Inside American’s New Premium-Heavy 787

Later in the summer, American plans to introduce the reconfigured 787-9s on additional routes, including Philadelphia to London Heathrow and Zurich.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 02:28 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

American's new Flagship Suite seats. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

American Airlines is preparing to introduce a new configuration of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring a premium-heavy layout and the debut of its Flagship Suite product.

AirlineGeeks got a firsthand look at the new product at the airline’s Dallas/Fort Worth hangar on Thursday. The aircraft is set to enter revenue service next month, marking a shift in the airline’s long-haul strategy toward greater focus on premium seating.

Flagship Suites

Dubbed the “787-9P,” the reconfigured Dreamliners will offer 51 Flagship Suite seats, replacing the older Collins Super Diamond business class product. These new suites are fully enclosed and include privacy doors, direct aisle access, and updated finishes in line with American’s latest branding elements.

The suites are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration and include expanded surface space, larger entertainment screens, and wireless charging pads.

In the front of the business class cabin, American added eight Flagship Suites Preferred seats. These feature 19% more bed space and 42% additional living space, along with elevated soft products, the airline says.

Flagship Suites Preferred seat (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

They will also be installed on the carrier’s yet-to-be-delivered Airbus A321XLRs. Its 20 777-300ERs are slated to be retrofitted as well.

American's new Flagship Suite seats. — American’s new Flagship Suite seats aboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

Premium Economy and Economy Cabins

American is also installing refreshed Premium Economy seats — 32 in total — which offer improved recline, larger IFE screens, and an updated hard product designed to enhance passenger comfort on long-haul routes, the carrier states.

Premium Economy seats on American’s 787-9P (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

Premium economy seats on American 787-9P (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

In addition, the aircraft will feature 161 economy seats, bringing the total capacity to 244 passengers. With 41 fewer total seats, this reflects a notable reduction in overall seating compared to previous configurations.

Economy seating on American’s new 787-9P (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)

Routes

American has confirmed the initial deployment plan for its new aircraft. The inaugural flight is scheduled for next Thursday, June 5, operating as flight 2012 from Chicago O’Hare to Los Angeles.

Following its return to Chicago, the aircraft will continue to London Heathrow as flight 98, marking the first international service featuring the new Flagship Suite product.

Later in the summer, American plans to introduce the reconfigured 787-9s on additional routes, including Philadelphia to London Heathrow and Zurich. In the fall, the aircraft will fly between Dallas/Fort Worth and Brisbane, Australia, the carrier’s longest scheduled route.

American’s network planning chief, Brian Znotins, said the aircraft will also be added on flights to Auckland.

The first two 787-9P aircraft were delivered to the airline in April. American expects to receive a total of eight Dreamliners this year, and 30 787-9Ps by the end of the decade.

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.

JetBlue: No Plan to Merge With United

But JetBlue leadership pushed back on these so-called "rumors" in an email to employees Thursday that was viewed by AirlineGeeks.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 10:08 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A JetBlue A320. (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)

On the heels of Thursday’s announcement of a new partnership with United, JetBlue told employees it has no plans to merge with the Chicago-based carrier.

The two airlines’ new partnership includes reciprocal loyalty benefits for members of both frequent flier programs. In addition, JetBlue will give United slots at New York-JFK, with the carrier set to resume service at the airport in 2027.

Dubbed “Blue Sky,” this agreement does not include codesharing, similar to American’s Northeast Alliance with JetBlue, which was struck down by a federal judge over antitrust concerns.

Merger Speculation

Last month, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera published a report stating that Thursday’s deal was the first step in a sweeping plan for United to eventually acquire JetBlue.

But JetBlue leadership pushed back on these “rumors” in an email to employees Thursday that was viewed by AirlineGeeks.

“Despite speculation and rumors you may have read on blogs and social media, it’s important to point out that there is no agreement or plan for us to merge with United,” the carrier stated in the message.

JetBlue says it is committed to its JetForward strategy as the airline looks to return to profitability.

It also told employees that the carrier has learned from its failed Northeast Alliance.

“Our experience with the Northeast Alliance (NEA) with American taught us a lot – what worked, and what didn’t,” the company said. “The court’s ruling on the NEA laid out a path for how we can work with another U.S. airline – and we’re following that guidance. For example, there is no coordination on routes, schedules, or capacity.”

Ryan Ewing

Arajet Adds Two New U.S. Routes

Dominican low-cost carrier Arajet is continuing its expansion in the U.S. with more service slated to start later this year.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 09:21 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Arajet Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Photo: Arajet)

Dominican low-cost carrier Arajet is continuing its expansion in the U.S. with more service. After debuting service to Miami last month, the airline is slated to add two more destinations.

Later this year, Arajet plans to serve Orlando, Florida, with three flights per week from the city’s Sanford airport. This marks the first time that Orlando Sanford has seen scheduled international service in several years.

Flights between Punta Cana and Orlando will begin on Oct. 26, with service on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. A Boeing 737 MAX will operate the new route.

“Launching service in Orlando marks another important milestone for Arajet as we continue our rapid growth across the United States,” said Víctor Pacheco Méndez, CEO and founder of Arajet, in a news release.

He continued: “Florida is a cornerstone of our expansion strategy, and Orlando is the perfect place to strengthen our U.S. footprint as one of the most visited cities in the world and home to a vibrant Dominican and Latin community. After seeing record-breaking sales and sold-out flights in Miami, expanding to Orlando is a natural next step as we grow our U.S. network and fulfill our mission of making Caribbean travel more accessible.”

Chicago Service

Last week, the airline also announced service between Punta Cana and Chicago O’Hare. These flights are scheduled to begin on Nov. 15, operating three flights per week on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday.

With Chicago and Orlando, Arajet will serve six U.S. destinations by late 2025. The carrier also serves San Juan, Puerto Rico; Miami; Newark, New Jersey; and Boston.

Ryan Ewing

United, JetBlue Debut New Partnership

The launch of key elements of the partnership is contingent upon regulatory approval, with initial offerings expected as early as fall 2025.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 07:18 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

United and JetBlue aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)

JetBlue and United announced a new partnership titled “Blue Sky” on Thursday, designed to link their respective loyalty programs and enhance travel options for customers of both carriers.

The initiative will allow JetBlue TrueBlue and United MileagePlus members to earn and redeem points or miles across both networks. In addition to shared accrual and redemption capabilities, travelers will benefit from reciprocal elite perks, such as priority boarding, complimentary preferred seating, and same-day flight changes when flying on either airline, the airlines shared.

Return to JFK

As part of the agreement, United plans to resume operations at New York-JFK starting in 2027, with access to up to seven daily round-trip flights. JetBlue, in turn, will increase its operations at Newark Liberty International Airport through a mutual exchange of eight slot timings.

United last served JFK in October 2022.

The collaboration also includes a bilateral interline agreement, which will allow customers to book itineraries involving both airlines directly through either airline’s digital platforms. JetBlue’s Paisly travel booking platform will be integrated into United’s website and app, offering customers additional services such as hotels, rental cars, cruises, and insurance.

“Blue Sky reflects our airlines’ shared focus on innovation and the customer experience,” said United CEO Scott Kirby in a news release.

He added: “The JetBlue brand is tied to a great product and under Joanna’s leadership the airline continues to deliver for customers. We’re always looking for ways to give our MileagePlus members even more value and benefits and this collaboration gives them new, unique ways to use their hard-earned miles and find options that fit their schedule. Plus, our employees are really excited about United’s return to JFK for the longer-term and we’re all looking forward to starting up flights very soon.”

The launch of key elements of the partnership is contingent upon regulatory approval, with initial offerings expected as early as fall 2025.

Ryan Ewing

Air Algérie Drops French in Shift Toward Arabic-English Bilingualism

The announcement was officially made public on April 14, by Abdelkader Salmi, director of general affairs at Air Algérie, during an interview with Echorouk TV.

Victor Shalton

Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 05:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Air Algérie 737-600 in Brussels. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Fabian Behr)

Algeria’s national carrier, Air Algérie, has officially eliminated French from all its customer-facing materials — including tickets, booking systems, and passenger documents. Moving forward, Arabic and English will be the only languages used across all platforms.

The announcement was officially made public on April 14, by Abdelkader Salmi, director of general affairs at Air Algérie, during an interview with Echorouk TV. “The novelty for Air Algérie airline tickets is that they will be published in Arabic and English,” Salmi stated.

They explained that this decision aligns with industry practices in Arab countries, where English serves as a global standard alongside Arabic. “We have noticed that airlines in the Arab world publish tickets in Arabic and English. Air Algérie wishes to comply with the norms followed by both Arab and international carriers,” Salmi shared.

While the change may seem administrative, it carries significant symbolic weight. The removal of French from Air Algérie’s operations marks another step in Algeria’s ongoing effort to assert national identity and gradually phase out the remnants of French colonial influence, particularly at a time of escalating diplomatic tension with Paris.

Air Algérie’s decision also comes amid a period of deteriorating Franco-Algerian relations. Tensions escalated in July 2024 after French President Emmanuel Macron voiced support for Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara — a move Algeria interpreted as a betrayal of France’s traditionally neutral stance on the conflict. Algeria, a staunch backer of the Polisario Front, responded by recalling its ambassador.

Since then, both nations have engaged in reciprocal diplomatic expulsions. In April, each country expelled 12 diplomats following the arrest in France of an Algerian consular official allegedly linked to the high-profile abduction of social media influencer Amir Boukhors, known as Amir DZ.

This pivot also aligns with Air Algérie’s ambitions for global expansion and fleet modernization. The airline is preparing for a significant upgrade, with plans to acquire 35 new aircraft by 2040, including eight Airbus A330-900s and eight Boeing 737 MAX 9s.

By 2026, the carrier aims to expand its international network to 60 destinations, up from the current 50. Newly introduced long-haul routes include Guangzhou and Kuala Lumpur, along with African cities such as N’Djamena, Zanzibar, and Libreville. The airline has also relaunched service to Addis Ababa and increased frequencies to Abuja, now operating two weekly flights since April 6.

Future destinations on the airline’s radar include global hubs like New York, Caracas, Havana, Amsterdam, London-Gatwick, Hong Kong, Lagos, and Dar es Salaam.

Victor Shalton

Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.

WestJet Completes Sunwing Absorption

According to a news release published by WestJet Group on Wednesday, the milestone comes after two years of coordination efforts with its subsidiary.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 03:36 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A TUI Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating for Sunwing Airlines in February of 2023 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Alberta, Canada-based airline WestJet has finished integrating Sunwing Airlines with its operations.

According to a news release published by WestJet Group on Wednesday, the milestone comes after two years of coordination efforts with its Toronto-based subsidiary.

WestJet began absorbing Sunwing Airlines and Swoop in summer 2023, shortly after purchasing both Canadian ultra-low-cost carriers that same year. WestJet stated in its release that the move is aimed at “delivering greater value and connectivity for Canadian travelers.”

“Completing two airline consolidations in just two years—the first with Swoop in 2024 and now Sunwing—was complex and required coordination across every aspect of our business, from operational, labour, and regulatory areas to experiential and cultural elements,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of WestJet Group, in the release. “Achieving this milestone is proof of the incredible way our unified team works together and is a clear win for WestJet and our guests; it’s also a story of transformation in Canadian aviation. A huge thanks to everyone who contributed!”

Both integrations bring all 16 Swoop and 18 Sunwing aircraft under a single Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Nine former Lynx Air aircraft acquired after that airline went out of business in February 2024 were also included on the AOC.

WestJet’s newly unified narrowbody operation expects a boost in efficiency after the airline transforms these aircraft with cabin edits this year. The carrier stated that premium, economy, extended comfort and ultrabasic seating will be available on all 150 of its Boeing 737 aircraft once these reconfigurations are completed.

“The final Sunwing-operated flight this week is a time to reflect,” von Hoensbroech said. “I know every Sunwing employee, past and present, feels their contributions have mattered to advancing the experience of air travel. To all WestJetters and former Sunwing team members: thank you. This milestone is your achievement, and a proud moment for us all.”

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.

Brazil’s Azul Files For Bankruptcy

Azul Brazilian Airlines is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. as it works to reduce its high debt load.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 10:42 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Azul E190 (Photo: Shutterstock | Joao Fachetti)

Azul Brazilian Airlines is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as it looks to restructure and reduce billions of dollars of debt.

In a statement, the São Paulo-based airline said it has reached an agreement with stakeholders and partners, specifically American, United, and aircraft leasing company AerCap, to “effectuate a proactive reorganization process,” which will include reducing its lease obligations and optimizing its fleet.

As part of the deal, Azul will get an infusion of $1.6 billion in financing, with the long-term goal of erasing over $2 billion in debt. Also included is a provision for another $950 million in equity financing once the Chapter 11 process is complete.

The carrier will continue operations as it navigates the bankruptcy process, Azul officials said.

“Azul continues to fly – today, tomorrow, and into the future,” said CEO John Rodgerson. “These agreements mark a significant step forward in the transformation of our business – one that enables us to emerge as an industry leader in the main aspects of our business.”

Azul took on substantial debt during and following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as demand for air travel slumped. Its debt burden surged by 50% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period one year prior.

New Alliances

United, which already has a strategic partnership with Azul, and American, which did not, are providing part of the financing meant to rescue the airline.

United has a codeshare agreement with Azul that allows passengers to earn United points when flying. It also invested $100 million in the airline 10 years ago, which secured a seat on Azul’s board of directors.

“Azul is more than just a commercial partner for United – their customer-first approach and unique route network connecting small and large communities have improved the passenger experience in Brazil,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “That’s why we support Azul’s restructuring process and have entered into an agreement to build an even stronger relationship in the future.”

An Azul Airbus A320neo aircraft (Photo: Airbus)

American has a preexisting relationship with an Azul rival, Rio de Janeiro-based GOL. American allows GOL passengers to earn American rewards points, and in 2022, it bought a 5% stake in the airline.

In a statement, American Vice Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer Stephen Johnson said the deal with Azul will complement its current alliances and increase connections throughout South America.

“Our service, including that of our partners GOL and JetSMART, combined with the strength and breadth of Azul’s network, will provide our customers another unique option for traveling between the Americas and even more connectivity in Brazil and throughout South America,” he said. “We are excited to support this process and to be part of Azul’s future.”

A number of Central and South American airlines were forced into bankruptcy during the pandemic, including GOL, Aeroméxico, Colombia’s Avianca, and LATAM Airlines. Aeroméxico, Avianca, and LATAM Airlines have all since emerged from bankruptcy proceedings, while GOL is expected to end restructuring in June.

Azul began operations in 2008, spearheaded by serial airline founder David Neeleman. He also founded other airlines, including JetBlue and Breeze.

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.

El Al Drops U.S. Route After Three Years

El Al says it plans to operate seven weekly flights between Miami and Tel Aviv, except on the Jewish Sabbath, observed from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday.

Ryan Ewing

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 10:18 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An El Al Boeing 777-200 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

El Al plans to end service to one of its newest U.S. gateways next year.

The Israeli airline confirmed it will suspend flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in April 2026. Instead, the carrier will consolidate its Florida operations in Miami, the Miami Herald reported.

The airline began serving the route between Tel Aviv and Fort Lauderdale in September 2023 with two weekly flights.

“El Al will cease operations at Fort Lauderdale and will concentrate all Florida-bound flights in Miami,” Simon Newton-Smith, El Al’s vice president for the Americas, said in a statement to the Miami Herald.

El Al says it plans to operate seven weekly flights between Miami and Tel Aviv, except on the Jewish Sabbath, observed from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday.

Broward County – which operates Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport – called the news “disappointing” in a statement to the Sun Sentinel. “EL AL’s service between FLL and Tel Aviv was well-received amongst the traveling public with flights consistently operating on average over 90 percent full,” a county spokesperson said.

While seasonal flights to Fort Lauderdale began in September, the airline upped its service to year-round in April 2023.

Ryan Ewing

United Introduces Service to Senegal

United is offering three-times weekly service between Washington, D.C., and Dakar, Senegal, as the airline grows its presence in Africa.

Lorne Philipot

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 06:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A United Boeing 767-300 lands in Dakar (Photo: United)

United has launched nonstop flights between Washington, D.C., and Dakar, Senegal in West Africa. The route will operate three times a week on a year-round basis.

The inaugural flight departed Dulles International Airport on May 23, arriving in Dakar the following morning.

The new route is United’s first-ever service between Senegal and the U.S., and the airline is now the only one in the world connecting Washington with Dakar. Dakar is United’s sixth destination in Africa.

“We are excited to launch United’s first-ever service from Senegal, further expanding our route network from Africa to the U.S.,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of global network planning and alliances.

Flights depart Dulles on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and arrive in Dakar the following day. Flights depart Dakar on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays and arrive in Washington the same day.

International Expansion

The service is operated with a Boeing 767-300 aircraft, featuring 30 Polaris business seats, 24 United Premium Plus seats, and 149 economy seats.

The new service between Washington and Dakar marks a significant step in United’s ongoing expansion across Africa and follows the launch of the airline’s new seasonal service between Marrakesh, Morocco and Newark in October last year.

United also flies between Cape Town, South Africa, and Newark, along with Washington Dulles; Johannesburg, South Africa and Newark; Accra, Ghana and Washington; and Lagos, Nigeria and Washington.

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.

Qatar Airways Scraps 737 MAX 10 Order

Qatar Airways has dropped its order of 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10s, placed during a 2022 dispute with Airbus that has since been resolved.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 04:14 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Boeing's first 737 MAX 10 arriving after an initial test flight (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Qatar Airways has canceled its order of 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10s.

The airline dropped the order, which included options for 25 additional 737s, as part of a bigger, more recent deal with Boeing for up to 210 widebody jets, CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer said in an interview with Bloomberg.

The news did not come as a complete surprise, since the outlet reported late last year that Qatar Airways was considering abandoning its 737 MAX purchase, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. The sources told Bloomberg that the aircraft no longer fit the airline’s fleet requirements.

Qatar Airways agreed to buy the 737 MAX 10s in 2022 during an ebb in its relationship with Airbus, which supplies the majority of the carrier’s narrowbody fleet. The airline said the surfaces of its A350s were undergoing “accelerated degradation,” grounded all 29 of its A350s, and sued Airbus over the problem. The manufacturer acknowledged quality issues with the surfaces but maintained the aircraft were still safe to fly.

As the carrier and the manufacturer fought in court, Qatar Airways said it would not take delivery of any more A350s, and Airbus in turn backed out of an agreement to supply the airline with dozens of A321neos.

The two sides reached a settlement in 2023, which allowed repairs on the A350s to move forward, restarted the A321neo deal, and eliminated the need for the 737 MAX 10s as a narrowbody alternative.

The 737 MAX 10 is Boeing’s largest 737 variant, which is still pending approval from regulators.

Historic Deal

Earlier this month, Qatar Airways placed an order for 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777-9s. The agreement includes options for an additional 50 aircraft, making its largest ever order and the largest purchase of Boeing widebody jets in the company’s history.

The scope of the order prompted Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua to ask Al Meer if Qatar Airways was seeking to play the two major manufacturers off of each other.

“You know, for the time being, we need to focus on finalizing our agreement with Boeing,” he replied. “As you saw, we are not like other airlines where we split our orders 20 today, 20 next year. Because we are basing our order on a very solid strategy and we decided to go with the 210 aircraft order. However, it doesn’t mean that Airbus is out of the game. Our narrowbodies will continue to be Airbus.”

Qatar Airways is currently awaiting an order of 50 Airbus narrowbody aircraft, including 40 A321neos and 10 A321LRs.

Zach Vasile