A United E175 with the "Mountain Ascent" livery. (Photo: United Airlines)
United this week unveiled a new aircraft livery meant to celebrate its mountain destinations.
The design, known as “Mountain Ascent,” was applied to an Embraer E175. It depicts sloping green valleys, evergreens, and snow-capped mountains.
The airline said the E175 will be flying into “mountain airports” this ski season, but did not provide exact destinations.
A United E175 with the “Mountain Ascent” livery. (Photo: United Airlines)
United serves numerous mountain locales known for skiing and other winter sports, including Aspen and Vail in Colorado, Jackson, Wyoming, and Bozeman, Montana. It recently announced winter service to Durango, Colorado, from Houston.
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.
Air Canada Expands International Network, Adds Five New Destinations
The carrier will also strengthen service on several existing routes.
The carrier said Thursday that it will connect Vancouver with Guangzhou, China; Toronto with Oslo, Norway, Shannon, Ireland, and Nice, France; and Montreal with Basel, Switzerland, and Dubrovnik, Croatia. Guangzhou, Oslo, Shannon, Basel, and Dubrovnik are all new to the airline’s network.
Air Canada will also resume its Toronto-London “Day-tripper” service and expand existing connections to destinations in China, Spain, and Latin America.
“Summer 2027 marks the most extensive intercontinental expansion in Air Canada’s history, cementing our position as the second largest North American carrier by global destinations served,” Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice president, chief commercial officer, and president of cargo, said in a statement. “As Canada’s flag carrier, we are further investing to better connect and position our country as an important intersection of major international demand flows… Each of our five new destinations and many schedule enhancements support commerce and tourism and create exciting new opportunities for people to explore the world.”
Below is a full list of the new routes, with start dates and frequencies:
Vancouver to Guangzhou, year-round, starts May 4, 2027. Flights from Vancouver to Guangzhou will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, while return service from Guangzhou to Vancouver will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Toronto to Oslo, seasonal, from June 2 to Oct. 11, 2027. Flights from Toronto to Oslo will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while return service from Oslo to Toronto will be offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Toronto to Shannon, seasonal, from June 10 to Oct. 11, 2027. Flights from Toronto to Shannon will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; return service from Shannon to Toronto will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Toronto to Nice, seasonal, from June 16 to Oct. 23, 2027. Flights in both directions will operate on the same days – Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Montreal to Basel, seasonal, from June 16 to Oct. 24, 2027. Flights from Montreal to Basel will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, while return service from Basel to Montreal will be offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Montreal to Dubrovnik, seasonal, from May 11 to Oct. 24, 2027. Flights from Montreal to Dubrovnik will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while return service from Dubrovnik to Montreal will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Additionally, Air Canada said it will increase Toronto-Shanghai service to daily and extend an upcoming route from Toronto to Guatemala City, set to launch in December, from seasonal to year-round.
From Montreal, seasonal service to Tenerife, Spain, Lima, Peru, and Guatemala City will be extended to year-round.
Air Canada already flies between Toronto and London Heathrow, but the returning “Day-tripper” service departs Toronto in the morning and lands in London in the evening. The carrier did not say exactly when the service will resume.
Air Canada officials said the new routes and flights are being made possible with the addition of Airbus A321XLR aircraft and newer widebody jets.
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.
Alaska Adds New Route
The upcoming connection will be Alaska's 50th from San Diego.
An Alaska Airlines E-175 operated by Horizon Air at Paine Field. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Alaska Airlines on Thursday announced its 50th nonstop destination from San Diego.
Starting Dec. 19, the carrier will connect San Diego and Loreto, Mexico. Flights will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using Embraer E175 aircraft operated by SkyWest.
The seasonal service will end April 28, 2027, Alaska said.
Loreto is located in Baja California Sur, on the Gulf of California. It is a well-known tourist destination, renowned for its scenic beaches and sport fishing.
Alaska said it will be the only carrier in the world linking San Diego and Loreto with nonstop service.
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.
Delta, American to Match Federal Contributions to Trump Accounts
Children born between 2025 and 2028 qualify for a one-time $1,000 benefit.
Both airlines said they will contribute $1,000 to the tax-advantaged accounts, matching the one-time $1,000 seed funding provided by the federal government. Trump Accounts can be set up for any U.S. citizen under the age of 18, but only children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, qualify for the federal contribution.
The accounts became available for use in July.
“Delta people have made it clear they want to take advantage of every opportunity to build a solid financial foundation for themselves and their families,” Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer Allison Ausband said in a news release. “This match is the latest in our ongoing commitment to invest in our people and their financial wellbeing through profit sharing, base pay raises, our Emergency Savings Program, and more.”
American told CNBC on Monday that it will match the initial federal contribution to help qualifying employees build savings for their children. The carrier said thousands of children of American workers could be eligible for the benefit.
“At American Airlines, our purpose is to care for people on life’s journey, and that includes helping our team members build a strong financial future for themselves and their families,” CEO Robert Isom said in a statement provided to the channel.
According to the White House, parents can contribute up to $5,000 per year per qualifying child. The money will be invested in a “diversified investment vehicle designed to maximize long-term growth,” and can be monitored through a dedicated mobile app.
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 Adds Standby Feature to Mobile App
Customers can now stand by for earlier flights when they are rebooked following a travel disruption.
A United A321neo. (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)
United is adding new functionality to its mobile app that it says will help passengers navigate flight cancellations and delays.
Customers who are rebooked on a later flight after a travel disruption can now stand by for up to three earlier flights, the carrier said. United automatically monitors the situation and sends a text notification if a seat on an earlier flight becomes available.
The new feature launched Tuesday, ahead of the Labor Day weekend. United expects to fly about 3.4 million passengers between Thursday and next Tuesday.
“This feature reflects our commitment to making travel more seamless and less stressful for our customers,” Jennifer Schwierzke, vice president of customer operations, strategy, and execution at United, said in a news release. “During disruptions, customers can keep their confirmed itinerary and stand by for three additional flights. We work behind the scenes to monitor availability and alert customers as soon as a seat becomes available.”
United has been expanding its repertoire of in-app “self-service” tools, most of them powered by artificial intelligence. Recent upgrades include real-time inbound aircraft status updates; a TSA wait times tracker; personalized walking guides that help customers reach connecting flights; and bag tracking enhancements.
On Wednesday, the carrier announced it is trialing app-based food ordering at Newark Liberty International Airport. Customers will be able to order food, drinks, and travel essentials ahead of time, then pick up their items at a designated shelf at their gate.
The service is available on select flights departing from or connecting through designated gates in Terminal C.
United plans to expand the pilot program to Houston 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.
Tennessee Governor Backs Renaming Nashville Airport for Dolly Parton
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority will take up the matter later this month.
Gov. Bill Lee and the airport’s leadership came out in favor of the renaming on Friday and said they have opened discussions with Parton’s team. The team “expressed their appreciation” for the idea and are “open to continuing the conversation,” the governor’s office said.
“Dolly Parton’s extraordinary life is forever woven into the fabric of our state,” Lee said in a statement. “From her rural mountain home in East Tennessee to global stages, Dolly carried the Volunteer Spirit with her. At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness.”
Parton died Aug. 25 at the age of 80.
Born and raised in East Tennessee, her family’s experience with grinding poverty informed her songwriting. She rose to prominence in the 1970s with country hits such as “Coat of Many Colors,” “Jolene,” and “I Will Always Love You” before broadening her sound in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Parton later became well known for her philanthropic efforts and for developing Dollywood, a theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She lived outside of Nashville for much of her life.
Renaming BNA to honor Parton would likely take several months at least. The airport’s branding would have to be redone, and much of its exterior and interior signage replaced.
The Metro Nashville Airport Authority will address the renaming proposal at a meeting on Sept. 17.
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.
Williamsport has been without scheduled commercial air service since early August, when Southern Airways Express abruptly terminated flights to and from Washington Dulles. Southern accused the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority of falling behind on contributions to its minimum revenue guarantee, while the airport authority said Southern changed its invoicing format and implemented new, unexplained charges.
“This route gives travelers in the Williamsport region an easy connection to Charlotte and the many destinations available from there, while also making air travel more accessible for those who live and work in the area,” Contour President Ben Munson said in a news release.
Contour mainly operates short-haul regional routes within the continental U.S. and eastern Caribbean.
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.
Southwest to Open First Four Airport Lounges in 2027
Another seven are planned and will debut over the coming years, the carrier said.
A Southwest Boeing 737 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
After years of preparation work and open acknowledgements from some executives, Southwest on Wednesday made it official – branded airport lounges are on the way.
The carrier announced it will open lounges in Austin, Texas; Baltimore; Honolulu; and Nashville, Tennessee, by late 2027. Another seven are planned, the airline added, and will come online over the next several years. It did not say where those lounges will be located.
Southwest will work with longtime partner Chase to set up its new lounge network. Chase is the exclusive issuer of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards credit cards, which will provide access to the lounges.
“Southwest Airlines has built one of the most trusted brands in travel by delivering authentic hospitality that customers value,” Tony Roach, Southwest’s executive vice president and chief customer and brand officer, said in a news release. “Our lounges will be a natural extension of that experience, offering customers a place to relax and experience the Southwest brand in a new way.”
The airline’s embrace of airport lounges was arguably the industry’s worst-kept secret.
CEO Bob Jordan has openly discussed the idea of adding lounges for months, including during earnings calls and in interviews. In July, he said lounges are a logical next step for the carrier as it looks to expand co-brand opportunities and improve the customer experience. He also suggested that Chase would be involved.
Southwest won approval last year to develop and open a lounge at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Company officials did not announce or confirm the project at the time; the plans only came to public attention through the minutes of a Hawaii Department of Transportation land matters meeting.
Separately, the Nashville Business Journal reported last month that the carrier recently received building permits for a lounge at Nashville International.
Southwest does not currently operate lounges like its major U.S. competitors, reflecting its longstanding low-cost model. Since 2024, however, the airline has moved away from that strategy in an effort to open up new revenue streams and capture a larger share of premium travelers, who are increasingly driving growth for carriers around the world.
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 Sets End Dates for Flagship First
The carrier is replacing its international and transcontinental first-class product with new Flagship Suites.
An American 777-300ER aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
American Airlines is preparing to sunset its long-standing Flagship First product later this year, bringing an end to the last long-haul international first-class product offered by a U.S. airline.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will stop selling Flagship First on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for travel beginning Nov. 19. The product will remain available on select transcontinental flights for several more months before being withdrawn for travel beginning March 28, 2027.
The change does not affect American’s domestic first-class product. Flagship First is a separate cabin positioned above business class on the carrier’s 777-300ERs and specially configured Airbus A321Ts.
First class seating on American Airlines’ A321T (Photo: Ryan Ewing)
American first outlined plans to eliminate the cabin in 2022 when it unveiled its Flagship Suite business-class product. At the time, then-Chief Commercial Officer Vasu Raja said the decision reflected limited demand for a separate first-class cabin.
“First class will not exist on the 777 or, for that matter, at American Airlines, for the simple reason that our customers aren’t buying it,” Raja said during a 2022 earnings call.
Raja added that improvements to business-class seats had narrowed the distinction between the two cabins. Removing first class, he said, would allow American to install more business-class seats, which customers were more willing to purchase.
First Retrofitted 777 Enters Service
American disclosed the phaseout dates as its first retrofitted 777-300ER entered revenue service Wednesday between New York-JFK and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The aircraft is configured with 70 Flagship Suite business-class seats, 44 premium economy seats, and 30 Main Cabin Extra seats. Before the retrofit, American’s 777-300ERs had eight Flagship First seats, 52 business-class seats, and 28 premium economy seats.
Flagship Suites on American’s 777-300ER (Photo: American Airlines)
Flagship Suites feature sliding privacy doors, additional storage, and a chaise lounge seating position. American is installing the product across its 20-aircraft 777-300ER fleet, replacing the jets’ separate Flagship First and business-class cabins with a larger, unified premium cabin.
“Our Flagship aircraft represents the next evolution of premium travel at American,” Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper said in a news release. “With elegantly designed interiors and spacious premium seating, the Boeing 777-300ER reflects our continued commitment to creating a travel experience around what customers value most.”
American initially expected to begin retrofitting the 777-300ER fleet in late 2024. The first aircraft instead entered service nearly two years later as the airline worked through delays affecting its broader premium-cabin rollout.
Transcontinental Phaseout
The airline introduced Flagship Suites last year aboard its premium-heavy Boeing 787-9 aircraft and Airbus A321XLRs. The 787-9 carries 51 suites, while the A321XLR has 20.
As more A321XLRs enter service, the type will take over premium transcontinental flying currently handled by American’s A321Ts. The older aircraft have 10 Flagship First seats and 20 business-class seats, while the A321XLR combines the two into a single Flagship Suite cabin.
Flagship Suite on American’s A321XLR (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)
American also plans to reconfigure its A321Ts to match the standard domestic layout used elsewhere in its Airbus narrowbody fleet.
The airline originally said the new aircraft and cabin configurations would increase premium seating across its long-haul fleet by more than 45%. The strategy places additional business-class and premium economy seats on each aircraft while eliminating the smaller first-class cabin.
American’s 777-300ERs are primarily deployed on long-haul routes to cities including London, Tokyo, São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Sydney. Each retrofitted aircraft will also receive free high-speed Wi-Fi for AAdvantage members, the carrier said.
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.
First Look: American Debuts Its Most Premium Jet Yet
The newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER features 70 Flagship Suites and 44 premium economy seats as the carrier prepares to retire international first class.
Flagship Suites on American's 777-300ER (Photo: American Airlines)
American Airlines’ most premium-configured aircraft made its debut Wednesday, flying from New York to Argentina.
The newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER features 70 Flagship Suite business-class seats with privacy doors, 44 premium economy seats, and 30 extra-legroom Main Cabin Extra seats. Combined with 186 standard economy seats, the aircraft can carry 330 passengers.
American’s current 777-300ER configuration seats up to 304 passengers, including eight Flagship First seats and 52 in business class.
“Our Flagship aircraft represents the next evolution of premium travel at American,” Nat Pieper, the airline’s chief commercial officer, said in a news release.
Flagship Suite on American’s 777-300ER (Photo: American Airlines)
Flagship Suites feature sliding privacy doors, additional storage, and a chaise lounge seating position. Customers also receive a mattress pad, a dual-sided cool-touch pillow, and an amenity kit.
Passengers traveling in the Flagship cabin receive priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling. The experience also includes access to American’s Flagship lounges where available and multicourse dining on board.
Premium economy seats are equipped with wireless charging and USB-A and USB-C power. Passengers throughout the aircraft have access to updated inflight entertainment.
Premium Economy on American’s retrofitted 777-300ER (Photo: American Airlines)
American is also installing high-speed Wi-Fi across its 777-300ER fleet, with complimentary access planned for AAdvantage members.
The Flagship Suite product is already available on American’s newly delivered Boeing 787-9 aircraft and Airbus A321XLRs. The carrier plans to retrofit all 20 of its 777-300ERs by the end of 2027.
American currently deploys the aircraft on long-haul routes to destinations including Sydney, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, London, and São Paulo. The first retrofitted jet entered service Wednesday between New York-JFK and Buenos Aires.
The cabin overhaul will also spell the end of Flagship First, currently the only long-haul international first-class product offered by a U.S. airline. American will stop selling Flagship First on its 777-300ERs for travel beginning Nov. 19.
The product will remain available on select transcontinental flights for several more months before being withdrawn for travel beginning March 28, 2027, as additional A321XLRs enter service.
Matt is the Social Media Editor for aviation brands. Previously, Matt worked in television news and spent the last decade working and interning in newsrooms across New England. He is excited to bridge his two passions of aviation and storytelling in this role.
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