Air France-KLM Considers Rebrand

A new name may make sense as the company adds more brands to its portfolio, officials said.

Zach Vasile

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 12:39 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

KLM Boeing 787 aircraft (Photo: KLM | Patrick Kop)

One of Europe’s largest airline groups could be preparing for a name change.

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that Air France-KLM is considering rebranding in light of its growing portfolio. Besides Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the company also owns Netherlands-based Transavia and has minority stakes in a number of other carriers. According to De Telegraaf, it is looking to become the majority owner of Scandinavian Airlines, better known as SAS, and a new name would help reflect an expanded focus beyond its core carriers.

Air France-KLM is also believed to be considering an acquisition of TAP Air Portugal.

Following the newspaper’s report, the company said in a statement that it would be “perfectly logical” to discuss a name change “given that we plan to add new brands to the Air France-KLM Group.”

As of Friday, no new name had been announced, but one contender is “The Blue Group,” reportedly championed by CEO Benjamin Smith.

Both Air France and KLM use the color blue as one of their official colors. Air France uses navy blue, as seen on the French flag, while KLM uses a distinctive light blue.

Air France and KLM merged in 2004, creating the existing airline group. The French and Dutch governments continue to own stakes in the company.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

China Could Up Boeing Order to 750 Aircraft, Trump Says

An initial deal for 200 jets, announced by the president on Thursday, fell short of Wall Street expectations.

Zach Vasile

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in production (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

China has committed to buying 200 aircraft from Boeing and could eventually expand that order to 750, President Donald Trump said Friday as he departed a two-day summit in Beijing.

Trump told FOX News on Thursday that China would buy 200 Boeing jets but provided few details. He elaborated somewhat while speaking with reporters on Air Force One on Friday, mentioning for the first time a potential larger deal involving almost four times as many aircraft.

The president also said that GE Aerospace will supply engines for the airplanes.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg joined Trump on his state visit to China, raising expectations for a significant purchase. China has not ordered new commercial aircraft from Boeing in almost a decade, and the summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping was seen as an opportunity for the manufacturer to revive its business relationship with the country.

The 200-unit order announced by Trump on Thursday fell well short of industry estimates, which were closer to 500.

Trump himself remained the only source of information about the deal as of Friday. The White House, the Chinese government, Boeing, and GE have not commented on the matter.

China in recent years has strengthened ties with Airbus, and some of its largest airlines now have majority Airbus fleets. The country also has its own domestically produced regional and single-aisle narrowbody aircraft, the C909 and C919, and is developing a widebody type, the C929.

Zach Vasile

Porter Launches New U.S. Routes

Additional connections to the Upper South and Northeast came online Monday and Thursday.

Zach Vasile

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 09:12 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Porter Q400 on approach to Washington Dulles International. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ben Suskind)

Canadian airline Porter is strengthening connectivity to the U.S. Northeast with two new nonstop routes to Boston.

Going forward, the carrier will operate 14 flights per week between Toronto Pearson and Boston and seven flights per week between Montreal Trudeau and Boston. Service from Toronto Pearson will use an Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, while the Montreal-Boston connection will operate with a De Havilland Dash 8-400.

Porter already serves Boston from Toronto City and Ottawa.

“We’re excited to bring the E195-E2 to Boston Logan for the first time, and with expanded service from two major Canadian gateways, we look forward to giving even more travelers access to Porter’s elevated onboard experience,” Andrew Pierce, Porter’s vice president of network planning and reporting, said in a news release.

Earlier this week, Porter launched daily service between Toronto City and Nashville, Tennessee. The connection also uses a Dash 8-400.

Officials said travelers will benefit from a new U.S. Customs preclearance facility at Toronto City.

Zach Vasile

Trump: China to Buy 200 Boeing Aircraft

If accurate, the figure would fall short of Wall Street expectations.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 04:44 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

737 aircraft at Boeing's Renton facility. (Photo: Shutterstock | Thiago B Trevisan)

For the first time in almost a decade, China will buy new commercial aircraft from Boeing, President Donald Trump said Thursday.

Trump, who is currently on a state visit in Beijing, told FOX News that China agreed to purchase 200 Boeing jets.

“One thing he agreed to today, he’s going to order 200 jets,” the president said, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping. “That’s a big thing. Boeings.”

Trump did not go into detail about the deal or say which aircraft type or types China will buy.

If accurate and final, the 200-aircraft figure would be far below Wall Street estimates. Analysts had expected a sale of around 500 jets, given that Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is one of several U.S. executives traveling with the president.

China has strengthened business ties with Airbus over the last decade, and Trump’s visit was seen as a chance for Boeing to reverse that trend and land a significant order.

According to CNBC, Ortberg suggested that a large purchase from China could be in the works on a company earnings call last month.

Neither the White House nor Boeing has commented on Trump’s remarks.

Zach Vasile

Former Employees Propose Class-Action Lawsuit Against Spirit

The plaintiffs say they were terminated with no advance notice, in possible violation of federal law.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 02:20 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Spirit A320. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

A group of former Spirit Airlines employees is looking to challenge the terms of their dismissal in federal court.

A proposed class-action lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the Southern District of New York, accuses the now-defunct Spirit of violating labor laws by laying off about 17,000 workers with no advance notice on May 2.

According to the complaint, employees were notified of the carrier’s shutdown via email early that day and immediately lost access to benefits, such as accrued vacation and sick pay, and company systems. While the airline said workers would be paid through May 2, some employees still have not received their final paychecks, the filing stated.

The plaintiffs cited the federal WARN Act, which generally requires large companies to give advance notice of mass layoffs. They are seeking damages equal to 60 days of wages and benefits, the notice period usually required by the law.

Spirit has not commented on the proposed lawsuit.

The former carrier is now heading toward liquidation, and its aircraft are being returned to lessors or prepared for auction. A small core of remaining employees, around 150, are overseeing the wind-down.

In legal filings, Spirit blamed its collapse on the sudden surge in jet fuel prices that started when Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz in March. The airline was negotiating for a $500 million bailout from the Trump administration, but some of its creditors objected to terms that would have given the federal government a substantial stake in the company. When the White House ended talks, executives began preparing for a shutdown.

According to the proposed lawsuit, Spirit told employees that it could not have provided more notice about job losses because it was still negotiating for financial backing and did not want to undermine its position in those discussions.

Zach Vasile

United, JetBlue Start Reciprocal Loyalty Benefits

The collaboration is part of the carriers’ Blue Sky partnership.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 10:45 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

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

Starting this week, members of United’s and JetBlue’s respective loyalty programs will get reciprocal benefits and perks when traveling across either airline’s network.

Qualifying TrueBlue and MileagePlus members who include their frequent flier number on their booking are now eligible for priority boarding, check-in, and security; complimentary access to extra legroom seating at check-in; complimentary preferred seat selection after booking; one free checked bag plus priority bag handling; and same-day standby options.

Benefit levels depend on membership status in some cases, most notably with priority boarding. When traveling on JetBlue, Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members will board with Group 1, Premier Gold members with Group 2, and Premier Silver members with Group 3. When traveling on United, Mosaic 2, 3, and 4 members will board with Group 1 and Mosaic 1 members will board with Group 2.

The latest integration between United and JetBlue is part of the carriers’ broader “Blue Sky” partnership framework. The alliance, which came into effect last year, already allows customers to earn and redeem points and book flights on either airline’s website.

The partners hinted in February that reciprocal perks would come online by the spring.

“We are always looking for new ways to elevate the experience for our most loyal customers and this latest enhancement to our Blue Sky collaboration offers even greater value to our brand loyal customers,” Ed Pouthier, JetBlue’s vice president of loyalty and personalization, said in a news release.

Airline officials have said that, as the partnership continues to expand, customers will be able to travel on both United and JetBlue with a single connected interline ticket.

Zach Vasile

United Adds New Routes to Japan

Flights will start this fall.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 09:15 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A United 787-9 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

United is expanding its footprint in Japan with two new nonstop connections.

On Oct. 24, the carrier will launch daily service between Chicago O’Hare and Tokyo-Narita. Flights will operate year-round, using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

United said it will be the only U.S. airline linking Chicago and Tokyo-Narita. The carrier already connects O’Hare and Tokyo-Haneda, the city’s other major airport.

About two months later, on Dec. 11, United will begin seasonal service between San Francisco and Sapporo, on the northern island of Hokkaido. Flights will operate three times weekly through March. The carrier will use a 787-9 on the route.

The connection will be the only air link between the continental U.S. and Sapporo, according to United.

“Our new nonstop service from San Francisco to Sapporo makes it easier to vacation in one of Japan’s most unique destinations, while our new Chicago to Tokyo-Narita service gives business and leisure travelers a premium onboard experience and the flexibility to continue their journey across Asia on United to exciting destinations like Cebu, Palau, and Ulaanbaatar, or onward on our joint venture partner ANA to cities like Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur,” Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of network planning and global alliances, said in a news release.

With the two new routes, United will serve five airports in four Japanese cities – Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, Sapporo, Osaka, and Nagoya. This winter, the carrier expects to operate up to 13 flights per day between the continental U.S. and Japan.

Zach Vasile

Allegiant Completes Acquisition of Sun Country

The two carriers will continue to operate as separate entities in the near term.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 04:52 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Sun Country and Allegiant aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Allegiant closed its roughly $1.5 billion acquisition of Sun Country on Wednesday, following approvals from regulators and shareholders.

Allegiant executives said the new combined company will own 195 aircraft and serve nearly 175 destinations. The linkup, first announced in January, is expected to bring together complementary route networks, improve operational resilience, and set the stage for new international flights. Allegiant, as the surviving organization, also expects to realize approximately $140 million in annual synergies within three years.

Though now legally joined, Allegiant and Sun Country will continue to operate as separate entities in the near term, officials said. Customers can continue to book flights through existing channels, and there are no changes to flight schedules, reservation systems, or travel plans.

Operations employees will continue in their current roles, the airlines said, and all existing collective bargaining agreements will remain in place.

Still, integration of the two carriers is coming, and Allegiant and Sun Country said they will proceed in a “thoughtful and disciplined” manner with a focus on “maintaining safe, reliable operations and delivering a consistent customer experience.”

The partners suggested there could be some “overlap” at the corporate level, but did not explicitly mention eliminating jobs.

“Any potential changes will be evaluated carefully, with a focus on fairness, respect, and clear communication,” officials said.

Allegiant also said it recognizes Sun Country’s ties to Minnesota and “expects Minneapolis-St. Paul to remain an important operating center for the combined company.”

Shareholders of both Allegiant and Sun Country signed off on a cash-and-stock transaction valuing Sun Country at $18.89 per share.

Current Allegiant CEO Gregory Anderson will serve as CEO of the combined company, with Robert Neal serving as president and CFO. Sun Country President and CEO Jude Bricker will join Allegiant’s board of directors.

“Today marks a defining moment in Allegiant’s history as we officially join forces with Sun Country to create the leading leisure-focused airline in the United States,” Anderson said in a news release. “By bringing together two strong airlines with similar business models, we are creating a more differentiated and durable airline – one well positioned to deliver lasting value for our customers, team members, and shareholders.”

Regulators approved Allegiant’s acquisition of Sun Country last month and granted permission for the carriers to continue operating separately until a single operating certificate is issued by the FAA.

Zach Vasile

Former Delta President Joins WestJet Board

Glen Hauenstein retired from Delta in February.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 03:10 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A WestJet Boeing 737 MAX 8 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Former Delta president Glen Hauenstein has joined the board of directors of Canadian airline WestJet.

The carrier announced Hauenstein’s appointment on Wednesday, together with Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air and Hanjin Group.

Hauenstein was a massively influential figure at Delta, helping to expand the carrier’s international network, premium offerings, loyalty program, and partnerships. He served as president from 2016 until his retirement earlier this year.

“I am proud to join the WestJet Group board as the airline continues to drive innovation and strengthen strategic partnerships, all with a continued commitment on delivering reliable air travel and long-term growth,” Hauenstein said in a statement.

Hauenstein’s appointment could signal a closer relationship between Delta and WestJet. Delta owns 12.7% of WestJet.

Delta and Korean Air expanded their respective stakes in the Canadian airline last year in a three-way deal with private equity platform Onex. Delta acquired 15% of the airline, while Korean acquired 10%. Delta later sold 2.3% to Air France-KLM.

Delta and WestJet have been codeshare partners since 2011.

Zach Vasile

Lufthansa Orders 20 New Long-Haul Aircraft

The airline group is expanding both its Boeing and Airbus fleets.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 01:40 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Lufthansa 787-9. (Photo: Lufthansa)

Lufthansa Group this week placed orders for a total of 20 new long-haul aircraft – half from Boeing, and half from Airbus.

The company announced Monday that it agreed to purchase 10 Boeing 787-9s and 10 Airbus A350-900s.

Officials said the new aircraft will help improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

“By ordering 20 additional long-haul aircraft, we are making a sustainable investment in the future of the Lufthansa Group,” Carsten Spohr, the company’s chairman and CEO, said in a news release. “The state-of-the-art Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 are more fuel-efficient, quieter, and have lower emissions than their respective predecessors. We are thus continuing the largest fleet modernization in our history.”

A Lufthansa A350-900XWB (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The airline conglomerate has put a renewed emphasis on efficiency following the recent surge in jet fuel prices. It has already grounded and retired some of its older, less efficient aircraft in a bid to conserve fuel.

Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2032 and 2034. The first of the new jets are expected to enter service in 2032, Lufthansa Group said.

The company currently has 232 aircraft on order, including 107 long-haul jets.

Zach Vasile