American Airlines celebrates expanded access to Flagship Dining with exclusive offering from KHK Wines and K+M Extravirgin Chocolate pairing curated by Chef Thomas Keller

American Airlines expands Flagship^® Dining access, bringing its premium sit-down dining experience to more eligible customers at DFW and MIA beginning Sept. 15, with plans to reopen at LAX in late 2026.
A refreshed Flagship^® Dining menu debuts with chef-inspired dishes, regionally influenced flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Chef Thomas Keller, co-founder of K+M Extravirgin Chocolate and a founding ambassador in Keller Hall Keller (KHK) Wines, brings an exclusive wine and chocolate pairing to Flagship^® Dining guests and visitors to The Chelsea Lounge^® club. As part of the collaboration, KHK cabernet sauvignon will also be available in all Flagship^®lounges, adding another elevated touch to American’s premium lounge experience.

Flagship^® Dining, the premium American Airlines sit-down dining experience available in Flagship^® lounges at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Miami International Airport (MIA), is expanding access eligibility to more customers. To further enhance the experience, American is introducing an exclusive wine and chocolate pairing featuring KHK Wines and K+M Extravirgin Chocolate for Flagship^® Dining guests. Chef Thomas Keller, who co-founded K+M Extravirgin Chocolate with Italian olive oil producer Armando Manni and is a founding ambassador in KHK Wines, curated the pairing. The offering will also be available at The Chelsea Lounge^® club at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), adding another elevated touch to American’s most premium lounge experiences.

Beginning Sept. 15, customers traveling in Flagship^® Business Plus and Flagship^® Business on qualifying long-haul international, transcontinental and Hawaii Flagship^® routes can enjoy access to Flagship^®Dining — an opportunity previously offered to only those traveling in Flagship^® First.

The private Flagship^® Dining experience will also reopen at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in late 2026. It’s an ideal retreat, especially popular among international travelers on layovers or with longer flights ahead of them.

A reimagined Flagship Dining menu

Launching alongside the expanded access, American is unveiling a refreshed four-course Flagship^®Dining menu curated by American’s culinary team. Developed by American’s chefs, the seasonal offerings blend regional flavors, thoughtfully sourced ingredients and refined culinary techniques to create an elevated dining experience inspired by some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants. The refreshed menu will also feature regionally inspired entrees that showcase flavors unique to American’s hubs, including, but not limited to:

Roasted purple cauliflower steak

Flagship^® burger

Churro bread pudding

Texas pear and burrata salad

Mesquite-grilled beef filet

California artisan board

A chef-curated pairing elevates the Flagship Dining experience

As part of the enhanced Flagship^® Dining experience, American is introducing an exclusive wine and chocolate pairing featuring KHK Wines, K+M Extravirgin Chocolate and K+M hazelnut dragées. Chef Thomas Keller co-founded K+M Chocolate with Italian olive oil producer Armando Manni and is a founding ambassador in KHK Wines — brands known for their shared commitment to quality, craftsmanship and hospitality.

The pairing features KHK Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon alongside a selection of K+M chocolates and K+M hazelnut dragées, served at The French Laundry, Chef Keller’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Yountville, California. Together, the collection delivers a thoughtful progression of flavors designed to complement one another and provide a memorable conclusion to the dining experience.

The KHK Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon featured in the pairing was crafted in collaboration with acclaimed Napa Valley winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, whose wines have earned widespread recognition for their quality and sense of place, producing more than 60 cabernet sauvignons that earned 100 points over the course of his career. Brown helped create a cabernet sauvignon that pairs seamlessly with the flavors of the K+M Extravirgin Chocolate and dragées, bringing an additional layer of craftsmanship to the experience.

Beyond Flagship^® Dining, customers visiting all Flagship^® lounges and The Chelsea Lounge^® club can enjoy KHK cabernet sauvignon. The addition further reflects American’s commitment to offering distinctive food and beverage experiences in collaboration with premium brands, bringing elevated hospitality and exclusive offerings to customers throughout their journey.

The pairing: KHK Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon, K+M Extravirgin Chocolate and K+M hazelnut dragées

Updated Flagship Dining access

Under the updated policy, access is available to customers traveling in Flagship^® Business on qualifying long-haul international, transcontinental and Hawaii Flagship^® routes.

These updates align Flagship^® Dining access more closely with the premium travel experience while ensuring customers traveling on eligible Flagship itineraries can enjoy the benefit as part of their journey.

JetBlue to Open Second Boston BlueHouse™ Lounge, Adds New Access for Mint® Customers

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JetBlue Airways on August 24, 2026 announced that its second BlueHouse™ airport lounge will officially open at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Terminal C at 5 a.m. ET on Thursday, August 27, 2026. With the opening of BlueHouse in JetBlue’s second largest focus city, the airline also announced it will expand its lounge access to include departing customers traveling on Mint or Mint Flex fares.

As a major element of JetBlue’s broader JetForward strategy, which includes delivering more premium, customer-centric experiences, the new BlueHouse Boston brings the airline’s signature hospitality to its major focus city with a thoughtfully designed space that feels like an extension of home. Inspired by Boston’s history, iconic neighborhoods and renowned hospitality, the lounge gives customers a relaxed and seamless place to work, dine, play or unwind before takeoff.

Key Highlights of BlueHouse at Boston Logan International Airport:

Space to Stretch Out: 12,000 square feet of spaces to play, work, dine and lounge, including a central bar and dining rooms, all brought to life through Boston and New England-inspired design, local materials, warm residential details, copper accents, eclectic furniture and curated artwork.
Fresh from the Kitchen, Locally Flavored: Locally inspired hot, plated food like North Shore roast beef sliders or crab and shrimp rolls and craft beverage offerings, including cocktails developed by renowned beverage director Jackson Cannon of acclaimed Boston cocktail bar Equal Measure, specialty brewed coffee and espresso from George Howell Coffee, a curated selection of New England craft beers from The Publick House and carry-on sweets from Madeleine’s Candy Shop.
Stay Connected (or not): High-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets and dedicated quiet areas.

A New Lounge, More Value for Mint Customers

BlueHouse is a signature benefit for JetBlue’s most loyal customers and premium travelers, enhancing the value of its award-winning TrueBlue® loyalty program. Beginning August 27, complimentary BlueHouse access will expand to all customers with departing travel on a confirmed Mint or Mint Flex fare.

In the coming weeks, JetBlue will also introduce Mint Base, a new lower-fare option designed to make it easier for more customers to experience JetBlue’s award-winning Mint experience onboard. Mint Base will not include BlueHouse access or complimentary advanced seat selection, and fees will apply to changes and cancellations. Customers who value these additional benefits can continue to select Mint or Mint Flex fares, both of which include complimentary BlueHouse access and advance seat selection along with no change or cancellation fees.

More on Boston BlueHouse: A Love Letter to Boston

BlueHouse Boston draws on the character of Boston and greater New England through locally inspired design, art and playful details throughout the space. From an entrance inspired by a classic Boston home to neighborhood influences woven throughout the lounge, the experience is designed to welcome customers from the moment they arrive.

“BlueHouse Boston is designed to feel like a warm, stylish New England home – welcoming, comfortable and full of details that spark inspiration and nostalgia,” said Stephanie Evans Greene, senior vice president, marketing and brand, JetBlue. “From the local partnerships and artwork to the playful surprises throughout the space, we wanted customers to feel connected to Boston just like JetBlue.”

Among the Boston-inspired features customers can discover:

The Neighborhood Bar: The social heart of the lounge, featuring a “Nantucket Blue” wood-slatted ceiling, warm copper finishes and a custom lighting feature inspired by Boston’s iconic beacon.
The Dugout: A game room that gives a nod to Boston’s celebrated sports culture, featuring artifacts and memorabilia from our local partners.
The Candy Closet: A hidden sweet spot stocked by Madeleine’s Candy Shop, where customers can fill custom-designed, carry-on candy bags.
The Library Workspace: A quieter work area with tables and lamps modeled after the historic Boston Public Library, complemented by private rooms for calls and virtual meetings.
A Richard Scarry Original: An exclusive-to-JetBlue mural featuring recognizable characters and scenes from Boston-born author and illustrator Richard Scarry’s Busy World, including an adapted illustration featuring a JetBlue aircraft.

Additional patterns, textures and finishes throughout BlueHouse Boston take inspiration from Beacon Hill, Downtown Boston and residential communities across New England.

Premium Travel with JetBlue’s Signature Hospitality

BlueHouse Boston reflects JetBlue’s continued investment in delivering a more premium travel experience for customers, both in the air and on the ground, and marks another milestone in the airline’s ongoing investment in Boston as part of its broader JetForward strategy. The opening follows the airline’s recent accolade for its New York-JFK BlueHouse location, which was named the No. 1 “Best Airport Lounge” in Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice™ Awards 2026, a consumer-voted program recognizing standout travel and hospitality experiences.

This summer, JetBlue is offering more than 133 daily departures from Boston to 68 destinations, including 25 international destinations and nine daily nonstop flights to Europe. JetBlue continues to strengthen its position as Boston’s leading leisure airline, expanding its network with new service to destinations including Barcelona and Milan.

Access to BlueHouse:

Customers	Access Policy	Guest Policy
Mosaic 4 Members¹	Complimentary	One complimentary guest $39 per additional guest
JetBlue Premier Cardmembers¹	Complimentary	One complimentary guest $39 per additional guest
Mint Customers^{1 (NEW!)}	Complimentary	$39 per guest

Eligible customers and guests may access BlueHouse up to three hours before their scheduled departure and must present a confirmed, same-day boarding pass for travel on a Mint, Mint Flex, EvenMore, EvenMore Flex, Main, or Main Flex fare. Mosaic 1-3 members and JetBlue Plus & Business cardmembers and eligible guests may access BlueHouse by purchasing a one-time pass in person at the BlueHouse check-in desk, pending space availability.

Customers	Access Policy	One-Time Pass Price
Mosaic 3 Members and Eligible Guests	Non-complimentary	$59 per-person
Mosaic 1-2 Members and Eligible Guests	Non-complimentary	$79 per-person
JetBlue Plus & Business Cardmembers Members and Eligible Guests	Non-complimentary	$79 per-person

Security Aviation Cessna 441 Conquest II crashes in Alaska

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On August 20, 2026, a twin-engine turboprop Cessna 441 Conquest II, operated by Anchorage-based charter operator Security Aviation, crashed near a remote military installation in southwest Alaska, resulting in the deaths of all eight people aboard. The flight was an on-demand charter contracted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to transport personnel on an official infrastructure assessment and mission support assignment.

The flight originated from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and was destined for the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, located approximately 450 miles southwest of Anchorage on the edge of the Bering Sea. The airstrip serves a Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center installation situated on the slope of a 2,300-foot mountain, utilized by the military to monitor Alaskan airspace and regional border corridors.

The aircraft was carrying two pilots and six passengers, including two civilian employees from the Alaska District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. At approximately 12:15 PM local time, while on approach to Cape Newenham in conditions characterized by dense fog, low ceilings, and visibility reported at less than 800 feet, the aircraft impacted terrain west of the airfield. Search and rescue teams coordinated by Alaskan Command, the Rescue Coordination Center, and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the site and confirmed there were no survivors. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport Celebrates Frontier Airlines’ Return With Inaugural Las Vegas Service

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Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) on August 20, 2026 welcomed Frontier Airlines’ return to Oakland with a celebratory inaugural event marking the launch of new nonstop service to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS). The airline’s return restores a popular travel option for Bay Area residents and visitors, strengthening connectivity between the Bay Area and one of the nation’s most sought-after leisure and entertainment destinations.

The event brought together local, regional, and aviation leaders to recognize the importance of expanded air service for Oakland travelers and the East Bay economy. Speakers participating in the inaugural celebration included:

· U.S. Representative Lateefah Simon

· Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee

· Port of Oakland Board President Stephanie Dominguez Walton

· Port of Oakland Executive Director Kristi McKenney

· Frontier Airlines VP of Public and Consumer Affairs Tyri Squyres

Frontier initially announced its return to Oakland in June 2026, establishing nonstop service to Las Vegas after previously operating at OAK through 2023. The airline’s renewed presence reflects continued confidence in the Oakland market and growing demand for convenient, low-fare travel options.

Frontier will operate the Las Vegas route 11 times weekly, providing travelers with greater flexibility and more departure options.

To celebrate its return to OAK and the launch of the new service, Frontier is offering fares as low as $29.*

SERVICE TO:	SERVICE START:	SERVICE FREQUENCY:	INTRO FARE:
Las Vegas (LAS)	Aug. 20	11x/week	$29*

United Completes Phase One Expansion of World’s Largest Pilot Training Facility

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United Airlines and CAE today celebrated the first phase of expansion at the world’s largest pilot training facility, adding 40 new CAE training devices (a combination of full-motion and fixed simulators) since 2022.

United’s Flight Training Center in Denver now has eight total buildings, nearly 700,000 square feet of training space, the equivalent of 12 football fields, and a total of 86 CAE training devices: 52 state-of-the-art full-motion flight simulators and 34 fixed training devices.

The airline now can train up to 860 pilots per day and with nearly 18,000 current pilots and continued growth ahead, United already has plans on adding to the training facility. Phase two of the expansion project is expected to break ground next year and be operational before 2030.

United Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby was joined by CAE’s President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Bromberg, along with other United and CAE leaders, to celebrate the completion of phase one.

United’s Flight Training Center Capabilities

Located in the Central Park neighborhood of Denver, the facility spans 22-acres and is the sole training facility for the airline’s nearly 18,000 active pilots and all newly hired pilots. All United pilots complete intensive simulator training with pilot instructors and evaluators during the initial qualification process and every nine months thereafter to maintain their certifications at United’s Flight Training Center in Denver.

United’s Flight Training Center has 52 full-motion flight simulators and 34 fixed training devices.
The Flight Training Center can conduct more than 32,000 training events annually and train up to 860 pilots per day.
The facility is in operation 24 hours a day for 362 days a year.

In July of 2026, the Denver City Council approved United’s rezoning request for two parcels of undeveloped land United purchased in 2023 near Denver International Airport (DEN). United has begun formal site building plans and anticipates groundbreaking on the next phase of the Flight Training Center expansion to begin on the new land in 2027, with the facility expected to be operational around 2030. The airline will operate the additional Flight Training Center in conjunction with its current facility.

Flight Training Center’s Local Impact

United invested more than $145 million in the new building that opened in 2024. Following the opening of the new building, United hired employees for more than 300 new jobs. In total, more than 1,600 of United’s 11,400+ Denver-based employees work at United’s Flight Training Center, representing 24 different departments in roles that include flight instructing, flight evaluating, scheduling, pilot hiring, human resources and flight standards.

In 2025, nearly $40 million was spent on hotel room nights in Denver for pilots visiting the training facility, with an expectation to spend nearly $50 million on hotel room nights in 2026.

United’s Flight Training Center was originally constructed between 1966-68 as part of the Stapleton Airport complex and has served as United’s main pilot training facility since then. Since 2016, United has invested $370 million in the Flight Training Center overall.

United in Denver

United continues to invest in Denver. As home to its fastest-growing hub, the airline has funneled nearly $1 billion in investments since 2021 to further improve the customer experience at DEN. This includes new gates, state-of-the-art United Club locations, including the largest in the United network to-date, and a new check-in lobby. United hired more than 1,400 people in Denver last year and plans to hire more than 1,300 people in 2026.

United operates the most flights and carries the most passengers in the state compared to any other carrier. This summer, United is operating with an airport-leading average of 570 daily departures from DEN. The airline provides service to more than 200 total destinations, including more than 20 international destinations, from the Mile High City.

Careers Take Flight

United is the career destination of choice for pilots, offering the largest widebody fleet in North America, and the most comprehensive global network and hubs across the U.S. Since announcing its United Next growth strategy in 2021, United has hired more than 9,500 pilots. In 2026, the airline has hired 700 pilots so far, with plans to hire hundreds more this year.

United offers a broad range of paths to the flight deck to ensure that the best pilots can find their opportunity at United:

First Officer hiring – For experienced pilots who meet United’s hiring requirements and are ready to fly for the airline now.
Aviate® Program – United’s pilot career development program offering aspiring and established pilots the most secure path to a United flight deck.
United Aviate Academy – United’s wholly owned flight school, located in Goodyear, Ariz.
United Military Pilot Program – Launched in September 2023, an industry-leading program that gives full-time, active-duty U.S. military pilots access to conditional job offers as a First Officer. Since 2024, nearly 600 military pilots have transitioned to United through the program, with 500 more expected by the end of 2027. Of United’s nearly 18,000 pilots, 4,500 are veterans.

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Alaska Airlines teams up with world champion Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold

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Alaska Airlines announced:

Alaska Airlines has announced a multi-year partnership with Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold, launching a Seattle-rooted campaign that uses football-season energy to spotlight the airline’s global growth and newest nonstop routes from Seattle to Paris and Athens.

The campaign showcases Seattle hometown pride, Alaska employees and a remarkable guest experience as the airline enters its next chapter of growth. With Paris and Athens joining Alaska’s international lineup from Seattle, Darnold will help travelers see what’s next, from new places to go, to new ways to engage through Atmos™ Rewards and a more premium global travel experience.

Sam knows how to compete on a global stage, and that play-to-win mindset totally aligns with our approach at Alaska Airlines. Partnering with a world champion like Sam is a fun way to celebrate Alaska Airlines’momentum as we build a global gateway in Seattle to connect our guests to the world.”

Ben Minicucci

CEO, Alaska Airlines

Seattle knows what it feels like to reach new heights. After an unforgettable season, I’m excited to partner with Alaska to celebrate that same momentum beyond the field. From Paris to Athens and beyond, Alaska is bringing Seattle to the world in new ways, and I’m proud to be part of a campaign that highlights what’s possible when a city keeps reaching farther.”

Sam Darnold

The campaign will roll out across Seattle, Portland and key regional markets, as well as Alaska’s owned channels, with content featuring Darnold, Alaska employees and guest-facing moments tied to travel, loyalty and Seattle hometown pride. Throughout the season, guests will be able to engage with Sam-specific social content, gate experiences and special moments that bring the partnership to life.

Throughout the regular football season, Alaska will delight guests with special travel and loyalty moments inspired by Darnold’s No. 14 jersey. Select flights will be renamed “Flight 1414,” giving guests onboard an automatic 1,414 Atmos Rewards points bonus. For away games, featured flights will connect Seattle-area fans with that week’s host city. For home games, the moments will spotlight flights from Seattle to the opposing team’s home market as a fun nod to the matchup and Alaska’s deep Seattle roots.

Atmos Rewards gives guests more ways to explore Alaska’s growing global network, with the ability to earn and redeem rewards across Alaska, Hawaiian, oneworld alliance members and additional global partners serving more than 1,000 destinations worldwide. Guests can also enjoy a more premium travel experience, from international business class Suites and premium onboard amenities to complimentary Starlink Wi‑Fi for Atmos Rewards members.

Beginning Sept. 9, guests wearing Darnold’s No. 14 Seattle jersey at participating gates at SeaTac Airport will also be invited to board with Group C, adding another game-day-inspired surprise to the travel experience. Alaska also plans to offer limited-time flight promotions through its social channels during the season, giving fans and travelers more ways to engage with the partnership.

The multi-year effort builds on Alaska’s history of working with partners across sports, entertainment and culture to create moments that matter for guests. It also reflects Alaska’s next brand chapter: rooted in its West Coast history, connected through Atmos Rewards and focused on bringing Seattle to more of the world through destinations like Paris and Athens.

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El Al Partners with Deni Avdija: A New Era in Airline Advertising

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El Al Israel Airlines has announced a brand partnership with Israeli AmericanBasketball player, Deni Avdija. The partnership is the first-of-its-kind with EL AL, kicking off with a video, digital and print campaign where Deni will be prominently featured. This campaign will launch today and will run throughspring 2027 and will be available on Hulu, Prime Video, Disney, Roku TV, Meta, Google as well as YouTube.

In the advertisement, Deni proudly displays his life in America, showcasing his time spent on and off the court, and how EL AL Airlines seamlessly fits into his routine. Throughout the video, everyday moments aboard EL AL are woven together with powerful symbols of Israeli identity, illustrating how the airline has become more than a journey for Deni – it is a place where he feels connected, welcomed and at home.

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One Pacific Airways outlines their plans in Micronesia

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The Pohnpei State Government formally received a delegation from start-up carrier One Pacific Airways, led by Public Relations Liaison Aspen Apis, who presented the airline’s strategy to expand domestic and regional air connectivity across the Federated States of Micronesia. The aviation initiative is backed by Da Yang Corporation, an enterprise with more than $200 million USD invested in fisheries operations in Kosrae, which is leveraging its established commercial presence in the region to support a sustainable air transport network.

The proposed operating plan focuses on providing scheduled passenger flights to domestic centers and remote outer islands to bridge long-standing travel gaps and complement existing regional operators. In addition to scheduled passenger and cargo transport, the airline intends to offer multi-mission capabilities for local island communities, including medical evacuations, search and rescue support, and maritime surveillance. To foster local workforce development, the company plans to establish a dedicated aviation training academy in Micronesia to prepare local pilots, certified aircraft maintenance technicians, and operational staff for careers in commercial aviation.

To establish early operations, the airline presented an introductory fleet plan starting with a Cessna 337 and advancing toward De Havilland Canada Dash 8 turboprops, both selected for their short takeoff and landing performance on shorter island airstrips. For longer-range regional trunk routes linking Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, Kosrae, Majuro, and Palau, the carrier is also integrating Embraer ERJ 145 regional jets into its broader network blueprint. Pohnpei State Governor Stevenson A. Joseph welcomed the presentation and expressed strong support, emphasizing that accessible and dependable air transportation aligns with priorities set by regional leaders at recent Micronesian Islands Forums to drive local economic growth and community resilience.

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