An Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 at Paine Field.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
In its latest network shake-up, Alaska is cutting service on four routes. These moves include several changes to transcontinental services.
Effective on Aug. 20, the airline plans to end flights from both Los Angeles and San Francisco to Washington Dulles, citing a lull in demand. These routes were relics of Virgin America, beginning in 2009. Alaska acquired the airline in 2016.
Alaska will continue to serve Washington Dulles from Seattle and San Diego. It also links Washington’s Reagan National Airport with Seattle; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco; Los Angeles; and San Diego.
“We’ve seen a recent decrease in demand on our routes between San Francisco-Washington Dulles (IAD) and Los Angeles-Washington Dulles, potentially connected to economic uncertainty and a decrease in government-related travel,” an airline spokesperson shared. “The last scheduled flights are Aug. 19. We’ll continue to offer service between both SFO and LAX and Washington National (DCA).”
Chicago Changes
On the same day, Alaska will also end flights between Chicago O’Hare and San Francisco. The carrier will continue to serve Seattle, Portland, and Anchorage from Chicago.
Finally, the airline is not planning to resume service between Los Angeles and Nassau, Bahamas, this winter. This route first began in 2023.
“We started serving Nassau in December 2023. For the past year and a half, we’ve tried a variety of strategies to make the route financially successful from both Seattle and LAX. Seasonal Seattle flights have already ended for early 2025. The last scheduled flight from LAX is Aug. 17,” the spokesperson added.
Alaska routes set to be cut in August 2025 (Photo: gcmap)
These changes were loaded in this weekend’s Cirium Diio schedule update.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 10:49 a.m. ET to add comments from the airline.
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.
An American Eagle Embraer E145 aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
American is shaking up its network in the Northeast this summer. The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline will cut one route, but swap it with another.
In July, the carrier will end service between New York-JFK and Worcester, Massachusetts, according to Cirium Diio schedule data. This route began in 2022 and currently operates once per day on an Embraer E175 aircraft.
Starting on July 5, the airline will shift this service to its Philadelphia hub. The route will continue to operate daily, but on a 50-seat Piedmont E145.
Philadelphia to Worcester was last served by American in 2022. With the aircraft change, the airline will reduce capacity in the market by 16 seats per day in each direction.
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.
A United Airlines Boeing 737-700. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Leadership at United painted a different picture regarding declining Canadian passenger travel to the U.S. during the company’s recent Q1 earnings conference call.
Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said the airline has seen a 9% decrease year-over-year in Canadian origin passenger volumes during Wednesday’s call.
The drop in Canadian passenger travel, while still substantial, contrasts with previous industry reporting that indicated much larger volume decreases for U.S. carriers through September 2025. Market analysis by OAG published in March stated that future flight bookings between the U.S. and Canada have “collapsed” by over 70% in every month through the end of September.
Nocella also said that European passenger bookings to the U.S. are also 6% lower than last year at United – though those two drops may prove inconsequential.
“For United, U.S. origin demand has more than compensated for these reductions,” Nocella said during the Q1 call. “As we think about the impact that potential recessions could have on business traffic, it is important to note that relative to pre-pandemic, our revenue makeup is less reliant on this revenue source.”
While Nocella said business revenue is down eight points for United’s passenger revenue, so far the carrier has “seen no deterioration in high-end consumers’ willingness to purchase a premium experience.”
“We attribute this to the fact that the economic uncertainty has a larger impact on more budget-minded discretionary travelers than those seeking a premium experience,” he continued.
‘Significant Drop-Off’
In the Delta Q1 2025 conference call held on April 9, Delta President Glen Hauenstein said the carrier has seen “a significant drop-off in bookings” in Canada, though no further data was presented.
“In Mexico, it is kind of a mixed bag,” he added. “Some of the markets are performing better, some are performing worse. I think there is a lot of pressure on VFR [visiting family and relatives] more than business traffic to Mexico right now. So we are navigating through those waters. And I think we will be looking at Canada and Mexico as places that we probably want to reduce our capacity levels as we move forward.”
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.
The carrier also flew between Washington and Johannesburg, using Airbus A330 aircraft. However, these flights included an intermediate stop in each direction. Five of these services operated via Accra, Ghana, and two went via Dakar, Senegal.
Speaking to media in Ghana, SAA’s CEO John Lamola said that the airline intends to reintroduce services to the U.S. via Accra. The carrier intends to pick up and drop off passengers in Accra with these services and would thus need to obtain the necessary approvals.
Sizable Ghanaian communities are living in the United States, especially in the Washington area. SAA is therefore hoping to tap into this business.
Lamola said that South African Airways hopes to reintroduce its U.S. flights before the end of 2026. However, the launch of these services may be subject to delays due to regulatory processes and the availability of aircraft.
The airline currently has a fleet of 19 aircraft, including two Airbus A340s, two A330s, 13 A320s, and two Boeing 737s. SAA uses the Airbus A340s for its Perth services and the Airbus A330s for flights to Sao Paulo, which it services from both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
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.
Where Will United Cut Capacity?
The Chicago-based airline stated it will reduce domestic capacity by 4% from its original plan starting later this year.
United is also canceling more off-peak flights and reducing narrowbody fleet utilization by 2%, the carrier’s commercial chief, Andrew Nocella, shared. The focus is on maintaining capacity during peak travel times or “the golden hours” – between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
“As we would expect in times of economic weakness, we saw the weakness magnified on off peak flights,” he added. “For example, the revenue gap on domestic flights departing prior to 7 AM or after 8 PM outside of the golden hours is usually 30% lower. But in Q1, that gap expanded to 40% lower. That’s why we are canceling more off peak flying and lower utilization going forward. Weakness in the main cabin was somewhat offset by premium performance.”
Nocella said fourth-quarter schedules are still being developed.
Two Earnings Scenarios
United cited a weakening macroeconomic environment that is driving both market volatility and softer travel demand. However, executives emphasized that the airline’s performance remains strong even in this challenging climate due to its success in winning brand-loyal customers.
“United’s performance is strong even in this weak environment because we’ve won the battle for brand loyal customers,” said CEO Scott Kirby. “And because we’ve won those brand loyal customers, our earnings and financial metrics are demonstrating resilience that United’s never had before.”
In a rather rare move, the company provided two earnings scenarios for 2025. If current demand trends hold steady, United expects to achieve its original full-year earnings guidance of $11.50 to $13.50 per share.
In a recession scenario with an additional 5% drop in revenue, earnings are projected at $7 to $9 per share. Executives stressed that even the downside scenario would represent United’s first-ever profitable performance through a recession.
A United Airbus A320 (Photo: Shutterstock | Wenjie Zheng)
United reported strong international performance in Q1, with positive unit revenue across all international entities. The Pacific region was highlighted as particularly strong. Domestic demand, especially in the main cabin, remains more challenged.
“Periods of economic softening are part of the business cycle,” Kirby noted. “Our priority is pretty simple and it hasn’t changed. Win the brand loyal customers because that gives us the best margins in good times and that lead can grow even larger during lean times.”
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.
Southwest Lone Star One livery (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)
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.
The “Lone Star One” livery adorns a Southwest Boeing 737-800, standing as a flying tribute to the airline’s home state of Texas. The design is a clear visual representation of the Texas state flag, incorporating the celebrated lone white star alongside the familiar red, white, and blue hues.
This lone star serves as the central emblem, directly referencing the “Lone Star State” nickname of Texas.
Lone Star One (Photo: Southwest)
Adding further to the Texan theme, the engine cowlings are painted in solid blocks of red and blue, directly mirroring the colors found in the state flag. Along the rear half of the fuselage, dynamic red waves are painted, with a band of white situated above them, continuing the visual connection to the Texas flag’s design. Notably, the winglets on the “Lone Star One” deviate from Southwest’s typical livery, featuring a neutral grayish-white color, a characteristic shared among the airline’s various special liveries.
The “Lone Star One” holds the distinction of being the inaugural state-themed livery introduced by Southwest Airlines. It first took to the skies on November 7, 1990, adorned on a Boeing 737-300 aircraft bearing the registration N352SW. This original “Lone Star One” faithfully served Southwest for over a quarter of a century, accumulating an impressive track record of more than 80,000 flight hours before its retirement in 2016.
Southwest ensured its continuation by transferring the livery first to a Boeing 737-700 (N931WN) and, most recently, in February 2024, to a newer Boeing 737-800 aircraft (N8660A).
Looking for a new airplane model? Head over to our friends at the Midwest Model Store for a wide selection of airlines and liveries.
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.
An American 737 MAX 8 in Renton, Washington (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
The Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has announced an audit of the Federal Aviation Administration’s actions in response to recent incidents of toxic fumes entering aircraft cockpits or cabins after bird strikes.
According to an audit announcement published by the OIG on Wednesday, the audit comes after conflicting decisions by the FAA’s Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention and Aircraft Certification Service related to toxic fume incidents in 2023.
In March and December 2023, birds flew into and damaged the CFM LEAP-1B engines of Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, causing smoke and toxic fumes to enter the aircraft. The incidents occurred on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 during takeoff from Havana to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and another 737 MAX 8 flight from New Orleans to Tampa, Florida.
“These bird strikes fractured the planes’ engine fan blades, which activated an engine safety feature called the load reduction device (LRD),” the audit announcement stated. “When the LRDs activated on the two airplanes, a large amount of engine oil flowed into the hot section of the engine causing toxic smoke and fumes to enter the cockpit or cabin via the environmental and aircraft pressurization systems.”
A CFM LEAP-1B engine on a 737 MAX (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
After the incidents, the FAA’s Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention gave emergency recommendations to avoid the negative effects of LRD activation, including changing take-off procedures
The FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service, however, analyzed the LRD issue and proposed mandating an update to the engine software instead of changing take-off procedures. The OIG stated that opting to update the software was “a lengthy process.”
OIG’s audit – which begins this month – will assess the FAA’s decision-making at agency offices relevant to the LRD issue.
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.
Turkey Launches Europe’s First Triple Independent Runway System
The infrastructure is key to meeting Istanbul Airport’s long-term target of handling 200 million passengers annually, more than double its current traffic.
Simultaneous takeoff of three Turkish Airlines aircraft from Istanbul Airport (Photo: Turkish Airlines)
Istanbul Airport in Turkey has become the first in Europe to implement a triple independent runway system. The integration of this advanced technology was highlighted today with the successful simultaneous departure of three Turkish Airlines aircraft, a move that significantly boosts the airport’s hourly aircraft handling capacity.
At approximately 11:20 a.m. local time, three jets — a Turkish Airlines Airbus A350-900 headed to Amsterdam, an Airbus A321neo bound for Kayseri, and a Turkish Cargo Boeing 777F departing for Almaty — lifted off in synchronized unison.
While multiple airports in the United States have employed similar simultaneous runway operations, Istanbul Airport is the first in Europe to do so.
“This operation proves Istanbul’s capability to lead not just in passenger numbers but in operational sophistication,” said Mehmet Kalyoncu, board member of IGA Istanbul Airport. “We are entering a phase where Europe’s airspace becomes more efficient, and Istanbul plays a central role in that transformation.”
The new system is also expected to contribute to a more sustainable aviation ecosystem by facilitating optimized flight paths and reducing airborne holding patterns, thereby leading to lower carbon emissions.
The runway expansion project, launched in late 2022, involved close cooperation with Eurocontrol and international air navigation service providers. Extensive simulations were conducted to assess safety protocols, and over 500 air traffic controllers underwent 4,500 hours of specialized training using a domestically developed simulator to prepare for the demands of triple runway coordination.
The enhanced infrastructure is key to meeting Istanbul Airport’s long-term target of handling 200 million passengers annually — more than double its current traffic. In 2023, the airport served over 80 million travelers, ranking among the top five in Europe.
Tolga is a dedicated aviation enthusiast with years of experience in the industry. From an early age, his fascination with aviation went beyond a mere passion for travel, evolving into a deliberate exploration of the complex mechanics and engineering behind aircraft. As a writer, he aims to share insights , providing readers with a view into the complex inner workings of the aviation industry.
Knife-Wielding American Killed During Hijacking Attempt
A U.S. citizen was shot dead by another passenger after trying to hijack a Tropic Air aircraft in Belize on Thursday morning.
A U.S. citizen was shot dead by a passenger after trying to hijack a Tropic Air Cessna Caravan aircraft in Belize on Thursday morning.
According to a New York Post report, officials identified 49-year-old Akinyela Sawa Taylor as the knife-wielding suspect who began attacking people inside a San Pedro-bound flight from Philip SW Goldson International Airport.
A state of emergency was declared at the airport during the incident. ABC News reported that three of the 13 other passengers on board were injured.
The ABC News report stated that police received information that the plane was hijacked by a passenger on board before takeoff. Police told ABC that Taylor wanted to be taken out of the country, and he demanded more fuel for the plane.
He was then fatally shot in the chest by another passenger who had a permit to carry. The plane, which had been circling, almost ran out of fuel by the time it landed, police told ABC. All three passengers injured with knife wounds were from Belize.
The police said Taylor was denied entry into Belize over the weekend and officials are investigating how he was able to get in. It is currently unclear how he was able to get on the airplane with a knife.
Tropic Air CEO Maximillian Greif released a statement on the incident saying the pilot’s actions aboard the aircraft were “nothing short of heroic.”
“Earlier today, a Tropic Air flight faced a serious and unprecedented in-flight emergency,” he said. “In the face of incomprehensible pressure, our pilot acted with extraordinary courage and calm, guiding the aircraft to a safe landing. His actions were nothing short of heroic.”
“A number of passengers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care. Our hearts are with them, and we are offering all available support,” he continued.
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.
An Allegiant A319 in Las Vegas. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 have requested that the National Mediation Board (NMB) release them from mediation with the airline, setting the groundwork for a possible strike.
According to a Teamsters news release sent to AirlineGeeks Thursday morning, the NMB can offer binding arbitration to resolve remaining labor issues between Allegiant and its Teamsters pilots – should the request be granted.
“If either party declines arbitration, a 30-day “cooling-off” period would begin, after which the pilots could legally strike,” the release stated.
Teamsters Local 2118 represents 1,400 Allegiant Air pilots nationwide. These pilots voted by 97% to authorize a strike in November over “frustration with the company’s delays and refusal to address core issues.”
“Since we began negotiations, our goal has been simple: secure a contract that ensures long-term success and security for both our pilots and Allegiant Air,” said Captain Josh Allen, chairman of Local 2118’s Negotiating Committee, in the release. “And every step of the way, Allegiant has refused to offer us that.”
Mediated talks between both parties have gone on now for over two years. The Teamsters said that Allegiant’s latest proposals would allow the airline to deem around 20 percent of its pilots as surplus and “force the rest to fly maximum schedules.”
The Teamsters stated this proposal raises “serious concerns about pilot fatigue, operational reliability and quality of life.”
An Allegiant 737 MAX at Boeing Field (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
“It’s impossible to make progress when the company keeps moving the goalposts and demanding more ‘efficiencies’ from an already-stretched pilot group,” said Local 2118 Trustee Greg Unterseher, in the release. “Each time our pilots rise to meet the company’s needs with good-faith proposals, Allegiant shifts direction again. Enough is enough — it’s time for Allegiant to finally deliver the fair contract its pilots have earned.”
The request for a release from mediation comes nearly a decade after Allegiant Air successfully received a court order blocking the Teamsters from striking in May 2015.
According to a news release from Allegiant at the time, a court in Las Vegas issued an injunction against Teamsters Local 1224, preventing pilots from striking.
Allegiant Responds
Allegiant spokesperson Sonya Padgett told AirlineGeeks in an emailed statement Thursday that the airline strongly disagrees that it is at the point in negotiations where either party has reason to request a release from mediation.
“The Railway Labor Act (RLA), which governs labor relations in the airline industry, provides a roadmap that must be followed when negotiating a contract,” she said. “It specifically states that only the National Mediation Board – not Allegiant and not Teamsters Local 2118 – can declare an impasse in negotiations. The RLA stipulates that four conditions must be met before a work stoppage can occur. It’s important to note that none of those conditions as dictated by the RLA have been met.”
Padgett further stated that Allegiant has offered pilots a “competitive package” which includes an immediate 50% average increase in hourly wages that would scale to 70% over five years.
“Additionally, we have offered a 50% increase in direct contribution to pilots’ retirement benefits, long-term disability benefits until FAA retirement age, paid maternity and paternity leave, and extensive scheduling and quality of life improvements designed to honor seniority and protect our business model,” she said.
“We remain committed to the mediation process and are confident that it will help the company and the union achieve our shared goal of reaching an agreement that our pilots are proud to support.”
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on April 17, 2025 at 1:49 p.m. ET to add comments from Allegiant.
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.
