A Boeing 777X at the Dubai Airshow. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Analysts at London-based multinational bank Barclays are speculating that Boeing’s stocks could be on the uptick to recovery this year.
According to a Barron’s report, analysts led by Barclays Managing Director David Strauss recently upgraded Boeing shares from “equal weight” to “overweight” status and lifted its price target from $190 to $210. The analysts wrote that in a best-case scenario, Boeing’s stock could skyrocket anywhere between $270 to $290 per share if the company can speed up production and delivery for its 737 MAX and 787 jets.
As of Tuesday morning, Boeing stocks were trending upwards at $173.50 per share.
2024 was a difficult year for Boeing, which faced a devastating labor strike and government scrutiny over product quality and safety practices at the company. The Barclays analysis comes roughly one year after the door plug blew out from a Boeing 737 MAX 9 while it was in flight for Alaska Airlines.
While deliveries dropped by 34% in 2024 compared to the year prior, Boeing has stated it plans to boost production of its 737 and 787 jets this year and get back on track to meet its delivery goals.
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.
A United Express Embraer E175 (Photo: Shutterstock | Austin Deppe)
Mesa Airlines will shed more of its fleet in the coming months following a purchase agreement with United. The Phoenix-based airline disclosed the transaction in a Tuesday filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
As part of the deal, the regional carrier will sell 18 of its Embraer E175 aircraft to United for $229.1 million. According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, Mesa has 57 E175s in service with three in storage.
On Dec. 24, the company said it entered into an agreement to sell 15 more CRJ-900 airframes. The buyer was not disclosed.
A Mesa Airlines CRJ-900 in Phoenix (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)
The carrier expects to generate $19 million from the sale, which will be used to pay a U.S. Treasury loan. This transaction, the company notes, will close at various points between January and April.
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.
Frontier plans to add three new routes from New York’s JFK Airport later this year. The ultra-low-cost carrier first began service to the airport in June 2024.
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.
Icelandair is slated to expand its North American route network in 2026 with its new Airbus A321LR jet. Between late 2025 and early 2026, the newest member of the Icelandic airline’s fleet will begin flying to Newark, New Jersey, New York-JFK, Orlando, Florida, and Portland, Oregon.
Per Aeroroutes, the jet will also serve a new route. Starting on Jan. 6, 2026, the airline will connect Reykjavik and Miami.
Flights are currently planned to operate three times per week. The service is scheduled to depart Iceland at 5:15 p.m. local time, arriving in Miami at 8:55 p.m. Return flights leave Miami at 5:15 p.m., arriving in Reykjavik at 5:55 a.m. the following day.
Icelandair took delivery of its first-ever Airbus aircraft last month. While the aircraft currently only operates within Europe, it will start flying long-haul services to Seattle in the spring.
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 JetBlue Airbus A320 preparing for departure.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Two bodies were located inside the wheel well of a JetBlue Airbus A320 on Monday night. According to NBC 6 South Florida, the aircraft had just arrived in Fort Lauderdale after a flight from New York-JFK.
Flightradar24 data indicates that flight 1801 arrived just after 11 p.m. local time. An A320 operated the flight with registration N644JB, which remains out of service at the time of writing.
The bodies were discovered during a post-flight maintenance inspection, JetBlue said.
“At this time, the identities of the individuals and the circumstances surrounding how they accessed the aircraft remain under investigation,” a spokesperson told NBC 6. The airline added that it will work with authorities to investigate the incident.
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.
Alaska plans to add two new routes and one returning service this summer. The Seattle-based airline will expand route offerings from its namesake state.
An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900 in San Francisco. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Alaska plans to add two new routes and one returning service this summer. The Seattle-based airline will expand route offerings from its namesake state.
The carrier is slated to connect Anchorage to Sacramento, California, and Detroit, Michigan, beginning on June 14, 2025. Both routes will be operated by a Boeing 737 series aircraft.
These seasonal routes will continue through Aug. 16 with Saturday-only service. Between Detroit and Anchorage, Alaska will compete directly with Delta.
“Our new routes provide guests with more options than ever to vacation this summer in the great state of Alaska,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of network planning and revenue management at Alaska Airlines, in a news release. “The nonstop flights from Detroit and Sacramento will put travelers right in the heart of Alaska by skipping a layover, and Portlanders can enjoy nonstop service to Fairbanks.”
Returning Route
In addition, Alaska will again connect Fairbanks, Alaska, and Portland, Oregon. This market was last served in 2014.
This route will operate from May 15 to Aug. 19 on a daily basis. The airline plans to deploy an Embraer E175 between Fairbanks and Portland.
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 former American Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-80 is potentially getting a new lease on life after sitting in the New Mexico desert for around five years.
American MD-80 aircraft in Roswell, New Mexico (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
A former American Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-80 is potentially getting a new lease on life. For the first time since its final flight in 2019, the 25-year-old aircraft took to the skies again.
The MD-83 — registered as N984TW — departed from Roswell, New Mexico, for Saltillo, Mexico, on Monday. CAVU Aerospace performed the work to return the jet from long-term storage, which took about a month.
N984TW returns to the skies on Jan. 6 (Photo: CAVU Aerospace)
N984TW (line number 2287) was the final MD-80 ever produced, having been delivered to TWA in December 1999. Later, the jet joined American’s fleet after the two airlines merged.
American’s last MD-80 flight in 2019 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)
According to Cirium Fleet Analyzer data, N984TW was acquired by Jetran in 2023. World Aviation Services, LLC then purchased the aircraft in October 2024.
After its ferry flight to Mexico, the future of the aircraft remains uncertain.
Other Former American MD-80s
Affectionately called the “Super 80,” American’s MD-80 fleet was one of the largest in the world before its 2019 retirement. Many of the aircraft still fly for other carriers today.
18 former American MD-80s remain in service with the oldest being 38 years old. Several were converted to freighters, largely operating for Saltillo-based Aeronaves TSM.
Over 200 have since been officially retired, many of which still await their fate in the New Mexico desert.
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 Mexicana Boeing 737-800 (Photo: Government of Quintana Roo)
Mexico’s military-run airline – Mexicana de Aviación – is scaling back its route network following a $50 million loss. The reincarnated airline began operations in December 2023.
According to Mexican newspaper El Financiero, the carrier will suspend service to eight destinations in the country. These routes were operated under wet lease by TAR Aerolineas.
The routes include flights to Acapulco, Campeche, Guadalajara, Nuevo Laredo, Puerto Vallarta, Uruapan, and Villahermosa. These cuts represent roughly half of the airline’s overall network.
TAR operated a fleet of Embraer regional jets on behalf of Mexicana. With TAR now “dropping out” of Mexicana’s network, the 1-year-old airline is left with just two ex-military Boeing 737 aircraft.
Run by the country’s military, the Mexicana brand was purchased by the Mexican government several years ago. The previous Mexicana airline went belly-up in 2010.
A rendering of Mexican’s E2 aircraft (Photo: Embraer)
2024 Losses
During the first three quarters of 2024, Mexicana reported losses of over 932 million pesos (roughly $50 million). Its total revenues of nearly $12 million covered 20% of the carrier’s operating expenses, per Mexico Business News.
Some estimates indicate that the airline carries an average of 53 passengers per flight.
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.
American Airlines aircraft in Pittsburgh. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
U.S. airlines reported lackluster on-time performance during the peak holiday travel rush. In December, major carriers and their regional counterparts canceled nearly 6,000 flights, roughly double the 3,000 in December 2023.
Between Dec. 19 and Jan. 2, the Transportation Security Administration said it screened a record 39 million individuals. This marks the busiest-ever end-of-year travel season.
BREAKING NEWS: TSA screened nearly 39M individuals from Dec 19 through Jan 2, 2025, during our busiest end of year holiday travel period ever. For the entire year of 2024, TSA officers screened a record 904M individuals at airport checkpoints around the country. Go #TeamTSA!
Battered by weather and a brief IT glitch at one carrier, many airlines struggled to keep flights operating as scheduled.
American, Delta, and United
Of the three major U.S. carriers, Delta had the best on-time figures in December. According to OAG data, the Atlanta-based airline canceled 0.35% of its planned flights.
United canceled 0.86% while American topped the list at 1.02% or 1,861 scrubbed flights. These figures measure all flights marketed by these carriers, including regional service.
In terms of overall on-time performance, Delta again leads with a score of nearly 80%. OAG defines on-time performance as “the percentage of flights that have arrived on schedule. A flight is considered on-time if it has arrived within 15 minutes of the schedule.” This also includes cancellations, the firm says.
United took the No. 2 spot at 79.27%. American fell to 76.9%, far below its 2023 figure of 84%.
On the morning of Christmas Eve, several of American’s flights were grounded due to an IT issue. While the outage lasted only a few hours, disruptions compounded throughout the day.
In addition, the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline faced numerous days of thunderstorms at its Dallas/Fort Worth hub.
Low-Cost Carriers
Southwest – also hit with weather in the DFW Metroplex – saw a slight improvement in its year-over-year cancellation rate. The airline canceled 0.48% of its planned flights in December 2024, an increase from 0.61% during the same period in 2023.
Both Spirit and Southwest had some of the better on-time percentage rates at 77.48% and 79.26%, respectively.
On-time performance for marketing U.S. carriers in December 2024 (Data: OAG)
Allegiant and Sun Country had some of the lowest on-time percentage rates at 72.64% and 64.27%, respectively. Out of all the marketing U.S. carriers, Breeze had the worst on-time performance score at 57.35%.
On-Time Leaders
The average cancellation rate for U.S. carriers was nearly 1% in December 2024, which was 0.15% more than in 2023. But some airlines stuck out with better-than-average performance.
Avelo was the only airline to cancel zero flights in the U.S. Sun Country canceled just two.
Finally, Hawaiian Airlines had the best on-time performance figure at 84.52%.
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 A330-300 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Delta plans to expand its European network during the summer. In 2025, the airline plans to operate its largest-ever trans-Atlantic schedule, with 33 destinations in Europe.
Starting on June 8, 2025, the airline will boost this route to 13 weekly flights. According to Aeroroutes, the service increase will continue through Sept. 7. The route will be operated by an Airbus A330-900neo.
Atlanta to Edinburgh – which began in 2023 – will also see more service. Between July 1 and Sept. 6, Delta will offer 10 weekly flights between the two cities, an increase over the seven originally scheduled frequencies.
A Boeing 767-300ER will operate the route.
Service Reduction
In addition, the airline will slightly reduce the number of seats between Atlanta and Barcelona, Spain. According to Cirium Diio schedule data, Delta will fly Boeing 767-300s on select days during the summer.
The route will operate with a mix of 767 and Airbus A330 aircraft, cutting the number of total seats by nearly 200 per week.
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.
