American Airlines takes lounge dining to new heights

American Airlines has announced:

American Airlines is redefining the premium lounge experience with significant upgrades to dining across its Flagship^® and Admirals Club^® lounges. Refreshed culinary offerings deliver greater choice, more complete meal offerings and a noticeably elevated presentation — reflecting American’s substantial investment in creating a premium, restaurant-inspired experience for customers before they fly. The updates broaden menu variety, introduce new ways to build a well-rounded meal and add premium touches that further elevate the experience for both leisure and business travelers.

In Flagship^® lounges, the enhancements further elevate the premium experience with:

Expanded culinary choices: A wider range of a la carte dishes and small plates gives travelers greater flexibility in how they dine, complemented by ongoing enhancements to our premium wine selection.
Interactive dining experiences: New action stations, including a cheese-monger cart, bring craftsmanship and personalization to the forefront of the travel journey.

Customers will also be able to order from a QR code-enabled a la carte menu featuring select premium dishes that rotate with seasonal menu updates. Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback to the a la carte scan to order options in the Philadelphia (PHL) Flagship^® lounge, American has expanded this offering systemwide to all Flagship^® lounges, allowing customers to order from their seat.

In Admirals Club^® lounges, customers will enjoy:

More variety more often: An expanded, frequently refreshed menu brings travelers a steady rotation of new dishes crafted with frequent flyers in mind, along with an elevated premium wine selection featuring Veuve rosé and Caymus cabernet sauvignon available for purchase.
More to savor: Two additional hot items make it easier to build a more satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Elevated presentation: An upgraded charcuterie selection enhances both quality and visual appeal, adding a refined touch to the buffet experience.

Flagship^® lounge menus will include:

Watermelon cucumber feta salad — Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
Ham and egg chive waffle — Chicago (ORD)
Thai basil and chili crispy shrimp — Los Angeles (LAX)
Citrus-rum shrimp — Miami (MIA)
Pineapple carpaccio — DFW
Sour cherry cheesecake — PHL

Admirals Club^® lounge menus will include:

Lemon herb chicken and mac and cheese bar — Denver (DEN), ORD, St. Louis (STL), Toronto (YYZ)
Chipotle lime chicken — DFW; Austin, Texas (AUS); Houston (IAH); Nashville, Tennessee (BNA)
Coconut turmeric chickpea and vegetable curry – MIA
Build-your-own breakfast tostada – Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT); Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU); Washington, D.C. (DCA)
Rustic zucchini and flame-roasted corn — LAX; Phoenix (PHX); Santa Ana, California (SNA); San Francisco (SFO)

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United takes delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR

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United Airlines has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, registered as N64321. The delivery marks a major fleet modernization milestone as the aircraft completed its maiden flight in Hamburg on April 29, 2026. This jet is the very first of 50 total A321XLR aircraft that United currently has on order to upgrade its single-aisle fleet.

The entry of the A321XLR allows United to replace its aging Boeing 757-200 aircraft with a much more efficient alternative. To appeal to corporate and premium travelers on long-haul routes, United has configured the aircraft with 32 premium seats. This layout offers double the premium cabin capacity of the older Boeing 757s it is replacing, significantly upgrading the passenger experience.

Designed specifically for thinner, long-haul markets, the A321XLR boasts an impressive flight range of up to 4,700 nautical miles. This extensive range enables United to operate long transatlantic or South American routes that were previously uneconomical to fly with larger widebody planes. The aircraft gives the airline the flexibility to open new secondary markets with lower operational costs.

Alaska Airlines debuts new Lounge in Portland, raising the bar for premium West Coast travel

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Alaska Airlines is set to welcome guests to its newest Lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) when it officially opens on June 4, underscoring its continued investment in premium travel and one of the carrier’s key West Coast hubs.

After more than two years of construction, the approximately 14,000-square-foot Lounge will welcome guests with a warm, thoughtfully designed Pacific Northwest aesthetic, featuring an inviting fireplace and a striking wooden Mt. Hood mural by artist Ben Butler. At twice the size of the current Portland Lounge, it offers more than 200 seats, including Alaska’s Signature Loungers, along with high, open ceilings that bring in natural light and views of Portland’s new terminal. Guests can relax, enjoy fresh, regionally inspired food, sip barista-crafted beverages or cocktails from West Coast partners, or take advantage of ample power plugs and privacy booths for calls and meetings.

Portland guests have chosen Alaska for years and played an important role in our growth in the Pacific Northwest. This new Lounge is our way of thanking them and a reflection of our growing portfolio of premium guest experiences. We look forward to opening our doors this week and welcoming guests with the signature hospitality and thoughtful touches Alaska is known for.”

Shane Jones

Vice President of Fleet, Products and Guest ExperienceAlaska Airlines

Alaska is the largest carrier serving Portland, operating more flights than any other airline, including more than 100 daily departures. Portland is a critical hub in Alaska and Hawaiian’s network with expanding service to over 60 destinations across North America and beyond. This summer, Alaska will launch year-round service to Everett/Paine Field (PAE) and Pasco–Tri-Cities (PSC), along with seasonal service to Jackson Hole (JAC). Last month, new service began to Baltimore (BWI), Bellingham (BLI), Idaho Falls (IDA), Philadelphia (PHL) and St. Louis (STL). By this fall, Alaska will offer 50% more seats in Portland than just two years ago, reflecting strong demand for travel and the airline’s continued investment in the market.

Alaska and Hawaiian lobby at PDX airport

Our strong partnership with Alaska has helped to elevate the new PDX as a world-class destination that showcases the Pacific Northwest and makes everyone feel at home. We’re thrilled their new PDX Lounge is here for the long haul, offering travelers a stunning spot to relax, recharge, and experience a taste of our region.”

Chris Czarnecki

PDX Business and Properties DirectorPort of Portland

The nearly $18 million investment in the Portland Lounge is part of Alaska’s growing Lounge footprint and broader commitment to enhancing the guest experience as it expands globally. Building on this investment, Alaska just announced its plans to open a landmark, more than 41,000-square-foot lounge in 2027. The Lounge, which will be located in Seattle – home to the airline’s main hub – will be the largest in its network and among the largest airline lounges in the country. The airline is also designing its first Lounge in San Diego (SAN) along with a new, expanded Lounge in Honolulu (HNL), both slated for early 2028.

Alaska Airlines Lounge members can access eight premium lounges across Alaska and Hawaiian’s network, including its largest lounge in Seattle and additional locations at its hubs in Anchorage (ANC), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). Alaska Lounge+ membership unlocks access to all Alaska Lounges, plus nearly 90 partner lounges worldwide, including select oneworld and partner lounges.

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ATR delivers the first ATR 42-600 to PNG Air as the airline accelerates its fleet renewal

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ATR announced:

At the end of May, ATR formally delivered the first ATR 42-600 aircraft of a previously undisclosed order of three to PNG Air. Following a purchase agreement initiated late 2024, this first delivery marks the beginning of the airline’s ambitious renewal plan, that places ATR aircraft at the heart of its future network.

PNG Air plays a vital role in Papua New Guinea, by operating scheduled passenger services across one of the world’s most geographically complex countries. With mountaineous terrain, dense rainforest and very limited road infrastructure, aviation is often the only means of connecting communities to essential services, markets, education and healthcare. Reliable regional aircraft are therefore a cornerstone of the country’s social and economic development.

Since 2023, PNG Air has launched a major transformation, focusing on operational performance, punctuality, dependable frequencies and a better travel experience for its passengers. Modernising the fleet is a key part of this strategy. Over the next year, PNG Air plans to transition progressively to an all-ATR fleet, expanding from five to 16 aircraft while retiring its older DHC Q100s.

This accelerated growth combines new ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600 deliveries with the acquisition of several pre-owned aircraft from established lessors. By choosing ATR, PNG Air is investing in the most efficient and capable regional aircraft for the country’s unique environment: turboprop aircraft that can serve short routes, challenging gravel runways, and remote communities with outstanding fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Across Papua New Guinea, this delivery marks a step forward: towards more reliable and more responsible mobility, helping the country stay connected and its communities thrive.

Delta honors WWII heroes with fifth Normandy Legacy Flight

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Delta Air Lines announced:

The historic journey with 28 World War II veterans — most of whom are over 100 years old — officially began on Monday, June 1, in Delta’s hometown of Atlanta, marked by a heartfelt welcome and gala dinner at the Delta Flight Museum.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., Delta employees lined the red carpet, eagerly anticipating the arrival of our honored veterans. As they made their way in, they were greeted with enthusiastic cheers and a sea of waving American and French flags — a powerful tribute to the enduring bond between the two nations and the heroes who helped secure their freedom.

Photos from the Sendoff Dinner for the 2027 Return to Normandy trip at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday June 1, 2026. (Casey Sykes for Rank Studios)

The evening transitioned into a moving gala that brought together WWII veterans, students, Delta employees and leaders and partners including The Best Defense Foundation, Michelin and French Ambassador Laurent Bili. In one of the night’s most memorable moments, Cpl. Jack Myers joined NextGen student Caleb Walker in a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America”— a powerful reflection of the enduring bond formed through a past program and a symbol of connection and legacy.

But this meaningful evening was just the beginning. These veterans departed for Normandy, retracing the steps of history and returning to the very shores where their courage helped change the course of history.

June 1

HEROES JOURNEY TO ATL

STAFF WRITER

It’s nearly time for takeoff. Over this weekend and on Monday, nearly 30 World War II veterans from around the U.S. traveled to Atlanta ahead of the 5th edition of the Normandy Legacy Flight.

At airports across the country, Delta employees and customers rallied to give these heroes the sendoff they deserve. From heartfelt announcements over the loudspeaker to personal moments of gratitude, people came together to send these veterans off with the celebration they deserve.

As these men travel to Atlanta and soon to Normandy, they carry with them stories that shaped history, now ready to be heard once more.

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World’s longest-range aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000ULR takes to the skies

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The A350-1000ULR (MSN 707), the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France. The aircraft, fitted with special flight test instrumentation, flew for three hours 43 minutes reaching an altitude of slightly above 41,000 feet. The aircraft was flown by a dedicated Airbus Fli ght Test crew.

The A350-1000ULR is being developed for Qantas Airways to enable non-stop flights between Sydney and London for the first time ever – a distance of almost 10,000 nautical miles, with flight times of up to 22 hours. This is made possible primarily by the integration into the aircraft structure of an additional rear centre tank (RCT), enhancing further the aircraft performance and increasing the range of the aircraft by 1,000 nautical miles.

During the first flight the crew carried out general aircraft performance checks and tested the new fuel system architecture. This marks the start of a two month flight test campaign to certify the modifications. In addition, a new galley air cooling system will also be certified, which features lighter and more efficient refrigeration units for very long flights. The ventilation and temperature control of the cabin will also be thoroughly tested.

Following the flight test campaign, MSN 707 will be retrofitted to Qantas’ commercial specifications.

The second A350-1000ULR to be produced for Qantas and the first scheduled to be delivered to the airline in April 2027, is now at an advanced stage of final assembly and ready to roll out of the paint shop in the coming days. This will be followed by completion of the premium four class cabin layout and engine installation.

The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the best-selling A350 Family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR and the A350-1000. Together, the aircraft have set new standards in long haul air travel, with a step-change reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and new levels of passenger comfort.

The passenger line-up will soon be joined by the all-new A350F freighter, also currently under development at Airbus, with first flight planned later this year.

At the end of April 2026, the A350 Family had won 1,579 orders from 68 customers, with over 700 aircraft flying with 41 operators, primarily on long haul services across the globe.

QANTAS has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under Project Sunrise, designed to overcome one of the last frontiers in non-stop travel from Australia. In addition the carrier also has 12 standard A350-1000s on order for future operation across its long haul network.

Newark Liberty International Leads All Major Northeast Airports with Most On-Time Flights in 2026

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Newark Liberty International (EWR) has led all major northeast airports so far this year with the most on-time flights in 2026. That’s a notable achievement given the airport’s ranking about a year ago.

United Airlines, EWR’s largest carrier, achieved its best-ever on-time rate in April and May at Newark, while flying nearly 5.8 million passengers.

The airline is off to a strong start this summer, flying a record three million passengers across its network over the Memorial Day holiday with nearly 70% of customers arriving on time.

The airline expects more than 53 million travelers this summer and continues to win brand-loyal customers by investing in onboard products and services as well as industry-leading technologies like Starlink and the United Mobile App.

Last Spring, EWR experienced a confluence of challenges – FAA radar and radio outages, Air Traffic Control staffing shortages and existing runway construction – that produced significant delays, diversions and cancellations. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stepped in by improving staffing, upgrading technology at the airport and, importantly, limiting flights to ensure that the schedules out of Newark match the actual capacity of the airport.

United CEO Scott Kirby was at Newark today to celebrate the turnaround story and thank local employees.

“Newark has operated better than it ever has and that’s a direct result of the actions taken by Secretary Duffy and the FAA as well as the professionalism, dedication and care of our nearly 15,000 local employees,” said Kirby. “Newark is the ‘crown jewel’ of our international network serving as a global gateway to dozens of international destinations – I’m proud of the work we’re doing here, and all across the country, to deliver a great experience and get our customers where they want to go safely and on time.”

Gateway for Global Travelers

Thousands of United employees help power the airline’s Newark operation that connects customers to nearly 320 cities across North, South, and Central America and the Caribbean, including 120 destinations with just one stop. Newark serves as a key gateway to United’s global network, offering nonstop service to 42 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and India – more Transatlantic destinations than any other carrier from the New York City area.

The hub connects United customers to 15 destinations no other U.S. airline serves including recently launched service to Split, Croatia; Bari, Italy; Glasgow, Scotland and Santiago De Compostela, Spain.

In addition to new routes launched this summer, United will become the only U.S. airline offering nonstop flights between Newark/New York and Seoul, South Korea beginning September 4. This October, the airline will also be the only airline in the New York area to offer service to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands as passengers seek a Caribbean getaway.

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Has Prime Air become Amazon Air Cargo?

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A new Boeing 767-300F (N496MM) is now being operated for Amazon by AmeriJet International.

Instead of the usual Prime Air titles the aircraft now sports “Amazon Air Cargo” titles.

Amazon Air Cargo describes itself:

100+ aircraft. 250+ flights daily. 7 days per week. And now, self-service access to instant quotes, express booking, and real-time tracking—all backed by Amazon’s reliable air network. We have the tools, the team, and the tech to get your air cargo where it needs to go swiftly and securely, from takeoff to touchdown. Guaranteed.

Our fleet of 737, 767, and A330 aircraft services networks within North America, Latin America, EMEA, and Asia. We can also provide international charter services.

Amazon.com (http://amazon.com/) Services LLC (d/b/a Amazon Air Cargo) is an Indirect Air Carrier. All flights are operated by our direct air carrier partners, including ATI, ABX, 21 Air, Sun Country, Hawaiian Airlines, Cargojet, ASL, and Quickjet.

Summary of what we think is happening:

Amazon has introduced an “Amazon Air Cargo” livery on an Amerijet-operated Boeing 767-300F, signaling a strategic shift to sell excess capacity to third-party clients, rather than just moving company packages.

While the operational identity remains “Amazon Air,” this new branding on N496MM highlights the company’s expansion into a commercial logistics business alongside its existing Prime Air services.

Any further information is welcome.

LATAM Boeing 787 CC-BBD is damaged at Easter Island

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On May 29, 2026, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner registered CC-BBD of LATAM Airlines of Chile was damaged on the tarmac of Easter Island Airport, Mataveri (IPC/SCIP) after the flight LA841 had arrived.

The second door (L2) was torn off by the airstairs truck.

Report and photos by Alvaro Romero reporting from Chile.

It is uncertain at this time when repairs can be performed at the remote airport in the South Pacific Ocean.

Emirates reveals a celebratory A380 livery dedicated to Arsenal FC on A6-EOE

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Emirates has revealed a celebratory A380 livery dedicated to Arsenal FC, following the club’s triumphant Premier League winning season. Unveiled as part of the airline’s longstanding partnership with Arsenal, the bespoke livery reflects Emirates’ continued commitment to connecting fans with the world’s biggest sporting moments.

Applied in-house by Emirates Engineering, the decal stretches from the iconic tail fin flag to the middle of the fuselage and features four first-team players: Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Viktor Gyökeres. The Arsenal Crest is proudly emblazoned above glistening gold ‘Champions’ lettering, celebrating the efforts of the entire squad.

2026 marks a major milestone for Emirates and Arsenal, as they celebrate 20 years of partnership. Emirates serves as Official Airline partner, and holds naming rights to Arsenal’s home ground, Emirates Stadium in North London. The Fly Better logo is also featured prominently on the front of the Men’s, Women’s and Academy team shirts, marking the longest-running front-of-shirt sponsorship in Premier League history.

This new livery is yet another accolade to add to Arsenal’s trophy cabinet, after a remarkable season, which saw the club crowned champions of the Premier League last week. Today, the Arsenal and Emirates A380 will take to the skies for its victory lap, heading to London Heathrow as EK001. Planespotters and football fans alike can catch a glimpse of the airline’s newest livery, which pays homage to Emirates’ longstanding commitment to the game, the club and the supporters.