A United Express CRJ-200 arriving into Chicago O'Hare. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
Farmington, New Mexico, a city in the state’s northwestern corner, will be regaining air service after nearly eight years. The last time the airport had regular flights was back in 2017 with Great Lakes Airlines, which ended service just five months before the airline collapsed entirely.
Farmington calls its partnership with SkyWest a “risk-sharing agreement,” in which they will pay $6.9 million to the airline over a two-year period to guarantee airline service and revenue to the carrier.
Unlike other government programs like Essential Air Service in which the airline gets the grant with few stipulations, there is an interesting note for this service: “If passenger revenue is greater than costs, no subsidy is owed for the quarter.”
Even with the 50-seat CRJ-200 that SkyWest and United will bring to the airport, it’s still a big step up from what the market used to receive for air service in the 2010s and will be the biggest aircraft to regularly service the airport since Frontier flew Boeing 737-200s for a brief two years from 1982 to 1984. Since then, the only aircraft with scheduled service to Farmington were small propeller aircraft such as the Beechcraft 1900, Dash-8, Embraer E120, and Saab 340, among others.
One of Advanced Air’s King Air 350s in Silver City, N.M. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)
More New Mexico Service
Farmington isn’t the only city in the state that has benefited from the New Mexico Rural Air Service grant, and the state has seen more of its cities rejoin the air network than anywhere else in the country, with Farmington bringing that number up to five. The other four airports in the state that have rejoined the network are the following.
Angel Fire, which regained service in December of 2024 with Advanced Air to Alburquerque, after 38 years without scheduled flights.
Gallup regained service in August of 2022 also with Advanced Air to Albuquerque, after being without flights from 2008 to 2022. Advanced has since expanded flights to include Las Vegas.
Las Cruces regained service in January 2023, again with Advanced Air to Albuquerque, after being without service for 18 years.
Taos regained air service in 2018 with Taos Air, a virtual airline operated by the ski resort in the town. First, it was operated by Ultimate Air Shuttle, followed by Advanced Air. The Taos Air name was retired and now is currently served by JSX. The city was without air service from 2005 to 2018.
The new service with SkyWest under the United Express brand will begin on May 8, 2025, with the flight occurring once a day to the airline’s Denver hub.
Joey has always been interested in planes for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Central New York during the early 2000s when US Airways Express turboprops ruled the skies. Being from a non-aviation family made it harder for him to be around planes and would only spend about three hours a month at the airport. He was so excited when he could drive by himself, the first thing he did with his driver's license was get ice cream and go plane spotting for the entire day. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a B.S. in Aviation Management & Operations and a Minor in Business, and currently works for a major airline in his hometown.
Alaska Bets on 787s for Long-Haul Routes
Alaska plans to stretch the Hawaiian Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet in the coming years as it adds more long-haul destinations.
A Hawaiian Boeing 787 Dreamliner (Photo: Hawaiian Airlines)
Alaska plans to stretch the Hawaiian Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet in the coming years as it adds more long-haul destinations. With just two 787s in its fleet so far, the aircraft will fly its longest route to date from Honolulu to New York-JFK in April.
Since the fleet’s introduction nearly a year ago, Hawaiian has deployed the 787s on West Coast routes, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. With the $1.9 billion acquisition now complete, Alaska says it will “better utilize” the Hawaiian fleet.
2025 Fleet Growth
The now-merged airlines plan to expand their widebody fleet in 2025, despite ongoing delivery delays at Boeing. During a Thursday earnings call, airline leadership said it expects to take delivery of three 787s this year for a total of five.
“We expect flat growth across our Alaska assets given assumed delivery timing and retirement of our oldest 737-900 aircraft and expect a material increase in Hawaiian asset utilization particularly within the A321 fleet,” Alaska Air Group finance chief Shane Tackett said.
A visual mock-up image of Hawaiian’s first 787-9 (Photo: Hawaiian Air)
Network Expansion
Hawaiian’s long-haul workhorse — the Airbus A330-200 — operate the majority of the carrier’s routes connecting the Mainland and Hawaii along with Oceania and Asian markets. The carrier has just over 30 A330s in its fleet.
By 2030, the carrier says it will offer service to 12 long-haul international destinations from Seattle. While these routes will launch with the A330s, company leadership said, the plan is to utilize the 787s for long-haul service.
“Eventually, we’ll be moving to 787s in the full year,” said Andrew Harrison, Alaska’s chief commercial officer, during the call.
Alaska now has an orderbook that includes 10 more 787s. Hawaiian first ordered the Dreamliner in 2018.
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 Delta A330neo (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)
Delta plans to resume flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, later this year. The Atlanta-based carrier becomes the first U.S. airline to publicly announce plans to restart regular service following the October 2023 attacks.
The airline briefly resumed service to Tel Aviv beginning in June 2024, but later halted flights again. American has suspended service to the region until at least September 2025, while United has yet to firm up a plan to resume its flights.
In a Friday news release, Delta said its route between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv would resume on April 1. Flights will operate daily on an Airbus A330-900neo aircraft.
“Delta’s decision to resume service follows a comprehensive security review, conducted in close coordination with government and private-sector partners,” the release stated. “The airline continues to prioritize the safety of its customers and crews and has implemented additional precautions for operations to and from Tel Aviv.”
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.
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.
Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, has established a distinct brand identity in the Indian aviation market through its aircraft liveries. These designs have evolved over time, reflecting both modern aesthetics and the rich history of the Tata Group’s involvement in aviation.
The airline’s primary livery is characterized by a color palette of aubergine (a shade of purple), gold, and white. The fuselage is predominantly white, with a stylized “V” logo in gold near the front. The tail is painted in aubergine.
Vistara A321neo (Photo: Vistara)
In 2018, Vistara introduced a special “retro” livery to commemorate 150 years of the Tata Group. This design paid homage to the Tata Airlines of the 1940s, a precursor to Air India. The retro livery featured a metallic silver fuselage, reminiscent of the original Tata Airlines’ aircraft.
Vistara’s liveries effectively communicate the airline’s brand values and heritage. The primary livery represents modernity and premium service, while the retro livery connects the airline to the Tata Group’s rich aviation history.
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.
A Greater Bay Airlines Boeing 737 (Photo: Greater Bay Airlines)
Hong Kong-based Greater Bay Airlines has scrapped more than 100 flights in the coming months due to the delay in delivery of the new aircraft. The cancellations will not affect the Lunar New Year holiday starting on Jan. 29.
“Due to the delay in new aircraft delivery and the need of regular inspection for some of our existing aircraft, our overall flight schedule has been impacted, resulting in cancellations of 128 flights or 64 round trip flights in February and March 2025 involving approximately 5,500 passengers,” the airline said in a statement.
Schedule Process Negligence
In response to “unsatisfactory” demand, the airline has also cancelled flights to Seoul, South Korea. The cancellations are all too familiar.
The new start-up recently axed services to Singapore and Haikou, China, after launching the flights just months ago. Also, flights to Ho Chi Minh City were cancelled after seven months.
Earlier, the airline expanded its route map by launching flights to second-tier Japanese destinations, such as Yonago and Tokushima. However, the carrier said that it had found negligence over its schedule process, slashing several flights to Yonago and Tokushima as a result.
Moreover, the airline has also axed the number of flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and Sendai. The Hong Kong government has expressed concern over the cancellations.
Greater Bay launched its service in 2022 with three Boeing 737s, acquiring 15 Boeing 737 MAXs in 2023.
Many seek entry-level airline positions as a way to put themselves through training while still having the perks and excitement of working for an airline.
An American Airlines 787-8 prepares to load cargo in Chicago (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ian McMurtry)
Working for an airline is a dream for many around the world. Different people have various hopes, but many desire to work as cabin crew, getting paid to travel around the world. Others work as dispatchers, crew schedulers, recruiters, and management to keep an airline running smoothly and safely day-to-day.
However, getting hired in many of these roles requires time and dedication. Becoming a pilot, flight attendant, or dispatcher takes training that may or may not be provided by the airline. Many seek entry-level airline positions as a way to put themselves through training while still having the perks and excitement of working for an airline. Though not the flashiest of jobs, entry-level positions are still critical roles that are essential to the efficient operation of aircraft.
Customer Service Agent
Many begin their aviation careers as customer service agents for airlines. These employees book and check-in passengers, process bags, and monitor the boarding process to ensure passenger safety. Agents also assist lost passengers and rebook travelers when a flight is delayed, cancelled, or missed.
Customer service work is a great way to get to know airline procedures and policies, especially relating to the booking process and ground security. It also helps employees learn many of the regulations regarding passenger rights and airline liability in a variety of irregular operations such as poor weather, maintenance issues, and crew scheduling.
Some customer service agents, instead of working at the airport, work in call centers to remotely help customers that call in before even making it to the airport. These calls may cover anything from making a booking to rescheduling a flight and even looking for lost baggage.
Phone agents work with station employees across the region or the country to coordinate a variety of tasks, and they work with the booking department to confirm reservations and make changes. This offers the skill to be focused and flexible with a variety of people to ensure the best outcome for a customer.
Most customer service agents are paid starting salaries between $15 and $18 per hour, though some can make $20 or more depending on location and employer. Raises usually come with seniority, and many airlines even offer health insurance and retirement benefits after working for the company for a certain amount of time.
Alaska and Hawaiian check-in counters in San Francisco (Photo: Hawaiian Airlines)
Ramp Agent
In addition to customer service agents, airlines also hire ramp agents. These employees load and unload bags; marshall, push back, and tow airplanes; and maintain safe, clean, and secure parking ramps to ensure aircraft safety. Keeping a constant pace and a vigilant watch is essential to continuing aircraft operations.
Ramp agents do difficult work and are expected to lift up to 50 pounds at any given time while handling bags. Still, their work is important and requires attention, as it is important to ensure bags are safe and undamaged during handling.
Equally, ramp agents play a particularly important role in aviation safety, as they must closely monitor the environment around them for unauthorized persons and suspicious activity. This may be one of the last lines of defense against aircraft damage from a variety of people, from passengers who snuck onto the ramp to catch a flight to security breaches.
Maintaining cleanliness is also an important role, as debris on the ramp, taxiways, and runways can damage aircraft if ingested into tires or engines. Ramp agents must be vigilant of their surroundings in order to protect airlines’ most valuable physical assets.
Many people choose to become ramp agents because they want to work hands-on with aircraft and speak directly with pilots and flight attendants during preflight checks, inspections, and walkarounds. Ramp agents even get first-hand interactions with mechanics doing changes out in the field. Making these connections can be critical for those pursuing careers in aviation and looking for experienced mentors and their guidance and advice.
Ramp agents usually make slightly more money because of the added physical demands of their jobs. Still, base salaries usually start just above $15 per hour and rise with seniority. As with customer service agents, benefits such as insurance and travel perks will be granted the longer a ramp agent works for the company.
Some airlines combine the roles of customer service and ramp agents at certain airports, especially those with less service where it does not make sense to hire, train, and pay multiple employees. Rather, one group of agents will check in passengers and send bags to screening before heading to the ramp to welcome and park the aircraft. Afterward, they return to the terminal to help with boarding and finally push back the airplane for its onward journey.
Employees that double dip like this tend to make more money thanks to their increased responsibility. Working multiple roles allows an employee to maximize what they know and learn about a wider range of steps in an airline’s operation.
Maintenance Apprentice
While many people go to school to become aviation mechanics, some instead work as an apprentice under mechanics to build experience instead. Airlines often hire these apprentices to work underneath more senior technicians to learn and aid with tasks en route to full licensure. People interested in working as a mechanic can pursue such a role, often found at larger hubs where more mechanics tend to be needed.
Southwest aircraft at the airline’s Houston Hobby hangar (Photo: Southwest Airlines)
Different airlines handle apprentices differently, though it is possible to work on the line fixing aircraft in active service or spend time in a workshop performing heavy maintenance, overhauls, and completing bigger tasks. Some apprentices even get to help with contract maintenance that their airline does on behalf of other airlines and companies flying through the airport without their own maintenance presence.
How to Find Entry-Level Jobs
Airlines post listings for entry-level positions on job boards such as Indeed and Glassdoor. You can also search on airlines’ websites to apply with them directly. In addition to looking at major airlines such as American, Delta, and United, look as well for regional subsidiaries such as Envoy Air, Republic Airways, and Skywest Airlines.
Most jobs have basic requirements, such as a minimum age of 18 years and a high school diploma or GED. Airlines often look for employees within commutable distance from the appropriate airport or base, though some customer service jobs – such as agents who answer phones and texts from customers – are offered as remote positions.
Entry-level jobs can be rewarding for new aviators looking to launch their career in flight. These jobs provide real-world hands-on experience in the airline world and can give valuable insights into life as a professional crewmember. This is a great way to get started and find your way in aviation.
John McDermott is a commercial pilot pursuing a career in professional flight. His passion for aviation began in an Ann Arbor bookstore with a tale of enemy pilots during World War 2, and he hasn't looked back. Besides flying and writing for AirlineGeeks, John volunteers with Professional Pilots of Tomorrow and travels whenever he gets the chance.
Turkish Airlines Resumes Flights to Damascus
Turkish Airlines has resumed scheduled flights to Damascus, marking a significant step in the recovery of Syria’s international air connectivity.
A Turkish Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Turkish Airlines has officially resumed flights to Damascus, Syria, after a 13-year break, marking a significant milestone in the recovery of Syria’s international air connectivity. The first flight from Istanbul to Damascus departed on Thursday.
This move mirrors the airline’s recent return to Benghazi after a decade of absence.
The new route will operate three times a week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The resumed service comes after a decade-long hiatus following the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2012.
“We are thrilled to reconnect Istanbul with Damascus, a city rich in history and culture,” said Bilal Ekşi, general manager of the airline, in a news release. “We believe that our flights will positively contribute to Syria’s tourism and trade sectors. With the evolving market conditions, we are committed to diversifying the Middle East’s gateways to the world.”
International Air Travel Resumes to Syria
The resumption of international air travel to Syria marks a significant milestone in the country’s gradual recovery following years of isolation due to the ongoing conflict. After years of limited air traffic, the skies above Damascus are once again witnessing the arrival of international airlines.
Qatar Airways led the way, inaugurating its first commercial flight to the Syrian capital on January 7.
These developments build upon a foundation of gradual reconnection. Prior to the return of major international carriers, limited air traffic had already resumed with aid flights and diplomatic delegations landing in Syria. Domestic air travel had also been re-established, with a notable milestone being the resumption of flights between Damascus and Aleppo on December 18.
Furthermore, Syrian Airlines itself played a role in this renewed era of air travel. On January 23, the national carrier launched its first international commercial flight from Damascus since the onset of the conflict.
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.
Alaska Gives Employees Record Bonuses
Alaska Airlines will pay out $327 million in annual bonuses to its 23,000 employees. The record-setting bonus equates to about six weeks worth of pay.
An Alaska Air 737 aircraft (Photo: Shutterstock | oasisamuel)
Alaska Airlines will pay out $327 million in annual bonuses to its 23,000 employees. The record-setting bonus equates to about six weeks worth of additional pay, the airline said.
These bonuses ‒ part of the carrier’s Performance-Based Pay (PBP) program ‒ will be distributed to employees of Alaska itself and its Horizon Air regional subsidiary. Despite the 2024 merger, Hawaiian Airlines employees are not included as part of the payout.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our employees for their dedication in helping us deliver another strong year. Their commitment to excellence, care and service sets us apart,” Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci said in a news release.
The carrier calls its PBP program “unique” in that it goes beyond a traditional profit sharing model. “It aligns all employees with the same goals … In addition to profit metrics, we work as one team toward goals around safety, fuel efficiency, and guest experience,” the airline shared in the release.
Employees will also receive $22.7 million in 2024 operational bonuses for achieving quarterly on-time performance and safety goals. The total payouts will be nearly $350 million.
“Just a year ago after flight 1282 which resulted in one third of our mainline Alaska fleet being grounded and our operations severely disrupted, we were uncertain how the rest of the year would unfold,” the release added.
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.
Lufthansa plans to expand its Airbus A380 network in the coming months. By next summer, it plans to have eight of the superjumbo aircraft in revenue service.
In April, the German flag carrier will add a sixth destination for the world’s largest passenger jet. Lufthansa will connect its Munich hub and Denver starting on April 30 with the A380.
This will be the Mile High City’s first-ever regularly scheduled service with the aircraft. Lufthansa began serving the Munich to Denver market nine years ago, and it currently sees daily A350 flights.
This summer, Lufthansa says it will offer a total of four daily flights to Denver. This includes two from Munich and two from Frankfurt.
The new A380 flights are scheduled to depart Munich at 11:15 a.m., landing in Denver at 1:45 p.m. local time. Return flights leave Denver at 4:15 p.m. and land back in Munich at 10:50 a.m. the following day.
The first and only time an A380 visited Denver was in 2018. An Air France A380 flying between Los Angeles and Paris diverted to Denver due to a medical emergency.
In addition to Denver, Lufthansa operates its A380s on routes from Munich to New York-JFK, Boston, Washington Dulles, Los Angeles, and Delhi.
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 Boeing 737 MAX 10 EcoDemonstrator wearing United's 'SAF is the Future' livery. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Fangzhong Guo)
United leadership is still betting on the 737 MAX 10 despite ongoing delivery delays at Boeing. The aircraft – which has yet to gain FAA certification – is the largest 737 variant to date.
“ We are becoming more hopeful that the MAX 10 will be an important gauge for United,” shared United’s chief financial officer, Mike Leskinen, during a Wednesday earnings call.
The Chicago-based airline first ordered the MAX 10 variant in 2017 with plans for 100 aircraft. At the time, Boeing had planned to deliver the first aircraft in late 2020.
Production quality lapses and increased regulatory scrutiny have further delayed several of Boeing’s new aircraft programs, including the 777X, 737 MAX 7, and 737 MAX 10.
A Boeing 737 MAX 10 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
“ With Boeing starting to make some real progress in improving their business, we’re becoming more bullish on the MAX 10,” Leskinen continued.
Leskinen added that the airline remains pleased with the 737 MAX 9, which he called a “great aircraft.” United has 85 MAX 9 aircraft in its fleet with more on order.
“ Whether it’s the MAX 9 or 10, our gauge is going to increase a lot,” continued the airline’s commercial chief, Andrew Nocella. “The [MAX] 10 would be great, but I’m counting on the [MAX] 9 and the A321. … If we have the [MAX] 10 available to us, that only helps it even further.”
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.
