Ethiopian Airlines to Pause U.S. Route

Flights will end next month.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 09:51 AM ET

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An Ethiopian Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. (Photo: Shutterstock/eka.viation)

Ethiopian Airlines is set to suspend passenger services between Addis Ababa and Atlanta from early February 2026, temporarily stepping back from its sole route into the southeastern United States.

Schedule data reviewed in mid-January shows the Star Alliance carrier will operate its final flight on the route on Feb. 1, with services from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport ceasing the following day. The airline currently serves Atlanta three times per week, deploying Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, with westbound flights operating via Rome Fiumicino.

The affected rotations are flight ET518, operating Addis Ababa–Rome–Atlanta, and the return service ET519. While earlier schedules indicated the route would continue through the Northern Hemisphere mid-year travel period, booking systems still show availability for dates from June 2026 onward, pointing to a suspension rather than a permanent exit.

Atlanta entered Ethiopian’s long-haul network in May 2023, providing the carrier with access to the world’s busiest airport by passenger numbers and strengthening connectivity within the Star Alliance framework through its partnership with United. Despite this strategic positioning, the route has faced headwinds, including competitive pressure on transatlantic traffic flows and softer-than-expected passenger demand.

Cirium schedule data for January 2026 further illustrates Ethiopian’s scaled-back U.S. footprint during this period. Following the Atlanta suspension, the airline’s remaining passenger services to the United States are concentrated solely on Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). From Addis Ababa, Ethiopian operates up to 11 weekly flights to Washington, routed via Rome Fiumicino and Lomé, using a mix of Airbus A350-900, A350-1000, and Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

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.

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ALPA Sues Breeze For Allegedly ‘Obstructing Negotiations’

The union said the carrier’s ultimate goal is to push the Breeze unit to decertify.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 05:15 PM ET

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A Breeze A220. (Photo: Shutterstock | Wenjie Zheng)

The Air Line Pilots Association is suing low-cost carrier Breeze Airways for allegedly bargaining in bad faith and working to undermine the union as the legitimate representative of its pilots.

In a complaint filed in federal court in Utah, where Breeze is based, ALPA accused the carrier’s management of violating the Railway Labor Act by obstructing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

Breeze’s pilots joined ALPA in 2022 and have been negotiating for their first collective bargaining agreement since early 2023.

Attorneys representing ALPA said Breeze is strongly opposed to the unionization of its pilots and is using different methods to obstruct the organization and undermine its position as the pilots’ legitimate representative. These tactics allegedly include bargaining without any real intent to reach a deal; disregarding agreements reached with ALPA; creating non-ALPA pilot committees; dealing directly with employees rather than through the union; implementing policies and practices without bargaining with ALPA; and repeatedly denigrating ALPA.

“Breeze leadership has said that the purpose of all its bad-faith conduct is to push ALPA’s Breeze unit to de-certify,” the lawsuit states.

“We were surprised and disappointed to learn of ALPA’s filing,” the carrier said in a statement to AirlineGeeks on Tuesday. “The claims outlined do not reflect the reality of our negotiations with ALPA and unnecessarily distract from our shared goal: to create a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding workplace for our team members. We remain fully committed to negotiating in good faith in order to reach an agreement that benefits our pilots and supports Breeze’s long-term success.”

Breeze A220 — A Breeze A220 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The budget carrier was formed eight years ago and began operations in 2021. It is headed by airline entrepreneur David Neeleman, who ALPA said harbors clear “anti-union animus.”

According to the lawsuit, Neeleman has derided ALPA in comments to employees and appears at new pilot orientations to “chill” union participation.

In 2022, before Breeze’s pilots had formally joined ALPA, the CEO allegedly asked Captain Alex Kluge, now the Breeze Master Executive Committee chair, to give him time to demonstrate that the pilots did not need a union to represent them.

“Breeze’s sustained pattern of bad faith bargaining and undermining of the pilots’ union under CEO David Neeleman has deprived our pilots of the rights guaranteed under the RLA, making today’s legal action both necessary and unavoidable,” Kluge said in a statement on Tuesday.

ALPA also criticized Breeze for allegedly making it difficult for member pilots to participate in union functions, stonewalling on certain issues, and failing to respond to union proposals with at least counterproposals.

“The company’s position that it is free to ignore what it has agreed to in negotiations pending a final CBA undermines the stability of labor relations at Breeze as well as both the bargaining process and the association, as it signals to Breeze pilots that ALPA is ineffective,” the lawsuit states.

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.

Edelweiss Rolls Out New A350 Interior Design

The first aircraft with the new cabin will enter service in December.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 01:45 PM ET

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Edelweiss Business seats in the A350. (Photo: Edelweiss)

Swiss holiday airline Edelweiss this week unveiled its new cabin design for the Airbus A350.

Airline officials said they prioritized high-quality materials, a calming color palette, clean lines, and passenger comfort while planning the interior. Dark blue tones and lighting meant to align with passengers’ circadian rhythm will be featured throughout, they said.

Edelweiss’ new A350 cabin is divided into four classes – Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and Business Suites.

Edelweiss Economy — Edelweiss Economy seats. (Photo: Edelweiss)

The Business Suites will feature lie-flat seats, closable privacy doors, 32-inch monitors, storage space, and a memory foam pillow.

Passengers in all classes will have access to free high-speed wireless internet via Starlink, 4K screens with Bluetooth audio connectivity, and an in-flight entertainment system with over 400 films and series.

Edelweiss Premium Economy — Edelweiss Premium Economy seats. (Photo: Edelweiss)

USB-C and USB-A ports will be installed at all seats, and wireless charging will be available in Premium Economy, Business, and Business Suites.

“With the new Airbus A350, we seized the opportunity to rethink our entire cabin product and develop it consistently with our guests’ well-being in mind,” Edelweiss CEO Bernd Bauer said in a statement. “Our aim was to create a space that exudes tranquility, is of high quality, and clearly positions itself as a premium product.”

Edelweiss Business Suite — Edelweiss Business Suites. (Photo: Edelweiss)

The first aircraft with the new cabin will enter service in December, Edelweiss said. Conversions of currently operating A350s will take place in early 2027, and by the summer of that year, Edelweiss’ entire A350 fleet will be equipped with the new cabin.

Edelweiss is a sister company of Swiss International Air Lines, also known as SWISS. Like SWISS, it is a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group.

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 Expands Mobile App With Rebooking Options

New “self-service flows” are meant to help passengers navigate flight disruptions.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 10:35 AM ET

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An American Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

American Airlines on Tuesday announced updates to its mobile app meant to help customers navigate flight delays and cancellations.

When disruptions occur, passengers using the app will now receive an informational alert and a list of options to address the situation. Depending on the circumstances, the app’s “guided self-service flow” could help travelers book another flight, track their bags, and access hotel, meal, and transportation vouchers.

Ground transportation options with Uber and Lyft are built in, officials said.

The new functionality is intended to help passengers resolve problems with a few clicks on their device, as opposed to waiting on the phone or in line to speak to an airline representative.

“Our new app enhancements are unlike anything else in the industry because they don’t just explain why travel was disrupted, they help customers take action,” American Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden said in a statement. “We’re giving travelers real-time options, real control, and real peace of mind when they need it most.”

The airline said additional functionality, including more flexible rebooking choices and enhanced hotel, meal, and transportation support, will come online later this year.

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.

Ethiopian Airlines Adds Nine 787 Dreamliners

The aircraft will help the carrier grow its international network, officials said.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 09:20 AM ET

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An Ethiopian Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Fabian Behr)

Ethiopian Airlines has ordered nine more Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, the two companies announced on Tuesday.

The order was finalized in December at the same time as a separate, previously announced commitment for 11 737 MAX jets.

The new 787s will be used to support and grow Ethiopian’s international network, the carrier said.

“This order underscores our continued commitment to enhancing our fleet with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, thereby further strengthening our customer service,” Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said in a news release. “We will continue to acquire more aircraft and adopt the latest technologies as part of our strategic vision to advance sustainable aviation.”

Ethiopian Airlines is already the largest operator of the 787 in Africa. It operates the 787-8 and 787-9 on intercontinental routes from Addis Ababa to destinations in North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as on some routes within Africa.

The carrier now has a total of 20 787-9s on order with Boeing.

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.

Ryanair CEO, Elon Musk Clash Over Starlink

Michael O’Leary has ruled out using the satellite-based internet service.

Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 07:00 AM ET

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A Ryanair 737 taxiing in London. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk traded barbs this week after the airline boss passed on using Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Musk’s SpaceX.

O’Leary told Reuters on Wednesday that Ryanair would not use Starlink because its antennas increase drag on aircraft. He also doubted that passengers would pay for the service, considering the budget airline’s average flight is about one hour long.

Musk weighed in on social media site X, which he owns, and said Ryanair risked losing customers to carriers that do provide internet access.

O’Leary, known for his blunt critiques, answered back in an interview with Irish radio station Newstalk.

“What Elon Musk knows about flight and drag would be zero,” he said. “We have to put an aerial antenna on top of the aircraft. It would cost us about $200, $250 million a year. In other words, about an extra dollar for every passenger we fly. And the reality for us is, we can’t afford those costs.”

“I would pay no attention whatsoever to Elon Musk,” O’Leary continued. “He’s an idiot. Very wealthy, but he’s still an idiot.”

Musk replied on social media on Friday.

“Ryanair CEO is an utter idiot,” he wrote. “Fire him.”

A number of airlines, including Ryanair competitor Lufthansa Group, have signed on to use Starlink WiFi, which is faster and more reliable than most existing forms of onboard wireless internet. The technology allows passengers to stream content, make video calls, and work much as they would at home.

Other users or soon-to-be users include United, Alaska Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Air France.

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.

United Converts Dreamliner Order to Larger 787-10

The airline is looking to maximize capacity amid constraints from air traffic control and a scarcity of available airport gates.

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 04:15 PM ET

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A United 787 Dreamliner descends into Amsterdam. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Fabian Behr)

United has converted an order for dozens of Boeing 787-9s to larger 787-10s.

The Air Current reported Friday that United exercised options to convert 56 787-9s to -10s. Deliveries of those aircraft are expected to begin in 2028.

The aviation news site linked the order modification to increasingly constrained ground operations, and the carrier’s difficulty getting parts for its older 777s.

United is one of the largest operators of the Dreamliner in the world, and operates all three variants, the 787-8, -9, and -10. The airline expects to receive over 100 more of the type in the coming years.

United has not yet selected an engine for the 787-10s, The Air Current reported. Its options are the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 and the General Electric GEnx.

News of the conversion came just days after Delta placed its first ever direct order for the 787. The carrier committed to buying 30 787-10s, and has options to purchase up to 30 more.

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.

Livery of the Week: EVA Air

A timeless dark-green design that has defined one of Asia’s most recognizable premium carriers.

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 12:51 PM ET

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An EVA Air 777-300ER in Los Angeles (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.

EVA Air’s standard livery is built around a deep evergreen green that has become synonymous with the Taiwanese carrier since its founding in 1989. The bold color dominates the vertical stabilizer and sweeps forward in a curved band along the rear fuselage, creating a distinctive look that is instantly identifiable on ramps around the world.

At the center of the tail sits EVA Air’s stylized globe logo, rendered in lighter green and gold tones. The emblem represents the airline’s international reach and its affiliation with the Evergreen Group, which also operates one of the world’s largest shipping companies. The circular motif has remained a consistent element of the brand even as the airline has modernized its fleet and cabin products over time.

The fuselage is primarily white, allowing the dark green accent to stand out without overwhelming the aircraft’s overall appearance. “EVA AIR” titles are placed in matching green along the forward fuselage, paired with smaller Chinese characters that reflect the carrier’s Taiwanese roots. Gold trim appears subtly within the tail emblem, adding a premium touch without complicating the design.

An EVA Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — An EVA Air Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (Photo: Shutterstock | eric1207cvb)

Across its widebody fleet — including the Boeing 777, 787 Dreamliner, and Airbus A330 — the livery is applied with minor variations in stripe placement and proportions, but the core visual identity remains consistent. This uniformity has helped EVA Air maintain strong brand recognition as it has expanded throughout Asia, Europe, and North America.

Unlike many carriers that frequently refresh their branding, EVA Air has kept its foundational color palette largely intact for decades. The green scheme aligns with the airline’s positioning as a full-service, premium carrier and complements its reputation for high-quality onboard service.

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.

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Phoenix Lands Second Asian Route

The service will operate three times weekly.

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 12:20 PM ET

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Starlux's first Airbus A350-900 at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport after its delivery flight. (Photo: Starlux)

Taiwanese carrier Starlux on Thursday operated its first nonstop flight from Taipei to Phoenix, its fifth destination in the U.S.

The Airbus A350-900 aircraft flying the route touched down at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport around 5:40 p.m. local time and received a water cannon salute.

“Today, Starlux delivers our promise to Phoenix,” Starlux CEO Glenn Chai said in a news release. “We are truly grateful and proud to realize this vision… Today’s launch reflects our confidence in the region and our commitment to strengthening travel and trade links between the U.S. Southwest, Taiwan, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.”

Starlux will operate the Phoenix-Taipei route three times weekly, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Starlux’s first flight to Phoenix touches down at the airport. (Photo: Starlux)

The connection was first announced in May 2025. At the time, it was expected to be the first nonstop route between Phoenix and Asia, but China Airlines took that distinction by launching service between Phoenix and Taipei in December.

In the U.S., Starlux also serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario, California.

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.

TSA Expanding PreCheck Touchless ID to 65 Airports

The option is available to current PreCheck travelers with a valid passport.

Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET

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A TSA checkpoint. (Photo: Shutterstock | Jim Lambert)

The Transportation Security Administration plans to significantly expand use of its PreCheck Touchless ID screening option, which uses facial comparison technology for identity verification instead of physical documents.

In a statement, the agency said Touchless ID will be available at 65 U.S. airports this spring. United, Delta, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest are all participating in the program.

With Touchless ID, passengers clear airport security checkpoints with a facial scan and do not have to present a physical ID or boarding pass. Travelers must have TSA PreCheck, an active profile with a participating airline, and a valid passport to qualify.

According to TSA, collected images are not used for law enforcement or surveillance purposes, and passengers’ photos and personal data are deleted from the system within 24 hours of their scheduled flight departure.

The agency listed currently participating airports for each airline:

Alaska: Atlanta, Washington National, Denver, New York-JFK, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago O’Hare, Portland, Oregon, Seattle, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City.

American: Atlanta, Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington National, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Newark, New Jersey, Washington Dulles, Houston, New York-JFK, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Chicago O’Hare, Palm Beach, Florida, Portland, Oregon, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Salt Lake City.

Delta: Atlanta, Washington National, Denver, Detroit, Newark, New Jersey, New York-JFK, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, Chicago O’Hare, Portland, Oregon, Seattle, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City.

Southwest: Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, Chicago O’Hare, Portland, Oregon, Seattle, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City.

United: Atlanta, Washington National, Denver, Newark, New Jersey, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, Chicago O’Hare, Portland, Oregon, Seattle, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City.

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.

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