Airbus A350-1000ULR for QANTAS breaks world distance

Airbus announced:

The Airbus A350-1000ULR (Ultra-Long Range) has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the longest flight by distance by a commercial airliner. The record was based on aircraft data independently validated by the International Aeronautical Federation and flightradar24.

The Airbus-operated flight, with call-sign AIB35LR, departed Melbourne, Australia at 17.27 local time (06.27 UTC) on Monday 27 July and landed in Toulouse, France at 09.51 am local time (07.51 UTC) on Tuesday 28 July. The flight covered a distance of 12,503 nautical miles (equivalent to 23,155 kilometres), with a flight time of 24 hours and 24 minutes.

The mission was undertaken as part of the flight test campaign for the A350-1000ULR, which is being developed for Qantas Airways under Project Sunrise. This included a requirement for Airbus to operate one sector with a block time of 23 hours (from push-back at departure to chocks-on at arrival) to simulate the very longest commercial operations that will be possible with the aircraft.

After take-off from Melbourne the aircraft flew over Sydney before heading out over the Pacific on a north-easterly routing towards Los Angeles, crossing the international date line en route. It then flew across the North American continent and over the Atlantic before heading south towards the UK, flying over London and on to Toulouse. As the aircraft crossed three continents and two oceans, the crew witnessed two sunsets and two sunrises.

A total of 13 people were on board the aircraft. These included a flight crew of three Airbus flight test pilots, two pilots from Qantas and five Airbus flight test engineers. Two Airbus design engineers were also on board, plus a representative of the International Aeronautical Federation.

“This achievement reflects the pioneering and innovative spirit that is part of our DNA at Airbus. In responding to the challenge laid down by Qantas, our teams came together to extend the range of the A350-1000 in an efficient and economically viable way to undertake the world’s longest ever commercial flights,” said Lars Wagner, Chief Executive Officer Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “Flying 12,503 nautical miles non-stop, we have fully proven the aircraft’s capability to fulfill its mission. And the world record was the icing on the cake!”

“Huge congratulations to all the teams at Airbus who have made this project a reality. And thank you to Qantas for an incredible partnership that has seen us push boundaries together, to Rolls-Royce for its full support and to all our partners who have contributed to this exciting moment in aviation history. Today we can say that the A350 truly is the undisputed Long Range Leader! ” Lars added.

The A350-1000ULR will enable Qantas Airways to operate non-stop flights between Sydney and London and New York 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.

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 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 October 2026, the A350 Family had won 1,628 orders from 70 customers, with more than 740 aircraft already flying with 42 operators, primarily on long haul services across the globe.

Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under Project Sunrise. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery next April with entry into service on the Sydney-London route later in the year. In addition, the carrier also has 12 standard A350-1000s on order for future operation across its long haul network.

Top Photo: Airbus. The crew on board comprised: Airbus Test Pilots Xavier Pepin, Vincent Sibelle and Josef Bayoud; Qantas Pilots Captain Andrew Coull and Captain David Summergreene; Airbus Test Flight Engineers Laurent Rossignol and Nicolas Granier; Airbus Flight Test Engineers: Tuan Do, Alexia Plumet and Jaime Angoloti. Also on board were Airbus design engineers, Stefan Gumm and Carsten Obermann. The International Aeronautical Federation was represented by Gilles Darriau.

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Flight paths and sky videos help solve contrail puzzles

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Boeing announced:

Contrails are the streaks airplanes sometimes leave behind in the sky that can trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate impacts beyond carbon emissions.

For Emily Dallara and the Project Starry Skies team, solving the puzzle of contrail formation means a path to more sustainable aviation.

Contrails are the streaks airplanes sometimes leave behind in the sky that can trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate impacts beyond carbon emissions. “If we know where contrails will form and persist, flights can adjust altitude just a bit to avoid those areas,” Dallara said.

She credits her teammates and their combined expertise for driving the work forward. “This small change can have a big impact on reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.”

Emily Dallara, Boeing engineer supporting Project Starry Skies, stands with a sky-facing camera used to track contrails. The network of cameras helps improve forecasts that guide more sustainable flight paths and reduce aviation’s climate impact.

That’s where Project Starry Skies comes in. A network of ground cameras records when and where contrails form. These cameras offer an unexpected but powerful source of data for contrail research.

“The idea sparked at a contrail workshop two years ago,” Dallara said. A discussion about a roof-mounted meteor detection camera led to the realization that similar cameras could be used to spot contrails at night.

The technology works by capturing videos of the sky, then using a mix of human review and artificial intelligence to detect contrails across thousands of images. Engineers match these observations with flight tracking data to figure out which planes made which contrails. The assessment helps improve forecasts of the humidity where aircraft fly, which is the key factor in determining whether contrails will form and persist. Currently, predictions of these conditions are broad and lack the accuracy needed for detailed altitude guidance.

Project Starry Skies involves deep collaboration between Boeing and university partners, through which both groups are learning and innovating together. Boeing teams are working closely with experts from Western University (Canada), which has long-standing experience operating sky-facing camera networks for meteor detection and space situational awareness.

“University partnerships let us tap extensive expertise beyond Boeing’s core technical areas,” Dallara said. “Their collaboration has accelerated our progress and enriched our understanding.”

Nighttime contrails captured by a Project Starry Skies ground camera provide data that supports improved forecasting and sustainable flight planning.

Why it matters: Improving forecasting can help airlines reduce the impacts of persistent contrails in sensitive conditions while maintaining flight efficiency. Current weather data falls short in measuring humidity, a key factor in contrail formation. Since aircraft produce contrails only under certain conditions, contrails effectively act as sensors. By combining camera data with weather models, researchers gain a clearer picture of exactly where and why contrails form and persist.

The data from Project Starry Skies may help Boeing teams develop tools that could one day make contrail avoidance a regular part of flight planning.

Dallara’s motivation is driven by her role as a mom and by her commitment to sustainability. “I want the airspace we hand off to future generations to be healthier.”

To Dallara, Boeing’s role is clear. “We’re stepping up to lead on this challenge with innovation and collaboration. This effort is just one way our company is helping make sustainable air travel possible for years to come.”

Contrails at sunrise Project Starry Skies time lapse video

Contrails at sunrise, time lapse video from ground cameras, Project Starry SkiesPlay Video

Go deeper:

The Boeing research team is expanding its camera network and seeking hosts to install cameras in specific U.S. regions: the Pacific Northwest, from the Cascade Mountains to western Montana, and the southeastern U.S., from northern Alabama to the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. Hosts can install cameras at their homes or on buildings affiliated with universities and schools. There are many ways to get involved. For more information about supporting the camera network, email starryskies@boeing.com.
Discover how Boeing is leveraging data to reduce aviation’s emissions and inform technology, policy and investment decisions through the Boeing Cascade Climate Impact Modelopens in a new tab.

A ground camera captures contrails as part of Project Starry Skies, helping researchers match contrails with flight information.

The Boeing 777-9 touches down in Iceland

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From Boeing:

The 777-9 flight-test team landed at Keflavik International Airport in Iceland for the first time last week, marking the 10^th country visited by Boeing’s newest widebody jet.

The stop is part of an ongoing flight-test campaign ahead of the airplane’s planned first delivery in 2027.

Why it matters: Boeing teams conduct rigorous testing to demonstrate the 777-9’s safety, reliability and performance. In Iceland, the team’s focus is on crosswind conditions.

Behind the scenes: View scenes of the team’s journey from Seattle to Keflavik.

By the numbers: The 777-9 flight-test fleet has flown more than 1,800 flights and logged more than 5,100 flight hours. The 777-9 offers 20 percent better fuel efficiency than the airplanes it replaces, and customers worldwide have ordered more than 660 777X airplanes.

By Jen Cram

Polaris Airlines commences operations in Moldova

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Polaris Airlines (Z9/PAP) is a new Moldovan ultra-low-cost carrier that officially launched operations in November 2026, establishing its primary hub at Chișinău International Airport. The airline is entering a rapidly expanding Moldovan aviation market that has seen strong passenger growth and increasing competition from carriers such as Wizz Air and HiSky. Its business model focuses on low fares, point-to-point service, and serving both Moldova’s large diaspora communities and leisure travelers heading to popular European and Mediterranean destinations.

Polaris Airlines is establishing its primary hub at Chișinău International Airport. The airline is entering a rapidly expanding Moldovan aviation market that has seen strong passenger growth and increasing competition from carriers such as Wizz Air and HiSky. Its business model focuses on low fares, point-to-point service, and serving both Moldova’s large diaspora communities and leisure travelers heading to popular European and Mediterranean destinations.

The launch comes as Moldova’s aviation sector continues to expand following several years of strong demand growth and increased international connectivity. Polaris aims to capitalize on this opportunity by positioning itself as a low-cost alternative on key routes from Chișinău to major European cities. The carrier has branded itself as an ultra-low-cost airline, offering passengers basic fares with optional ancillary services similar to other European low-cost operators. According to the airline and industry reports, its initial focus is on markets with strong ethnic, labor, and tourism traffic flows. The carrier is launching with a network centered on Italy, Central Europe, Ireland, and Türkiye.

The airline’s first route is between Chișinău and Istanbul Airport. Service began on November 5, 2026, with frequencies scheduled to increase to daily operations by December. Istanbul provides Polaris with access to one of the largest air transport markets in the region and a major connecting gateway between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The route also serves substantial business, tourism, and visiting-friends-and-relatives traffic between Moldova and Türkiye.

The second phase of the airline’s rollout begins on November 18, 2026, when Polaris launches services from Chișinău to Bologna, Prague, and Verona. Each route is scheduled to operate three times weekly. The Italian routes target Moldova’s significant expatriate population in northern Italy, while Prague provides access to a growing Central European market.

Expansion continues with the launch of Chișinău-Milan Malpensa service on November 19, 2026, also operating three weekly flights. Milan represents one of the largest Moldovan diaspora markets in Western Europe and is expected to be an important component of the carrier’s early network. Service to Rome Fiumicino follows on November 20, 2026, likewise operating three times weekly. Together with Bologna, Verona, and Milan, Rome gives Polaris a substantial presence in one of Moldova’s strongest international markets.

On November 21, 2026, the airline plans to launch service between Chișinău and Dublin with three weekly flights. Dublin has become an increasingly important destination for Moldovan workers and expatriates, and the route adds further geographic diversity to the carrier’s opening network.

The strategy behind the launch is to build a network linking Moldova directly with major European capitals and cities that have significant Moldovan communities, reducing reliance on connections through larger foreign hubs. This places Polaris in direct competition with several established operators already serving the Moldovan market, particularly Wizz Air, HiSky, and other low-cost and regional carriers operating from Chișinău.

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American Airlines and the MICHELIN Guide partner to bring exclusive culinary experiences to AAdvantage members

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American Airlines is helping AAdvantage^® members discover the world through a new lens: cuisine. Today, American and the MICHELIN Guide announced an exclusive partnership designed to bring members closer to the people, places and flavors that make every destination unique. By combining the world’s largest airline loyalty program with the world’s most respected authority in dining, the two brands will create unique experiences that celebrate the connection between travel, culture and exceptional cuisine.

From intimate dinners with renowned chefs to supporting the culinary industry through MICHELIN Guide ceremonies and unparalleled private culinary trips, the partnership will unlock new ways for members to experience destinations beyond the flight itself. Whether discovering a city’s culinary scene or connecting with celebrated chefs, AAdvantage^® members will unlock unforgettable experiences that bring travel to life, one remarkable meal at a time.

Together, American and Michelin will introduce:

Exclusive dining experiences: AAdvantage^® members will have opportunities to redeem miles for intimate, chef-led dining events featuring some of the world’s most celebrated culinary talent. Created in collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide, each experience will offer guests rare access to exceptional MICHELIN-Starred restaurant collaborations, innovative menus and the stories behind them. Members can save the date for the first three experiences, planned for:
- February 2027: Los Angeles
- April 2027: Miami
- June 2027: Chicago
MICHELIN Guide moments: American is the official and exclusive restaurant partner for the U.S. MICHELIN Guide Ceremonies, landmark events that recognize the chefs and restaurants shaping the culinary landscape through MICHELIN Stars, Bib Gourmand awards and other the MICHELIN Guide honors. Through this partnership, American will support and celebrate culinary professionals during some of the industry’s most significant moments, helping spotlight culinary excellence while reinforcing the connection between premium travel and world-class dining.
Exclusive culinary journeys: AAdvantage^® members will have opportunities to redeem miles for bespoke culinary travel experiences designed in collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide. Crafted by MICHELIN Guide experts and informed by the knowledge of its inspectors, each journey will provide privileged access to some of the world’s most celebrated chefs, hotels and wineries through fully customized itineraries and one-of-a-kind experiences. Members can save the date for the inaugural culinary journey to Porto, Portugal, in September 2027, timed to coincide with American’s launch of service to the destination.

“At the MICHELIN Guide, we believe exceptional dining has the power to inspire discovery, foster meaningful connections and create lasting memories,” said MICHELIN Guide’s International Director Gwendal Poullennec. “With this partnership, we’re excited to bring travelers closer to the people, places and culinary experiences that make every journey extraordinary.”

For more than a century, American has connected customers to destinations and experiences across the globe. Today, the airline continues to invest in every step of the customer journey, from premium cabins and modern lounges to elevated inflight dining and personalized loyalty experiences. The MICHELIN Guide partnership represents the next evolution of that commitment, creating new opportunities for members to engage with the AAdvantage^® program through experiences that celebrate culture, discovery and connection.

Avolon Finalizes Order for 140 Boeing 737-10 Jets

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Boeing and Avolon on November 4, 2026 announced the lessor finalized its purchase of 140 737-10 airplanes, a record 737 MAX order by a lessor that increases Avolon’s backlog to more than 240 unfilled orders.

Lessors have placed firm orders for more than 230 737-10 airplanes in 2026, five times more than the lessor backlog for the largest 737 MAX variant at the end of 2025.

The 737-10 offers the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane. It can seat up to 230 passengers and has a range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 kilometers).

Projected 4% annual passenger traffic growth over the next 20 years is driving lessors to broaden single‑aisle offerings. Lessors have ordered more than 1,450 737 MAX airplanes, about 20% of Boeing’s backlog.

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JetBlue and the Florida Panthers Take South Florida Dedication to New Heights with New Aircraft Design on N784JB

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JetBlue Airways and the Florida Panthers today unveiled a new special-edition aircraft livery celebrating their expanded partnership and shared South Florida roots. Named “Go Cats Go,” the Airbus A320 (N784JB) brings Panthers colors, logos and team history to the skies while broadly displaying JetBlue’s commitment to Florida.

The aircraft was revealed on November 5, 2026 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), where JetBlue was joined by Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Zito, Captain Aleksander Barkov and Forward Brad Marchand as well as local officials and community partners to celebrate the newest expression of the airline’s partnership with the Panthers.

Following the unveiling, the celebration continued inside the terminal as Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Ratt, the team’s mascots, greeted customers traveling on “Go Cats Go’s” first flight out of Florida. Customers onboard also received special giveaways to celebrate the aircraft’s debut.

A Panthers Design from Nose to Tail

“Go Cats Go” trades JetBlue’s signature blue for a look inspired by the Panthers jersey. The iconic Panthers red covers the aircraft body while the state animal and team namesake stands beside JetBlue’s logo, proudly representing the partnership. On the aircraft’s tail, the Panthers shield logo stands out in navy and gold.

The jersey inspiration continues underneath the aircraft. Bold red letters spell out “FLORIDA” against a white belly, which echoes the white stripe across the Panthers’ uniform and makes it easy to spot JetBlue’s commitment to the Sunshine State from the ground. The team’s leaping cat logo also makes an appearance on the underside of the plane.

Across the plane, additional details fill out the design. Near the front of the aircraft is the Panthers simplified Florida flag, which mirrors the logo worn on the shoulders of the team’s jerseys. And for longtime Cats fans, a palm tree and hockey stick offer a nod to the historic Panthers secondary logo.

Taking South Florida Higher

“Go Cats Go” is the latest expression of JetBlue and the Florida Panthers expanded partnership and shared commitment to South Florida. At Amerant Bank Arena, JetBlue is the presenting partner of the newly reimagined Champions Club and JetBlue Landing, which brings fans closer to the action through special events and experiences.

Beyond the arena, JetBlue and the Panthers continue to invest in the community through initiatives like the Panthers’ Reading Challenge, encouraging thousands of Broward County Public Schools students to read and rewarding winning schools with books, celebrations and special Panthers experiences.

For JetBlue, this partnership expands the airline’s longstanding commitment to serving the region. Fort Lauderdale was JetBlue’s first destination when the airline took flight in 2000, and more than 25 years later, the airline is making some of its biggest investments yet in South Florida. Today, JetBlue is the largest carrier at FLL, with over 150 peak daily departures to more than 60 nonstop destinations this winter.

Now, the airline’s South Florida commitment includes an aircraft that wears its Florida pride for everyone to see. With the state name stretched boldly across its belly, “Go Cats Go” is a flying statement of JetBlue’s history and the importance of South Florida to its future.

Magnifica Air unveils its new luxury product

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Magnifica Air is a new luxury airline startup based in Windermere, Florida, that aims to create a new category between traditional airline first class and private jet travel. The company was founded by CEO Wade Black and is targeting affluent travelers who want the privacy, convenience, and personalized service of private aviation without the cost of chartering an entire aircraft. The carrier formally introduced its concept at NBAA 2025 and has been promoting what it calls a “Private Class” travel experience.

The airline plans to begin scheduled passenger operations in 2027, with several industry reports citing a target launch during the third quarter of 2027. Initial service is expected to focus on major U.S. business and leisure markets including Miami, New York, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, Dallas, and Houston, along with seasonal services to destinations such as the Caribbean and Napa Valley.

Magnifica Air intends to operate a fleet of Airbus A220-300s and Airbus A321neos acquired through leasing arrangements with Air Lease Corporation and other lessors. The airline originally announced plans for a bespoke fleet of A220-300 and A321neo aircraft, with interiors completed by Comlux. Unlike conventional airline configurations, each aircraft will be fitted with just 45 to 54 seats, compared with more than 100 passengers on a typical A220 and well over 180 passengers on a standard A321neo. The A220-300s are intended primarily for medium-haul routes, while the A321neos will operate longer sectors and include private suites and lounge areas.

A major milestone occurred in February 2026 when Magnifica unveiled its first aircraft, an Airbus A321neo, at Orlando International Airport. The aircraft became the first member of what the company described as an initial fleet for its planned 2027 launch. At the time, the airline stated that the jet would undergo an extensive interior completion program before entering service.

The business model focuses heavily on the ground experience as well as the flight itself. Magnifica intends to use private terminals or dedicated facilities, allowing passengers to arrive approximately 30 minutes before departure. The airline promises concierge baggage handling, expedited TSA screening, chauffeur services, premium lounges, personalized dining, and cabin layouts featuring recliner seats, enclosed suites, and in some aircraft a social lounge area.

The startup is also positioning itself as a sustainability-focused luxury carrier. Magnifica says it intends to be carbon-neutral at launch, make extensive use of sustainable aviation fuel, and operate modern fuel-efficient Airbus aircraft. The airline has also promoted advanced cabin air and surface purification systems as part of its premium product offering.

Lufthansa A321neo (D-AIEM) flies employees’ stories across Europe

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Lufthansa announced:

For several months, an Airbus A321neo has been flying for Lufthansa in an extraordinary special livery, which was added to step by step over the anniversary year.

“Hamm” now carries its complete anniversary livery. Twelve designs under the motto “Made by many. Remembered by all” tell personal stories of employees and honour the people who have shaped Lufthansa over the decades.

The two most recently applied designs are representative of the diversity of these moments and stories:

Connected with loved ones: Two arms embrace a tail fin. This design, suggested by a Lufthansa flight attendant, commemorates a special flight on 19 March 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. With his crew, he flew from Frankfurt to Bogotá to bring stranded travellers home. Many of the passengers had waited at the airport for seven days. His message: Lufthansa brings people to their loved ones, whatever the circumstances.

Setting off into a united Germany: From June 1990, a Lufthansa employee helped set up the first Lufthansa sales offices in Dresden and celebrated reunification in Berlin on 3 October. Her design shows people walking hand in hand into a new future in front of the Brandenburg Gate. For her, the tickets sold symbolised a piece of freedom.

In total, twelve personal moments and stories adorn the Airbus A321neo “Hamm”. After an internal call for submissions, a jury shortlisted 20 stories from numerous suggestions by Lufthansa employees. All employees were then able to vote on the final selection.

The twelve winning designs are placed in passe-partout frames around the now well-known XXL crane on the aircraft. Alongside the employees’ stories, there are also some historical photos and events, such as a photo of Lufthansa’s first two female pilots, Nicola Lisy and Evi Hetzmannseder.

Next to each passe-partout on the aircraft is a QR code that leads to a website with background information on the respective designs. The A321neo, registration D-AIEM, will fly the stories across Europe until the end of 2028.

Two Airbus A320neo, one Airbus A350-900, one Airbus A380, one Boeing 747-8 and one Boeing 787-9 are currently flying around the world in the iconic 100-year design with a special XXL crane livery. In November, Lufthansa’s first A350-1000 will join as the seventh member of the special anniversary fleet

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Allegiant Partners with UNLV’s College of Hospitality to Launch Customer Experience Training for Flight Attendants

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Allegiant is taking the next step in its customer experience journey through a new partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, bringing a customized customer experience training program to flight attendants across its network.

The program leverages UNLV’s expertise in service culture and training to strengthen Allegiant’s customer experience as the airline grows.

The curriculum was developed in collaboration with hospitality experts at UNLV and tailored specifically to Allegiant’s operation and customer experience goals. Through a two-day training delivered at flight attendant bases, crew members from Allegiant will explore hospitality best practices, emotional intelligence, communication strategies, and the impact of customer interactions throughout the travel journey — giving flight attendants across the airline tools for delivering consistent service, regardless of which aircraft or route they’re working.

This marks the first collaboration of its kind between Allegiant and UNLV, representing a unique partnership between the airline industry and one of the world’s leading hospitality education programs. The training program launches in November, with an initial rollout at East Coast bases before expanding across the network through Spring 2027.

The launch comes as Allegiant continues the integration with Sun Country Airlines, following the completion of the acquisition on May 13, 2026. Together, Allegiant and Sun Country form a leading value-focused airline in the United States, with a combined fleet of nearly 200 aircraft serving almost 175 cities.

That scale and commitment to customer experience, builds on a strong foundation of recognition: Allegiant was ranked the #2 U.S. airline overall and top-ranked value carrier in The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 airline rankings, named 2026’s Best Low-Cost Airline in North America by Skytrax’s World Airline Awards for the third consecutive year, and recognized among the top three U.S. airlines — and the #1 ultra-low-cost carrier — in J.D. Power’s North America Airline Satisfaction Study.