Airlines
Airline news from The Touch & Go: route launches, fleet orders, network strategy, partnerships, earnings, and the carriers shaping global air travel.
Loading stories…
The Boeing 737 is one of the most popular narrowbodies in service, essentially offering the same economics and capabilities as the rival Airbus A320. It's the second-most successful commercial jetliner of all time (behind only the A320), and the two types have become ubiquitous on short-range routes, while later models are now becoming popular on medium-to-long-range routes.
The Airbus A380 is the largest passenger airliner ever built. Airbus launched the double-decker to compete directly with Boeing's 747 and targeted airlines that needed a high-capacity aircraft for long-haul routes between major hubs. The aircraft entered commercial service in 2007 with Singapore Airlines, and several major carriers later added the A380 to their long-haul fleets.
Commercial aviation has spent decades chasing passenger growth, but Airbus believes the next major shift will be driven by something entirely different. Rather than simply carrying more people, airlines are increasingly competing to offer a better experience, with premium cabins becoming one of the industry's most valuable assets.
United cardmembers are seeing unusually good Polaris business class award space between Newark and Los Angeles or San Francisco for just 27,000 miles. These premium cross-country awards can include Polaris Lounge access before departure and on arrival, making the deal much better than the mileage price alone suggests.
Business class fares continue to climb, and a growing number of travelers are looking for a smarter way to cross oceans without draining their travel budgets. Standard economy is often seen as a test of endurance, but the gap between the back and the executive cabin has closed dramatically. A select group of international carriers has elevated their mid-cabin offerings so effectively that passengers find themselves questioning the necessity of a five-figure business class ticket.
A Southwest Airlines flight attendant has been arrested by ICE agents for allegedly overstaying his visa. Lorenzo Thompson was arrested by federal immigration authorities earlier on July 14 in Nashville . Thompson is a Jamaican citizen and entered the US on April 17, 2021, on a visa that expired in October later that year.
Leisure carrier had previously indicated it would use CFM engines for entire order. UK leisure carrier Jet2 has confirmed it will stick with the CFM International Leap-1A engine for the remainder of its Airbus A321neo fleet . The airline has selected the powerplant for a further 54 aircraft, meaning all 146 of the type ordered by the carrier – plus a handful of leased airframes – will have Leap engines. Jet2's agreement was disclosed during the Farnborough air show. While the airline had previously selected the Leap for up to 146 A321neos through two agreements, these only covered 98 firm aircraft. The airline expects to operate 31 owned and leased A321neos this summer season, as part of its overall fleet of nearly 140 aircraft. "With all our new aircraft now confirmed with Leap engines, we are fully committed to CFM to provide the best customer experience," says chief executive Steve Heapy. Jet2 operates leisure services from 14 bases in the UK, including two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland.
Flight Attendant pay in 2026 varies widely by rank, seniority, the region, and carrier, but the top of the ladder is where the real money is. At major US airlines, entry-level cabin crew typically start around $25–$40 per hour, while senior international flight attendants can push base earnings toward $90,000 and beyond once premiums, per diems, and international layover pay are factored in. Seniority is key at all airlines, which usually sees an annual increase in salary and more pay as crew move up the ranks.
In 2004, the airline sector was revolutionized by the Boeing 777-300ER (extended range) variant of the 777 family. It was first flown commercially by Air France, and at the time, Boeing claimed it was "the most technologically advanced airplane in the industry" , surpassing previous 777-200 and 777-200ER variants, and raising the bar in terms of comfort and range. The 777-300ER featured updated systems, and at the time, it was equipped with the most powerful commercial jet engine available, the General Electric GE90-115B turbofan.
Former United CEO Oscar Munoz says sophisticated investors who once avoided airlines are now studying cheap U.S. carriers, and he expects more deal "noise" soon after earnings season.
From Boeing: Photo: A close up of the wing of the 777-9 currently undergoing fatigue testing. (Patrick Rodwell photo) The test rig's hydraulics hummed and whirred like a roller coaster up its first big hill. A massive wing rose and fell in a steady cadence — like a physical therapist testing a shoulder joint — […]
No airline's route network is static, which is usually a good thing . Changes always occur, mainly because of performance or opportunity. In the latest update, Qatar Airways has revealed a notable adaption to its sole New Zealand service.
The Daily Touch & Go
The day's best aviation news in your inbox. Free, no spam.
