by pilot union leaders representing Alaska and Hawaiian pilots during the joint podcast. An airline spokesperson did not immediately respond to AirlineGeeks’ request for comment.

According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, Hawaiian – which initially placed the 787 order – has four Dreamliners in service. Five more are on order from Boeing, along with 10 additional options.

After finalizing their merger last year, the two carriers hope to combine under a single operating certificate by the end of 2025. Pilots at the airlines are also working towards a joint collective bargaining agreement.

Larry Payne, chair of the Hawaiian Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC), confirmed the details, noting, “There’s five additional 787 orders. They’re executing twelve 737 MAX 10 options that they’ve now converted to firm orders.”

Alaska plans to utilize the 787s to support long-haul flying, including newly announced service to Rome. From Seattle, the airline plans to add 12 international long-haul destinations by 2030.

MAX 10s

Currently, Alaska has 44 737 MAX 10 aircraft on order, Boeing’s largest 737 variant. The type has yet to receive certification from the FAA.

“I think overall, this is the first phase in what we’re seeing with the company executing on their promise of growth as a result of the merger,” Payne said. “And I think in the short term, what we’re gonna see with the company is there’ll be growth on the Hawaiian side of the house as they staff some of these upcoming 787 deliveries out of Seattle. And there’ll be growth on the Alaska side too with the 12 737 orders.”

A Boeing 737 MAX 10 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Specific delivery timelines for the newly ordered aircraft were not disclosed, and the company has not yet detailed how these aircraft will be deployed across the combined network. Union leaders indicated that pilot hiring is expected to increase as the airline takes delivery of the new jets.

Ryan Ewing

American Gets Full FAA Nod for New Suites

After launching the new product last month, American says it has gained the Federal Aviation Administration’s full approval for its new Flagship Suites.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, July 03, 2025 at 09:38 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Flagship Suites on American's 787-9P (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

After launching the new product last month, American says it has gained the Federal Aviation Administration’s full approval for its new Flagship Suites.

The carrier’s Boeing 787-9P aircraft – which are the first to feature the new product – entered revenue service on June 5 on flights from Chicago O’Hare to Los Angeles and London Heathrow. However, one of the suite’s biggest selling points has yet to be utilized.

For the last several months, American has been awaiting FAA approval for the seat’s privacy doors. Without this green light, the airline has not been able to allow passengers to use the doors on flights.

On Tuesday, an airline spokesperson confirmed to AirlineGeeks that these doors have now received the FAA’s certification. They will be activated by this weekend, the spokesperson added.

American has four 787-9Ps in its fleet, which feature 51 Flagship Suites. The aircraft will be deployed on more long-haul routes this winter, including Dallas/Fort Worth to Brisbane and Auckland; along with Dallas/Fort Worth to Buenos Aires.

Ryan Ewing