Livery of the Week: Bamboo Airways

A soft color transition and minimalist layout define the Vietnamese carrier’s modern look.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 01:30 PM ET

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Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A Bamboo Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Charleston International Airport, before its delivery. (Photo: Bamboo Airways)

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.

Bamboo Airways’ standard livery is built around a teal-to-navy gradient that flows across the tail and rear fuselage, creating a smooth and modern visual identity. The gradient effect, uncommon among traditional airline designs, gives the aircraft a subtle sense of motion while maintaining a clean overall presentation.

The vertical stabilizer features the airline’s stylized bamboo leaf logo in gold, positioned against the darker portion of the gradient. The emblem reflects the carrier’s name and ties the design to Vietnamese cultural symbolism, where bamboo is associated with resilience and growth.

A Bamboo Airways 787 departs from Hanoi for its inaugural flight to the U.S. (Photo; Bamboo Airways) — A Bamboo Airways 787 departs from Hanoi for its inaugural flight to the U.S. (Photo: Bamboo Airways)

The fuselage remains primarily white, allowing the gradient tail to stand out as the focal point. “Bamboo Airways” titles appear along the forward section in a dark teal tone, with matching accents that connect visually to the tail design. Engine nacelles are typically finished in a darker shade, complementing the gradient without overpowering the layout.

The livery is applied consistently across Bamboo Airways’ fleet, including Airbus A320-family aircraft, A321neos, and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. While the scale of the gradient varies depending on aircraft size, the core design elements remain uniform.

Introduced alongside the airline’s launch in 2019, the livery reflects a contemporary approach to branding, emphasizing simplicity and color transitions rather than complex striping or large graphic elements.

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

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.

Air Canada Takes Delivery of Its First A321XLR

The type will be used on transatlantic routes from Toronto and Montreal, and on transcontinental connections across North America.

Zach Vasile

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 12:45 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Air Canada's first A321XLR. (Photo: Airbus)

Air Canada took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR on Friday.

The aircraft is the first of 30 A321XLR ordered by Canada’s largest airline, and is being leased from SMBC Aviation Capital. The handover took place in Hamburg, Germany.

Airline officials said the variant will be used on transatlantic routes from Toronto and Montreal, as well as on North American transcontinental service. The aircraft is also expected to improve operational flexibility around seasonal- and demand-based route changes.

Airbus said Air Canada will be the first operator of the type in Canada.

“The Airbus A321XLR introduces a dynamic new component to Air Canada’s growth strategy, greatly expanding our flexibility to launch new international routes and improve our offering on existing markets,” Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice president, chief commercial officer, and president of cargo, said in a news release.

Fifteen A321XLRs will be delivered directly to Air Canada, and the other 15 will be leased.

The carrier recently showed off new design concepts for its -XLR interiors. The cabins, which include lie-flat Signature Class seats, will bring the type into Air Canada’s “Glowing Hearted” design standard.

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.

American CEO Rules Out United Proposal, But Not All M&A

Robert Isom said the airline has a history of being “aggressive” with the right opportunities.

Zach Vasile

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:20 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An American A319 in Phoenix. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom poured more cold water on talk of a potential merger with United during an earnings call Thursday but did not rule out future deals if the correct partner and circumstances are present.

Asked if the environment is right for consolidation in the industry, Isom stressed that a combination with United, reportedly pitched by CEO Scott Kirby in February, was a nonstarter.

“We’re going to be roommates and we’re not getting married,” Isom said, referring to American’s competition with United at Chicago O’Hare. “The idea of the two largest airlines in the world getting together, that’s something that we’ve viewed as being anticompetitive, and obviously everybody who has weighed in has said the same thing.”

For now, “American will focus on American,” he said, with an emphasis on expanding the carrier’s reach through international partnerships. But Isom also left the door open to future prospects.

“If there are opportunities from a consolidation perspective, or if there’s assets that become available in the marketplace, American has a long history of being aggressive,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of experience, and whether it’s the potential for M and A, or the work we’ve done to pioneer partnerships, we’re going to be on the forefront of that.”

Kirby reportedly floated the idea of a United-American merger in a meeting at the White House, arguing that the resulting carrier would be better positioned to compete internationally. American initially declined to comment, then released a statement saying that it was not in discussions with United and does not favor a linkup. Separately, President Donald Trump said he would oppose such a deal.

The recent spike in jet fuel prices has destabilized a number of low-cost carriers and encouraged speculation that those airlines may have to merge or be acquired to survive.

Spirit is currently in discussions with the White House over a potential rescue package, which could be worth up to $500 million.

American and Seattle-based Alaska Airlines are believed to be in discussions over a new strategic partnership, which could include revenue sharing. Bloomberg, which broke the story earlier this week, reported that the idea of a merger between the two carriers was brought up but failed to gain support.

The airlines have not commented on the report, and so far no new partnership has been announced.

Zach Vasile

Trump Suggests U.S. Government Should Buy Spirit

The president said he'd like to acquire the budget carrier and then sell it for a profit when oil prices come down.

Zach Vasile

Friday, April 24, 2026 at 09:01 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Spirit Airbus A321. (Photo: Shutterstock | Skycolors)

President Donald Trump confirmed Thursday that the federal government is working on a rescue deal for Spirit Airlines, and even suggested buying the struggling carrier outright.

“We’re thinking about doing it,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Helping them out, meaning bailing them out. Or buying it. I think we just buy it. We’d be getting it virtually debt-free. There’s some good aircraft, some good assets. And when the price of oil goes down, sell it for a profit.”

Spirit was known to be in talks with the administration, but until Thursday no official on either side had suggested the federal government would purchase Spirit and operate it as a state asset.

Trump said he would make such a deal if Spirit agreed to “the right price.” He then suggested bringing in “someone who wants to run it” to turn the airline around.

Whatever form it ultimately takes, a rescue for Spirit aligns with the administration’s goals of saving American jobs and preserving competitiveness in key industries, the president continued.

President Donald J. Trump waves as he exits Air Force One at MacDill Air Force Base, Feb. 6, 2017. President Trump flew to MacDill to visit with senior officials at USCENTCOM to discuss issues affecting USCENTCOM’s 20-nation area of responsibility. (Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ned T. Johnston)

“I’d love to be able to save those jobs,” he said. “I’d love to be able to save an airline. I like having a lot of airlines, so it’s competitive.”

Spirit was set to emerge from its second stint in bankruptcy protection some time this spring or summer, but surging jet fuel prices risk undoing much or all of the ultra-low-cost carrier’s progress. Reports circulating earlier this month suggested Spirit is looking at liquidation.

The Air Current broke the news late last week that Spirit had asked the administration for help. A later update from The Wall Street Journal said the White House is considering a rescue package worth up to $500 million in loans. In exchange, the federal government would own a part – though not the majority – of the airline.

Direct federal investments in private-sector companies are rare but not unheard of, especially for the current administration, which bought stakes in chipmaker Intel and mining and manufacturing company USA Rare Earth. But unlike Spirit, neither of those companies is in bankruptcy.

Unlike many other countries, the U.S. has never had a state-owned passenger airline.

Zach Vasile

Hawaiian Joins Oneworld Alliance

Officials said membership will improve connectivity for customers and expand access to the Hawaiian Islands.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 01:15 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Hawaiian A330-200 in Seattle. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Hawaiian Airlines officially became a member of the oneworld alliance on Thursday, joining parent company Alaska.

Hawaiian’s new status allows members of Atmos Rewards – Alaska and Hawaiian’s shared loyalty program – to earn and redeem points while flying with other oneworld carriers.

Other perks include the ability to book flights with oneworld airlines on Alaska and Hawaiian’s websites, priority check-in and boarding, and, for elite Atmos members, equivalent oneworld status and access to nearly 700 premium airport lounges, including oneworld branded lounges at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Seoul’s Incheon International Airport.

“We are excited to give Hawaii residents and all of our Atmos Rewards members access to exciting destinations around the world – from Honolulu to Hong Kong, Maui to Melbourne, and Līhu‘e to London, and to welcome new oneworld guests with our genuine Hawaiian hospitality while inspiring visitors to appreciate Hawaii’s people, culture, and natural environment,” Hawaiian CEO Diana Birkett Rakow said in a news release.

Oneworld’s other members include American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Japan Airlines, and Royal Jordanian. The organization’s CEO, Ole Orvér, said the addition of Hawaiian will strengthen the alliance’s presence in the Pacific.

Hawaiian plans to celebrate its oneworld membership with a special themed livery applied to an Airbus A330, officials said. The design will debut later this year.

Alaska, which acquired Hawaiian in 2024, has been a oneworld member since 2021.

Zach Vasile

Allegiant to Expand Board Following Sun Country Acquisition

New additions include Sun Country’s current CEO and board chair.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 12:02 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Allegiant 737 MAX at Boeing Field. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Three top officials at Sun Country will join Allegiant’s board of directors once the airlines’ merger closes later this year.

Allegiant announced this week that its board will grow from eight to 11 members with the planned addition of Jude Bricker, Jennifer Vogel, and Thomas Kennedy.

Bricker serves as Sun Country’s president and CEO, and Vogel as the carrier’s board chair. Kennedy, president and CEO for North America at SIXT Rental Car, is also a member of Sun Country’s board.

Allegiant is set to acquire Sun Country in a cash-and-stock deal valuing Sun Country at $18.89 per share. The combined airline would serve about 22 million customers annually and operate in nearly 175 cities.

The partners recently won approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to continue operating as separate entities under common ownership after the merger is complete. The exemption will allow for continuity in operations until the airlines obtain a single operating certificate from the FAA.

Allegiant officials have said the transaction could close as soon as May 13.

“We are excited to welcome these accomplished leaders to Allegiant’s board upon closing,” Allegiant CEO Gregory Anderson said in a news release. “Their experience and perspective will be valuable as we continue building a stronger, differentiated airline that better serves the communities and customers across our combined network.”

Allegiant’s board is headed by Maurice J. Gallagher, who has served as chairman since 2006. He formerly served as CEO.

Zach Vasile

Contour Adds New Airport to Network

The airline will launch two new routes in early July.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 09:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Contour Embraer jet. (Photo: Denver International Airport)

Contour Airlines will bring a new destination in central California into its route network this summer.

Starting July 1, the independent regional carrier will connect Merced, California, with Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Service to Los Angeles will operate daily, while service to Las Vegas will run five times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Contour will operate the connections using 30-seat regional aircraft.

“These routes not only make travel more convenient for local residents and businesses but also support economic growth by strengthening Merced’s connectivity to key markets,” Contour President Ben Munson said in a news release. “We look forward to delivering a dependable and comfortable travel experience for all our passengers.”

Contour has been steadily expanding its network over the last several weeks, announcing new connections to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Macon, Georgia; Beckley, West Virginia; and Page, Arizona. The airline serves destinations across the Southwest, Midwest, and Southeast, as well as the eastern Caribbean.

Zach Vasile

Report: American, Alaska Exploring Strategic Partnership, Revenue Sharing

A merger between the two carriers was discussed but failed to gain support, insiders said.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 08:10 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Alaska Airlines 737-800. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines are discussing a potential revenue-sharing arrangement and other partnerships, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.

The financial news outlet cited people familiar with the talks. Neither American nor Alaska has commented on the potential partnership.

According to Bloomberg, the idea of a merger between the two carriers was floated early in the discussions but did not garner support. Instead, American and Alaska will pursue a revenue-sharing deal, which would allow coordination on routes, planning, and pricing. The partnership would have to be approved by the federal government before taking effect.

American has been at the center of considerable industry speculation after a report, also from Bloomberg, that United CEO Scott Kirby pitched a merger with the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline to President Donald Trump in February. American initially declined to comment on the news, then said last Friday that it was not in discussions with United and didn’t want to be.

Separately, the president told CNBC that he does not support a United-American combination.

While few details have been established – and none officially confirmed by the airlines involved – an alliance between American and Alaska could give American greater access to Alaska’s West Coast network, while Alaska would benefit from American’s other airline partnerships.

An American 737 at Dallas/Fort Worth (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

American lags behind its two main competitors, United and Delta, in profitability, and a closer relationship with Alaska could be seen as a potential revenue generator with limited upfront costs.

Both American and Alaska are members of the oneworld alliance. They also have a codeshare agreement in place and offer some reciprocal benefits and upgrades.

Zach Vasile

Aer Lingus Cuts Flights, Routes

The carrier cited "mandatory maintenance on aircraft."

Lorne Philipot

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 07:00 AM ET

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Edited By:

Zach Vasile

An Aer Lingus Airbus A320. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Numerous Aer Lingus flights and routes have been removed from the airline’s summer schedule.

According to the BBC, the airline has cut back on connections from Dublin to several destinations in Europe, including Amsterdam, Athens, Berlin, Faro, and Zurich. The carrier has also canceled flights to destinations in the U.K. These include London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.

Aer Lingus said most affected passengers are being placed on other same-day flights. About 2% of the carrier’s flight schedule is impacted.

The BBC said Aer Lingus cited aircraft maintenance as the reason behind the service adjustments. But the carrier is also likely seeing effects from the soaring cost of jet fuel. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has forced airlines around the world to rework their schedules and improve efficiency, both to contain costs and conserve fuel.

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.

FAA Investigating Close Call at JFK

One aircraft strayed into the flight path of another while approaching the airport for landing.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 04:45 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Republic Airways Embraer 170 in New York. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The FAA said Tuesday that it is looking into a reported close call at New York-JFK involving two passenger jets.

The incident took place on Monday and involved an American Airlines flight operated by Republic and an Air Canada flight operated by Jazz.

“The crew of Republic Airways Flight 4464 performed a go-around at John F. Kennedy International Airport after missing the intended approach path and flying too close to Jazz Aviation Flight 554, which was cleared to ⁠land on a parallel runway,” the FAA said in a statement. “Both flight crews responded to onboard alerts.”

Air traffic controllers gave the pilots instructions to increase separation, and both were forced to abort their landing attempts and go around.

According to Reuters, the two aircraft were about 350 feet apart vertically and 0.62 miles apart horizontally at their closest. The outlet reported that, on air traffic control recordings, anti-collision alarms could be heard going off both in the tower and aircraft cockpit.

Both flights landed safely at JFK, and there were no reports of any injuries to passengers or crew.

Zach Vasile