Delta Expands Hawaii Flying

The carrier adds new service and increases capacity across multiple hubs.

Ryan Ewing

Friday, February 13, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

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Edited By:

Zach Vasile

A Delta A330-300. (Photo: Shutterstock | Minh K Tran)

Delta announced an expansion of its winter 2026 schedule to Hawaii, growing capacity and adding new long-haul flying as part of what the airline says will be its largest seasonal Hawaii operation to date.

The carrier will introduce new service and restore a previously operated long-haul route beginning Dec. 19, 2026, while also increasing frequencies and adjusting aircraft on several existing Hawaii markets.

Delta will launch new nonstop service between its Minneapolis–St. Paul hub and Maui. The route will operate daily during peak holiday and spring break periods, with five weekly flights through the core winter season. The service will be operated with Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

The airline will also resume nonstop service between Boston and Honolulu, the longest domestic flight in the U.S. Flights will operate daily during peak late-December travel before transitioning to four weekly frequencies for the remainder of the winter season. The route will also be flown with an Airbus A330-300.

A Delta A330-300 aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock | Santi Rodriguez)

In addition to the new and returning routes, Delta will expand flying on several existing Hawaii routes during the winter schedule.

Expanded Service

Atlanta to Honolulu will see a second frequency operating three times weekly from January through March on Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Detroit to Honolulu will increase from three weekly flights to daily service beginning Nov. 9, 2026, also operated by Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

Service between New York-JFK and Honolulu will expand from up to five weekly flights to daily service beginning April 1, 2026, using Boeing 767-300 aircraft. Salt Lake City to Kona will begin daily service on Nov. 9, 2026, earlier than in the prior winter season, operated by Boeing 767-300 aircraft.

Delta will also upgauge Los Angeles to Kona service to Boeing 767-300 aircraft for the winter season.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has spent more than a decade covering the airline business. His work has been featured by CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. His aviation experience spans airport operations, Part 135 regulatory compliance, and airline crew workforce planning, along with time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 and interviews with airline executives. Ryan now serves as Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group. He holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and teaches Airline Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

DAE to Lease 13 Boeing 737 MAX Jets to Royal Air Maroc

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027.

Victor Shalton

Friday, February 13, 2026 at 06:30 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Royal Air Maroc Boeing 737 MAX on approach. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) said last Thursday it had reached an agreement with Royal Air Maroc (RAM) for the long-term lease of 13 new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.

The deal expands an existing partnership between the aircraft lessor and Morocco’s flag carrier. DAE previously leased two 737 MAX aircraft to Royal Air Maroc, which were delivered in 2025 as part of the airline’s near-term fleet growth strategy.

“We would like to thank Royal Air Maroc for choosing DAE as a partner for this significant fleet expansion project,” DAE Chief Executive Officer Firoz Tarapore said in a statement. He added that Morocco was emerging as a fast-growing tourism and business hub in Africa, supported by the expansion of Royal Air Maroc’s air connectivity.

Royal Air Maroc Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Abdelhamid Addou said the agreement aligned with the airline’s ambition to develop Casablanca into a global connecting hub.

“The Boeing 737-8 aircraft will strengthen our network development capabilities, enabling new route launches and increased frequencies, while improving operational efficiency,” Addou said.

Royal Air Maroc currently operates 13 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Ten were delivered in 2025, with an additional aircraft received in January 2026. The airline has leased aircraft from DAE, Air Lease Corporation and Avolon to support short-term capacity growth.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 58th General Assembly of the Organization of Arab Air Carriers (OAAC) in Rabat on November 4, 2025, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Abdelhamid Addou, confirmed that the fleet expansion tender launched in April 2024 is now in its final stages.

The carrier plans to take delivery of up to 15 new aircraft per year from 2028 under a broader fleet renewal program covering nearly 200 aircraft through 2037, up from a current fleet of about 60 aircraft. Leasing remains a key pillar of its interim expansion strategy. RAM’s expansion forms part of the 2023–2037 program contract signed in July 2023 between CEO Addou and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.

DAE said it owns, manages or has commitments to own or manage around 750 aircraft, including 237 Boeing aircraft, and plans to continue expanding its portfolio to meet rising global demand.

Victor Shalton

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.

Anti-Drone Laser Linked to Surprise El Paso Shutdown

Border agents reportedly used the weapon to target suspected foreign UAVs.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 05:00 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

El Paso International Airport (Photo: El Paso International Airport)

While there is little new official information about the FAA order that briefly closed the airspace over El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, anonymous figures inside the federal government are blaming the episode on confusion over the testing of a new anti-drone laser at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Sources cited by NBC News said the Defense Department has been experimenting with a high-powered laser that can disable enemy drones. The department trained Customs and Border Protection personnel on how to use the weapon, and the agency apparently used it against what it thought were foreign UAVs earlier this week. The objects turned out to be party balloons, NBC News reported.

CBP allegedly used the laser without coordinating with the FAA.

The new details follow reports from earlier Wednesday that some kind of counter-drone system was being used in the El Paso area, presumably by the military at nearby Fort Bliss. That information also came from unnamed federal officials who were not authorized to speak publicly.

Shortly after the temporary flight restriction was canceled Wednesday morning, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA was reacting to a “cartel drone incursion.” He did not mention the anti-drone laser or CBP.

The Trump administration continues to maintain that a cartel drone was downed.

The FAA’s sudden flight ban and its cancellation only hours later left local officials and emergency services in El Paso scrambling for information. The city’s mayor slammed the FAA for failing to coordinate with El Paso’s airport, police, and hospitals, since the closure could have affected emergency response operations and medical flights.

Members of Congress who represent the El Paso area and Texas generally said they are working to get more information from the FAA and the military.

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford was on Capitol Hill on Wednesday for a scheduled, closed-door meeting and did not answer questions from reporters about the incident in El Paso, NBC News said.

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 Flight Attendants Picket at Headquarters

The APFA issued a vote of no confidence in CEO Robert Isom earlier this week.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 03:50 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

The protest outside American Airlines' headquarters. (Photo: Matt Ryan)

The union representing flight attendants at American Airlines held a protest outside the carrier’s headquarters on Thursday as it continues its push for new corporate leadership.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which earlier this week issued a vote of no confidence in CEO Robert Isom, led a rally on the street outside American’s campus in Fort Worth, Texas.

“This airline is headed down a path that puts our careers at risk,” the union said in a message to members before the protest. “Now is the time for flight attendants to stand together and show up in protest. American Airlines needs real accountability, decisive action, and leadership that will put this airline back on a competitive path.”

American executives have faced increased pressure from unionized workers since the release of a comparatively weak fourth-quarter and full-year earnings report late last month. The APFA and the Allied Pilots Association released separate statements criticizing Isom and other officers for not doing enough to close the widening profitability gap between American and its chief competitors, United and Delta.

On Monday, the board of the APFA issued its no confidence vote and called for a change in direction. The APA, which is reportedly seeking a meeting with American’s board of directors, has not issued a no confidence vote of its own.

CNBC reported Thursday that Isom released a video message for employees highlighting planned improvements for 2026, including better scheduling and new cabins.

“We look forward to working with all of you to make it happen,” he said.

Isom and other American leaders have acknowledged disappointment in the latest earnings figures but maintain that long-term investments made by the airline over the years will facilitate growth in the coming months.

Zach Vasile

Southwest Adds New Routes to 2026 Schedule

The carrier is expanding service at certain hub locations.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 03:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Southwest Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Southwest on Thursday announced a significant expansion of its 2026 schedule, with a focus on hub locations in Southern markets.

The carrier is adding routes and flights to and from Austin, Texas, Las Vegas, Nashville, Tennessee, San Diego, and Orlando, Florida.

Bookings are now available through Oct. 31. Exact start dates were not provided for most of the new routes.

“We are continuing to add more Southwest service for our customers in the places where we’re already strong,” Adam Decaire, Southwest’s senior vice president of network planning and network operations control, said in a news release. “We will meet our customers where they are with an enhanced product that complements our best-in-class reliability and service.”

From Austin, Southwest is adding year-round service to Memphis, Tennessee, and Saturday seasonal service to Santa Rosa, California, and Knoxville, Tennessee.

The carrier’s first international redeye flight, between Las Vegas and San Jose, Costa Rica, will operate daily. Southwest does not currently serve the Costa Rican capital.

From Nashville, the airline will offer new connections to Reno, Nevada, and Burbank, California.

On Oct. 1, service between San Diego and Los Cabos, Mexico, is scheduled to expand from once daily to twice daily, based on seasonal demand.

In Orlando, Florida, Southwest will increase service to Albuquerque, New Mexico, Cleveland, Ohio, El Paso, Texas, Memphis, and Louisville, Kentucky. The additions are seasonal and based on expected demand, the carrier said.

Separately, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire announced that Southwest will begin flights to Nashville on Oct. 1. The route will operate five days per week, on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

With the addition of Nashville, Southwest will serve five destinations nonstop from Manchester, the others being Orlando, Baltimore-Washington, Chicago Midway, and Tampa, Florida.

Zach Vasile

Spirit Seeks Approval to Auction Off 20 More Jets

The carrier said it received an initial offer of $533 million.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Spirit Airbus A320. (Photo: Shutterstock | Jomica8)

Spirit this week asked the court overseeing its bankruptcy to approve the bidding process for a planned auction of 20 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.

The Florida-based ultra-low-cost airline made the request in a filing on Wednesday, according to Reuters, and indicated that a potential sale could generate over half a billion dollars. Spirit proposed selling off the aircraft late last year but needs the bankruptcy court’s permission before moving forward.

Spirit is in the process of shrinking its fleet to reduce costs. It has already been authorized by the court to reject leases for certain aircraft.

CSDS Asset Management has agreed to buy all 20 aircraft for $533.5 million, the airline said in its filing. If the court signs off on the auction, Spirit will solicit competing offers starting at $554 million under an agreement with CSDS.

The auction and sale would take place in April.

Spirit filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in August. In addition to offloading aircraft, it has cut routes, withdrawn from certain markets, furloughed workers, and signed a new labor agreement with its pilots that includes a temporary pay cut.

Zach Vasile

Air Canada Places First Order for A350-1000

Deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2030.

Zach Vasile

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Rendering of Air Canada's Airbus A350-1000 (Photo: Air Canada)

Air Canada this week placed its first order for the Airbus A350-1000 as part of its ongoing fleet modernization effort.

The carrier agreed to purchase eight A350-1000s, and has options for eight more. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030, officials said.

“Air Canada’s acquisition of the Airbus A350-1000 will further solidify our position as a leading global airline through the next decade,” Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice president, chief commercial officer, and president of cargo, said in a news release. “This state-of-the-art aircraft adds a new dimension to Air Canada’s long-haul capabilities, with impressive range, enhanced payload, and proven economics that unlock new possibilities for long-haul flying for our customers.”

Rendering of Air Canada's Airbus A350-1000 — Rendering of Air Canada’s Airbus A350-1000 (Photo: Air Canada)

Executives also cited the widebody jet’s fuel efficiency, quieter cabin, and improved cabin pressurization, which they said will enhance the customer experience.

Air Canada is set to take its first deliveries of the Boeing 787-10 and the A321XLR this year. The airline has ordered 14 787-10s and 30 A321XLRs.

Deliveries of the A220, already underway, will continue through 2026.

Zach Vasile

Southwest to Offer Starlink Internet

The first connected flights are expected this summer.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 05:20 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Southwest 737 in Austin, Texas. (Photo: Shutterstock | lorenzatx)

Southwest on Wednesday became the latest airline to partner with Starlink for satellite-based wireless internet service.

The carrier said Starlink technology will be integrated “rapidly,” with the first connected aircraft entering service this summer. Starlink will be enabled on over 300 Southwest aircraft by the end of 2026, officials added.

“Free WiFi has been a huge hit with our Rapid Rewards members, and we know our customers expect seamless connectivity across all their devices when they travel,” Tony Roach, Southwest’s executive vice president and chief customer and brand officer, said in a news release. “Starlink delivers that at-home experience in the air, giving customers the ability to stream their favorite shows from any platform, watch live sports, download music, play games, work, and connect with loved ones from takeoff to landing.”

Southwest currently offers free wireless internet to loyalty members via T-Mobile.

Starlink, which uses a constellation of around 9,000 low-Earth-orbit satellites, offers much faster internet speeds than standard onboard WiFi.

A number of carriers have signed deals with Starlink over the last two years, including United, Alaska Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Air France.

Zach Vasile

Activist Investor Pulls Back from Southwest

Elliott Management brought about major changes to the airline’s business model.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 04:50 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Southwest 737 MAX 8 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

Elliott Management, the activist investor that pushed Southwest to enact significant and sometimes controversial changes, appears to be stepping back from the Dallas-based carrier.

Southwest announced Tuesday that directors David Cush and Gregg Saretsky will depart its board on Feb. 23. Reuters reported that Cush and Saretsky represent Elliott.

With their exit, the board will shrink from 13 seats to 11. Three Elliott-appointed members will remain, at least for the time being.

The change in board membership comes as Elliott reduces its financial stake in Southwest. WFAA-TV reported this week that the company sold millions of shares between mid-December and mid-January. It now owns about 9% of Southwest, down from 16% at the peak of its investment.

Florida-based Elliott took a $1.9 billion position in Southwest in 2024. It immediately began pushing for changes, arguing that the airline’s leadership had not done enough to adapt to the times and was failing shareholders.

Under pressure from Elliott, Southwest moved away from its longtime low-price strategy. Last year, it began charging for checked bags, and in January assigned seating began. Under the new seating structure, customers can pay more for larger seats with more legroom.

Southwest customers upset by the changes have frequently aimed their criticism at Elliott, arguing that the investment management company destroyed the features that made Southwest unique and appealing to certain travelers.

It was also during the Elliott era that Southwest carried out its first ever mass layoffs. In April 2025, the carrier cut around 1,750 employees, about 15% of its corporate workforce.

At the same time, Southwest’ profitability has increased, and the airline’s stock price is considerably higher than it was in 2024.

Zach Vasile

Transportation Secretary: El Paso Airspace Closed Due to ‘Cartel Drone’

Elected officials are pushing back on the FAA amid confusion and competing explanations.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 01:45 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. (Photo: Department of Transportation)

It is still not entirely clear what caused the FAA to temporarily close down the airspace over El Paso, Texas, as federal officials came forward with competing explanations.

The FAA rescinded its temporary flight restriction over the city early Wednesday but did not offer a direct explanation. About an hour later, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA and the Pentagon were responding to a “cartel drone incursion” in the area.

“The threat has been neutralized,” Duffy added, and flight operations were set to resume.

But sources with knowledge of the matter told news outlets Wednesday that the shutdown was prompted by the Defense Department’s testing of counter-drone technology. The New York Times reported that there were concerns the technology could pose a risk to civilian aircraft.

The FAA effectively cut off commercial, cargo, and general aviation flights to and from El Paso International Airport late Tuesday night for “special security reasons.” The closure was supposed to last for 10 days, information confirmed by airport leaders, who were eying a Feb. 20 reopening.

Elected officials who represent El Paso criticized the FAA for taking such a significant step with no coordination and no explanation.

“I want to be very, very clear that this should’ve never happened,” Mayor Renard Johnson said, according to the Times. “You cannot restrict airspace over a major city without coordinating with the city, the airport, the hospitals, the community leadership… That failure to communicate is unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum disputed the DOT’s narrative and denied that there were any drones operating in the border area near El Paso.

The situation at El Paso International Airport appeared to be returning to normal by midday Wednesday. According to tracking website FlightAware, about 10% of the airport’s flights were canceled as of 1 p.m.

The El Paso Times reported Wednesday that flight restrictions for Santa Teresa, New Mexico, also imposed late Tuesday, remain in effect.

Zach Vasile