SEATTLE, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Right on the heels of the successful launch of Atmos™ Rewards, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are rolling out a new self-managed business travel program that will revolutionize how employees from small and mid-sized businesses travel across our global network. Atmos for Business is a new, convenient one-stop shop for companies and organizations with at least $5,000 in annual travel spend. With businesses and their employees in the Atmos for Business ecosystem, everyone wins – with generous points earning for both the business and traveler, a bonus path to Atmos status for the traveler and one point per dollar spent on flown tickets for your company.

“Atmos for Business delivers a compelling proposition for both companies and their travelers. By combining robust loyalty rewards with a seamless booking experience, we’re making every business trip more meaningful—helping organizations grow and giving travelers the recognition and benefits they deserve,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales. “It’s travel that works harder for everyone, with connections across the West Coast and throughout our global network.”

Better benefits for businesses

When a business enrolls in the new tool, it is assigned a company Atmos Rewards loyalty number. Anytime a traveler associated with that business flies with Alaska or Hawaiian, the business earns one point for each $1 spent. The accrued points can be used by the company for future travel on Alaska, Hawaiian or more than 30 global partners.

Beyond increased loyalty benefits for the business, Atmos for Business offers a seamless platform to make the booking process a breeze. The new tool offers:

• A modernized flow – the booking flow closely mirrors alaskaair.com and the experience most travelers are already familiar with.
• Easy invites – travel managers can invite travelers through a bulk upload, shareable link or email.
• More payment options – accounts can house multiple payment options and dedicate them to individuals or groups.
• Book according to teams – travelers can be grouped into teams, making it easier to book travel by department, office location and more.
• Simple reporting – travel managers can monitor activity, and track travel and spending all in one spot.
• A robust wallet – if a ticket is canceled, any unused funds can be added to a corporate wallet and then applied to future travel for anyone.
• Dedicated support – a team of experts is trained and ready to assist Atmos for Business users, ensuring a high level of care.
• Unique benefits for intra-Hawai’i travel – guests traveling within the state of Hawai’i will receive two free checked bags and free standby travel to access an earlier flight on the same route.

Better benefits for travelers

If your job has you hitting the road, be sure you’re earning the most points possible with Atmos for Business.

Guests traveling for business can connect their personal Atmos Rewards loyalty number and earn points as they fly. As an added bonus, these travelers will also earn a 10% bonus of status points on top of their base earn on any ticket booked through Atmos for Business. Travelers just need an Atmos Rewards number of their own and can sign up at alaskaair.com/atmosrewards/enroll.

A credit card that works for your business

To complement a new Atmos for Business account, we are offering the new Atmos™ Rewards Visa® Business card. Perfect for business expenses, cardholder benefits include an annual $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23), after qualifying purchases, a free checked bag, preferred boarding and more. Every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases earns 3 Atmos Rewards points to be used on future travel. Learn more about everything the new card can do – and a limited-time offer of 80,000 points.

An ever-expanding network and premium experience

The combined global network of Alaska and Hawaiian offers access to hundreds of routes from our hubs along the West Coast and Hawai’i to more than 140 destinations, including global business centers like Tokyo, Seoul, Rome and London coming this spring. Whether you’re traveling in a suite on a new 787 Dreamliner or comfortable in Main Cabin, Alaska and Hawaiian just give you more. Industry-leading legroom, access to innovative meals and being cared for by our award-winning employees mean you can relax and enjoy the journey before you touch down and get to work.

• Ottawa-London Heathrow flights continue through Winter 2025-26
• Only Canadian airline linking Canada’s capital non-stop to Europe
• Wide array of connections at Heathrow across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 23, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada announced today its Ottawa to London Heathrow non-stop flights will continue for Winter 2025-26, ensuring year-round connectivity between Canada’s capital city and the United Kingdom’s largest airport and a premier international gateway. Flights are available for booking now at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres, and via travel agents. 

“Air Canada continues to solidify its leadership serving our country’s capital and we are excited to keep Ottawa connected to one of the world’s most important global gateways all year long. Customers travelling for business, corporate and leisure from the National Capital Region and abroad will enjoy the ease and convenience of international travel options to and from Ottawa. We can’t wait to welcome you onboard our London flights this winter and beyond,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo, at Air Canada.

“In today’s global landscape, strong connections between Canada’s Capital Region and strategic markets like the United Kingdom are more vital than ever. Air Canada’s decision to extend its YOW-LHR service through the winter is great news – it reflects the airline’s confidence in our region, its deep commitment to Ottawa–Gatineau, and its role as a leading international carrier” said Susan Margles, President and CEO, Ottawa International Airport Authority. “This move is a win for travellers, businesses, and our entire community.”

“Air Canada’s expanded network is more than new destinations — it’s about strengthening Canada’s connections to the world. Most Canadian air cargo travels in the belly of passenger planes, which means every new route also opens a new trade corridor for Canadian goods. The extension of the Ottawa–London service will give Canadian businesses faster and more reliable access to the UK and Europe, supporting our exporters, driving investment, and creating good jobs here at home. Stronger connectivity in the skies means stronger growth on the ground — and ensures Canada remains a leader in the global economy,” stated The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade. 

“I am delighted that service from Ottawa to London Heathrow will now be available year-round. I regularly hear from business leaders and residents that we need more direct links to Ottawa. The connection to London has been very successful and well-received. Expanding to year-round service will enhance Ottawa’s success as both a business and visitor destination. It strengthens our connection to the world, supports economic growth, and makes our city even more accessible as a place to visit, live, and invest in,” said Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa.

“With the strength tourism has shown throughout the summer months helping to set the foundation going into the colder season, Air Canada’s extension of the Heathrow to Ottawa route for the winter is a tangible signal of confidence in Ottawa as a year-round destination,” said Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “This continued service ensures vital connectivity with our top overseas market. We appreciate Air Canada’s commitment and confidence, and we remain focused on supporting this route through proactive marketing and by offering an appealing destination for all visitors.”

Ottawa-London Heathrow schedule:

In addition to its London Heathrow route, Air Canada will operate over 450 weekly flights to and from Ottawa this winter across a range of regional, domestic, international and transborder flights.

New “Plus Status” Offering Allows Travelers to Earn Additional Benefits for Flights and Everyday Purchases

STAMFORD, Conn. and MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a leading consumer financial services company, and Sun Country Airlines (NASDAQ: SNCY) today announced the launch of a new credit card program focused on rewarding leisure travelers for both flights and everyday purchases. New cardmembers can earn 25,000 points when they spend $1,000 in the first 90 days after opening a new account.*

The new Sun Country Visa Signature® credit card allows cardmembers to earn up to 5X Sun Country rewards points for every $1 spent on Sun Country purchases: 3x when they use their card, and 2x when they fly. Cardmembers also earn 2X rewards points for every $1 spent on gas station and grocery store purchases, and 1X rewards points on all other purchases.*

In addition, cardmembers receive 50% off their first checked bag for themselves and travel companions on the same itinerary and 50% off Best and Standard seat selections for themselves and travel companions when purchasing pre-flight on suncountry.com or via the mobile app, plus a 10,000-point anniversary bonus if they spend $10,000 on their Sun Country Visa in a 12-month period based on the date of account opening. Travelers also receive a free premium drink in flight and a 25% discount on additional in-flight food and beverages when making their purchase using their Sun Country Visa.*

“At Synchrony, we create products to meet travelers’ needs, and this new card will offer Sun Country customers a seamless and rewarding customer experience,” said Bart Schaller, EVP & CEO, Digital, Synchrony. “This new program and partnership underscores Synchrony’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and further enhances our role across many industries, including travel. We are proud to help empower Sun Country travelers to enhance their journeys and open up new possibilities for exploration.”

Sun Country is also introducing Plus status to its Sun Country Rewards program to make travel even more rewarding. Plus members enjoy one additional point for every dollar spent on Sun Country purchases, no change or cancellation fees with complimentary Flexible Fares, and an upgraded day-of-travel experience with priority check-in, priority security (MSP departures only), and priority boarding (Zone 1) for themselves and their travel companions on the same itinerary. Members can qualify for Plus status by taking 10 flights in a calendar year or spending $10,000 annually on the Sun Country Visa.

“Sun Country offers our customers great value with low fares, more than 90 nonstop destinations, and a comfortable onboard experience,” said Colton Snow, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Sun Country. “Our partnership with Synchrony allows us to enhance our value by offering a credit card for both air travel-related purchases and everyday spending. Together, we are focused on creating more rewarding travel experiences, fostering customer loyalty, and providing flexible financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers.”

Existing Sun Country cardmembers have been converted to the new Synchrony-issued Sun Country Visa Signature credit card and new customers can apply through the Sun Country mobile app, or online through the Sun Country credit card landing page.

About Synchrony
Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a leading consumer financing company at the heart of American commerce and opportunity. From health to home, auto to retail, our Synchrony products have been serving the needs of people and businesses for nearly 100 years. We provide responsible access to credit and banking products to support healthier financial lives for tens of millions of people, enabling them to access the things that matter to them. Additionally, through our innovative products and experiences, we support the growth and operations of some of the country’s most respected brands, as well as more than 400,000 small and midsize businesses and health and wellness providers that Americans rely on. Synchrony is proud to be ranked as the country’s #2 Best Company to Work For® by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work®. For more information, visit www.synchrony.com.

New York, Sept. 22, 2025 – The EL AL Israel Airlines Board of Directors announced significant leadership changes at the company, marking a new chapter for Israel’s national airline.

Following an in-depth search process, the Board of Directors has appointed Levy Halevy as Chief Executive Officer of EL AL. Halevy previously served as CEO of Israel Credit Cards Ltd.for seven years, during which he led the company to record profitability and positioned it as an industry leader. Halevy’s career also includes senior roles in the financial and technology sectors, including Head of the Technology Division at the Discount Group, Deputy CEO of Menora Mivtachim, Head of Development at Bank Hapoalim, CEO of Malam Group and CEO of Consist Systems. His official start date will be announced at a later time.

At the same time, Yaakov (Yancale) Shachar, EL AL’s Chief Financial Officer, has announced his retirement, effective at the end of November 2025. Shachar joined EL AL in 2006 and has played a pivotal role in the company’s financial management and resilience, leading aircraft financing transactions, managing risk and investor relations and strengthening EL AL’s financial position throughout his nearly two decades with the company.

Shachar will be succeeded by CPA Gil Feldman, currently Deputy CFO and Head of the Economics, Budget and Business Development Division. Feldman, who joined EL AL in 2020, will assume the role of CFO on Dec. 1, 2025. In recent years, Feldman has overseen the company’s annual budget and business plan, supported management in strategic decision-making and played a central role in leading EL AL’s COVID-19 recovery plan. Feldman also serves as Chairman of the Board of Borenstein and as a Director at EL AL subsidiaries Tamam and Sundor.

“We welcome the appointment of Levy Halevy as CEO of EL AL,” said Amikam Ben Zvi, Chairman of the EL AL Board of Directors. “Levy brings with him extensive management experience and deep expertise in the financial and technological sectors. I have no doubt that, together with the people of EL AL, our most valuable asset, he will lead the company to new heights. On behalf of the board and all EL AL employees, I would also like to thank Dina Ben Tal Ganancia for her tenure as CEO and her significant contributions in recent years. Additionally, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Yancale Shachar for his many years of dedicated service. His leadership and professionalism strengthened EL AL’s financial resilience and positioned the company on firm ground for the future. We are equally confident in Gil Feldman’s ability to continue this legacy, bringing exceptional dedication and professionalism to his new role.”

• New San Antonio to Toronto beginning Summer 2026
• New Cleveland and Columbus to Montréal beginning Summer 2026

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 22, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada announced today it is adding new transborder flights and boosting capacity in select transborder markets for Summer 2026. Flights are now available for purchase at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres, and via travel agents.

“Air Canada is launching services to San Antonio and linking Columbus and Cleveland to Montreal to support travel between these destinations and points across our global network. We are also boosting capacity on other markets to provide additional travel options for customers on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Air Canada Cargo.

New flights:

Air Canada is set to boost its transborder capacity by 15 per cent in Summer 2026 compared to its Summer 2025 schedule. While in line with its Summer 2024 transborder capacity level, the planned 2026 increase is aimed at increasing choices for travellers connecting between Air Canada’s international network and these markets.

• New Fredericton to Ottawa, and Moncton to Ottawa daily flights
• New Fort McMurray to Vancouver flights, three times weekly
• More Sudbury to Toronto flights, increasing from two to three flights daily

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 19, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada today announced changes to its regional network that include new flights connecting Ottawa to both Fredericton and Moncton beginning Dec. 15, 2025, and non-stop flights from Vancouver to Fort McMurray starting Dec. 2, 2025. The airline is also increasing flights from Toronto to Sudbury as of Feb. 1, 2026. All flights will be operated with Air Canada Express Q400 aircraft. Flights are now available for purchase at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres, and via travel agents.

“Air Canada is diversifying its domestic regional network this fall to capitalize on travel demand in growing markets. Our newest Ottawa routes will connect the National Capital Region to two expanding areas in New Brunswick – its capital city, Fredericton, and Moncton, the province’s largest urban and fastest growing area. We have strategically designed these New Brunswick flights to connect in Ottawa to and from our domestic and sun network for additional travel choices,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada.

“The addition of non-stop flights from Fort McMurray to Vancouver, and more flights from Sudbury to Toronto will link these airports directly to our Vancouver and Toronto hubs, bringing corporate travellers a multitude of connecting options throughout our global network,” concluded Mr. Galardo.

Sudbury increased capacity

As part of these network adjustments, Air Canada is also taking the difficult decision to suspend operations to Bathurst and to North Bay effective Jan. 30, 2026, for commercial viability reasons. Air Canada will implement these suspensions in line with its obligations under the Canada Transportation Act.

This winter, Air Canada will offer over 60,000 seats each day on more than 500 daily flights to 49 destinations across Canada.

Strong Ticket Sales Mark Second Straight Monthly Record

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) released data showing U.S.-based travel agency air ticket sales totaled $8.3 billion in August 2025 — a 2% year-over-year increase and the highest monthly sales total for August ever recorded by ARC.* August passenger trips settled by ARC reached 24.6 million.

For the month, passenger trips issued through online travel agencies decreased 2% year over year, while those issued by leisure and corporate agencies decreased 3% and 6%, respectively, over the same period.

Results for August 2025 showed:

“Air travel demand in August highlighted momentum seen throughout the summer as ARC-settled passenger trips were above 2024 levels in June, July and August,” said Steve Solomon, chief commercial officer at ARC. “This data reflects recent reports from multiple airlines of strong demand and encouraging outlooks.”

NDC transactions accounted for 20.8% of the total ARC-settled transactions in August 2025 — up from 18.8% in August 2024. In August 2025, a total of 1,093 travel agencies reported NDC transactions.

More detailed information is available on ARC’s sales statistics page.

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading air cargo carrier, is boosting belly-hold flight frequencies, in addition to its scheduled freighter capacity to strategic international destinations this winter to meet rising demand during the peak season. Notably, London will see a historic increase from 8 to 10 daily flights—marking the highest-ever frequency for Qatar Airways—while Zanzibar will benefit from widebody aircraft service.

Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Qatar Airways Cargo’s hub at the award-winning Hamad International Airport continues to play a pivotal role in global trade. This winter, the airline is enhancing connectivity across major trade routes, further strengthening its position as a bridge between East and West.

“With over 60 freighter destinations and more than 170 passenger destinations, Qatar Airways Cargo already offers an unmatched global network,” said Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo. “But excellence is a journey, not a destination. We are continuously refining our capacity and operations to meet dynamic market demands, especially as we head into the peak season. These frequency increases reflect our commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance cargo solutions across the globe”

Enhanced Belly-Hold Capacity via Expanded Passenger Network and Freighter Flights

Europe

• London: Increased to 10 daily passenger flights (from eight). Nine freighter flights also offer 900 tonnes capacity each way per week
• Dublin and Madrid: Increased to 17 weekly flights (from 14). 11 freighter flights to Madrid also offer 1100 tonnes capacity each way per week
• Berlin & Frankfurt: Increased to 21 weekly flights (from 18). Nine freighter flights to Frankfurt also offer 900 tonnes capacity each way per week
• Manchester: Increased to up to 24 weekly flights (from 21)

Africa

• Casablanca: Increased to seven weekly flights (from 4)
• Cape Town: Increased to 12 weekly flights (from 10)
• Johannesburg: Increased to 18 weekly flights (from 14). Three freighter flights also offer 300 tonnes capacity each way per week
• Zanzibar: Daily widebody service begins 26 October 2025

Asia

• Tokyo Narita: Increased to 14 weekly flights (from 11)
• Phuket: Increased to four daily flights (from three)
• Bangkok: Increased to 45 weekly flights (from 42) between 13 December 2025 and 16 February 2026. One freighter flight also offers 100 tonnes capacity each way per week

Americas

• São Paulo: Increased to 18 weekly flights (from 14). Four freighter flights also offer 400 tonnes capacity each way per week
• Toronto: Increased to seven weekly flights (from five)

Customers can book cargo space via the Digital Lounge platform or through all third-party booking platforms hosting Qatar Airways Cargo.

About Qatar Airways Cargo

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading international air cargo carrier, is based in Doha, State of Qatar. It serves a global network of more than 60 freighter destinations and 170 passenger destinations utilising freighters and belly-hold passenger aircraft.

The airline’s freighter fleet includes 28 Boeing 777 freighters and 230 belly-hold planes. It also has an extensive road feeder service network. The cargo airline is the launch customer for the innovative Boeing 777-8F featuring advanced technology, and a 25 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions, with the first delivery arriving in 2027.

As a market leader, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for the transportation of cargo, with considerable investments in digitalisation, products, facilities and services. Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to sustainability and giving back to communities it serves through its sustainability program WeQare, built on the key pillars of sustainability: environment, society, economy, and culture.

Delta adds two Mediterranean escapes after its Route Race vote—one chosen by its Members, one by its people— bringing new nonstop service to Sardinia and Malta from New York-JFK (JFK) starting Summer 2026.

For the first time in Delta history, SkyMiles Members and Delta employees had the power to decide which new European destination would join the airline’s global network. Thousands of votes were cast, but the winners were split, with Members choosing Sardinia and employees choosing Malta. That’s why both islands will join Delta’s map in Summer 2026. 

To celebrate, Delta is offering introductory deals to both Sardinia and Malta, available now for a limited-time.

A first-of-its-kind Route Race

The Route Race invited SkyMiles Members and Delta people to shape the airline’s network in a way no other airline has done before. Sardinia, Malta and Ibiza each lined up on the starting line, and over five days of spirited voting, nearly 150K people made their voices heard. 

The results were tight: SkyMiles Members gave Sardinia the edge, while Delta employees crowned Malta their favorite. With both destinations ranking at the top for two of its most important communities, Delta chose to add both to its map, turning these votes into two new summer getaways.

“We are continuing to add more choice and unique destinations for our SkyMiles members with new service to Malta and Sardinia, two destinations previously unserved from the U.S.” said Paul Baldoni, senior vice president network planning. “We can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them.”  

Sardinia: The island that blends beauty and tradition 

Sardinia didn’t just win the Route Race with Members, it won over imaginations. Think mornings spent hiking rugged cliffs, afternoons diving into turquoise coves, and evenings of handmade pasta paired with Cannonau wine under the stars. This is the rhythm of life that thousands voted for, and soon, it’s one Delta customers can experience nonstop firsthand. 
 
More than just stunning scenery, Sardinia is one of the world’s five official Blue Zones, where people often live past 100, thanks to a lifestyle that blends good food, active living and strong community ties. It’s a place where history whispers from ancient ruins, coastlines stretch for miles, and every meal feels like a celebration.

 Malta: The island that blends history and sun
 

Malta feels like a living storybook. One day, travelers can wander the UNESCO-listed streets of Valletta or explore fortresses that have stood for centuries. The next, they’re sailing across turquoise bays toward the Blue Lagoon. It’s a destination that combines history, culture and relaxation in equal measure. 
 
Malta is also home to megalithic temples older than Stonehenge and Egypt’s pyramids, making it one of the world’s most fascinating cultural crossroads. From diving shipwrecks to watching the sunset from Dingli Cliffs, every corner of Malta offers a new story to tell.

JFK: Your gateway to Sardinia and Malta

The journey begins from New York-JFK, where Delta One® customers can enjoy the Delta One Lounge at JFK before takeoff – its tranquil space, gourmet dining, premium beverages and attentive service sets the tone for what‘s ahead.  

From there, customers will have their choice of these two Mediterranean options on the Boeing 767-300ER, with service to Sardinia beginning May 20, 2026, operating four times weekly, and service to Malta beginning June 7, 2026, with three weekly flights. 

On both routes, customers will enjoy four product experiences: Delta One®, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. Delta One® customers enjoy lie-flat seats, chef-curated meals and exclusive Missoni-designed amenities, paired with Taittinger champagne, renowned for its exceptional and consistent quality. Across all products, customers benefit from curated dining and Delta Studio entertainment, and SkyMiles Members can enjoy fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi presented by T-Mobile. An experience designed with intention making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. 

Connecting more of the world  

Flying to 300+ destinations and still growing, Delta continues to expand its global network to connect travelers with the world’s most sought-after cities. With Sardinia joining the schedule in Summer 2026, Delta strengthens its leading position as the largest U.S. carrier to Italy, where it already serves Rome, Milan, Venice, Naples, and Catania, while also adding Malta as a new gateway to the Mediterranean. 

These routes mark the next chapter in Delta’s record-setting trans-Atlantic expansion, bringing customers even closer to the European destinations they love most. 

Local Official Quotes 

Silvio Pippobello, CEO of Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (Geasar S.p.A.) said, “The launch of the nonstop Olbia–New York JFK route, operated by Delta Air Lines, one of the world’s largest and most important carriers, marks a historic and strategic milestone for our Island. With this flight, Sardinia takes a significant step forward, establishing itself on the global stage and opening new opportunities for tourism and economic growth. At the same time, Sardinian residents will have the chance to fly directly to the United States, strengthening the bond between our community and one of the most relevant international markets. This achievement has been made possible thanks to the constant support of the Sardinia Region, aviation authorities, local administrations, as well as trade associations and all tourism stakeholders who have believed in this project throughout its more than two-year development. To Delta Air Lines, we extend our sincere appreciation for embracing this challenge, for which we assure our strongest and most concrete cooperation.” 

Alan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport said, “The launch of a direct route between Malta and New York by Delta marks a historic milestone for our islands and for Malta International Airport. As the first scheduled transatlantic service from Malta operated by a US carrier, this landmark development not only strengthens our route network and widens our global reach significantly, but also aligns with the Malta Tourism Authority’s long-term vision to attract quality tourism to our islands. Linking our islands directly with the Big Apple opens exciting opportunities for tourism and business between Malta and the US, while further showcasing Malta’s attractiveness as a vibrant, year-round destination.”  

Dr. Ian Borg, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism said, “This is a landmark development for the Maltese Islands, and for the long-standing ties between Malta and the US. It strengthens our tourism potential in the North American market, to attract discerning tourists who can truly appreciate Malta’s unique and authentic travel experiences. It also empowers more social, cultural and economic collaborations between our nations.” 

Led by cornerstone investors Alaska Airlines, American Airlines; with IAG, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines from oneworld alliance, and Singapore Airlines as part of initial $150M fund close 

oneworld BEV Fund aims to identify, enable and scale lower carbon jet fuel of the future to support consumer demand, economic development, jobs and technology innovation

DALLAS/FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — oneworld alliance and member airlines, in partnership with Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV), today announced the launch of a new investment fund designed to address the limited availability and high cost of today’s Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). The fund, led by cornerstone investors Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, seeks to accelerate the global development of long-term aviation fuel solutions that are cost effective, scalable, and have lower emissions than conventional fuels.

The oneworld BEV Fund will:

• invest in novel, next-generation Sustainable Aviation Fuel technologies
• support the growth of alternative fuel markets to meet the long-term needs of the global aviation industry
• create economic value for investors and regions around the world
• drive technology innovation
• develop a diverse and resilient SAF supply chain to meet future demand

“By investing in the SAF technologies of the future, American and our oneworld partners are making a business decision to accelerate the development of novel technologies with the potential to reach larger scale at lower prices than current technologies can achieve,” said Robert Isom, chief executive officer of American Airlines and chairman of oneworld. “We believe reducing the emissions from our operation meets the demands of our customers, will make our business more competitive, and will enable us to continue to deliver the enormous economic benefits of commercial aviation for generations to come.”

“Alaska Airlines is excited to work alongside oneworld carriers to invest in innovative and cost-competitive SAF technology to drive the long-term energy transformation for our industry,” said Ben Minicucci, chief executive officer of Alaska Air Group. “In Breakthrough Energy Ventures, we have a partner with the scientific, technical and commercial expertise to make effective investment decisions that will create the market for next-generation fuels and power our industry in the years ahead.”

“Investing in SAF with Breakthrough Energy Ventures is part of oneworld’s strategy to create a future of aviation that solves problems at scale and serves the needs of the greater aviation community,” said Nat Pieper, chief executive officer of oneworld. “At oneworld, our member airlines are united in their long-term mission to address carbon emissions and invest in technologies that can improve speed to market of innovative fuels across the globe. By working together, we’ll be better positioned to create long-term solutions for the energy transformation of an industry that is vital to global economic growth.” 

BEV, Breakthrough Energy Venture’s capital fund founded by Bill Gates, will serve as the fund’s investment manager, bringing deep technical expertise, a rigorous diligence model, and extensive experience supporting the growth of early-stage climate technology companies. By leveraging its resources to support the energy transformation of one of the most challenging sectors for climate mitigation, BEV aims to advance fuel technologies that offer the greatest potential for tackling the sector’s emissions and securing long-term commercial success.

“Sustainable Aviation Fuel is essential to addressing the sector’s environmental impact and represents a major commercial opportunity,” said Eric Toone, chief technology officer at Breakthrough Energy and managing partner at Breakthrough Energy Ventures. “The oneworld BEV Fund is built to identify and scale breakthrough SAF technologies that can deliver real emissions reductions for jet fuel, compete with fossil-based fuels on cost, and integrate seamlessly with today’s aviation infrastructure. These are complex systems-level challenges that will take time to solve, and the fund is built with the long-term vision and staying power to help bring solutions to market.”

The fund is also supported by oneworld alliance member airlines International Airlines Group (IAG), Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines. Recognizing the power of collective action, oneworld and Breakthrough Energy Ventures made an early decision to welcome non-alliance investors, including Singapore Airlines, which shares the alliance’s commitment to accelerating industry-wide progress in SAF.

“Sustainable Aviation Fuel is the most viable pathway for the aviation industry to progress to reach net zero. With our oneworld partners we have actively supported collective efforts on sustainability and today’s announcement further highlights the potential of collaboration, demonstrating how leading airlines can come together with the goal to accelerate action. To unlock SAF’s full potential, we are calling for supportive policy frameworks that help attract investment and enable the infrastructure needed to kickstart production.”
     –  Mr. Luis Gallego, chief executive officer, IAG

“As an airline with significant long-haul operations, scaling innovation to make SAF more accessible and cost-competitive is critical to Cathay Pacific’s future. This investment reflects our belief that only through collective action – across geographies and industries – can we build a resilient and scalable SAF ecosystem that delivers meaningful environmental progress and supports the future of our industry. And with Asia continuing to play a pivotal role in the global SAF ecosystem, we’re proud to help lead this momentum from the region.”
     –  Mr. Ronald Lam, chief executive officer, Cathay Group

“Relationships and connections with countries and regions around the world through air transportation are necessary for an island nation like Japan, thus we believe we have a mission to tackle the environmental impact of air transportation. Working towards this common mission for oneworld, we look forward to promoting technology and the use of SAF together with the member airlines, anticipating expansion into the Asian region in the future.”
     –  Ms. TOTTORI Mitsuko, president and representative director, Group CEO, Japan Airlines

“Our investment in this fund demonstrates Singapore Airlines’ strong support for developing and commercialising next generation Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Reducing the carbon emissions of jet fuel demands collective action across the entire aviation ecosystem, and such initiatives will drive innovation towards meaningful progress in this crucial energy transformation.”
     –  Ms. Lee Wen Fen, chief sustainability officer, Singapore Airlines

The global aviation industry, which generates some $4.1 trillion in economic activity and supports 86.5 million jobs, currently accounts for approximately 2-3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, in addition to other environmental impacts. Airlines and manufacturers continue to invest in modern aircraft, engines and operational efficiencies. Demand for air travel is expected to rise in the coming decades, and SAF, which today can reduce lifecycle emissions of jet fuel by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, is a crucial tool for mitigating the industry’s environmental impact. While SAF can significantly decrease the carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft engines, the first-generation SAF in production today has come with challenges. The SAF industry has not yet attracted the investment required to scale production at competitive prices in line with market needs, and lifecycle environmental impact is a concern. oneworld and its partners are focused on supporting new technologies that can scale the availability of cost-competitive SAF, while minimizing other environmental impacts.

About Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Breakthrough Energy Ventures is a purpose-built investment firm that partners with, launches, and scales global companies that are building an emissions-free global economy. We seek true breakthroughs and are committed to supporting these entrepreneurs and companies by bringing to bear a unique combination of technical, operational, market, and policy expertise. Backed by many of the world’s top business leaders, companies, and investors, Breakthrough Energy Ventures has raised more than $3.5 billion in committed capital and partnered with more than 110 groundbreaking companies. Breakthrough Energy Ventures is the venture capital arm of Breakthrough Energy, a global network of climate leaders committed to accelerating the world’s journey to a clean energy future. The organization funds breakthrough technologies, advocates for climate-smart policies, and mobilizes partners around the world to take effective action, accelerating progress at every stage. Visit Breakthrough Energy Ventures to learn more.