Fiji Airways Announces Seventh Australian Destination

New service will begin in June.

Joey Gerardi

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 03:31 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Fiji Airways is the first South Pacific airline to take delivery of a MAX aircraft. (Photo: Boeing)

Fiji Airways has announced its seventh destination in the country of Australia via its LinkedIn page: Gold Coast.

This will not only bring passengers from Fiji to the Gold Coast, but it will also bring convenient one-stop options for passengers coming from the airline’s other cities it operates to, especially its longer flights from North America, such as Vancouver, Los Angeles, Honolulu, San Francisco, and the longest route in its network: Dallas/Fort Worth.

The flight will begin on June 11, 2026, and will operate three times a week, with departures from its home airport in Nadi on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flights to the Gold Coast will be operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

Other destinations the airline currently serves in Australia include: Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

These new flights to Gold Coast, Australia, from Nadi, will add 53,000 seats a year to the Fiji Airways network, and are now on sale via the carrier’s website.

Joey Gerardi

Joey has always been interested in planes for as long as he can remember. He grew up in Central New York during the early 2000s when US Airways Express turboprops ruled the skies. Being from a non-aviation family made it harder for him to be around planes and would only spend about three hours a month at the airport. He was so excited when he could drive by himself, the first thing he did with his driver's license was get ice cream and go plane spotting for the entire day. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a B.S. in Aviation Management & Operations and a Minor in Business, and currently works for a major airline in his hometown.

Delta Sets Date For New Route to Saudi Arabia

Tickets will go on sale this weekend.

Zach Vasile

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 03:00 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Delta A350-900 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Delta this week confirmed the start date for its upcoming nonstop service to Saudi Arabia.

Flights between Atlanta and Riyadh will launch Oct. 23, 2026, airline officials said. The carrier will fly the over 7,000-mile route – one of Delta’s longest – with an Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Tickets will go on sale Saturday.

Delta plans to operate the Atlanta-Riyadh route daily between Oct. 23 and 30, then switch to three times weekly.

The airline first announced service to Saudi Arabia in October but did not set a firm start date.

Delta leaders said the route dovetails with the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 project, which aims to develop tourist destinations in the country, expand its entertainment sector, and diversify its economy.

Riyadh is the capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia. It is also the country’s main financial hub and contains the regional headquarters of numerous foreign companies, including Google and Samsung.

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.

United Takes Aim at American With New Routes

Carrier unveils new service, going head-to-head with American.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 10:52 AM ET

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Zach Vasile

A United CRJ aircraft in Chicago (Photo: Shutterstock | John McAdorey)

United is escalating competition with American Airlines in Chicago, announcing new service to two markets, just days after American disclosed plans to serve the same routes from the airport.

Beginning June 1, 2026, United will resume service between Chicago O’Hare and Erie, Pennsylvania, a route it last operated in May 2023. On June 8, the airline will launch new service to Tri-Cities, marking the first time United has served the eastern Tennessee market.

Both routes will operate three times daily during the summer season. United will also add an additional daily frequency to Lincoln, Nebraska, bringing that market to five daily departures from O’Hare. Tickets for all flights are now on sale.

The announcement follows American’s Thursday network update that it will add Chicago service to both Erie and Tri-Cities as part of a broader rollout of 15 new domestic routes for summer 2026. The carrier will also begin serving Lincoln.

An American A321 in Chicago. (Photo: Shutterstock | MKPhoto12)

Intensifying Competition

United’s move reinforces its long-stated strategy of expanding aggressively at O’Hare, where it expects to operate nearly 650 daily departures during peak summer travel next year.

“As we continue our steady growth at O’Hare, reaching nearly 650 daily departures during peak summer travel, we’re building on the strength of a global network that’s simply unmatched in Chicago,” said Mark Weithofer, United’s managing director of domestic network planning, in a news release. “Every new route we add expands the connection opportunities available to our customers and reinforces O’Hare’s role as one of the most important gateways in our system.”

With the additions of Erie and Tri-Cities, United said it has now announced 13 new destinations from Chicago O’Hare this year, following the recent unveiling of service to Clarksburg, West Virginia.

United has also expanded its local workforce alongside the network growth, hiring more than 2,000 employees in the Chicago area and bringing its total local headcount to more than 18,000. The airline expects to add another 5,400 employees in the region by 2027.

United recently received five more gates from the City of Chicago, which was contested by American in court. Earlier this month, American acquired two additional gates at O’Hare from Spirit.

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.

Livery of the Week: Spirit’s Holiday Special Scheme

The carrier debuts its first holiday-themed livery as part of its winter seasonal operations.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Spirit's special livery (Photo: Spirit)

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.

Spirit has unveiled its first-ever holiday-themed special edition livery, introducing a festive exterior design for the winter travel season. The limited-time scheme has been applied to one of the carrier’s Airbus aircraft, registered as N628NK, transforming it with a holiday “sweater” motif featuring seasonal graphics such as snowmen and gingerbread men.

The airline rolled out the special livery as part of its peak holiday travel operations, a period that represents one of the busiest times of the year for Spirit. The festive aircraft will operate regularly scheduled flights across the carrier’s network, giving travelers the chance to spot the design on routes throughout the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

While the underlying aircraft layout remains unchanged, the seasonal graphics provide a temporary visual contrast to the standard scheme.

Spirit’s special holiday-themed livery (Photo: Spirit)

Spirit has positioned the special edition livery as a seasonal feature tied to its broader holiday initiatives, which include expanded schedules and festive touches during the winter travel period. The design is intended to remain in service through the end of the holiday season, after which the aircraft will return to the carrier’s standard livery.

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

Viva, Volaris Unite Under New Airline Group

The deal would form Mexico’s largest domestic carrier.

Zach Vasile

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 09:40 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Viva Aerobus Airbus A320. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Two of Mexico’s largest airlines, Viva and Volaris, have agreed to merge, officials with both companies confirmed on Thursday.

The low-cost carriers will come together under a new, as yet unnamed airline group. Through economies of scale, the deal is expected to lower aircraft ownership costs while also helping drive down ticket prices for customers, executives said.

The airlines plan to retain their separate operations, operating certificates, and brand identities.

“We expect the formation of the new airline group will allow us to realize significant growth opportunities for air travel in Mexico, in line with the low fare and point-to-point approach that revolutionized the industry over the last two decades,” Volaris President and CEO Enrique Beltranena said in a statement.

Volaris A320neo — Volaris flight crew deplane an A320neo jet at Guadalajara International Airport. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Albert Kuan)

If completed, the merger of Viva and Volaris could radically reshape the Mexican airline industry. The carriers are among the largest in Mexico by passenger volume, and have more extensive domestic networks than flag carrier Aeroméxico.

Both Viva and Volaris fly primarily within Mexico, though they also offer service to the U.S. and Central and South America.

In a message to investors, airline leaders said the planned linkup will not only lower costs but also improve institutional resilience to supply chain disruptions and product quality issues at original equipment manufacturers. Uniting Viva and Volaris, they said, will facilitate fleet optimization and ultimately strengthen operations and returns.

The merger is expected to close in 2026. It remains subject to regulatory approvals.

Shares of the new joint holding company will be listed in Mexico and on the New York Stock Exchange.

Zach Vasile

Frontier Exits Airport After Eight Months

The ultra-low-cost carrier began serving this market in June.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 09:21 AM ET

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Zach Vasile

A Frontier Airbus A320neo. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Frontier is slated to pull out of an airport it began serving this summer. This marks the ultra-low-cost carrier’s second exit from an airport in less than a year, after ending service to Palm Springs, California.

The airline’s service to Paine Field in Everett, Washington, will end in January, Enilria reported. A Frontier spokesperson confirmed the change on Thursday.

Frontier began flights to Paine Field in June with service to Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.

“We periodically review and update routes based on market demand,” the spokesperson said. “We greatly value our partnership with Paine Field and, as with any market departure, we will continue to evaluate a potential return at some point in the future.”

Paine Field has lost two airlines in recent years, including United and Southwest. United pulled out of the Washington airport in 2021.

When Frontier exits the airport next month, Alaska will be its only remaining airline.

Ryan Ewing

Azores Airlines Commits to JFK’s New Terminal One

The carrier links New York and Ponta Delgada.

Zach Vasile

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 06:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Azores' first A321LR lifts off from the Airbus factory. (Photo: Airbus)

Azores Airlines is the latest carrier planning a move to New York-JFK’s coming Terminal One.

The consortium behind the Terminal One project announced Thursday that Azores will operate its nonstop flight to Ponta Delgada in the Azores islands from the new facility.

“Joining the new Terminal One is an important milestone for Azores Airlines and for the communities we serve,” Rui Miguel Furtado Coutinho, president of Azores parent company SATA Group, said in a news release. “The Azores have long been a bridge across the Atlantic, and this partnership allows us to strengthen that bridge with a state‑of‑the‑art home at JFK.”

The new Terminal One is part of a broader $19 billion transformation project at JFK launched by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The new facility will have 23 gates, departures and arrivals halls, and retail and dining space. The first 14 gates are scheduled to open next year, and airport officials expect the entire terminal will be complete by 2030.

A number of international airlines have already committed to gates at the new Terminal One, including Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Etihad, China Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Air New Zealand.

Azores connects its namesake islands with the U.S., mainland Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Cape Verde, and Canada. Its only other destination in the U.S. is Boston.

Zach Vasile

Should Philly Expand Its Airport?

The airport continues to see growth.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 05:30 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Philadelphia Airport (Photo: Unsplash - CC0 License)

Philadelphia Airport is expanding its capacity with its new capital development program. The idea is to add new terminals, gates, and cargo facilities so that the airport can act as more of a regional hub.

In this post, we look at some of the reasons why Philadelphia Airport should continue to expand and develop what it offers to the region.

Passenger traffic is increasing

Passenger traffic is increasing in the Philia area, and estimates suggest that around 31 million passengers pass through the terminal in 2024. This isn’t quite as high as the peak in 2019, but experts believe the airport will need an additional 20 gates by 2040, so the work needs to begin now.

Big events are coming to Philadelphia in the future

At the same time, a large number of major events are coming to Philadelphia in the future. For example, next year there will be the FIFA World Cup matches, and then the MLB All-Star Games, and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations will occur. This will mean that the airport will need upgrades to things like its roadways around the facility, waiting areas, and the signposts it uses internally to direct passengers where to go. It may also need aesthetic improvements in major lobbies and lounges to meet international standards.

Growing interest in residential accommodation in the city

There’s also a growing interest in residential accommodation in the city. More people than ever are looking to travel to the area or stay there to work long-term or professionally. A ROOST Philadelphia’s one-bedroom apartment with a den is an affordable option for individuals who don’t want to lock-in to a long-term contract.

More international and long-haul flights

Philadelphia is also becoming more like New York and Washington in the sense that it has more international long-haul flights. It used to simply be a regional hub but now people from all over the world want to travel to the city for business and pleasure purposes. Philadelphia is becoming more famous and branded, a little bit like Atlanta.

Better passenger experience

There’s also the fact that the airport expansion would provide a better passenger experience. The last time there were serious renovations in Philadelphia airport was 2012, and as a hub it’s starting to look a bit dated. Modernization would bring it up to international standards and help to reduce congestion around the airport which causes passengers a lot of stress and makes it difficult for them to catch their flights on time. It would also make the airport more competitive with local rivals, so more airlines are willing to use it.

Improved economy for the region

Finally, expanding Philadelphia Airport may improve the economy in the region. Philadelphia as a whole is one of the most deprived cities in the USA, so any infrastructure or expansion could improve the lives of people living locally. It’s not a panacea, but it could make a big difference and perhaps help the area capture more of the domestic $53 billion freight market.

Editor’s Note: This story is sponsored.

AirlineGeeks.com Staff

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.

American to Renovate Lounge at Reagan National

The Admirals Club in Concourse D is one of three American lounges at the airport, and the second to receive an update.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 03:42 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A rendering of American's renovated lounge in Washington National's Concourse D. (Photo: American Airlines)

American Airlines announced this week that it is renovating and expanding its Admirals Club lounge in Concourse D of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The finished lounge will cover more than 10,000 square feet, the carrier said, and add approximately 50% more seating. The airline plans to incorporate design elements inspired by Washington, D.C., though it did not give specific details about planned features or amenities.

The space will feature airside views of the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026.

American has three lounges at Washington National, the others being in Concourse C and Concourse E. The lounge in Concourse E was refurbished in 2022.

The two other lounges will accommodate American passengers while the Admirals Club in Concourse D is temporarily closed.

“We’re proud to serve the Washington, D.C., market, and it’s essential that we have the lounge footprint to support all of our customers in this important hub,” Heather Garboden, American’s chief customer officer, said in a statement. “The redesigned Admirals Club lounge will provide ample seating, an upscale design, and elevated amenities that reflect the premium experience our customers deserve.”

American operates more than 255 peak daily flights out of Washington National.

Zach Vasile

JSX Plans More Turboprop Routes

Additional ATR flights will launch early next year.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 12:57 PM ET

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Edited By:

Zach Vasile

JSX's first ATR 42 on approach to Dallas Love Field (Photo: Adam Baker)

JSX announced Thursday an expansion of its new ATR turboprop operations from Southern California.

The public charter carrier will launch daily nonstop service between Santa Monica, California, and Scottsdale Airport in Arizona starting Jan. 22. Alongside the new route, JSX will increase service between Santa Monica and Las Vegas to twice-daily flights, with a further expansion to three daily roundtrips beginning Feb. 5.

All Santa Monica flights will be operated with JSX’s ATR 42-600 turboprop aircraft, configured with 30 seats. The aircraft are part of the carrier’s broader effort to deploy turboprops on short-haul regional routes, allowing access to airports with shorter runways.

The carrier took delivery of its first ATR aircraft in November and plans to launch the aircraft between Santa Monica and Las Vegas this week.

The turboprop fleet joins JSX’s Embraer E135 and E145 jets, which have traditionally formed the backbone of its operations.

The expansion comes as Santa Monica Airport remains on track to close at the end of 2028 under long-standing city plans and a federal consent decree. City officials have reiterated that all aviation activity at the airport must cease by Dec. 31, 2028, after which the property is slated for redevelopment into parks, open space, and other community uses.

Onboard, customers flying on JSX’s ATR aircraft receive business-class legroom, complimentary beverages, and in-seat personal device charging. The carrier also plans to introduce fast and free Starlink Wi-Fi across its ATR fleet during the first quarter of 2026, pending certification.

“Expanding our Santa Monica service is a direct response to strong demand for smarter, more seamless regional travel,” JSX CEO Alex Wilcox said in a news release. “With increased service to Las Vegas and new nonstop access to Scottsdale, JSX continues to redefine what short-haul flying can feel like.”

Ryan Ewing