Stories

Delta to Add Free Wi-Fi on Transpacific Flights

The rollout will begin later this month.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Delta A350.
A Delta A350. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ben Suskind)

Delta is adding free Delta Sync wireless internet service to its long-haul transpacific connections.

The carrier said it recently received regulatory approval to expand the service, which is already available across more than 95% of its fleet. The rollout on Pacific routes will begin later this month.

Delta did not list the affected routes, but its current transpacific destinations include Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Manila, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland.

Delta said it will be the only U.S. “global carrier” to offer free Wi-Fi across its network.

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.

Lufthansa Wins Bidding War for Stake in TAP Air Portugal

The company beat out Air France-KLM.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320neo performs an aborted takeoff test. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
A TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320neo performs an aborted takeoff test. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

After months of deliberations, the Portuguese government on Wednesday selected the Lufthansa Group to take a minority position in TAP Air Portugal.

The German airline conglomerate offered €1.025 billion for a 44.9% stake in the Lisbon-based flag carrier. That amount could increase up to €1.2 billion for the acquisition of a 49.9% stake as discussions continue, officials said.

Lufthansa’s only competition was Air France-KLM, which confirmed in July that it had submitted a bid for the full 49.9% stake.

“With today’s decision, the Portuguese government has paved the way for TAP Air Portugal to continue this success story together with Lufthansa Group,” Chairman and CEO Carsten Spohr said in a statement. “At the same time, this allows us to consistently pursue our internationalization strategy and sustainably strengthen our position in the South Atlantic market.”

As part of its offer, the Lufthansa Group cited its existing investments in Portugal – including a new Lufthansa Technik facility in Santa Maria da Feira – and its history of growing European subsidiaries while helping them retain their national character.

The company also said it would strengthen Lisbon’s position as a “strategically important Atlantic hub” within its network.

TAP Air Portugal is being reprivatized after operating for several years as a state-owned enterprise. Under the government’s current plan, Lufthansa Group will own at least 44.9% of TAP, the carrier’s employees 5%, and the Portuguese state the remainder.

Lufthansa Group said it is now working with the Portuguese government to finalize the transaction.

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.

Hollywood Burbank Opens New, $1.3B Terminal

The facility replaces Burbank's old terminal complex, which consisted of two terminals in the same building.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

The new terminal at Hollywood Burbank Airport. (Photo: Alaska Airlines)

After almost three years of construction, Hollywood Burbank Airport’s new terminal opened to passengers on Tuesday.

The 355,000-square-foot space has 14 gates, one centralized ticketing hall, one TSA checkpoint, an indoor baggage claim area, and dining and retail beyond security. The facility replaces Burbank’s old terminal complex, which consisted of two terminals in the same building.

The new terminal is about 50% larger, with higher ceilings, more charging stations, and a more polished, modern look.

Officials said the space preserves one of Burbank’s most distinctive features – outdoor boarding and deplaning directly from the tarmac.

Hollywood Burbank Airport. (Photo: Alaska Airlines)

According to the Los Angeles Times, the airport sent employees to the old building on Tuesday to redirect travelers who were unaware of the new terminal’s opening.

The original terminal structure dates to the 1930s. It was renovated and expanded in the 1970s and ’80s to accommodate two terminals, A and B. The old building is expected to be demolished in 2027.

Hollywood Burbank is served by American, United, Delta, Alaska, Southwest, Allegiant, Breeze, Frontier, JetBlue, and JSX.

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.

Delta Builds on Business-Class Revamp With New Menu, Amenities

The new experience will debut on transoceanic Delta One routes departing Los Angeles this fall.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Selections from the new Delta One menu. (Photo: Delta)

Delta this week unveiled a series of upgrades for its Delta One cabin, including a refreshed menu, a new wine program, and new amenity kits.

The new experience will debut on transoceanic Delta One routes departing Los Angeles this fall, the carrier said, with expansion across the network in 2027.

The upgraded menu will feature “elevated classics,” with additions such as a Wagyu beef burger, Hong Kong-style sea bass, and a Champagne Taittinger-sorbet pairing. Officials said high-end ingredients and rich flavors were selected to maintain flavor at altitude.

Before meals, passengers will get a “sip and settle moment,” with a hotel towel, warm nuts, and a preferred beverage placed on their console.

The wine program, which was announced separately last month, includes 13 wines from 11 winery partners, with Napa producers and Taittinger featured prominently. Delta will also be the first and so far only airline to offer Blanton’s single-barrel bourbon on board. On flights to and from Tokyo-Haneda, Dassai 45 sake will be available.

The airline is also rolling out new tableware stamped with Delta’s logo, and amenity kits from the Missoni Winter Elsewhere collection. The kits will feature premium wellness essentials from brands such as Grown Alchemist and Marvis, as well as a second Missoni pillow and Bombas socks.

The hospitality revamp coincides with the arrival of new business-class seats on certain long-haul aircraft. Delta plans to debut upgraded, next-generation Delta One suites on its new Airbus A350-1000s early next year. The suites will also be installed on older A330-200s and -300s as part of a retrofit program.

“Delta’s fully reimagined experience is rooted in solving real customer needs and desires, with intentionality behind every detail,” Ranjan Goswami, Delta’s chief marketing and product officer, said in a news release. “Every investment we make is deliberate and designed to deliver the industry’s most premium end-to-end travel experience. This elevated dining and hospitality experience reflects our relentless focus on raising the bar while giving customers greater control throughout their journey.”

Plenty of Porsches

The airline is also expanding a little-known, ultra-high-end perk that gets Delta One VIP Select customers directly to the airplane in a Porsche.

Delta said it will grow its fleet of hybrid Porsche vehicles used for tarmac transfers from 40 to 70 across 15 airports by 2028.

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.

Airlines Pause Service to Saudi Arabia After Riyadh Airport Attacks

The Houthis have bombed King Khalid International Airport several times over the last week.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Airbus A321neo of Saudia, registered as HZ-ASAG (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Filip Kopec)

Major international airlines are canceling flights to Saudi Arabia after a Houthi missile attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and injured over 300.

As of Tuesday, Air India, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Gulf Air, IndiGo, Philippine Airlines, and Qatar Airways, as well as the airlines owned by Air France-KLM and the Lufthansa Group, have all suspended service to Riyadh. Most have paused flights until later this week or next week.

Cathay Pacific said it is postponing the resumption of flights to both Riyadh and Dubai through Jan. 31, 2027. Philippine Airlines suspended service to Riyadh earlier this month and said it will not restart the connection until Nov. 29.

Most of the airlines use Riyadh as their sole gateway to Saudi Arabia. Among the carriers that serve multiple destinations in the country, Air India and Gulf Air canceled flights only to Riyadh, while IndiGo and Qatar paused service to both Riyadh and Dammam. Etihad scrapped flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah until Oct. 19.

No U.S.-based airline currently flies nonstop to Saudi Arabia. Delta was set to change that, with service from Atlanta to Riyadh scheduled to launch Oct. 23, but on Monday the carrier said it will delay the connection until March 2027.

Last Saturday’s assault on King Khalid International is the deadliest and costliest foreign attack on Saudi soil in years. According to Reuters, the military’s public alert system was not active and did not warn the airport about the incoming projectile.

King Khalid International is closed until at least Oct. 17.

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.

Breeze Adds Four New Destinations, 22 Routes

Most of the new connections will come online next spring and summer.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

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

Breeze Airways announced a significant expansion of its route network on Tuesday, with four new destinations and almost two dozen new routes.

Starting next spring and summer, the low-cost airline will serve Boston, Buffalo, New York, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Eight of the new routes will link these cities to other markets within Breeze’s network. The largest expansion is taking place in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which is getting 11 new connections. The airline said it will grow capacity at Myrtle Beach by 70% compared to 2026.

“Every route we add to our network starts with the same question: where can Breeze’s direct service bring travelers a convenience they don’t already enjoy today?” David Neeleman, Breeze’s founder and CEO, said in a news release. “These new routes and destinations now bring Breeze’s high-value, low-cost service to 95 cities, making affordable travel to great destinations more convenient than ever.”

The new nonstop routes are:

  • Albany, New York, to Myrtle Beach; Mondays and Fridays, starting May 28, 2027.
  • Boston to Myrtle Beach; daily, starting May 4.
  • Buffalo to Charleston, South Carolina; Mondays and Fridays, starting July 2.
  • Buffalo to Myrtle Beach; Thursdays and Sundays, starting July 1.
  • Buffalo to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting June 29.
  • Burlington, Vermont, to Myrtle Beach; Thursdays and Sundays, starting May 27.
  • Columbus, Ohio, to Myrtle Beach; Mondays and Fridays, starting May 28.
  • Latrobe to Myrtle Beach; Mondays and Fridays, starting Feb. 9.
  • Latrobe to Orlando, Florida; Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting May 26.
  • Myrtle Beach to New Haven, Connecticut; Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting May 26.
  • Myrtle Beach to Portland, Maine; Thursdays and Sundays, starting May 27.
  • Myrtle Beach to Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting May 26.
  • Myrtle Beach to Stewart-Newburgh, New York; Mondays and Fridays, starting May 28.
  • Myrtle Beach to Syracuse, New York; Thursdays and Sundays, starting May 27.
  • Raleigh-Durham to Nassau, Bahamas; Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting June 30.
  • Tampa, Florida, to Santo Domingo; Mondays and Fridays, starting June 18.

The new one-stop “BreezeThru” routes are:

  • Akron-Canton, Ohio, to Boston; daily, starting May 4, 2027.
  • Albany to Orlando; Mondays and Fridays, starting May 28.
  • Burlington to Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Thursdays and Sundays, starting May 27.
  • Charleston, West Virginia, to Fort Lauderdale; Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting May 26.
  • Fort Lauderdale to Stewart-Newburgh; Mondays and Fridays, starting May 28.
  • Portsmouth to Tampa; Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting May 26.

All of the new routes are now available for booking.

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.

Damaged Fiber Line Delays Flights at Raleigh-Durham

Workers accidentally cut the cable while carrying out plumbing repairs.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A distant view of Terminal 2 at Raleigh–Durham International Airport
A distant view of Terminal 2 at Raleigh–Durham International Airport. (Photo: Sharkshock | Shutterstock)

Two separate ground stops temporarily snarled traffic at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina on Monday.

According to WRAL-TV, work crews accidentally cut a fiber-optic telecommunications line Monday morning while carrying out a plumbing-related repair. The incident paused flights at Raleigh-Durham for about 20 minutes, and disruptions continued through the afternoon.

The air traffic control tower at the airport remained operational during the outage.

A second ground stop was put in place Monday evening due to what the FAA called an “equipment outage.” It was not immediately clear if the failure was caused by the earlier damage to the fiber line. Flights resumed at 8 p.m., WRAL said.

According to FlightAware, 139 flights were delayed at Raleigh-Durham on Monday, about 41% of the day’s schedule. Twenty-four flights were canceled.

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.

Landline Adds Airside Coach Service at San Francisco

Passengers can check in, drop their bags, and clear security at the smaller Sonoma County Airport.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Landline bus at Sonoma County Airport. (Photo: Sonoma County Airport)

North Bay travelers departing from or arriving at San Francisco International Airport will soon have the option of starting or ending their journey closer to California’s wine country.

The Landline motorcoach company said Monday that it will connect SFO with Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport near Santa Rosa. Starting Nov. 17, passengers flying with United, American, Alaska, Hawaiian, or JetBlue will be able to check in, drop off their bags, and clear security at Sonoma County, then board a secure bus that drives nonstop to San Francisco’s airfield. From there, passengers will walk into the terminal to their gate without clearing security again, and their bags will be transferred to their flight.

Travelers can also catch the coach to Sonoma County after arriving at San Francisco. Landline will pick up at the curb outside baggage claim at every SFO terminal, including international.

Landline said its coaches have extra-legroom leather seats in a two-one layout, Starlink wireless internet service, power at every seat, and an on-board restroom. The buses are also wheelchair accessible.

Ground service between San Francisco and Sonoma County will operate eight times daily. Coaches leave Sonoma County at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8 p.m., with return trips leaving SFO from about 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

One-way fares are $55 for adults. Children 15 and under ride free with a paying adult.

Reservations are open now at sfo.landline.com.

The San Francisco-Sonoma County connection will be Landline’s first route in California. It currently offers service to and from Denver, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto, and Montreal.

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.

Southwest Adds ChatGPT Plug-In

The new functionality allows customers to look up flights using the generative AI chatbot.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Southwest 737-700
A Southwest Boeing 737-700. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

A first-of-its-kind partnership is bringing Southwest’s flight schedule into ChatGPT.

The carrier said shoppers can now look up flight times and fares and compare trips using the generative AI. If customers are uncertain about where they want to go, they can ask ChatGPT for recommendations, and it will call up potential connections based on expressed preferences and interests.

Southwest said the new capability is part of a broader partnership with OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, and Amazon Web Services. The aim is to surface Southwest’s offerings earlier in a customers’ online search process, and create a “direct path” to booking options.

Further integration of the airline’s booking process into ChatGPT is planned.

At this stage, customers who are ready to book are directed from ChatGPT to Southwest’s website to complete their reservation.

“Customers are evolving how they plan their travel, and Southwest is helping to shape what comes next,” Sabrina Callahan, chief digital and marketing officer at Southwest, said in a news release. “It is a meaningful example of how we test and learn with AI innovation to continue the customer-first approach that defines our brand.”

Southwest cautioned that flight availability, schedules, and fares are provided at the time of a search, and may not reflect subsequent changes.

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.

Delta Pushes Back Saudi Arabia Flights to March 2027

Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh raised concerns about safety.

Zach Vasile
Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

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

Delta will delay the start of its planned service between Atlanta and Riyadh until March 2027, the carrier announced Monday.

Delta had planned to launch the connection on Oct. 23 after months of preparation and heavy marketing. Last week, however, the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement of Yemen intensified, and on Saturday the Houthis bombed King Khalid International Airport, the gateway Delta plans to serve. The strike killed at least 13 people and injured over 300.

“Delta will delay the planned launch of its nonstop service between Atlanta and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, amid evolving developments in the region,” the airline said in a statement. “The safety and security of our customers and employees always come first and continue to guide our operational decisions. We remain in close contact with relevant government and aviation partners, including Saudia and Riyadh Air, as we monitor the situation.”

The Houthis stepped up attacks on Riyadh’s main airport last week in retaliation for Saudi air strikes on their territory in Yemen. Missile barrages struck the airport several times, but Saturday’s assault, which targeted a passenger terminal, was by far the deadliest and costliest.

On Friday, Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC that the airline was evaluating its options for the Atlanta-Riyadh route in light of the growing violence.

“Saudi Arabia remains an important market for Delta, and we are committed to serving the Kingdom for the long-term,” the carrier continued. “We look forward to connecting Saudi Arabia to Delta’s global network in March 2027.”

Affected customers can review their options, including a refund, through Delta’s website and mobile app.

Delta officials told media outlets over the summer that they would move forward with service to Riyadh in spite of the U.S.-Iran conflict. At that time, Iran was targeting the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan; Saudi Arabia absorbed some occasional attacks but largely remained outside the fighting.

The connection was supposed to operate daily at first, then switch to three times weekly after Oct. 30.

King Khalid International is closed until Monday evening.

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.
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