A United Express Embraer E175 operated by Republic Airways. (Photo: Shutterstock | oasisamuel)
United is adding winter flights on a connection it currently serves only in the summer.
The carrier confirmed Tuesday that it will offer service between Houston and Durango, Colorado, from Dec. 19, 2026, to March 27, 2027. Flights will operate twice per week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using Embraer E175 aircraft.
United ordinarily serves Durango from Houston during the summer. It also connects Durango to Denver year-round.
“We are thrilled to expand our service in Durango with new seasonal service from Houston,” Mark Weithofer, managing director of domestic network planning at United, said in a statement. “From ski trips to holiday visits with family and friends – this brings our customers access to explore Durango this winter while also connecting the Durango community directly to United’s hub in Houston and one-stop connections through Houston to destinations across the U.S. and around the world.”
United and American Airlines serve Durango via Durango-La Plata County Airport. American connects Durango to Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix.
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.
JetBlue Gives First Look at New First Class
“BlueFirst” comes with newly designed seats, seatback entertainment screens, and more room to stretch out, the carrier said.
JetBlue’s first ever first-class product – dubbed “BlueFirst” – will come with plush, specially engineered seats, seatback screens, bento box-style meals, and sommelier-selected wines, the airline revealed this week.
JetBlue announced BlueFirst in July but initially offered few details about what customers could expect. On Tuesday, however, the carrier disclosed specifics, from the make of its seats to the amenities and services it will offer in flight.
BlueFirst seats will be arranged in a two-by-two pattern, with five inches of recline and up to seven inches of additional legroom compared to JetBlue’s Main seating. The seats themselves incorporate Tuft & Needle’s T&N Flex foam for comfort.
Each seat comes with a 13.3-inch entertainment screen with Bluetooth connectivity and built-in USB-A, USB-C, and 110VAC power for charging personal devices.
BlueFirst passengers will be able to order food through their seatback screens. A “mixologist mode” allows customers to create their own cocktail by selecting spirits, mixers, and flavoring.
JetBlue did not provide a full menu but said its selection will include sweet or savory crepes and sesame noodles with beef or tofu, as well as premium snacks. On flights of 899 miles or longer, BlueFirst meals will come with an entrée, side, and dessert. Wine and specialty coffee will also be available.
Seatback screens in BlueFirst. (Photo: JetBlue)
On overnight flights, passengers will get a blanket and amenity kit.
According to JetBlue, all BlueFirst customers will receive Group 1 boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, priority check-in, and access to an expedited lane to the security checkpoint at over 30 airports.
BlueFirst is expected to debut some time later this year.
“Customers are increasingly looking for more premium experiences, and BlueFirst gives them an elevated experience that feels distinctly JetBlue, with thoughtful touches, caring service, and great value,” JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a news release.
JetBlue has never had a traditional first-class product, with that niche somewhat filled by Mint, which is offered on some transcontinental and international routes.
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, LOT Sign Interline Agreement
The partners will use three U.S. airports as gateways.
The two carriers announced that, as of Tuesday, passengers can book connecting Southwest-LOT flights with a single itinerary. This arrangement allows for more convenient international travel, they said, while helping customers take advantage of both airlines’ networks.
The partners will use Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco as gateways.
A LOT Polish Airlines 737 MAX 8 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
“This new relationship between Southwest and LOT Polish Airlines gives travelers easy access to desired destinations in the United States and new marketplaces in Central and Eastern Europe,” Justin Jones, Southwest’s chief commercial officer, said in a news release.
LOT Polish Airlines has its main hub at Warsaw Chopin Airport. It flies mainly within Europe but also serves destinations in North America, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
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.
Allegiant Adds Two New Routes
The carrier is also expanding two existing connections between Michigan and Florida.
Flights to Orlando will start Feb. 10, 2027, and flights to Fort Myers will commence one day later, on Feb. 11. Allegiant did not say how frequently the two new routes will operate.
The airline also said that, due to increased demand, new flights will be added to existing routes from Flint to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, which serves the Tampa Bay area.
Starting Feb. 10, 2027, flights between Flint and Sarasota will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Expanded service to St. Pete-Clearwater will begin Feb. 11, with flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
“We’re pleased to expand service between Michigan and Florida with these new routes, giving travelers even more convenient access to the destinations they want to visit most,” Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer, said in a news release. “Combined with added frequencies in several markets, these nonstop, year-round flights provide customers with greater flexibility and value when planning their travel.”
Besides Sarasota and St. Pete-Clearwater, Allegiant currently connects Flint with Jacksonville, Orlando Sanford, Punta Gorda, and Destin/Fort Walton Beach in Florida. The airline also offers flights from Flint to Nashville, Tennessee, Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona, and Las Vegas.
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.
New Airline Coming to PA Airport
Williamsport Regional has been without a commercial air service provider since early August.
A Southern aircraft on the ramp. (Photo: Southern Airways Express)
Weeks after losing its only commercial air service provider, Williamsport Regional Airport in Pennsylvania is close to enlisting a new airline.
Officials in Lycoming County will announce the new carrier at a press conference Wednesday morning, according to NorthCentralPa.com.
The airport’s prior provider, Southern Airways Express, abruptly terminated service last month over what it described as “outstanding payment issues.” Southern had linked Williamsport with Washington Dulles.
The carrier told AirlineGeeks that the Williamsport Municipal Airport Authority gradually fell behind on contributions to a minimum revenue guarantee. When it became clear that the airport authority could not or would not pay on time, it said, it officially dropped its flights to Dulles.
The airport authority has said that the new airline will operate larger aircraft and longer routes than Southern, though no new destinations were named.
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 to Cut Short Seasonal Route to Hawaii
The service will operate from mid-December 2026 to early January 2027.
But Delta confirmed on Monday that service will end early, on Jan. 4, 2027.
“Delta routinely evaluates and adjusts our network to best meet customer demand,” a Delta spokesperson told AirlineGeeks. “As a result, Delta will end service between Boston (BOS) and Honolulu (HNL) effective Jan. 4, 2027. We apologize for any inconvenience and will contact impacted customers directly with alternate travel options.”
The connection will still operate daily between Dec. 19 and Jan. 4, the carrier confirmed.
Delta previously served Honolulu from Boston but terminated the route in 2025. When operating, the connection is the longest domestic route in the U.S.
Delta said it will still operate its most expansive Hawaii schedule to date this winter. Notably, the airline will launch new service between Minneapolis and Maui ahead of the holidays.
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.
FAA Tentatively Approves JetBlue’s Acquisition of Spirit Slots at LaGuardia
A JetBlue A320 aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)
The FAA this week said it is inclined to support JetBlue’s purchase of 22 former Spirit Airlines slots at New York-LaGuardia.
In a notice published in the Federal Register on Monday, the agency said JetBlue’s acquisition of the slots “ensures that scarce public airspace resources are returned to active commercial service under a proven low-fare business model.”
JetBlue is seeking an exemption from a standing FAA order that normally prohibits the sale or purchase of slots at LaGuardia. The airline’s appeal seemingly meets the conditions for an exemption, regulators said, as long as JetBlue meets minimum usage requirements going forward.
“FAA tentatively concludes that granting relief to the carriers from the prohibition on selling and purchasing slots in the order, subject to certain conditions and limitations, is in the public interest,” the agency said.
If the deal were to go through, JetBlue would not be allowed to trade or lease any of Spirit’s former slots until April 2028.
JetBlue in July won an auction for the slots with a bid of $58.5 million. It beat out a rival offer from Frontier, which was prepared to pay $57.5 million.
LaGuardia is one of the most tightly regulated airports in the U.S., and competition for access among airlines is fierce. It is one of only three fully slot-controlled airports in the country, the others being New York-JFK and Reagan National.
Members of the public will be able to comment on the pending sale through Sept. 21. A final review and potential approval will take place once the comment period is over.
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.
FAA Approves Commercial Flights at Washington Manassas Airport
The facility is undergoing extensive renovations to accommodate commercial aircraft.
The FAA on Monday formally certified Washington Manassas Airport in northern Virginia to begin scheduled commercial air service.
FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Dan Edwards presented airport officials with a Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate during a ceremony at Terminal 1 on Monday morning. The authorization allows Manassas to restart commercial operations after years as a general aviation-only facility.
The City of Manassas has spent the last three years renovating and expanding the airport so that it can accommodate larger commercial aircraft. The airport was renamed from Manassas Regional Airport to Washington Manassas Airport earlier this year to signal its planned transformation into a hub for air travel in the broader Washington, D.C. metro area.
Washington is currently served by three major airports – Washington Dulles, Reagan National, and Baltimore/Washington. Manassas, which is located about 40 miles southwest of Washington, would be the fourth.
As of Monday, no passenger airline has officially committed to serving Manassas.
According to Edwards, Manassas will soon break ground on two key infrastructure projects – a new air traffic control tower and a modernized passenger terminal. The new terminal will open in the fall of 2027, with commercial service beginning shortly after, he said.
The new tower is expected to open in 2029.
Manassas was previously served by the now-defunct Colgan Air. The carrier terminated service at the airport in the mid-1990s.
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.
A4A CEO Says Airline Fares Will Stabilize
The Iran war, which spiked jet fuel prices earlier this year, will probably not be resolved any time soon, Chris Sununu said.
An employee of a ground service company refuels an aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock/Karolis Kavolelis)
After climbing significantly last spring, airline ticket prices will likely stabilize over the next several months, Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu said Sunday.
During an appearance on NewsNation, the former New Hampshire governor said fares will probably not rise or fall meaningfully in the near term, given the stalemate in the Iran war.
“I don’t think you’re going to see prices go up significantly,” Sununu said. “I think they’re going to kind of stabilize for a while, because we’re not getting out of this Iran thing any time soon, unfortunately. And it’s a bigger issue for places like Asia and Europe.”
Jet fuel prices effectively doubled after Iran closed the Strait for Hormuz in March. That increase has translated to higher air fares, both in the U.S. and globally. According to Airlines for America, U.S. ticket prices are up about 20% compared to the same period last year.
Still, demand is strong, Sununu said, and major carriers are adding routes instead of cutting them. More routes strengthen competition, he added, which is “great for the American consumer.”
“I don’t think it’s going up any more,” Sununu said of ticket prices. “Demand is strong, people are traveling, and that puts money in the economy in a whole lot of different ways, so overall it’s a very good thing economically.”
Data from the International Air Transport Association shows North American jet fuel prices peaked in late April, fell in June with the peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran, and climbed slightly when that deal fell apart in July.
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.
Etihad Aims for Over 150 Destinations
The carrier said it will invest $20 billion for next-generation aircraft, better products, and new routes.
An Etihad Airways Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Emirati flag carrier Etihad will invest $20 billion over the next decade with the goal of reaching over 150 destinations.
The airline on Monday announced its “Beyond Borders” campaign, which calls for the acquisition of new aircraft, upgraded products, and improving the customer experience. Etihad did not go into detail about the plan but confirmed it will look to add dozens of destinations in that 10-year timeframe. It did not say where those destinations will or could be.
The carrier currently serves just over 90 destinations, mainly in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, South and East Asia, and North America.
Etihad is one of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, the other being Emirates. It has its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and its sole hub is at Zayed International Airport.
The airline is working its way back to full operational capacity after severe disruptions caused by the Iran war earlier this year. It has not released an earnings update since the conflict began.
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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