Japan Airlines to Expand U.S. Network

The carrier will resume one long-haul route later this year, while also deploying its flagship Airbus A350-1000 to a third U.S. market.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 09:23 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Japan Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Japan Airlines plans to expand its U.S. network beginning later this year. The carrier will resume one long-haul route, while also deploying its flagship Airbus A350-1000 to a third U.S. market.

Starting on May 31, the carrier will reconnect Tokyo Narita and Chicago O’Hare, a route last served in 2023. Tickets for the service will go on sale on Feb. 12, the airline said.

Frequency Boosts

A handful of JAL’s U.S. routes will also receive additional frequencies. Between March 30 and Oct. 25, service between Tokyo Narita and San Diego will increase to daily from four times per week.

Flights from Osaka, Japan, to Los Angeles will also increase from five times weekly to daily service starting on July 18.

In Honolulu, JAL will offer daily flights to Osaka and Nagoya starting on July 18. The carrier’s Narita to Honolulu route will also receive a second daily flight in July only.

A350-1000 Network Grows

Later this year, the airline is slated to add its third Airbus A350-1000 destination in the U.S. Delivered in December 2023, the aircraft is JAL’s new flagship.

JAL’s first A350-1000 aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Anthony An)

The jet will be deployed to Los Angeles during the summer months, with no set start date provided yet. Los Angeles joins Dallas/Fort Worth and New York-JFK as A350-1000 markets.

JAL’s Tokyo Haneda to Paris route will also see A350-1000 service starting on May 1.

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.

BermudAir Grows Fleet With Larger Jets

Starting in April 2025, the airline will add service to Hartford, Raleigh, and Charleston, South Carolina, which these aircraft will be used to support.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 09:16 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A BermudAir E175 aircraft. (Photo: Orlando International Airport)

Start-up BermudAir plans to bolster its fleet with larger aircraft. With this expansion, the airline expects to unlock new network opportunities while also supporting current markets.

In the spring, the Bermuda-based carrier is set to take delivery of two Embraer E190 aircraft. The new jets will join BermudAir’s fleet of two Embraer E175s.

The carrier adds that these new aircraft will offer “increased capacity, greater range, and new opportunities to connect travellers with Bermuda for work and pleasure.”

“After just one year of establishing BermudAir, we are thrilled to take this next step in our journey,” the airline’s founder and CEO Adam Scott said in a news release. “Adding these two Embraer 190 aircraft will allow us to grow thoughtfully while ensuring we maintain the high standards of reliability and service our customers have come to expect. This expansion will support our efforts to stabilise operations, create new opportunities for travel, and enhance the experience for everyone who flies BermudAir.”

During a November interview with AirlineGeeks, Scott hinted at adding larger aircraft to BermudAir’s fleet. He also said farther markets, including Chicago and some destinations in Texas, may be on the airline’s horizon.

Starting in April 2025, the airline will add service to Hartford, Connecticut, Raleigh, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, which these aircraft will be used to support.

Ryan Ewing

TSA Head Ousted as Trump Takes Office

Transportation Security Administration head David Pekoske is leaving his post effective immediately, he told agency employees on Monday.

Ryan Ewing

Monday, January 20, 2025 at 01:06 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

TSA Administrator Pekoske (Photo: TSA)

Transportation Security Administration head David Pekoske is leaving his post effective immediately, he told agency employees on Monday. Pekoske was first appointed as TSA Administrator by President Trump in 2017.

In a letter to the TSA’s nearly 65,000 workers seen by CNN, he said Trump’s transition team forced his exit. The President was sworn in Monday afternoon.

As we prepare for Monday’s Presidential Inauguration, I want to express my sincere gratitude for our Officers who will be supporting the @SecretService in ensuring the safety and security of this historic event. Your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment in… pic.twitter.com/LsiFKDLHaA

— David P. Pekoske (@TSA_Pekoske) January 18, 2025

“I will sincerely miss being part of this amazing agency and having the opportunity to serve alongside this incredible team,” Pekoske said. “It has been an honor of a lifetime! I leave with the utmost respect for you and immense pride in what we have accomplished together since August 2017. Thank you for being such wonderful professionals and public servants.”

Pekoske joins a slew of agency heads vacating their roles. Biden appointee Mike Whitaker left the FAA Administrator position ahead of Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. Whitaker assumed the position in October 2023.

Ryan Ewing

American Adds New Airport to Network

American is set to introduce service to a new airport in the spring. Currently, only one other airline serves the region.

Ryan Ewing

Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 08:40 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An American Eagle CRJ-700 aircraft operated by SkyWest. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

American is set to introduce service to a new airport in the spring. Currently, only one other airline serves the region.

Starting on May 5, 2025, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will connect its Dallas/Fort Worth hub with Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Northeast Mississippi. The new flights will operate daily with SkyWest CRJ-700 aircraft, per Cirium Diio schedule data.

Golden Triangle Regional Airport will be a brand-new airport on American’s route map. It will also be the airline’s third destination in Mississippi, joining Gulfport and Jackson.

The airline will go head-to-head with Delta, the only airline currently serving the airport. Delta offers twice-daily flights to its Atlanta hub on CRJ-900 aircraft.

Ryan Ewing

Silver Airways Booted From Anguilla

Silver Airways – which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month – is ending service to Anguilla over unpaid fees.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 11:10 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Silver Airways ATR 72 aircraft (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Silver Airways – which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month – is ending service to Anguilla. The government of the Caribbean island and British territory says it revoked the carrier’s operating permit over “non-payment of fees.”

In social media posts – which have since been deleted – the airline claimed that the local government asked it to “violate US law and we refused to do so.”

A now-deleted post from Silver Airways (Photo: Instagram)

A news release from the Anguilla government says Silver has $103,549.15 in unpaid fees. As a result, the carrier will no longer be able to operate its route from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Prior to the filing of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy by Silver Airways on 30th December 2024, numerous unsuccessful attempts have been made to settle the outstanding debt which Silver Airways has accrued within Anguilla from in or about May 2023,” the release stated.

The carrier has served Anguilla since 2021.

“Consequently, the allegations raised by Silver Airways that the Government of Anguilla seeks the violation of US Law, are false, unmeritorious and without legal force as the Government of Anguilla’s determination to refuse an entity from operating within the Territory in circumstances where the entity is incapable of satisfying present and future debt obligations, is its absolute right,” the release continued.

Ferry Service

Unable to fly into Anguilla, Silver Airways said Friday it will offer so-called ferry services from St. Maarten. On March 1, the airline will increase service between San Juan and St. Maarten from three- to five-times-weekly flights.

The carrier also has around $2 million in unpaid federal taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

Ryan Ewing

Livery of the Week: Air France

While subtle updates have been implemented over the years, the core elements have remained consistent, contributing to the airline's strong brand identity.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Air France 777-300 landing (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

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.

Air France, the French flag carrier, has maintained a recognizable and classic livery for decades. While subtle updates have been implemented over the years, the core elements have remained consistent, contributing to the airline’s strong brand identity.

The majority of the aircraft’s body is painted white, a common trend in modern aviation known as “Eurowhite.” The tail features a series of horizontal stripes in red, white, and blue, echoing the colors of the French flag.

An Air France 787-9 begins its takeoff roll at Paine Field. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

This emblem has historical roots, dating back to Air France’s predecessor airlines in the 1930s. The airline’s name is written in a clear, modern typeface, usually in dark blue or black.

While the overall look has remained largely consistent since the 1970s, some notable changes include a softening of the tail stripes. The lines of the tail stripes have been refined over time, giving them a smoother appearance. The “Air France” wordmark has been subtly updated to reflect contemporary typography trends.

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 Ewing

United Schedules New Intra-Asia Route

United has scheduled its long-awaited new service from Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, which was first announced in October.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 09:50 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A United Boeing 737-800 in Tokyo. (Photo: Shutterstock | viper-zero)

United has scheduled its long-awaited new service to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, which was first announced in October.

Per Aeroroutes, the airline will begin the intra-Asia route on May 1, 2025. Flights will operate three times weekly on a Boeing 737-800.

United flight 7 departs Tokyo Narita at 4:30 p.m., arriving in Ulaanbaatar at 8:55 p.m. local time. The return service – United flight 6 – leaves Mongolia at 9:55 a.m., arriving in Tokyo at 3:45 p.m. local time.

The Chicago-based carrier becomes the first-ever U.S. airline to operate regularly scheduled flights to Mongolia.

This new route joins a list of more exotic offerings by the carrier, including Newark, New Jersey, to Nuuk, Greenland, which is also scheduled to begin later this year.

Ryan Ewing

Airlines Hiring Mechanics in 2025

Despite the slowdown in some parts of airline hiring, there is steady demand for aircraft maintenance technicians throughout the industry.

Andrew Chen

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 07:00 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A mechanic works on a Boeing 777 in its hangar (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Aircraft mechanics work around the clock to keep airline operations safe. Being an aircraft mechanic – also known as an aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) or airframe and powerplant technician (A&P) – can therefore be an interesting and rewarding job for those interested in aviation.

Although aircraft mechanics can work for many different types of employers, many choose to work for an airline. Being employed by a commercial airline comes with many advantages, including competitive salaries and travel benefits.

While airline hiring has slowed down for some roles – as is the case with pilots – many carriers are actively hiring aircraft mechanics.

Which Major U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Mechanics?

Most major airlines in the United States are hiring aircraft mechanics for their maintenance operations.

Alaska Airlines currently has a job posting for an avionics technician at its Seattle base.
American Airlines is actively hiring for multiple roles in their Tech Ops and Maintenance team. The legacy carrier has over a dozen postings for technician and maintenance supervisor jobs throughout its network.
Delta Air Lines is currently hiring aircraft maintenance technicians for its Endeavor Air subsidiary. Delta also has openings for aircraft maintenance apprenticeships for students enrolled at partner schools.
JetBlue Airways currently has numerous positions open in its Technical Operations division. The airline is hiring mechanics in multiple locations and also has job postings for supervisory positions.
United Airlines is hiring maintenance technicians and supervisors throughout its network. There are available jobs in locations ranging from Los Angeles to Guam to Beijing.

An American A319 undergoes maintenance checks (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Which U.S. Low-Cost Carriers Are Hiring Mechanics?

Allegiant Air has over a dozen job postings for aircraft maintenance roles across the country, some of which are leadership positions. The airline also has an ongoing talent pool that prospective employees can join.
Avelo Airlines is hiring aircraft maintenance technicians at multiple bases. The airline has six operating bases split across the East and West Coasts.
Breeze Airways is also seeking aircraft maintenance technicians and maintenance supervisors at numerous bases. Breeze is even offering hiring bonuses and stipends at certain locations.
Frontier Airlines has many job postings for aircraft mechanics across the country. The airline’s Technical Operations division maintains its all-Airbus fleet.
Sun Country Airlines is hiring aircraft maintenance technicians at its base in Minneapolis. The airline also has seasonal A&P positions available at some outstations.

Which U.S. Regional Airlines Are Hiring Mechanics?

Like their mainline counterparts, many regional carriers are seeking aircraft mechanics.

Boutique Air is currently seeking aircraft mechanics in Dallas. The airline flies Pilatus PC-12s on a handful of Essential Air Service (EAS) routes around the country.
Cape Air is hiring airframe and powerplant mechanics in multiple locations. The airline has regional operations in four locations: the Northwest, the Midwest, the Caribbean, and Montana.
CommuteAir is hiring aircraft maintenance technicians in Lincoln, Nebraska and at Washington-Dulles. The company also has mechanic apprentice positions available.
Endeavor Air has open positions for aircraft mechanics in multiple locations ranging from Atlanta to Cincinnati to New York.
Envoy Air is hiring airframe and powerplant mechanics across the country. The airline has ten maintenance bases from coast to coast.
GoJet Airlines is hiring aircraft maintenance technicians for multiple bases. The airline is also offering sign on bonuses in St. Louis and Chicago.
Mesa Airlines is recruiting for multiple maintenance positions. These include line technicians and maintenance managers.
Piedmont Airlines is seeking airframe and powerplant mechanics in multiple locations. The carrier also has a tuition reimbursement program for aspiring maintenance technicians.
PSA Airlines is hiring aircraft mechanics in multiple locations. The company has nine bases across the United States.
Republic Airways is actively hiring aircraft maintenance technicians. The carrier also has apprenticeships for students as well as for military mechanics.
Silver Airways currently has job postings for aircraft maintenance technicians in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
SkyWest Airlines is seeking line maintenance technicians across its network. The airline is the country’s largest regional carrier with bases across the country. It is also offering hiring bonuses at certain locations.

A CommuteAir Embraer E145 aircraft (Photo: CommuteAir)

Which U.S. Cargo and Charter Airlines Are Hiring Mechanics?

ABX Air is hiring aircraft mechanics in multiple locations throughout its network.
Ameriflight has multiple job postings for airframe and powerplant mechanics. The company also partners with schools to offer student opportunities for aspiring A&Ps.
Atlas Air is seeking airframe and powerplant mechanics and is also hiring for other maintenance roles. It also has a job posting for traveling mechanics to repair aircraft in remote locations.
FedEx Express is actively hiring aircraft mechanics. The airline is the world’s largest cargo carrier.
Kalitta Air is hiring mechanics and maintenance supervisors in multiple locations. The airline currently flies Boeing 747-400F and Boeing 777F aircraft to destinations across the globe.

UPS Airlines is also hiring aircraft mechanics throughout its global network. The Louisville-based carrier is one of the world’s largest cargo airlines and flies a diverse fleet of aircraft.

U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Mechanics

Many airlines in the United States are actively hiring mechanics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates five percent growth for aircraft and avionics mechanics through 2033.

Meanwhile, aviation training company CAE projects a need for 138,000 aircraft mechanics globally by 2033. There are therefore many opportunities for aspiring aircraft mechanics.

Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.

Zambia’s Alkebulan Airlines Poised for AOC Approval

Alkebulan Airlines is set to begin operations in January 2025 with a fleet of Embraer E145 and Boeing 737-series aircraft.

Victor Shalton

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 06:00 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Bombardier CRJ Series aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks / Fabian Behr)

Alkebulan Airlines, based in Zambia, is nearing the completion of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process and aims to begin operations in January 2025. The airline’s CEO, Charles Tembo, announced that its fleet would include Embraer E145s and Boeing 737s, reports CH-Aviation. The AOC approval is currently in its fourth phase out of five, with a test flight scheduled for this month.

Established in 2022 by aviation professionals and entrepreneurs, Alkebulan Airlines is a subsidiary of Alkebulan Aviation, an innovative company based in Lusaka, Zambia. The parent company has focused on building a robust operational framework, completing its headquarters and cargo center in 2023. With hopes of revolutionizing African aviation, Alkebulan Airlines aims to offer both domestic and international services to cities such as Cape Town, Harare, Dubai, Guangzhou, New York, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, London, and Mumbai.

Zambia’s Expanding Aviation Sector

Zambia’s aviation industry is witnessing substantial growth, rebounding strongly post-pandemic. The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited reported over two million passengers in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic figures. Upgrades to major airports, including Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, have enhanced passenger experiences, positioning Zambia as a competitive aviation hub.

Key players in the Zambian aviation market include the relaunched national airline, Zambia Airways, which commenced commercial operations in December 2021 with a Boeing 737-800. The government’s Aviation Strategy (2022–26) further bolsters this sector, focusing on enhancing regional connectivity and tourism.

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.

Emirates Ramps Up Madagascar Service

Emirates Airline will increase the frequency of its scheduled services to Antananarivo in Madagascar starting later this year.

Lorne Philipot

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 05:00 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Emirates will increase the frequency of its scheduled services to Antananarivo in Madagascar.

The airline launched scheduled flights to Antananarivo in September 2024. These services are operated as tag-on flights to Emirates’ existing Seychelles scheduled services.

The carrier commenced four weekly services between Dubai and Madagascar last September. However, due to strong passenger demand, Emirates will increase frequencies on this route.

The airline will operate six flights per week between Dubai and Antananarivo. Additional flights will be introduced starting on April 2.

Emirates will operate the route daily, with the exception of Mondays. Flights are operated with a Boeing 777 aircraft.

Growing Madagascar’s Tourism

The airline says that the additional frequencies come as a result of good load factors on these flights.

Emirates is increasing capacity to the island, to grow airlift and support Madagascar’s efforts to expand visitor arrivals to the country.

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.