U.S. Travel Agency Air Ticket Sales Set August Record at $8.3 Billion


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 โ€” 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:

ARC Ticketing MetricTotalMonth-Over-Month
Variance
Year-Over-Year
Variance
Total Sales$8.3 billion+2 %+2 %
Total Passenger Trips24.6 million-1 %+1 %
U.S. Domestic Trips15.7 million-2 %0 %
International Trips8.9 million+1 %+3 %
Average Ticket Price$532+1 %+3 %
Average Economy
Class Ticket Price**
$485+1 %+4 %
Average Premium
Class Ticket Price***
$1,309+4 %+7 %

“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 โ€” 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.

Winter Network Boost: Qatar Airways Cargo Increases Belly-Hold Capacity Across Key Routes

2022 "Moved by People" special livery
Qatar Airways Cargo Boeing 777-FDZ A7-BFG (msn 42299) (Moved by People) LHR (Wingnut). Image: 960083.

Qatar Airways Cargo, the worldโ€™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 flightsโ€”marking the highest-ever frequency for Qatar Airwaysโ€”while Zanzibar will benefit from widebody aircraft service.

Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Qatar Airways Cargoโ€™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.

โ€œWith over 60 freighter destinations and more than 170 passenger destinations, Qatar Airways Cargo already offers an unmatched global network,โ€ said Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo. โ€œBut 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 globeโ€

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

Europe

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

Africa

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

Asia

  • Tokyo Narita:ย Increased to 14 weekly flights (from 11)
  • Phuket:ย Increased toย fourย daily flights (from three)
  • Bangkok:ย 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

  • Sรฃo Paulo:ย Increased to 18 weekly flights (from 14). Four freighter flights also offer 400 tonnes capacity each way per week
  • Toronto:ย 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 worldโ€™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 airlineโ€™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.

Isle take two: Sardinia and Malta chosen as Deltaโ€™s newest island destinations

Delta adds two Mediterranean escapes after its Route Race voteโ€”one chosen by its Members, one by its peopleโ€” 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 airlineโ€™s global network. Thousands of votes were cast, but the winners were split, with Members choosing Sardinia and employees choosing Malta. Thatโ€™s why both islands will join Deltaโ€™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 airlineโ€™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.

โ€œWe 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.โ€ said Paul Baldoni, senior vice president network planning. โ€œWe can now say that our network is not just built for our most loyal customers, but by them.โ€โ€ฏ 

Sardinia: The island that blends beauty and tradition 

Sardinia didnโ€™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, itโ€™s one Delta customers can experience nonstop firsthand. 
 
More than just stunning scenery, Sardinia is one of the worldโ€™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. Itโ€™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, theyโ€™re sailing across turquoise bays toward the Blue Lagoon. Itโ€™s a destination that combines history, culture and relaxation in equal measure. 
 
Malta is also home to megalithic temples older than Stonehenge and Egyptโ€™s pyramids, making it one of the worldโ€™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 Oneยฎ customers can enjoy the Delta One Lounge at JFK before takeoff โ€“ its tranquil space, gourmet dining, premium beverages and attentive service sets the tone for whatโ€˜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 Oneยฎ, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main. Delta Oneยฎ 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.โ€ฏAn 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 worldโ€™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 Deltaโ€™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, โ€œThe launch of the nonstop Olbiaโ€“New York JFK route, operated by Delta Air Lines, one of the worldโ€™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.โ€ 

Alan Borg, CEO of Malta International Airport said, โ€œThe 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 Authorityโ€™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 Maltaโ€™s attractiveness as a vibrant, year-round destination.โ€  

Dr. Ian Borg, Maltaโ€™s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism said, โ€œThis 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 Maltaโ€™s unique and authentic travel experiences. It also empowers more social, cultural and economic collaborations between our nations.โ€ 

oneworld alliance, airlines and Breakthrough Energy Ventures launch investment fund to advance and commercialize Sustainable Aviation Fuel technologies

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 โ€“ across geographies and industries โ€“ 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.

Air Canada Elevates the Regional Flying Experience with Reimagined Q-400 Amenities Offering New Standards of Comfort


  • Fast, Free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell on flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Montrรฉal andย Ottawaย begins in October, an industry first
  • New ergonomic seating installed by mid-2026
  • Redesigned cabin interiors featuring new tones and refined textures, evocative ofย Canadaย and its diverse regions

MONTRร‰AL, Sept. 17, 2025 /CNW/ – Air Canada announced today the beginning of a major upgrade program for its regional fleet, providing customers a heightened level of comfort and convenience. Under the initiative, 25 De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft operated for Air Canada Express by Jazz Aviation LP (Jazz) will undergo a full cabin redesign to install new seating, new interiors and, on select aircraft initially, flying from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, onboard Fast, Free Wi-Fi in an industry first for this aircraft type.

Fast, Free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell on flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Montrรฉal and Ottawa begins in October, an industry first (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Fast, Free Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell on flights from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Montrรฉal and Ottawa begins in October, an industry first (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Air Canada Elevates the Regional Flying Experience with Reimagined Q-400 Amenities Offering New Standards of Comfort (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Air Canada Elevates the Regional Flying Experience with Reimagined Q-400 Amenities Offering New Standards of Comfort (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Twenty-five Air Canada Express Dash 8-400 operated by Jazz will be equipped with next generation, well-padded, ergonomic seats from Expliseat. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Twenty-five Air Canada Express Dash 8-400 operated by Jazz will be equipped with next generation, well-padded, ergonomic seats from Expliseat. (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“Air Canada Express is at the heart of how we serve Canadian communities. It brings people together, whether connecting families across the country, or linking businesses to the world through our global network. This innovative project is an industry-first, and it reflects the pride we take in serving customers with care and class. By bringing many of the design details and comforts of our largest jets to the Canadian-made Dash 8-400, even our shortest flights can feel special,” said Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at Air Canada.

“We’re pleased to partner with Air Canada on these exciting upgrades to our Dash 8-400 fleet,” said Doug Clarke, President of Jazz โ€“ Air Canada’s largest regional partner and operator of Air Canada Express service to Toronto City (YTZ) and over 70 other destinations across Canada and the U.S. “This investment in innovative seating, refreshed cabin interiors, and industry-leading onboard Wi-Fi reflects our shared commitment to safety, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional customer service.”

Refined experience

Air Canada’s refurbishment of the Canadian made, Jazz Dash 8-400 fleet will occur in phases through 2026. The major elements of the program include:

Inflight Wi-Fi at Billy Bishop

Beginning in October, Air Canada will be the first airline to offer Fast, Free Wi-Fi to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport travellers. The industry-leading service providing high-quality Internet means customers will now have gate-to-gate connectivity so they can enjoy non-stop productivity while travelling between the city airport and Montrรฉal or Ottawa, the country’s most heavily used corridors for business travel.

It is the first time Wi-Fi has been made available on a De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft type anywhere in the world. The introduction of fast, free Wi-Fi complements the other amenities Air Canada customers flying from Billy Bishop now enjoy, including frequent departures, complimentary premium snacks, beer and wine, and exclusive access for eligible customers to the Aspire Air Canada Cafรฉ.1 The installation of Wi-Fi on the balance of the Dash 8-400 fleet is being determined, and the airline has already fitted 97 per cent of its mainline Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge aircraft with next-generation connectivity systems for Wi-Fi sponsored by Bell. It is tracking to complete this fleet-wide transformation in 2026.

New Seating

Twenty-five Air Canada Express Dash 8-400 operated by Jazz will be equipped with next generation, well-padded, ergonomic seats from Expliseat. The seats will feature new branding and design language expressed through the seat’s dress cover. All seats will include a seatback multi-use device holder for tablets and phones, as well as a table tray. The installation of the new seating has an expected completion date for the program in mid-2026. Each aircraft will have 78 seats, and pitch will be unchanged.

Cabin Interior Redesign

The cabins of these same 25 Dash 8-400s will be upgraded to a new standard reflective of Air Canada’s mainline aircraft interiors. The design incorporates colours, textures and tones of those found in nature in Canada, reinforcing Air Canada’s pride in being the nation’s flag carrier.

Air Canada Express

Air Canada enhances its domestic and transborder network through commercial agreements with regional carriers, including a capacity purchase agreement with Jazz Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chorus Aviation Inc., operating flights on behalf of Air Canada under the Air Canada Express brand. Regional flying forms an integral part of the airline’s strategy and commitment to Canadians, connecting local communities across Canada and supporting the growth of its international network by providing valuable feed to Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge routes.

JetBlue updates the New York Jets NFL logo jet for the 2025 season

JetBlue Airways and the New York Jets unveiled a new Jets-branded livery at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on September 16. Named โ€œJ! E! T! B! L! U! E!โ€ and designed with refreshed 2025 season branding, the aircraft showcases the teamโ€™s latest logos and colors, turning heads at 35,000 feet and on the tarmac.

The Airbus A320 aircraft (N746JB) was celebrated at a gate-side event, hosted by SNYโ€™s Jeanรฉ Coakley, inside JetBlueโ€™s Terminal 5 at JFK Airport. To celebrate the beginning of the 2025 season and the newly designed plane, JetBlue and team leaders were joined by tight end Jeremy Ruckert, linebacker Quincy Williams, and Jets legends Marty Lyons and Erik Coleman. Customers on the celebratory flight were treated to exclusive photo opportunities and autograph signings with Ruckert, Williams, Lyons and Coleman, and received Jets gift bags with team-branded shirts and hats at their seats on โ€œJ! E! T! B! L! U! E!โ€.

Photo: JetBlue Airways

Named after the teamโ€™s iconic gameday chant, โ€œJ! E! T! B! L! U! E!โ€ swaps JetBlueโ€™s iconic blue for a Jets traditional green paint scheme, with white wings and white stripes inspired by the teamโ€™s jersey sleeves across the back of the fuselage. The planeโ€™s belly, engines, tail, and doors all boast prominent Jets logos and branding, making the team visible to both customers and plane spotters on the ground and in the sky.

A long-time partner of the New York Jets, JetBlue became the teamโ€™s Official Airline in 2009 and later reaffirmed that commitment with a livery design dedicated to the team one year later. โ€œJetGreenโ€ originally debuted in 2010, becoming the first sports-themed aircraft to join JetBlueโ€™s fleet, before an updated Jets-themed plane was launched in 2017. The partnership has since expanded to include joint marketing, in-stadium activations and exclusive promotions for more than 15 years.

JetBlue aircraft slide show:

Other airline news:

Screenshot

United Celebrates Turnaround at Newark Liberty International and Charts Bright Future


Airline celebrates its best operational summer ever at EWR, putting airport on par with JFK and LGA for on-time performance

Plans to serve 160+ destinations from EWR this fall and winter โ€“ more than any other airline in the New York City area โ€“ adding flights to popular cities like Rome, Venice, Porto, Marrakesh and Dublin

United expects to hire more than 2,500 Newark employees between 2025-2026 and will be the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for use at Newark

NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — United CEO Scott Kirby was in Newark (EWR) today to celebrate the airline’s operational turnaround at EWR and discuss the bright future for the carrier’s premier East Coast hub.

This summer, United celebrated its best operational summer ever at EWR, putting the airport on par with JFK and LGA for on-time performance. In fact, United flights out of Newark arrived on-time more often this summer than flights operated by airlines out of JFK or LGA.*

United Celebrates Turnaround at Newark Liberty International and Charts Bright Future
United Celebrates Turnaround at Newark Liberty International and Charts Bright Future

These rankings come as more than six million people flew United on-time through Newark this summer, the most in the airline’s history.** In addition, United’s Connection Saver technology helped more than 28,000 customers make tight connections in Newark this summer.

Looking ahead to this fall and winter, United plans to serve more than 160 domestic and international destinations from EWR โ€“ more than any other airline in the New York City area โ€“ adding flights to popular cities like Rome, Venice, Porto, Marrakesh and Dublin. Domestically, the airline will add flights to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale and new cities including Palm Springs, California; Columbia, South Carolina; and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Additionally, United expects to hire more than 2,500 Newark employees between 2025-2026 and will be the first airline to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for use at Newark.

“Newark is operating better than ever and United’s future here is bright โ€“ that’s a credit to the thousands of Newark employees who deliver for our customers and one another every day,” said Kirby. “I want to also thank Secretary Duffy, FAA Administrator Bedford, Governor Murphy and all the national, state and local leaders who helped ensure that Newark remains a safe and reliable crown jewel for millions of domestic and international travelers. As the FAA and DOT implement their plan of increased staffing and improved technology, the reliability and on-time performance of Newark will only get better.”

“Millions of passengers each year rely on Newark Airport for their travel needs. Over the past several months, we have worked diligently with our partners at the Port Authority and the FAA to move towards a return to full capacity at Newark Airport, and I am pleased with our progress,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “United’s continued investment in Newark Airport will serve as a significant economic driver for our region, creating thousands of new jobs for New Jersey communities. I thank United CEO Scott Kirby for his partnership in supporting our region’s world-class transportation infrastructure.”

In April and May, challenges associated with air traffic control staffing, technology outages and runway construction led to a concentrated number of delays and cancelations out of Newark. But since that time, bookings and customer confidence in flying through Newark have bounced back thanks to efforts by federal officials, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and United employees, including:

  • Runway construction was completed two weeks early onย June 2
  • Beginning in May, the FAA limitedย Newarkย flight operations to 68 per hour. This was down from a high of 86, a number that was well above EWR’s maximum theoretical capacity even in ideal operating conditions. The FAA has tentatively limited flights out ofย Newarkย to 72 per hour through summer 2026.
  • In July, the FAA installed a new fiber optic network to support the air traffic control system

“We’re building a brand new air traffic control system, and we started by addressing the challenges of outdated technology at Newark,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “This summer, the FAA took immediate action to relieve substantial inconveniences to the traveling publicโ€”deploying a temporary satellite backup system, upgrading fiberoptic technology, expanding high-bandwidth telecommunications, increasing controller staffing, and limiting arrivals and departures. Through strong partnerships with the Port Authority and United, we made significant progress this summer.”

United invests more in Newark destinations
As the gateway to the Atlantic, Newark plays a critical role in connecting passengers to United’s industry-leading international network.

United’s most talked about 2025 destination, Nuuk, Greenland, will return to Newark for summer 2026 following a successful and enthusiastic first season.

  • This summer,ย EWR had more international departures (over 20,000) and more departures toย Europeย (more than 8,200) than any other United hub
  • This summer, all of United’s 32 European destinations were served fromย EWR
  • In 2025, United serves 82 international destinations fromย EWR
  • EWR serves the most international destinations unique to United (seven) of any hub
  • By the end of 2025, United will have grown its international network inย EWR by 12 destinations since 2018, including the six additions this year
  • EWR has more widebody departures than any other United hub

Condor celebrates the end of the Boeing era

Condor Airlines will bid farewell to its last Boeing 757-300 in November, marking the end of the Boeing era at Condor.

For a total of 35 years, Boeing aircraft have been part of the Condor fleet, which makes the farewell of the last of this aircraft type a significant moment not only for aviation fans, but also for many Condor employees.

To honor this special occasion, Condor will operate an exclusive farewell flight on November 5, 2025, with long-standing companions as well as fans of the Boeing 757-300 on board. A total of 75 tickets will be auctioned to the public via the Condor Shop starting September 22, 2025:ย https://shop.condor.com/pages/boeing-757.

The farewell flight will depart from Frankfurt and take passengers to Vienna, where the Boeing 757-300 will be celebrated with a special, dedicated farewell event. To conclude the day on the return flight to Frankfurt, the worldโ€™s โ€œhighest inflight party” will be held, complete with a live DJ turning the cabin into one one the most extraordinary dance floors in the world, a euphoric and unforgettable celebration in the skies.

โ€œBy bidding farewell to the Boeing 757, an era at Condor comes to an end,โ€ said Christian Schmitt, COO of Condor. โ€œAt the same time, this marks the beginning of a new chapter for Condor with a more modern, efficient, and more sustainable Airbus fleet. Condor has also evolved beyond just a leisure airline, offering a more competitive, best-in-class inflight product along with an expanded route network. Thus, our B757 farewell flight truly combines the nostalgia of the past with a joyful look into the future, symbolized by one of our newest city destinations, Vienna.โ€

Those unable to secure one of the limited tickets for the farewell flight will still have the opportunity to experience the last Boeing 757-300 aircraft in Germany on regular flight operations until early November. According to current plans, Condor will continue operating six 757-300s until the end of October, connecting Dรผsseldorf and Frankfurt with popular vacation destinations such as Palma de Mallorca, Hurghada, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria. The final scheduled flights are currently planned for the routes Frankfurtโ€“Antalyaโ€“Frankfurt and Munichโ€“Antalyaโ€“Munich between October 27 and 31, 2025.

In addition, a 757-300 is scheduled for Dรผsseldorfโ€“Palmaโ€“Dรผsseldorf on October 29, 2025, as well as Frankfurtโ€“Hurghadaโ€“Frankfurt on November 2, 2025.

Condor aircraft slide show:

Condor aircraft photo gallery:

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Finnair receives Five-Star Global Airline Award from APEX based on customer reviews

Finnair Airbus A319-112 OH-LVK (msn 2124) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 959423.
Finnair Airbus A319-112 OH-LVK (msn 2124) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 959423.

Finnair has been rated to receive the highest star rating, a Five Star Global Official Airline Rating from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for 2026. The airline ratings are based on certified airline passenger feedback, and passengers rated more than one million flights across nearly 600 airlines worldwide. 

โ€œThis recognition holds special significance for us as it reflects the voices of our customers. It’s a testimony of our team’s commitment to making our customers’ journey better every day,โ€ says Eerika Enne, Head of Inflight customer experience at Finnair. 

This marks the fourth consecutive year Finnair has received the Five Star Global Official Airline Rating based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback. APEX is a network of the world’s leading airlines, suppliers, and related companies. 

โ€œIโ€™m proud of the work our team has accomplished โ€“ and continues to pursue โ€“ to ensure this goal is met in the future as well. We sincerely thank our customers for this acknowledgement and for choosing Finnair,โ€ Enne continues. 

Understanding customer needs is at the core of Finnairโ€™s approach, and focus areas include operational reliability, which was 99.3 % in August 2025, and a seamless customer journey from digital channels and customer care to the inflight experience and cabin design. Finnair has recently renewed the cabins of all its long-haul aircraft, opened a new, larger lounge on the Schengen side of Helsinki Airport, and is currently renewing the cabins of its Embraer aircraft. 

SAS awarded with two leading customer awards

Scandinavian Airlines has once again been recognized among the worldโ€™s best, earning a Five Star rating in the 2025 APEX Global Airline Rankings. This is the third consecutive year SAS has received this honor. In addition, SAS was awarded the Frequent Traveler Peopleโ€™s Award for Best Airline Loyalty Credit Card EMEA at the FT Awards. 

Formerly painted as Nordica
Scandinavian Airlines-SAS (Xfly) Bombardier CRJ900 (CL-600-2D24) ES-ACG (msn 15277) ARN (Stefan Sjogren). Image: 952073.

These achievements highlight SASโ€™ strong commitment to delivering excellence both in the air and through its loyalty program. Being chosen directly by frequent travelers worldwide underscores the strength of SASโ€™ EuroBonus program and the value it provides to members. This recognition validates that travelers truly appreciate the benefits, ease of use, and features of the SAS Amex Elite loyalty credit card. It also highlights the trust and appreciation SAS enjoys among its most loyal customers in the EMEA region 

โ€œThe recognitions reflect SASโ€™ dedication to delivering outstanding travel experiences and putting passengers first,โ€ says Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS. โ€œBecause both awards are driven by our customersโ€™ voices, they are especially meaningful to us and a true honor. Being placed among the top 7% of airlines worldwide is also a testament to the hard work of our employees. We are proud of this achievement and remain committed to continually enhancing the travel experience for our customersโ€ 

Based on nearly one million passenger reviews of 600 airlines worldwide, the APEX recognition places SAS among the top 7% of airlines rated globally. Over 3.1 million loyalty program members from 184 countries cast their votes in FT Awards this year.